Books like 'Playing to Win'
Readers who enjoyed Playing to Win by Stephanie Street also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult sports high-school from hate to love heroine athlete m-f
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That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up? Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been three years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 3 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a prince at her school and somehow they start a trial relationship... -
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In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori
After a tumultuous trial period, Yoi and Ichimura-sempai finally pour their hearts out at the summer festival, and the two officially start going out. It's uncharted waters now for both teenagers, and while Yoi insists on keeping things at a measured pace, Ichimura-sempai is about ready to dive in headfirst... -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 7 by Mika Yamamori
Swept up by the throes of summer vacation, Ohji finally finds the courage to tell Yoi how he feels. Yoi's affection for Kohaku remains firm in spite of this, but just as things seem to heat up between the young couple, an ill-timed miscommunication has them reeling. As they stumble through many firsts in their romance, can they overcome this latest obstacle…? -
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Fence: Redemption #4 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #4) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn the FINAL ISSUE of The GLAAD Media Award-nominated sports comic’s latest chapter, Seiji gets an up close and personal look into Nicholas’ past, and a clearer picture of just how much determination it took for Nicholas to overcome adversity and a rocky start... -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 4 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi and Ichimura-sempai's experimental dating relationship continues in full swing. Although hesitant at first, Yoi is flustered as she notices her feelings for him develop over time. Meanwhile, it seems Yoi holds a special place in Ichimura-sempai's heart as well, as he gets jealous over a new “prince” working at her part-time job... -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 5 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsDRAG RACE... -
Man o' War by Cory McCarthy
An achingly honest and frequently hilarious coming-of-age novel about an Arab American trans swimmer fighting to keep their head above water in a landlocked Midwestern town. River McIntyre has grown up down the street from Sea Planet, an infamous marine life theme park slowly going out of business in small-town Ohio... -
You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy. Valentina “Vale” Castillo-Green’s life revolves around soccer. Her friends, her future, and her father’s intense expectations are all wrapped up in the beautiful game...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school contemporary young adult f-f queer length-medium -
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
The GLAAD Award nominated series Fence returns as a graphic novel series as best-selling novelist C. S...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school young adult contemporary m-m queer found-family -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 3 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsMEN AT WORK. Izumi, his friend Nakatsu and our crossdressing heroine Mizuki are hired to work at a beach chalet run by the family of weird school nurse Dr... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 6 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Huh? ! What does he even mean? ! Stupid brat! ! First he doesn’t push that girl away—after she kissed him—and now he’s saying THAT? ? While eating squid? I mean, I know I’m the one who’s been avoiding talking to him head-on, and I did tell him to wait three months, but I was getting there, okay? Ugh, and as if that wasn’t enough to deal with, what was going on with Hakamada-kun at the festival. .Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary length-short humor -
Trust Him by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 16 ratings𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻. Hadley Rexford wasn’t supposed to get under my skin. But I thought she was like me, until I push her too far, and destroy everything we had. I want to hurt her. Consume her. In the end, I’ll make sure she’s only ever mine. Cole Jagger wasn’t to supposed to become everything to me... -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 2 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsYoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She had mixed feelings about longing to be like a shojo manga hero. That's when she meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a "prince... -
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Waiting for Spring, Vol. 10 by Anashin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA sweet shojo story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You. IN HOT WATER. With Aya's leg injured, Mitsuki wants nothing more than to see him fully recovered... -
Jesse by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJesse - Who would have known that the 'three-second rule' had the ability to change it all? I sure as hell didn't. How is it possible that I've gone so long without her in my life? Kaylah Millington is everything a guy could possibly want and I need more. So much more. One word from her smart mouth and I was on my knees, absolutely hooked. There's only one issue. .Categorized as:
high-school from hate to love contemporary humor young adult insta-love length-short -
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 7 by Megumi Morino
Hotaru and Hananoi-kun have been together for half a year now. With every passing day, they grow that much closer. .. and the first summer break of their relationship is right around the corner! Hotaru decides it's time to work on her appearance if she wants to be a good girlfriend for Hananoi-kun. . -
Wes Bennett's Vivid Dream by Lynn Painter
Wes has a dream about Liz coming to him in her prom dress, telling him he is the one she wants. But then he wakes up. -
Mars, Vol. 3 by Fuyumi Soryo
