Books like 'Brutal Play'
Readers who enjoyed Brutal Play by Alison Rhymes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary cheating angst second chances sports from hate to love bdsm forced proximity athletes vengeance
-
Here to Stay by Suanne Laqueur
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“You can’t sort of do this, Fish. Draw a line and get on one side or the other...”Love is never so sweet as when it receives a second chance. In the sequel to her award-winning novel The Man I Love, Suanne Laqueur continues the story of Erik Fiskare’s romance with Daisy Bianco. Though separated for twelve years, the extraordinary bond forged in their youth has endured...Categorized as:
cheating angst second chances other-man-woman new adult love triangle contemporary death -
The Moment of Truth by Shari Low
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Moment of Truth…Laney Cochrane loves her life.With her friends Millie and Tash, she runs a proposal agency, organising the perfect setting for their clients to pop the question. Finding that forever love is something Laney knows all about. Her marriage to Cameron is blissfully content and she has never doubted they’ll live happily ever after.Then Cara Deacon walks into their office... -
Free Agent by Christina C. Jones
For Rori Mitchell, delulu is decidedly not the solulu.Getting her lick back is.What starts as chance encounter at a sporting event ends up being a perfect distraction from the chaos of a broken heart. Instead of throwing herself into work, she throws herself - for good or bad - into Tatum Wilder.An offensive tackle for the Connecticut Kings, Tatum is used to high-stakes games and intense scrutiny... -
Hard to Love by K. Bromberg
New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, is back with a heartfelt, enemies to lovers romance and a hero who redeems himself to steal your heart . . .He was the one-night stand that didn’t exactly go as planned. Now he’s standing before me as if he’s never seen me naked, telling my manager he’ll take the job. Reluctantly.Finn Sanderson.Sports agent extraordinaire. Handsome as hell...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports forced proximity contemporary heroine athlete open-door length-short -
-
The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen
One cold December day, two men are blindsided by a hockey trade; one is the most decorated goalie in the league, while the other one is the youngest coach in the majors.Jethro Hale is the last player Coach Clay Powers wants to see on his roster, but the G.M. pulls a fast one. And it's not like he can even explain why. Nobody knows about their love affair fifteen years ago...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity athletes second chances contemporary queer m-m -
Only Rivals by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first boy I ever hated was Jax Bridges.The first man I loved was his best friend.My plan was to meet a boy, fall in love, and live happily ever after.That ended when my boyfriend died and left me half of his business.Now, his best friend and I are business partners.There’s just one problem: We hate each other.Jax and I have been rivals since childhood...Categorized as:
forced proximity angst from hate to love contemporary new adult tortured hero length-medium -
Separate Like Stars by Diana Kane
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOn paper, Jordan Cohen has it all. With numerous bestsellers under her belt, a number of blockbuster movie adaptations to her credit, and a high profile relationship with one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars, what more could she possibly ask for? Maybe for Olivia Bradley, the only woman to ever break her heart, to exit her life as quickly as she’d re-entered it... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Vaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love contemporary independent heroine explicit-plentiful m-f -
Wedding at the Riverview Inn by Molly O'Keefe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn emotional tale of a magical inn, a wedding gone terribly wrong and a woman searching for a second chance.Alice has hit rock bottom. Once a Michelin-starred chef, she is now drowning in debt, working the line at a chain restaurant and drinking too much. The last person she ever expected to come knocking with a job offer and a fresh start is her ex-husband, Gabe... -
Landon & Shay - Part Two by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsOnce upon a time, I fell in love with a boy.A beautiful, broken boy who had his own world of struggles. People warned me against our love, but I didn't listen.We looked weak. Young, foolish. Dangerously in love. We didn't care.In order to keep our hearts protected from the opinions of others, we became each other’s secret. We shared stolen moments. Tender touches. Secretive embraces... -
Defining Us by Karen Deen
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's my brother's best friend.No one can know he visits my dreams each night.In the naughtiest of ways. But they are just fantasies.They'll never be anything else. Until that accidental kiss, changes everything.His eyes now roam my body.I can't ignore the heat he arouses in me.I'm just longing for his touch. But he's about to leave, and I need to stay... -
