Books like 'Playing Hard to Get'
Readers who enjoyed Playing Hard to Get by Monica Murphy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult college sports friends to lovers athletes forced proximity new adult alpha male football
-
A Sign of Affection, Vol. 3 by Suu Morishita
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsDoes he really see me as a girl? Yuki's a Deaf college student who is at first enchanted by and soon falls in love with an upperclassman in her school named Itsuomi who doesn't care about her lack of hearing but treats her like anyone else. Yuki resolves to face that love head-on and really pursue it proactively... -
#Bae by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThis fall... Happily-ever-after. That’s what happens when you get married. Right? Turns out sparkly rings, cake and a fantastic wedding do not automatically grant you that, not even when it’s all you truly want. I’m even starting to doubt the bottomless, unconditional love I share with the man I married will be enough... -
#Holiday by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsGivers gonna give… Twas the night of game day, And all through the town, Lacey glittering snowflakes fluttered around. They clung to the roads, concealing everything with white. It was a beautiful #holiday sight. The paparazzi were out without any care, In hopes to catch Romeo and Rimmel, rumored to be there. When out on the road there arose such a clatter... -
Coast by Jay McLean
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsOne life-changing summer. One boy. The boy. The boy who offered me safe touches and heart-stopping smiles - smiles he shared with his son. We filled our days with porch-step kisses, filled our ears with laughter, filled our hearts with love. Deep, soul-aching, desperate love. But love is misleading. It's an invisible, fleeting moment... -
-
The Deception You Weave by Tracy Lorraine
I never could hide from him.Kane Legend always finds me.And now he’s found out the truth.The dark secret I’ve been hiding, the one that’s been slowly poisoning me from the inside out.The pain of the words falling from my lips, is nothing compared to the look of devastation in his eyes. Or the rage that follows.The way I thought he hated me back then is nothing compared to the damage he can do now... -
Endure by S.E. Hall, Sommer Stein
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsOur vessel may have cracks and dings, tatters in its sail, and sometimes takes on water… but it still cuts through the waves with authority. Because of its Crew— bonded for life. Unsinkable. Will this be our final voyage… or just the beginning of a new chapter in our lives? Endure is best read following Emerge, Embrace, Entangled(novella) and Entice of the Evolve Series...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult college m-f young adult contemporary length-short audiobook -
The Relationship Pact (Kings of Football) by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsHow hard can it be?That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.She hadn’t heard his laugh yet either...Categorized as:
sports new adult college friends to lovers athletes found-family football contemporary -
The Proposal by J. Lynn, Jennifer L. Armentrout
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsTwitter fiction story of Cam and Avery.http://www.iheartbigbooks.com/2014/03...http://www.scribd.com/doc/231133105/T..Categorized as:
new adult college friends to lovers alpha male m-f contemporary young adult male-pov -
Going Long by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThey fell in love in high school and found their way back to one another despite the odds. But can first loves really be forever? For Reed Johnson, the dream was always football. But then Nolan Lennox took over his heart...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers alpha male sports college football young adult contemporary -
Forever You by Allie Everhart
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJade and Garret have a love story like no other. They’ve survived heartache, tragedy, and numerous forces trying to tear them apart, but through it all they’ve developed a love that will endure forever. Now it’s time to celebrate their love with a wedding... -
Let Me Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWill their lives take them in different directions? Jaylinn McCormick is determined to forget that one terrifying night which left her feeling broken and tainted. There is one person who can make her whole again… but he is hell bent on keeping her at arm’s length. She has loved him her entire life but can she wait for him to step up to the plate? Cooper Cahill has loved Jaylinn for years... -
Pieces of You by Jay McLean
They could’ve been perfect.In another time. Another world.Where his wasn’t falling apart.And hers wasn’t already in pieces.-High school senior Holden Eastwood only has one fear in life: growing up.He spends his days unmotivated, moving from one game to the next, searching for his next challenge...Categorized as:
sports new adult angst from hate to love friends to lovers forced proximity m-f contemporary -
The Game Changer: The Final Score by L.M. Trio
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe Game Changer: The Final Score is told from 4 different perspectives: Luke, Mikey, JJ & Deanna... (Teaser #1 & Teaser #2 have been moved to my blog page) The story continues with Luke being released from prison, forced to face many challenges that developed due to his careless decisions. His greatest challenge is facing Jesse, the girl he refuses to let go... -
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsListening time 13 hours 21 minutesLove is a circus"Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip... -
-
#Selfie by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe Hashtag series is the winner of Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopYAcon 2015) #Selfie is the fourth book in the Hashtag Series It's all about the #Selfie. She was the one girl I never wanted. Until I had her. One night. One mistake. Something we both wanted to forget. I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both. At least, I thought I did...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes from hate to love alpha male college new adult sweet heroine -
Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom bestselling author Ella Fields comes an all new standalone. An emotional new adult romance that proves love is worth fighting your demons for. Toby Hawthorne was an enigma. One I didn't factor into my college plans. I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't not looking for it either. And in that state of in-between, he found me. Unaware of the battle he fought everyday, I fell fast... -
