Books like 'The Knockout Rule (Showmen)'
Readers who enjoyed The Knockout Rule (Showmen) by Kelly Siskind also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports grumpy sunshine secret-relationship
-
Forever Paired by Kathleen Brooks
Rated: 4.77 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsLandon Davies had worked hard to start his own restaurant. It was a very different path than most of his family had taken. He was one of the few family members that were not military or law enforcement. But his hard work had given him a restaurant that was beginning to take off when a woman’s scream in the alley outside his kitchen changed everything... -
Sweeper by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsComing November 4The cocky footballer next door has some serious balls…luckily, Daphney Clarke knows how to play. Zander Williams is the hot new American determined to take European football by storm. His head is so big, it barely fits under his backwards hat. And when he’s recruited to one of the biggest up and coming clubs in London, he’s certain to make his name known... -
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine contemporary athletes forced proximity dual-pov from hate to love cold hero -
My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh
A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong?It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in.I have to be... -
-
Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster
Pro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss Con: He’s trying to get me fired Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
Wicked Heart by Ivy Layne
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFinn Sawyer hates everything about being back in Sawyers Bend. He walked away from his family years before, living off his wits and skills in the kitchen, refining his craft as he worked his way across Europe. Then the father who left him for dead is murdered, and the will offers Finn a chance at his dream... -
O Goalie Night by K.M. Gillis
'Tis the season to be tempted. All Beth Michaels wants for Christmas is a fresh start. A new job in a new city is her chance to finally break free from her overbearing yet well-meaning mother, not to mention her small-town notoriety as NHL superstar Ben Michaels' little sister...Categorized as:
sports secret-relationship grumpy sunshine christmas hockey forced proximity siblings-bff athletes -
Pack Up the Moon by Kristan Higgins
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsEvery month, a letter. That's what Lauren decides to leave her husband when she finds out she's dying. Each month, she gives Josh a letter containing a task to help him face this first year without her, leading him on a heartrending, beautiful, often humorous journey to find happiness again in this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins... -
Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster
Quarterback Clay "Mr. Perfect" Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable... -
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
윈드 브레이커 1 by Yongseok Jo
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJay is the Student Body President of Sunny High. Not only is he a smart student, but he is also an extreme biker with extraordinary technique. Trail his bike to encounter his friends, loves, and adventures... -
Wishing on a Star by Mandy Baggot
A single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run... -
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
-
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again... -
My (Mostly) Fake Wedding by Penelope Bloom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe first rule about a casual hookup is to have an exit plan.No strings. No attachments. Get in, get out—euphemism intended.The lesser known second rule?Make sure your casual hookup isn’t about to become your wedding planner.Yeah. Long story.The wedding was going to be a fake. The only catch was nobody could know. Not even my wedding planner... -
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux… When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
Arrogant Playboy by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere’s a hot new hire. Too bad she’s Donavan’s ex. Oh, and there’s one other problem—they hate each other. The last thing he expected to see when he walked into the office was Paisley Williams. She was the only person to graduate ahead of him at Columbia. The one woman who could give it back better than he could dish it out. She was also the biggest regret of his life... -
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBRAND NEW IN THE HIT SERIES WITH OVER 250,000 SOLD I told her I hope he knows how lucky he is. ERIC: The waitress with the bird tattoo up her middle finger has gotten my attention by not caring if she does. My team thinks it’s hilarious that she’s not into me. I think it’s almost as fascinating as she is. Trouble is she likes musician types... And has one for a boyfriend... -
Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting
An extensive compilation of outtakes, deleted scenes and a crossover novella from The Pucked Series, which now includes:ENDORSE THIS: An Area 51 invasion outtake in which Alex once again tries to persuade Violet that he should go where no man has gone before. And likely never will... -
Thrill of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDiscover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing, and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the Bradens. Fall in love with Ty Braden and Aiyla Bell in this epic love story... -
Making Whoopie by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThis marriage of convenience is about to get sticky. Getting hitched for the health insurance is not Jocelyn Asher’s idea of romance.But the hospital quote has really frosted her cookies, and suddenly, “I’m rich. We should just get married,” sounds a whole lot more swoony.Especially when the man proposing is this gorgeous. And takes her to parties featuring champagne and petit fours... -
The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor
Charlotte Ames despises hotheads. You know the type. The growly, perma-scowling bully who blows his top at the slightest inconvenience. And her former boss, Top Chef Mitch Elliott, is the king of all hotheads. How big of a jerk is he? Big enough to make her hurl a salad at the guy. Those vegetables didn’t ask to be strewn across the floor... -
Cocky Love: Emma Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis client wants to call me names? I've got a couple for him! EMMA COCKER My condescending female boss has thrown me a big money client I will earn her respect, maybe get out of debt The commission would be huge on a mansion like this But Tanner Hamilton is the biggest snob... -
-
The Cruise by Caroline James
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 23 ratings‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Three women. One widowed. One unmarried. One almost divorced... -
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle: TAKING SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
One More Christmas at the Castle by Trisha Ashley
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsDon't miss the brand-new Christmas book from Sunday Times bestselling author, Trisha Ashley!This Christmas will be the most special of them all... Elderly widow Sabine knows this will be her last Christmas in her beloved home, Mitras Castle. Determined to make it just like the ones she remembers from her childhood, she employs Dido Jones of Heavenly Houseparties to help with the big day... -
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Houston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose.Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine sports mystery from hate to love contemporary humor dual-pov length-medium -