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... -
See You Again by Heidi McLaughlin
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA powerful love story of second chances for two people who are both running from the past, by the New York Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl. It’s been fifteen years since Brooklyn Hewett has stepped foot in Southport. After the accident that took Austin—the love of her life—away from her, Brooklyn fled, hoping to leave the pain behind her for good... -
Give Me Your Answer True by Suanne Laqueur
“What I feel has no name…” Suanne Laqueur’s award-winning debut novel The Man I Love thrilled readers with its memorable characters and depth of emotion. Erik Fiskare’s journey of love, recovery and forgiveness captivated hearts but also left questions unanswered. Now Daisy Bianco has a chance to tell her story...Categorized as:
angst cheating second chances other-man-woman contemporary new adult explicit-plentiful m-f -
-
The Day the Jerk Started Falling by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsMy name is Oliver Arsen, but my mates call me Ollie. I live hard and love harder, and it’s love that usually gets me in the most trouble. According to the greater population, I’m the ultimate jerk. My affection tends to be short-lived—a quality I’ve been assured multiple times by the fairer sex isn’t becoming—and the leaving part of loving and leaving has always come natural... -
The Trouble With Before by Portia Moore
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOur history made things harder.We were associates out of convenience.We tolerated each other.I never saw her that way.She never saw me that way.She and I were never meant to be friends. You’re not supposed to fall for your best friend’s enemy, even if the enemy is YOUR ex-best friend. This isn’t the story of falling in love with your best friend.It’s about falling out of hate... -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first... -
Royal Haze by L.J. Evans
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI pledge allegiance to her…and only her.The stunning conclusion to The Painted Daisies series. Singer and lead guitarist Nikki Rani will do whatever it takes to keep her mom and her band safe, even if it means keeping secrets about her friend's murder. She failed her loved ones once and won't be taken in again by a ridiculous story.There are no fairy tales in her future... -
Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNo sacrifice is too big.No secret too small.I’m out to win, and I don’t even know the game.My opponents? They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers, and I want nothing to do with them. But I’m stuck on a mission to help out a friend, and keeping my distance shouldn’t be too hard... -
Dare You by K.L. Shandwick
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis book and series have been rebranded to Chasing Love Billie in the Wild Romance Saga by Kelly Shandwick on Goodreads for clarity of reading order. Chasing Love Billie is book one in the series... -
Inevitable Ella by V.H. Nicolson
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSeven years ago my soulmate got married.To someone else.Fraser Farmer broke me. Made me incapable of loving again.Seven years later he's back, whispering I love you.He's gorgeous, magnetic, successful, an athlete at the peak of his game.But behind his picture perfect life and family, lies a precarious path of deceit and anguish and a vicious sports agent on the warpath to destroy him...Categorized as:
sports second chances other-man-woman athletes contemporary suspense dual-pov betrayal -
The Wright Mistake by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA new stand alone enemies-to-lovers romance by USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde... I always wanted a nice normal boyfriend. The kind you could bring home to your parents. Instead, I fell for Austin Wright. We tried this once and failed. Hard... -
50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover by Kelly Siskind
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Kelly Siskind comes a slow-burn romantic comedy about one man’s creative attempt to win back his high school sweetheart after a change in fortune gives them a second chance at love.Growing up, I had it all—my art, close friends, a gorgeous girlfriend who owned my heart—but then my life exploded.Turns out my father was laundering money, and my whole family got shoved into witness protection... -
Fumbled by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAs a pro football player, I’m known for scoring both on and off the field. But all that changes when a tragic accident leaves me as a single dad to a little girl. With both our lives flipped upside down, I’m scrambling to balance my career while supporting the needs of a girl who just had her life torn apart... -
-
Second Shot: A Men With Wood Novel by C.M. Seabrook, Jessica Hildreth
