Books like 'Defining the Rules'
Readers who enjoyed Defining the Rules by Mariah Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary friends to lovers new adult sports college
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Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
End Game by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is going to be Ryan Justice’s year. It’s his last year of college and his last year as a hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies. He’s making all the plays in preparation for achieving his dream of being drafted into the NHL. This is Sofia Castilleja’s beginning. She is starting her college career as a star member of Bellevue’s brand-new gymnastics team... -
Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsShelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old. Aiden Brooks. But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor... -
We Said Forever by Marie James, T E Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRock bottom. They say the only way to go from there is up, but what is “up” when you’re born into someone else’s rock bottom? At ten, football became my first love. It’s what got me out of the house away from my self-destructive family... -
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Be My Temptation by Rachel Brookes
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou met Josh Crawford and Ashlyn Hart in Be My December, now its time to hear their story. One night connected them.One decision separated them. One craving tempted them. Ashlyn Hart was done with men, or at least those outside of her books. After stupidly falling for the charms of her cheating ex and having her heart broken yet again, she decided to create a new life... -
Writing the Rules by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPoppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers college contemporary siblings-bff football length-long -
Spiked by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAllison Titov and Asher Brooks have been best friends their whole lives. Brought up together as part of the Assassins family, they might as well be related. But... Ally has never felt anything sisterly toward Asher.In love with Asher since she was a teen, Ally has gone pro at keeping her feelings a secret. It’s been easy.. -
Griz by E. Cleveland
This fake relationship romance has it all! Funny, awkward moments. The “will they or won’t they”? And so much tension and steam it'll make you sweat! One thousand dollars.I wasn’t supposed to bid at Westbury’s Bachelor Auction. In fact, I was hosting the event when I decided to lean into the microphone and yell out that ridiculous amount.I blame Bridezilla's stupid text (oops, I mean my sister)... -
Change My Game by Kelsey Clayton
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsMy name is Jace London,And I may have screwed up.I’ve always been the guy who had it all.Privilege, entitlement, and a life of luxury.But after one college night gone tragically wrong,Nothing has ever been the same.Everyone thinks I should be happy.With a trust fund like mine, who could be sad?But no one knows what’s going on with me,Or the nightmares that keep me awake at night... -
If It's Only Love by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom New York Times bestseller Lexi Ryan comes a sexy new standalone romance in the bestselling Boys of Jackson Harbor series. Meet single dad Easton Connor as he leaves the NFL and returns to Jackson Harbor to fight for another chance with the love of his life. *** I don’t regret much. Not my decision to enter the NFL draft before finishing college...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult contemporary single-father siblings-bff length-medium -
Lights Out Lucy: Roller Derby 101 by Elicia Hyder
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI love Lucy! "OMG! I love Lucy!! Seriously loved this book. Laughs, romance, and some serious a$$ kicking as Lucy tries out for the roller derby. Lights Out Lucy deserves much more than 5 stars! Excellent read from start to finish." --Amazon Reviewer A fresh, fun, feel-good book... -
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTemptation could destroy everything he’d spent his career building…Professional hockey player Jean-Michel Vander is living the dream…. And the Las Vegas strip is a long way from the small town in Quebec where he grew up. He works hard but he plays harder, especially in the off-season. The sexy redhead he spots doing a striptease in a Paris nightclub is all kinds of fun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult friends-benefits contemporary hockey length-medium -
The Bro-Code by Melissa Adams
I’ve always been the most popular girl on campus. President of the hottest sorority, dating one of the hottest hockey players, but this fall it seems like my luck has run out.When my sorority house is destroyed, I’m forced to move into the frat house with not only most of the sexy-as-hell hockey team.I know I’m in trouble...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult contemporary hockey length-medium explicit-plentiful -
My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when you fall for your best friend, but they fall in love with someone else? Nothing is what it seems in this unrequited love, new adult romance.Miles knew Nessa never had eyes for him. Only when someone new tries to hurt her, he knows he can’t stand back any longer. It’s time she finds out the man he is behind the glasses and beneath the shell he wrapped himself in... -
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Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
My Rebound by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA rebound isn’t supposed to last. Though, sometimes, fate has other ideas in this opposites attract, friends with benefits romance.It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.Mackenzie Thomas started planning her future at the age of six. She knew the college she wanted, the career she needed, and the boy she would marry.Only he wasn’t supposed to break up with her in such a spectacular fashion... -
Burn by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Burn is the third and final book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott. This second-chance romance completes this angsty, steamy, new adult trilogy.Dustin Bridge’s world is about speed. About the edge. His life has been carved by cutting corners and making moves, following impulsive decisions while weighing the facts at hand... -
With a Hitch by R.C. Boldt