Rivals by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen the biggest rockstar in the world invited me into his home, there was one rule:Don’t touch his daughter.For a kid from the wrong side of the tracks with no future, the offer should have been a dream come true.Classy new digs.A fancy prep school.Someone who cares what happens to me.Except for that rule.The rich pricks at my new school worship me. I couldn’t care less...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity new adult from hate to love angst college m-f contemporary -
The Hearts We Fumble by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Brooke O’Brien comes a small-town, brother’s best friend football romance about a guy who swore she was off-limits—but some lines were meant to be crossed.Football rules everything in our small town...Categorized as:
sports football from hate to love friends to lovers athletes new adult siblings-bff young adult -
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMarry the boy next door in this sweet contemporary romance by USA Today Best Selling Author, Jillian Dodd.The gorgeous engagement ring on my finger mimics my happiness. I feel so sparkly, glittery, and full of promise, because I absolutely know he's that boy. The boy I want to marry. My prince. My happily ever after.But then our pastor starts asking lots of questions... -
Red Zone by Riley Paige
CarterI’ve spent my whole life proving people wrong.From foster homes to the football field, I clawed my way out, one yard at a time. And now? I’m on the verge of everything I’ve worked for. The draft. The NFL. The future I’ve always dreamed about.Except all I can think about… is her.Lyla Harding– my coach’s daughter.LylaCarter Hayes is a walking headline waiting to happen...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity new adult alpha male friends-benefits football college -
Runaways by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRunaways . . .You’ve heard about kids running away, but do we ever truly know why they run?Rae and Law had no choice. Forced to run when life let them down, when it was either leave or be subjected to an unimaginable fate.Can they survive?Two young people, completely alone on the streets with nothing but each other.This is their story... -
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 HeartsHe’s the persistent playboy who refuses to walk away... -
Wicked Promises by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L A Cotton continues...Forever is a long time.Summer Stone-Prince has her whole life mapped out. Attend college with her childhood sweetheart. Graduate. Get married and live happily-ever-after. But all it takes are two little words and everything changes.Everything... -
The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucy Larson lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, and has her sights firmly set on a place at Juilliard. She's on her way to the top and has so far been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Well, up until now…Jude Ryder is the quintessential bad boy and everything a girl like Lucy needs to stay away from, especially if she wants to hold onto her dream future... -
-
Dearest Series Boxed Set by Lex Martin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll three books of the bestselling Dearest series--Dearest Clementine, Finding Dandelion, and Kissing Madeline--are included in this box set. Dearest Clementine (a bestselling romantic comedy) When Clementine Avery swore off men, she had no idea she'd need real life experience for that romance writing class she accidentally signed up for last spring...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends-benefits friends to lovers contemporary young adult audiobook -
The Game Changer by L.M. Trio
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt’s hard to believe that it only takes one split second in time to turn your world completely upside down. Everything that ever made you feel safe and secure; can be gone in an instant...” Jesse’s world is shattered in that instant…the rest of her life is mapped out by a split second change that she never dreamed could happen... -
Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2 Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
Wild Child by M. Leighton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsJenna Theopolis has always known what she wanted. Getting out of her small hometown of Greenfield was number one on her list of priorities. Until she met Rusty Catron. Rusty’s fun-loving personality was the perfect match for Jenna’s inner wild child. But what started off as a summer fling quickly turns into something more. At least it does for Jenna... -
No Rules by Anita Rigins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsHow to win a game where you know neither the rules nor the codes?Barely arrived on her new campus, Iris witnesses a wave of hysteria in the college corridors. The most select group oncampus has issued an invitation. Who wants to try to join?The Pack members rule the everyone knows them, and everyone wants to be part of it.. -
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne last summer together.One bucket list.One line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…Luna Truly was living on bottled air and borrowed time.She had spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports forced proximity football new adult young adult contemporary length-medium -
Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe highly anticipated sequel to Jamie McGuire’s New York Times and internationally bestselling phenomenon, Beautiful Disaster.Newlyweds Travis and Abby Maddox return from Vegas, hoping to one day leave Eastern State University’s fatal fire in the past. But when the FBI arrives in Eakins, friends quickly become enemies, and the Maddoxes fear their happy ever after could go up in flames...Categorized as:
new adult college from hate to love friends to lovers contemporary young adult audiobook -
Pieces of Me by Jay McLean
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 23 ratings“I loved you then,I love you now,and I’ve loved you every single day in between.” Jameson Taylor is a nomad. A drifter. A memory collector.Or, at least, that’s what’s become of her life ever since she was forced to leave pieces of her fractured heart behind. “This is the fault in our fate, our one undoing:All he’s ever wanted is my happiness,even when it costs him his own...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love angst forced proximity sweet heroine m-f young adult contemporary -
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... -
Pep Talks by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratings(This is the fourth book in the Pepper Jones series, which should be read in order. The first three books in the series may be purchased as a box set for a discounted price, under the title “The Pepper Jones Collection.”) Pepper’s freshman year at college is a harder transition than she anticipated... -
-
Flame by Erin Noelle, Kerry Genova