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a stand-alone spin-off of the Amazon Top 25 bestseller Second Draft. You do not have to read Second Draft first. No cliffhanger and a Guaranteed HEA. Kane Madden As one of the top paid defensemen in the NHL, my life has been a revolving door of beautiful women and no-strings-attached sex. Until Brynne. It was only supposed to be a one-night-fling...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love secret child athletes new adult contemporary alpha male pregnancy -
The Wright Mistake by K.A. Linde
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA new stand alone enemies-to-lovers romance by USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde... I spent six weeks screwing Austin Wright’s brains out and all I got was this broken heart. He can’t be trusted. Not with my body or my heart. Yet, two years have passed and I still crave him like an addict needing a fix. The last time we tried this, it nearly ruined me... -
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:
sports second chances secret child contemporary new adult friends to lovers length-medium -
Borrowed by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI was never supposed to want to keep her.She was meant to be borrowed.Mine for six days and not a day longer.She doesn’t belong to me.She belongs to someone else.My brother…The closest person I have outside of the screaming fans and paparazzi—a constant in my new life— other than the whiskey I drown myself in to numb the pain left by someone else... -
Save the Best for Last by Jennifer Probst
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTessa Harper, makeover queen of a self-care media empire, loves a challenge. But when she’s forced to satisfy her female readership’s growing interest in sports, Tessa reluctantly seeks out Ford Maddox. The popular sportscaster, annoying friend of her bestie, and long-time sparring partner agrees to strike a deal. He’ll give Tessa his expertise if she’ll give him hers... -
Redemption by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLogan Four years ago, my life changed forever. Some see it as a vast improvement. Me? I’m not so sure. The guilt from my betrayal has haunted me from day one. I knew my past would catch up to me. So when it comes crashing back into my life, I know the time has come to finally make it right. My path to redemption won’t be easy. But I've always been up for a challenge... -
Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a hot-headed hockey star. A grump with a broody glare. Hater of playing by the rules. Bigger hater of figure skaters like me. And now, my new fake boyfriend.I’ve spent my entire life working for a shot at Nationals, but when my figure skating partner gets an injury right before the biggest season of my career, my chances of making a comeback vanish overnight...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity second chances from hate to love contemporary hockey humor length-medium -
Scoring Grey by L.A. Ferro
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEloise Grey wasn't looking for me… but I was looking for her.To be fair, I didn't know she was the girl I'd been obsessed with until it was too late.I was on the fast track to making my NHL dreams a reality with my girl by my side.She was my whole world. My kryptonite... till she got it wrong.I never chose another over her... -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again. Our future? It’s worth fighting for. Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports angst forced proximity second chances new adult found-family contemporary -
Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI fell for the enemy.He broke me, and then put me together again.Our future? It’s worth fighting for.Or it was before the accident.The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports angst forced proximity second chances new adult found-family contemporary -
-
Fight Dirty by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOwen Dawson is one of Eastwood’s most eligible bachelors. He could have any woman he wants, but when it comes to settling down, he only has eyes for Charlie Williams, and he blew his chance with her years ago. While Owen is busy trying to convince everyone—and himself—that the playboy life is for him, Charlie is trying to put her life back together... -
Fallen Crown by W. Million
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren Tucker is done with men who check in for the good times and check out for the bad. As a member of one of the oldest families in Bellerive, she doesn't have to play nice with the Summerset Royals. Especially not the youngest who represents everything she detests... -
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
Sliding Home by Kate Angell
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWHO’D BEEN SLEEPING IN KASON RHODES’S BED? The left fielder for the Richmond Rogues had returned from six weeks of spring training in Florida to find someone had moved into his mobile home. That person was presently in his shower. And no matter how sexy the squatter might be, Kason wanted her out. He had his trusty dobie, Cimarron; he didn’t need anyone else in his life... -
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... -