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRC Boldt brings us a smart, sexy new standalone about a matchmaker/dating coach who's faced with the challenge of finding Mrs. Right for the city's beloved NFL wide receiver... She’s playing it safe. He’s playing for keeps. DARCY Growing up in the foster system, I learned the hard way that lasting love doesn't always come easy... -
The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz Delivers a delicious and page-turning, forced-proximity, found family, standalone sports romance you don't want to miss!Nolan Payne, wide receiver for the Camden Knights is equal parts impulsive and reckless, and utterly addictive.He’s also my new roommate.My orderly existence implodes when Nolan proposes…. a situation... -
The Way Back To me by Anne Mercier
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsShe was perky, fun, and full of life—everything I hated about girls and their bullshit exterior. People called her bubbly; I called her “fake-as-hell.” The edgy, dark, lonely girl in front of me was not the Olivia Brennan I knew from high school—far from it, actually. I knew the story—the whole town knew the story, we witnessed it all... -
Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAs the Dating Guy on L.A.‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too... -
The Fake by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsI've made a lot of dumb mistakes but none dumber than losing her.Senior year. I should be partying and living it up with my friends before graduation, but one more mistake and I'm off the team.Enter Chloe. She comes into my life at a low point, but she becomes the bright spot I reach for every day. She's the kind of girl who makes a guy want to be a better man... -
Fight by Molly McLain, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratings**This is not a standalone. Check out FLY (Velocity, #1) first. amzn.to/2dPfsgW :) ** The story continues... I trusted Colton with every bit of myself. I believed him when he promised he'd never hurt me. But he broke me...and now I watch him give another woman everything I thought would be mine. I never saw this coming... -
A Friendly Wager: A Secret Baby, Fake Engagement Romance by Ajme Williams
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy next-door neighbor is wifey material .Calm down... I’m not proposing to her.A fake engagement will do for now.My mother won’t get off my back.As a star hockey player love isn’t on the cards for me.Not now, not ever.I had a one-night stand with Ruby a decade ago.But that shouldn’t come in the way of our ruse.I doubt she misses the way I made her shake when I took her v-card...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers contemporary second chances secret child length-medium -
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Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
Captured by Mr. Wild by Elle Nicoll
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThere are men. And then there’s Blake Anderson.He was my best friend.Until I left.Ten years apart have turned him into a handsome, rugged, tattooed wall of muscle.He even has his own fan club, following the success of his smash-hit TV survival show.They call him Mr. Wild.One night he shows me just how wild.For a moment, I almost believe in magic again.Almost... -
One Timer on Top by London Casey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EX. Okay. I get that. I respect that. But what about sleeping with your biggest rival’s ex? And… what about marrying her…?* * *I caught my boyfriend enjoying some “oral service” from another woman. Dumping him is easy. Getting rid of him his almost impossible since I work in PR and he’s one of my clients. (Yeah, I know, don’t mix business with pleasure... -
Until Now by Laura Ward
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFocus. Dean Goldsmith is Indiana University’s star quarterback, and his dreams are about to come true. His undefeated season means he has a legitimate shot at the NFL. If he stays focused. Football comes first. College senior, Grace Yeates, is determined to defy the odds. She is months away from graduating with a business degree, something no one thought she would be able to pull off... -
Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable. Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team... -
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Oscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist, Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson. The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core. Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties. Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
new adult sports college grumpy sunshine contemporary length-long explicit-open-door -
Fixated on You by Pamela Ann
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsEmma Anderson’s career was thriving. Her personal life too—but she knew—it was all a ticking time bomb until everything blows up. What happens then? Even if he’s relationship with Emma was going great, Bass Cole still had a long way to go to make amends after the grief he’d caused Emma last year. No matter what the future held for them, he knew one thing—Emma owned his heart... -
Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsRy Archer and Bowe Keller are as different as night and day. But that doesn’t stop the childhood frenemies from reconnecting whenever one of them needs some help tackling any of life’s major puzzles, like figuring out why getting what you always thought you wanted isn’t living up to all the hype... -
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
Wreck by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**Wreck is the second book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott.When Dustin Bridges left Camp Verde to try to make it on his own, he left half his heart behind. A life with Hannah Judge was just too dangerous... -
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Kiss To Remember by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSome moments define the trajectory of your life.Grace Shelton has experienced her fair share of loss and trauma, but moving to Blairwood is her chance for a new beginning.For Trent Remington, going to college is a chance to break free of his overprotective parents and finally play basketball.Some moments will change it forever... -
Victor by Brenda Rothert
He’s a hockey star with a headboard full of notches. She’s a shy NHL concession worker at who’s never been kissed. Lindy They don’t call me Belinda Boring for nothing. It’s my name, after all. And for a 23-year-old with plain brown hair who still lives at home and gets tongue tied over nothing, it’s a fitting one...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers contemporary hockey length-short explicit-open-door -
