Books like 'The Defender'
Readers who enjoyed The Defender by Gina Azzi also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports new adult christian single-father hockey
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A Little Tempting by Kelsie Rae
My friend's little sister moved in next door. Dylan Thorne. The one and only. She's cute, in a nerdy wallflower kind of way. She's also off-limits. Or at least that's what my other friend says. Everett's been friends with Dylan's older brother for as long as she's lived. Call it a hunch, but I think he has a thing for Dylan, too, which is why he's warned me to keep my distance...Categorized as:
new adult sports hockey contemporary virgin heroine m-f audiobook explicit-open-door -
![Power Play by Toni Aleo]()
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
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![Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo]()
Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsFirst came love, then came the NHL, then came Baylor and Jayden with a baby carriage... -
![Matchmaker by Ivy Smoak]()
Matchmaker by Ivy Smoak
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMatthew Caldwell is NYC's most eligible bachelor.Charming.Gorgeous.Wealthy.Great with kids.Broken.Sixteen years ago he lost everything. He made a vow to never love again. But suddenly everyone in his life is acting like a matchmaker. He can't help but wonder if a broken vow is better than a broken heart.There's just one problem. Only one woman in the city has caught his attention... -
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![Bring It Home by Toni Aleo]()
Bring It Home by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsBoon Hoenes only has three goals in life. To make Posey Adler his wife, to win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, and for Shea Adler to like him.The first, he’s got on lock. The second, he’s well on his way. And the third… Well, two out of three ain’t bad... -
![Conrad by Susan May Warren]()
Conrad by Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThere's Trouble Up North... Meet Conrad, a hockey star meets celebrity romance in the Minnesota Kingston series by USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren.He’s an unlikely bodyguard, but someone has to keep this woman alive…Meet Penelope billionaire heiress, mystery podcaster, and magnet for trouble. If only she wasn’t so determined to unravel the mystery of “who killed her sister’s fiancé... -
![Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo]()
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
![Changing Lines by Toni Aleo]()
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
![A Little Crush by Kelsie Rae]()
A Little Crush by Kelsie Rae
Seems the little girl who had a crush on me is all grown up.She ran away from our hometown a solid decade ago.Now she’s back for her brother’s wedding.For my friend’s wedding.Not gonna lie, I had no intention of crossing the line with her.Not back then. And not now.Until I catch her swimming in her parent’s backyard.Nope. Not even then...Categorized as:
hockey single-father sports new adult contemporary age difference length-long audiobook -
![We Said Forever by Marie James, T E Black]()
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... -
![The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo]()
The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsYou are cordially invited to the wedding of Shelli Adler and Aiden Brooks…Shelli has been planning her wedding to Aiden in her scrapbook since she was old enough to wield a glue stick. And now that day has finally arrived... -
![Test the Ice by S.J. Sylvis]()
Test the Ice by S.J. Sylvis
A flirty, fake-engagement, single-mom, hockey romance by Amazon Top 50 and USA Today Bestselling Author S.J. SylvisI swore off men the second I trusted the wrong guy and ended up pregnant by a wealthy playboy. I was ready to prove I didn't need him--or anyone else.At least, until Malaki Young, Chicago's hottest pro hockey star, slid into the backseat of my car and proved me wrong... -
![Griz by E. Cleveland]()
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)...Categorized as:
sports new adult hockey college contemporary curvy heroine fake relationship explicit-open-door -
![Puck the Holidays: A Vipers Sin Bin Novel by K.D. Miller]()
Puck the Holidays: A Vipers Sin Bin Novel by K.D. Miller
A holiday hockey romance that will make you laugh, swoon, clutch your pearls, and believe in holiday magic.Hattie McNamara, a southern girl born and bred, has never seen a hockey game in her life, but when the offer to become the Seattle Vipers’ new Assistant Director of Media and Marketing lands in her lap, she can’t possibly say no... -
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![32 Rowan Blvd by Kelsey Kingsley]()
32 Rowan Blvd by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGet married.Buy a house.Have a baby.That's every girl's dream, isn't it? Well, maybe not every girl, but for Christy Bush, it was.So, when her boyfriend realized he didn't want any of those things, the obvious answer was to set him free and find a man who did...Categorized as:
christian new adult single-father contemporary age play friends to lovers single-mother length-long -
![PUNCHED by Jacob Chance]()
PUNCHED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReagan is the one who got away - or should I say the one I drove away? Now, four years later, she’s back to manage the gym where I train. Seeing her everyday is a distraction I can’t afford. I’m so close to achieving the big payoff I’ve been working for. Nothing’s going to keep me from winning this belt - not even her.This is a second chance MMA romance standalone... -
![If It's Only Love by Lexi Ryan]()
If It's Only Love by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 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 new adult single-father contemporary friends to lovers siblings-bff length-medium audiobook -
![Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson]()
Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game. Until he saw her. The one that got away. The one he thought he'd never see again. For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over... -
![Taking the Leap by Kelsie Rae]()