A Love so Tragic by Stevie J. Cole
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPromises. We all make them. Sometimes we break them. But what happens when the promise you break haunts your dreams, when that moment of betrayal echoes within every last beat of your heart? Love. Love is passionate, painful, and all consuming in the most brutal yet beautiful way... -
No Commitment by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNo commitment. That was my deal with Tyler from the start, at least until his tour was over and we could be together. But thirty days filming a reality show here, two years overseas with his band there... Is it really any wonder why I didn’t tell him about the baby?He comes looking for me once he’s back in the country, but he runs into the man I married instead... -
Wild Abandon by Jeannine Colette
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen you fall in-love it’s forever. But sometimes forever comes with a price. I never meant to meet Nathaniel Teller. It was by accident, on a Tuesday, that I walked into his bar. He was solemn, intense and hiding a secret behind those stoic green eyes. I never intended to fall in-love with him. We were supposed to be just friends. But I fell for him hard, deep. There’s no turning back...Categorized as:
angst cheating other-man-woman contemporary friends to lovers terminal-illness length-medium -
Never Over You by Ryleigh Andrews
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStrange how life deals the cards sometimes … Life was perfect for Mia Devereux. “You can always have me, Mia. I’m always yours. Forever, suga.” She had everything she always wanted. But maybe life wasn’t so perfect after all. One event threatens her happily ever after... -
Undefeated by Stuart Reardon, Jane Harvey-Berrick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Rugby RomanceWhen your world crashes downWhen they all say you’re outWhen your body is brokenI will rise.I will return.And I will be undefeated. Nick Renshaw is the golden boy of British rugby. When a serious injury threatens his career, he starts to spiral downwards, a broken man.Feeling abandoned and betrayed by those closest to him, he fights to restart his life... -
-
Wanting You by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s the quiet, small town girl who gets along with everyone. Except him.He’s the new guy in town who’s determined to turn her world upside down.All Chloe Donovan ever wanted was to teach kindergarten and live a simple life in Sweetbriar Ridge. Until she decides she wants more in her life. Like maybe a good man to share her quiet life...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity from hate to love office contemporary suspense length-medium -
The Balk by Ana Shay
Baseball God, Pitching Great… Dirty Cheat?That’s my newest client, the great Grayson Hawk, a dirty cheater on and off the field, apparently. He likes to think that breaking balls and hearts is just part of the game, but I’m about to prove him wrong.Not many sports stars need a lawyer to justify their filthy pitches, but that’s why Grayson’s hired me - to help keep his liaisons and name clean...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love second chances vengeance baseball contemporary new adult length-long -
Envy by Dylan Allen
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIf envy is a sin, then let me be damned.Graham was born to be a star. Once upon a time, that star shone only for me. Now, I have to share him with the rest of the world. For a while, I thought I could do it. Because, beneath the hypnotic smile, gorgeous body and God-given charm that made him famous, I still caught glimpses of my best friend.Of the boy who called me sunshine and loved me... -
P.S. Not If You Were The Last Man On Earth by J. S. Cooper
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTo my tent mate,I am only going to say this once. I am not interested in you. I will not be sharing a sleeping bag with you. I will not be asking you tokeep me warm with your 'hot body'. Who calls their own bodyhot by the way? I will not be doing a belly dance for you in the middle of the night and I definitely won’t be making you hot chocolate...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity athletes contemporary humor super rich hero length-short -
Room for Us by L.M. Halloran
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove doesn't need a reservation. Zoey Kemper is having the Worst Day Ever. In one fell swoop, she loses her apartment, her marriage, and her job. But nothing compares to the sudden loss of her beloved aunt. Or her unexpected inheritance: the crumbling Inn that’s been in the family for generations... -
My Worst Best Mistake by Kenzie Reed
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe thinks he can make me quit...I think I can drive him crazy. We've got 8 weeks to find out who's right...When it comes to sexy oil baron Grant Kingsley, you can leave out the drilling jokes—I’ve heard them all before...Categorized as:
angst forced proximity from hate to love contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium
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.