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m soaring. After years of hard work and determination, I am exactly where I want to be in life. As the top ranked Freestyle Motocross rider in the world, I have more money than I could ever dream of spending and gorgeous women throwing themselves at me in every city I land. I have everything I want. Everything except her... -
The Fouls We Make by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA close proximity, friends-to-lovers sports romance by Brooke O'Brien about a woman who has sworn off dating football players and an all-star running back determined to win her heart and break her rules.I've sworn off dating football players. After my last relationship ended disastrously, I've given up on love entirely...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forced proximity football college friends-benefits alpha male new adult -
Let Me Heal Your Heart by Lily Foster
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLET ME HEAL YOUR HEART Book Four in Lily Foster’s LET ME series First loves are not easily forgotten… Anna has endured more by the age of eighteen than most do in a lifetime. Unless you know her, you see only the beautiful, privileged, bright college freshman who seems to have it all. Few people know what she’s gone through or know who she really is... -
Dare You To Keep Me by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsShe dared to love them, but can she keep them?Choices... Drew had many of them, but one bad decision has put his health and his future in jeopardy.With those choices coming back to bite him in the ass, Drew's up a certain creek without a paddle... -
More Than Water by Renee Ericson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsIt doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel wrong. It just...feels. EJ Cunning, an art history major, dates musicians. Foster Blake, a chemical engineering major, can’t sing a tune. They’re not each other’s type. They’re coworkers. Then, one night leads to sex—sex between friends—which leads to an agreement. It all seems so simple—but nothing ever is. Many layers build a person’s facade... -
When You Were Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen her head was screaming “enough,” her hopeful heart continued to whisper “wait.” It's the only way Valerie Zuniga can justify her ongoing addiction to the amazing but ever, elusive Alex Moreno. Mesmerized by the profound connection neither has ever quite understood, Valerie accepts their crazy relationship for what it is—non-exclusive... -
Can't Let Go by Michelle Lynn
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDex is many things, a college senior, the bassist for The Invisibles, a son, a friend, everything but a boyfriend. Everybody knows him as the shallow guy who’s up for a good time anytime. People rarely take the time to see the loyal guy lying just beneath the happy-go-lucky façade. There are parts of Dex’s life he keeps hidden. Ones he believes no one would understand... -
Starless Nights by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsBeau Hale She said that she was my best friend and then one day she wasn’t. Every day I live with the visible scars, but it’s the invisible ones that hurt the most. They are a constant reminder of everything I’ve lost as well as all the things that I’ll never have. I should be over this by now, it’s been years, but I can’t escape the memories that haunt me...Categorized as:
college athletes friends to lovers new adult contemporary young adult length-medium audiobook -
The Game by HJ Bellus
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 21 ratings**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. Born to shine. Groomed to dominate. Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion… Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field... -
The Shortstop by A.M. Madden
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 21 ratings“Quint and Annie sitting in a tree…K.I.S.S.I.N.G.” Quint Lawson and Annie Weber heard that childhood song over and over and it never bothered them. Even though Quint was only five, Annie wasn’t just his neighbor. She would become his best friend and the love of his life. Annie wasn’t interested in dolls, or girly things when growing up... -
-
The Winning Side by CM Doporto
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLexi’s determined to keep her word and stand by Raven’s side because her love for him is too strong to deny. As Raven learns to deal with the issues that are destined to destroy him and their relationship, their love is taken to a new level. As doors are closed and new ones are opened, Lexi and Raven find themselves in a heavenly bliss, but not without the challenges from Raven’s past... -
Famous Last Words by C.W. Farnsworth
Harlow Hayes has spent three years avoiding Conor Hart. The cocky captain of Holt University’s hockey team makes it easy—he ignores her right back.Plenty of girls fall for the charming lines and that arrogant smirk.Harlow knows better. Knows more.Like the fuel for the fury that makes Conor such a dominant force on the ice. The history they share but didn’t write. The reason they don’t speak...Categorized as:
new adult sports m-f from hate to love college forced proximity friends to lovers athletes -
Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBrynn Nichols is an enigma wrapped up in a riddle I can’t decipher.She’s my best friend’s twin sister, the only girl immune to my charms. Far too wholesome for a player like me.Getting under her skin is my favorite pastime. And it’s not hard to do considering how much she hates me.But when football and summer classes take us to the same college, her brother makes me promise to watch over her... -
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe star quarterback of the Bulldogs was supposed to be my ticket to a normal life, but now I’ve fallen for him…again.He’s my brother’s best friend. The perfect person to fake a relationship with. No feelings involved. Just pretend.He helps me. I help him.We both agreed.Except, things get real…and quick...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers college new adult from hate to love contemporary siblings-bff -
The Same Side by C.M. Doporto
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsThe engagement's off and with Collin behind her, Lexi has decided that the temptations of Raven Davenport are too strong to be ignored. It doesn't take long for Lexi and Raven to find themselves wrapped in each other's affection, but not without the challenges that life poses... -
Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA new book in the Varsity Series is coming soon! Varsity Captain will give readers the experience and backstory of Varsity Heartbreaker (book 1 in the series) told from Lucas Fuller's POV. This is a full-length novel with brand new content and not just a simple retelling...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers from hate to love contemporary young adult audiobook
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.