For Crosby by J. Nathan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCrosby Parks had the life most guys only dreamed of. A wealthy family, girls vying for his attention, and pro scouts after his hockey skills. But when the life he knows comes crumbling down, he’s sent to Alabama to escape the media storm and to rebuild his life. If Crosby has any shot of playing professional hockey, he must keep a low profile and graduate from college... -
Flip Shot: A Friends to Lovers, Hockey Romance by MJ Fields
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTheoReturning from Texas after summer break, which I spent working, and training, I expected a temperature change. Hell, I welcomed the chill, but I didn’t expect to be completely frozen out by the only chick at Lincoln University who I thought about almost as much as I do hockey.When I saw Riley Park for the first time, the universe shifted...Categorized as:
sports college friends to lovers new adult contemporary second chances humor length-short -
Caught Looking by Kimberly Readnour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when the girl of your dreams turns out to be the very one to destroy them?With the sting from not being drafted still fresh, Dalton Boyd gets sent to the strictest coach with the most rules in summer league ball.Was it mentioned the coach also serves as his host family? No? Well, everyone knows the player staying at the coach’s house has the most brutal regime.But here’s the thing... -
The Love Playbook by Jerica MacMillan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSteamy love tutor romance with an inexperienced football player and the free spirit who rocks his world.Jackson Lancaster is a mystery. At least to me.He's not your typical jock at all—shy, studious, and apparently not looking to get all the action he can.I know, I know, stereotypes are bad. But if the shoe fits ...Except in this case, it doesn't. At all...Categorized as:
sports new adult college friends to lovers virgin hero contemporary friends-benefits length-medium -
The Roommate Arrangement by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMickey Miller presents a brand new, second chance romance with all the feels. Is it true what they say: if it’s meant to be, it will be? Lucas:Eight years ago, I faked a marriage with my best friend.The arrangement was a ruse, but the feelings I developed were real.Then we graduated from college, and let each other go. At last, I tried to. Letting go of Sky was harder than I ever imagined... -
Next Door Player by Clarissa McKay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe and I have been friends-with-benefits for awhile now, but I want more.Most people treat me like a celebrity, but with her I can truly be myself.She’s the only woman who’s ever been able to satisfy me, and I’m not willing to give that up.Her little girl has me wrapped around her finger, and I’m the missing link in their little family... -
Off-Limits Grumpy Player by Clarissa McKay
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo things I’m gonna do at college: land an internship, and lose my virginity.I just didn’t expect it to be with my brother’s best friend.But the way he swings his hockey stick around as the captain of the team has me seeing stars.He may be a bad-tempered hockey player with everyone else, but he’s always had a soft spot for me... -
Cutter by Stacy Borel
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDid somebody say baby? Macie Rosewood was a firecracker, in and out of the bedroom. She lived her life according to her own rules and high standards. When she caught the attention from one of the most eligible Brooks brothers two years ago, Macie had found real love. Dodger Brooks was the sensible brother that played hard and loved even harder... -
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Dare to Touch by Carly Phillips
Olivia Dare, executive director of the Miami Thunder, and team travel director Dylan Rhodes share more than just a passion for football. Their chemistry is explosive--their feelings for each other intense. Yet Olivia has ended things for reasons he still can’t fathom and she won’t explain. Unwilling to let something special go so easily, Dylan has been pursuing Olivia ever since... -
The Revenge Plan by Linda Kage
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAfter I caught my boyfriend cheating, I tried to be mature about it with an amicable split. But he took his retaliation too far, and I have officially had enough. No more Miss Nice Haven. No one is allowed to lie to me, betray, embarrass, and devastate me, fill me with self-doubt, or put my future at risk, and expect to get away with it. He is going to feel my wrath... -
The Kiss List by Maya Hughes
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIf I were on fire, she’d break out the marshmallows.It’s not that we don’t like each other, more like hate with the fury of a thousand suns. But it wasn’t always that way.I still remember how her lips tasted. How they felt pressed against mine. How I wanted more. How I still crave her...Categorized as:
new adult sports college friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary athletes football -
Thorns and Roses: Special Edition by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsYou’ve seen the headlines about him.Knox Rivers is music’s out of control, all over TMZ, and under the impression that he’s God’s gift to the female population bad boy.He steals hearts with his music and then breaks them with his behavior.And I'm his new assistant stuck traveling across the world with him on tour.I would’ve never taken the job if I weren't desperate...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers sports contemporary forced proximity bad boys length-medium -
The Truths We Told by E.K. Blair
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen Kate finds her world crumbling around her, she does everything possible not to crumble with it by building castle-strong walls to hide behind. A person can only hide for so long. Thrust back into the life she’s been running from, she’s forced to confront the damage she left in her wake... -
The Return Play by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz will have you swooning, laughing, and staying up late to finish this childhood friends-to-lovers sports romance!Hudson McKinley, starting quarterback for the Camden Knights, is preparing for the most crucial season of his college career—when a familiar stranger returns and his entire world gets turned upside down—or possibly right side up...
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