Although Kira and Rei are opposites in every way, their bond just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Rei finally trusts Kira enough to take her to the racetrack to watch him ride his beloved motorcycle. Just when Kira and Rei's romance is getting hot and heavy, Rei is called away to ride in the race of his life, the Suzuka 8-endurance...Categorized as:
high-school sports young adult contemporary mental illness length-short glimpses-kisses -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 6 by Mika Yamamori
Though the trial period is over, Yoi and Ichimura-sempai realize that navigating their new relationship will be no easy task. Their friend trip to Kobe reveals they still have a lot of work to do when it comes to being able to voice their own desires while being understanding of their partner's... -
Waiting for Spring 12 by Anashin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWaiting for Spring manga volume 12 features story and art by Anashin. Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet the five quickly hit it off. Will true love ultimately find Mizuki in this latest volume? -
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 6 by Megumi Morino
Hananoi and Hotaru have finally enjoyed their first kiss. While Hananoi waxes nostalgic about a "friend" from grade school, the floored Hotaru resolves to make him happier than ever. They both promise to become an even better couple, and more and more people are starting to gather around them. . -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 5 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Training camp, or their “three day sleepover” as Naruse calls it, is one massive headache for Yuki. Whether it’s a secret meeting on the veranda, a surprise encounter in the bath, or a shocking announcement in front of their teammates—it's like Naruse’s trying to give her a heart attack! Can he just stop being such an annoying, overgrown brat already? ! -
Fence, Vol. 5: Rise by C.S. Pacat
In the highly anticipated next chapter of Fence, Nicholas will stop at nothing until he becomes Seiji's worthy fencing rival! USA Today best-selling author C. S...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school young adult contemporary m-m queer found-family -
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Waiting for Spring, Vol. 1 by Anashin, あなしん
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsA sweet romantic story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You. Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships...Categorized as:
sports high-school contemporary young adult length-short first-in-series standalone-first -
High School Debut, Vol. 03 by Kazune Kawahara
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsHopeless Haruna needs help finding a boyfriend! After failing to win the eye of any guy in high school, Haruna enlists the help of cute upperclassman Yoh to coach her on how to make herself more appealing to the male species... -
High School Debut, Vol. 02 by Kazune Kawahara
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsHopeless Haruna needs help finding a boyfriend! After failing to win the eye of any guy in high school, Haruna enlists the help of cute upperclassman Yoh to coach her on how to make herself more appealing to the male species. Yoh agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him! Haruna begins to develop feelings for Fumiya, Yoh's friend... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 8 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
When Hakamada crushes their dreams of the Winter Cup, Yuki’s tenure as basketball club manager is now over. .. However, her relationship with Naruse has only begun! But between Naruse’s captaincy and Yuki’s frantic studies, they hardly ever see each other. Despite that, Yuki’s cheeky brat is determined to take her out on her first ever date!Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Jackson by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsElle -. He’s the guy with the world against him and I’m the girl they all love to hate. Our reputations suck for two very different reasons and where he’s working to do something about it, I’m working to keep my head down and not draw attention to myself. Falling for Jackson would be a mistake. Falling for him would put me right back in the public eye, somewhere I swore I’d never be again... -
That Summer by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsDevaney Diamond’s summer break was shaping up to be the best one ever. Her longtime crush was finally interested in her, and by the time school rolled around in the fall, she knew he’d be her boyfriend...Categorized as:
high-school sports m-f contemporary young adult friends to lovers angst length-medium -
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up? Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been two years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered...Categorized as:
sports high-school from hate to love m-f contemporary young adult new adult friends to lovers -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 9 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Today is the day her future will be decided. After all, it’s finally time. .. for entrance exams. However, one thing after another keeps going wrong! Meanwhile, as Yuki’s graduation gets closer and closer to becoming a reality, Naruse is painfully aware that soon, he’ll be separated from Yuki by more than just a couple of classroom doors. ..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 7 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
It's autumn, and the qualifier for the Winter Cup is just around the corner! But first, time for one of Yuki’s last school festivals. Between prepwork for that, studying, managing the basketball team, and dating Naruse, Yuki just might have bitten off more than she can chew. ..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsMaguire is bad luck. No matter how many charms she buys off the internet or good luck rituals she performs each morning, horrible things happen when Maguire is around. Like that time the rollercoaster jumped off its tracks. Or the time the house next door caught on fire. Or that time her brother, father, and uncle were all killed in a car crash—and Maguire walked away with barely a scratch...Categorized as:
sports heroine athlete contemporary young adult length-long standalone standalone-first -
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Fence: Redemption #2 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #2) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOld schools and old exes bring Seiji to a boiling point. While Seiji and Jesse exchange blows with their words, Nicolas works to master a new move, and finally gets the chance to face his bully in combat…. -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 11 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
With Yuki living on her own, Naruse in his last year of high school, and more than a few months of dating history under their belt, one rainy after in Yuki’s apartment leads to. .. !? Meanwhile Hakamada’s come to a few realizations and makes a declaration to Yuki that leaves her in a state of utter confusion! ! -
The Smirking Jerk by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratings“I’m in love with you. ” How many times would I have to think about this, how many times, before she could hear it, feel it, see it in my eyes? “I’m in love with you. ” How could I make her see without telling her, without scaring her off… without losing her. I couldn’t lose her. -
Varsity Rulebreaker by Ginger Scott
Hollis Taylor is allowed to break the rules. She’s coach’s little girl. And she’s good. If that means she gets to bump one of the guys for the starting catcher’s job on the Public High baseball team, then the others on the squad better suck it up and deal. But breaking rules has taken Cannon Jennings far in life... -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 2 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsPERSONAL BEST. High jump champion Izumi Sano has realized that his slender new roommate Mizuki is a girl, but he's decided to keep her secret so she doesn't get kicked out of their all-boys' high school... -
A Condition Called Love, Vol. 8 by Megumi Morino
As they begin their first summer break since getting together, Hotaru and Hananoi-kun vow to experience even more "firsts" together! But all their plans are derailed when Hananoi-kun's father suddenly returns from overseas! Then, Yao-kun finally admits to his feelings for Hotaru. .. just in time for the two of them to have an intimate moment at the summer festival! -
Fumbled Futures: A Sports Romance Collection by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThe cocky quarterback and his friends have come together in a boxset! This collections includes Fumbled Hearts, Defenseless Hearts, and the exclusive short story no longer available anywhere else, Fourth Down! Follow new girl, Kalani Embers, and friends on their journeys to forever . .. One big book, three addictive love stories! Fumbled Hearts... -
Cross Game 8 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis poignant coming-of-age story will change your perception of what shonen manga can be. About the game of life. .. and baseball. Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T. Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch... -
Cross Game 4 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsReads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T With Ko in his second year of high school and Aoba in her first, the regionals for Summer Koshien are about to begin! The third round pits Seishu up against mighty Ryuou Gakuin—one of the teams favored to win the whole shebang... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 10 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
What does he MEAN “that wasn’t nearly enough”? ! Well, it is true that between my part-time job and classes and getting dragged into stuff with the college basketball club, it’s been a lot harder to find time to just BE together, but…I’m really trying, okay? ! Speaking of the basketball club, turns out that weird flirty guy at the park is also my coworker and a club member—seriously hope he and...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
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Cheeky Brat, Vol. 12 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
So after the whole Hakamada debacle and then how the whole Finals League ended, it’s kinda awkward every time I see Hakamada-kun. .. Still, I’m incredibly happy that Naruse won! Although, now he’s literally telling EVERYONE he knows about us, so I’m not entirely sure how to react around everyone else anymore. .. -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 13 by Mitsubachi Miyuki, Alethea Nibley
Geez, that was so nerve-wracking! I’m glad that I could FINALLY do something for him as his girlfriend. .. Next up is graduation, a spring break trip with the team, and then off to college! I’m kinda nervous about how he’s gonna handle Suwa-san being around all the time, though. ..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school contemporary humor friends to lovers length-short -
Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe boys of Kings Row head to France with exes, rivalries, and secrets in this fun and hilarious novel by a New York Times bestselling author—inspired by the award-nominated comic series by C. S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school young adult contemporary m-m friends to lovers humor -
Cross Game 2 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDrama with a light touch, Cross Game will change how you see shonen manga. Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for T audiences. Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch... -
Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsSaying Toby Klein is an unlikely cheerleader is like saying Paris Hilton might be into guys--understatement of the year. But the varsity squad at Bayport High gives new meaning to the phrase All-American, and Toby's double life as a varsity cheerleader and a government operative means balancing protocol, pep rallies, computer hacking, and handsprings... -
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLoss is nothing new to Lennon Matthews. With each hit her heart has taken, she’s guarded it more closely. Except Caleb Winters smashed through her defenses in high school. Three years later, their relationship is stronger than ever. But aside from letting a boy in, little in Lennon’s life has changed...
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