Taking the Leap by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA girl who’s competing in a man’s sport. And a guy who can’t wait to help her shine.My world fell apart when my dad was diagnosed with dementia.Now, I need money and a way to provide stability for my father.When an opportunity falls into my lap that can provide both, I grab hold of it with all my strength.I just need to...focus... -
![Jonah by Brenda Rothert]()
Jonah by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsReynaI don’t do relationships. A federal agent whose life revolves around rescuing kidnapped children, I’ve got no interest in catching any man who’s not a criminal. So when my new assignment in Chicago requires me to get closer to a VIP Chicago Blaze fan, Blaze goalie Jonah West is the perfect cover. Like me, he’s too focused on his career to make time for love, dates or even hookups... -
![Red Rocket by Raine Miller, Brit DeMille]()
Red Rocket by Raine Miller, Brit DeMille
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Public Relations" is about to take on a whole new meaning for a standout Russian enforcer with a bad reputation and the feisty redhead from the PR department who just might be the one person who can help him shine up his tarnished image in this grumpy/sunshine hockey love story. "They call me 'The Mad Russian' for a reason... -
![Hot Boy Summer: A Charity Anthology by Kat Savage, J.R. Rogue]()
Hot Boy Summer: A Charity Anthology by Kat Savage, J.R. Rogue
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsToes in the sand. Umbrella cocktails. Shirtless hot boys. One fleeting summer. Will your heart survive? It’s about to heat up in here…Hot Boy Summer: A Charity Anthology is a collection of brand new stories from 31 amazingly talented authors. Each brings to the table their own unique take on the connections we form when we live wildly under the guise of momentary fervor...Categorized as:
new adult christian sports contemporary friends to lovers anthologies age difference length-epic -
![A Midwestern Cinderella: A Royal Love Story by Krista Lakes]()
A Midwestern Cinderella: A Royal Love Story by Krista Lakes
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“I don’t care if you’re not royalty. You’re my princess.”Zoey is hardly what you’d consider princess material. Born in flyover country, she never learned how to curtsy, let alone walk in high heels. And when she literally trips into the arms of a handsome stranger at her friend’s wedding, she thinks she’s finally found love.Freddie Prescott is a charming prankster... -
![Van by Kat Mizera]()
Van by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 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 new adult hockey friends-benefits friends to lovers contemporary length-medium -
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![Breakaway by Kris Butler]()
Breakaway by Kris Butler
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis is book three in the series and will be the last book.Blurb coming soon... -
![Slammed by Victoria Denault]()
Slammed by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNot every goalie plays it safe... As a publicist for the San Francisco Thunder hockey team, Dixie Braddock is too busy rescuing the players from trouble to get into any of her own. Except, of course, when it comes to the super hot new goalie... -
![Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson]()
Keeping the Score by Kelly Jamieson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScore big with this BRAND NEW steamy single dad ice hockey romance!⛸️❤️🔥 FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING SPORTS ROMANCE AUTHOR KELLY JAMIESON Perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Chelsea Curto and Kenna King!Tropes:🥅 Sports romance🥅 Single dad🥅 Friends to lovers🥅 Alpha male🥅 Forced proximity🥅 Slow burn🥅 Spicy af!An unexpected game changer…FordMy brain is hard-wired to hockey...Categorized as:
hockey sports single-father new adult friends to lovers contemporary strong heroine dual-pov -
![When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren]()
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsHawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime. Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen... -
![Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely]()
Merry Little Kissmas by Lauren Blakely
Wanted: A fresh shot at love for the holidays. But fake dating my brother’s grumpy best friend? He’s my new client, for Santa’s sake!As a professional matchmaker, my biggest job this holiday season should be simple: find a date for the sexy single dad hockey player—aka my brother’s best friend—for his team’s fancy Christmas Eve gala...Categorized as:
hockey sports single-father christmas contemporary humor length-long explicit-open-door -
![Taking His Shot by Kendall Ryan]()
Taking His Shot by Kendall Ryan
She says she doesn’t date players.She swears up and down that she’ll never handle my stick.We’ll see about that, sweetheart.When I win the pleasure of Harper’s company at a charity auction, I get exactly one date—one shot to win over the gorgeous and feisty brunette.Game on. I play hard, and I love a challenge.But just when I think I’ve finally carved out my shot . . -
![One Night with the Rebel (Looking to Score) by Kendall Ryan]()
One Night with the Rebel (Looking to Score) by Kendall Ryan
She barged into my life and turned everything upside down. We spent one scorching-hot night together, and then she disappeared into the sunset with the golden jock everyone adored. Which makes sense, right? A girl as beautiful and brilliant as Eden Wynn doesn’t end up with a rebel like me.I expected them to live happily ever after, except that's not what happened... -
![Flopper by Colleen Charles]()
Flopper by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Vegas Venom turn up the heat in this brand new standalone hockey romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Charles!As one of the top goalies in hockey I live a sweet Vegas lifestyle: VIP treatment at all the hottest spots in town – ushered past every velvet rope – and all the puck bunnies I can handle... -
![One Good Man by Emma Scott]()
One Good Man by Emma Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt’s spring, 1970. The Vietnam War has been raging for years with no end in sight. Janey Martin, a California college student and aspiring journalist is tired of writing puff pieces about her university men’s sports teams. She wants to be taken seriously as a journalist and as a woman...Categorized as:
christian sports new adult historical 20th century anthologies contemporary length-novella -
![Single Dad Center by Latisha Sexton]()
Single Dad Center by Latisha Sexton
The Denver Dragon’s captain’s perfect life was ripped to shreds when his wife suddenly passed away two years ago, leaving him a single father to their toddler girl. Since then, Archer Sullivan has taken his grief and anger out on the puck. When he’s not shredding it on the ice, he’s playing princess and having tea parties with his four-year-old daughter, Indigo...Categorized as:
single-father sports christian hockey contemporary friends to lovers grumpy sunshine length-medium -
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![Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis]()
Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLandon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant... -
![Free Agent by Catherine Gayle]()
Free Agent by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Can you fall in love when you’ve never loved yourself? Universally misjudged, Blake Kozlow doesn’t let society get under his skin. After all, those misunderstandings have never affected his career... -
![Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick]()
Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFootball is his life, but she thinks athletes can get away with murder. After a tragedy involving a football player destroyed her family, graduate student athletic trainer Cassie Parker moves across the country looking for a fresh start, but a surprise change in financial aid lands her in the middle of her worst nightmare... -
![Two for Charging by Lasairiona E. McMaster]()
Two for Charging by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDedicated. Driven. Divorced.Coach Elliott Swift is under pressure from all sides. His players are counting on him to return the team to championship success despite his recently graduated star players. His toxic ex-wife dogs his every move, and his sickly, aging parents require constant care... -
![Sean by Sheridan Anne]()
Sean by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSean -I’m a shell of the man I used to be.Three years ago, my world shattered.My wife died the day my daughter was born and she took my soul with her.I’ve never been able to get it back.Not until she came and saved me.Gigi -He came storming into my ER screaming for help.I never thought that moment would define the rest of my life.He’s broken and tortured, but not for long...Categorized as:
sports new adult hockey single-father contemporary friends to lovers dual-pov super rich hero -
![Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster]()
Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s a simple rule: don’t bang your teammates’ siblings.Finn O’Brien didn’t just break the rule, he annihilated it. Falling in love with his best friend’s younger sister when they were teens was an accident. He fought it for years, hiding behind a list of one-night stands a mile long, anything to convince himself Molly Morrison wasn’t the woman for him...Categorized as:
sports new adult hockey humor friends to lovers contemporary siblings-bff length-medium -
![One Timer on Top by London Casey]()
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... -
![Hook 'em Hard by Cathryn Fox, Bang Brothers]()
Hook 'em Hard by Cathryn Fox, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaeve Carter, the Boston Bucks’ team physiotherapist, is the definition of beautiful. As a former model, her stunning looks have defined her—just ask the paparazzi or the stalker who made her life miserable. But I see more. Want more. And she can never know that.You see, she’s my oldest teammate's daughter, and I can’t touch that with a ten-foot hockey stick... -
![Playmaker by Avery Keelan]()
Playmaker by Avery Keelan
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsNHL superstar Gabriel Carter has everything: a thriving professional hockey career, an MVP trophy from last season, and a carefree bachelor lifestyle. He also has an infant daughter-one he didn't know existed. Summer Crawford isn't a fan of the cocky playmaker/heartbreaker she remembers from years ago. And working as his daughter's nanny? Not a chance... -
![Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore]()
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... -
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![Victor by Brenda Rothert]()
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 hockey contemporary friends to lovers length-short explicit-open-door audiobook -
![Playing to Win by Stacey Lynn]()
Playing to Win by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIt was a three-week fling. Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on... -
![ICED by Jacob Chance]()
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single... -
![On the Line by Victoria Denault]()
On the Line by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe had total control of his game--until she changed all the rules . . . As one of the best players in the NHL and the "golden boy" of the league, Avery Westwood knows he has to keep his cool--on and off the ice. His whole life is a carefully constructed image of perfection for the media and his brand sponsors. Of course, that means he can never let his true feelings show... -
![School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Colorado Penn finds an unexpected package on his front step, his life will be changed forever.Colorado Penn is living the dream. Starting goalie for the Arizona Raptors when in season, lead singer for a hard rock band when summer rolls around. He’s the quintessential free spirit who’s making sure he enjoys all the carnal blessings of his athleticism, and gritty singing voice... -
![Icing by Jami Davenport]()
Icing by Jami Davenport
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSteele:I'm a second-year hockey player for the Seattle Sockeyes. Imagine my shock when I return from a trip to find my former roommate has transferred his lease to my nemesis. She's so annoying I can't stand to be in the same room with her. She pushes all my buttons and is my exact opposite. Despite it all, I want to rip off her clothes and make mad passionate love to her...Categorized as:
sports new adult hockey contemporary from hate to love athletes length-medium audiobook
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