Waiting Game by G.A. Mazurke, Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMia's a curvy, nerdy cam girl.I’m a professional hockey player who just got traded to the New York Stars.She's also the best one-night stand I’ve ever had and I sure wouldn’t mind making her a permanent fixture in my life.But we have a problem—she betrayed a mutual friend and I just can’t get past that... -
With This Fling by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLaura Bennett has spent her life taking care of other people and running the Dip and Twist. Happily spending her time being single and carefree, she has no intention of settling down or falling in love. With an ever-growing family, she’s a mother to them all, and she loves every minute of it. But her baby is getting married, and her oldest has her own life changes she’s dealing with... -
Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLove returns to Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou in a new small-town contemporary romance sure to charm hearts, from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.Sylvie Martine was prepared to take Washington D.C. by storm, but she put that dream on hold when her beloved hometown of Papillon, Louisiana, needed her most. Now Sylvie's the mayor of the tiny town on the bayou that holds her heart... -
Playing Dirty: A Bad Boy Sports Romance by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI'm going to teach Andrea to play dirty...she just doesn't know it yet. Jake Pulling in eight figures a year as star pitcher for the Chicago Jaguars, there's no shortage of parties, booze, and women. I'm a beast on the mound and between the sheets but when my social media presence becomes a major problem, the team’s owner brings in a PR expert to clean up my image... -
Beach Please by Melanie Summers
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA hilarious and heartwarming story that’ll have you snort-laughing, swooning, and sighing with happiness… Lola Gordon's dreams of a thriving surf shop were shattered when her ex vanished with all the money in their business account, leaving her on the brink of losing everything... -
-
The Shake Off by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsMy name is Ace Watson, and I’m having an existential crisis.I finished last season as one of the league's best pitchers. Baseball’s smooth-talking boy wonder. The future of The New York Lions.I'm starting this season as the worst.And I don't want to sound dramatic, but the fault lies entirely with Payton Lopez... -
The Saturday Morning Park Run by Jules Wake
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis is the story of two women.One old, one young.One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.Both needing a friend.And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking)... -
One More Song by C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAmazon Bestselling Author C.M. Seabrook brings you a sexy new full-length standalone romance. My band, Absinthe, is sent to the middle of nowhere to get our shit together. It's time to keep my cock in my pants, my head on straight, and to stay out of trouble. Hard to do when the landlord is Ember Skye. Long brown hair, eyes flecked with gold. One look and she has me, heart and soul... -
Shame the Devil by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe thing about Thor is, he’s great at swinging that hammer. But he doesn’t settle down.Harlan Kristiansen may not be good at many things, but he can sure catch a pass. He’s an All-Pro at charming a room, too, and then there’s that Norse God thing. He can even figure out how to tackle a woman and save her from a charging bison.On skis... -
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a hockey player in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a fake girlfriend.Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, a disgraced hockey player who needs a place to hide out for a few months while he figures out how to get back on his team... -
Protecting Her Heart by Chance Carter
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI'm going to make her beg. Emma asked me to take her all the way. She wants to experience every delicious thing a woman can feel. She wants to be brought to the very edge of ecstasy, and then she wants to leap right off the cliff. I'm a complete playboy, an expert in the ways a man can make a woman beg, so naturally I accept. I love a good challenge... -
Player's Kiss by Sienna Blake
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI'm his new favorite game.It was supposed to be my big break—landing the coveted spot as the All Ireland Rugby team's new PR assistant.Instead I've become a glorified babysitter, lumped with the heinous job of keeping their star winger out of trouble and out of the papers.Eoin O'Sullivan.Cocky. Charming. Outrageous. Destined to drive me feckin crazy.Party boy.Ladies man.An absolute PR nightmare... -
Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLight 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey seriesAnnie BangI’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games... -
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn.People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love.So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up.The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary m-f found-family football humor -
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA.Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine fighters contemporary humor friends to lovers forced proximity length-long -
-
The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with a football player.Except Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless. My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me. But, as hot as he is, I'd bet he's scheduling booty calls like a dentist booking teeth cleanings... -
Play Thing by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA bad boy hockey captain who can’t seem to stay out of trouble?Totally not my style.So this new job as his live-in assistant should be a breeze. Right?After Ronan Brighton’s latest scandal, I’m assigned to supervise him around the clock. But when my PR job has me moving into the guesthouse of his secluded home, I start seeing Ronan in a whole new light... -
The Love Interest by Kayley Loring
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsDear Fiona,I hope this letter finds you well—and by well, I mean significantly less infuriated than you were yesterday. I’ve wanted to continue our conversation from the night we met, but there are so many things I can’t say or do, now that I’m your professor.As an anonymous letter writer, I can give you some idea of what I have planned for us, once the year is over...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine secret-relationship contemporary humor age difference m-f length-medium -
Lost the Handle by Toni Aleo
Emery “Just tell me to wait for you,” Quinn whispers desperately as he slides his nose along mine. My ribs are having a hard time containing my hammering heart as I keep my eyes locked with his blue ones. I stroke my fingers along his cheek as a sob hiccups out of me. “I can’t. I wouldn’t do that to you.” “I would, though.” His words match the promise in his eyes... -
A Perfect Cornish Escape: The perfect uplifting, heartwarming new book to escape with this summer by Phillipa Ashley
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEscape to Cornwall this summer… The new book in the Porthmellow Harbour series, following A Perfect Cornish Summer and A Perfect Cornish Christmas, is available to pre-order now! Summer in Cornwall is the perfect time for a fresh start… Seven years ago, Marina Hudson’s husband was lost at sea... -
Hat Trick by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGood things happen in threes.D’Artagnan Miklas is a lucky dude. He’s the leading scorer of hat tricks for the Carolina IceCats, he’s got a solid group of loyal friends, and he has a cute little sister he adores.But his friends are all coupling up, and Dart is tired of being the odd man out...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.