Books like 'The Playing Game'
Readers who enjoyed The Playing Game by Ainsley Booth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports athletes hockey m-f praise-kink competent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero
-
Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde
Hallie. When I was eleven, my family moved next door to his. When I was thirteen, he was my first crush. When I was sixteen, we fell for each other. And when I was nineteen, we broke each other's hearts. Six years later, I've landed an internship with a big-name interior designer in a new city. Unfortunately, that city just so happens to be the one he plays hockey for... -
![Beauty by Brittanee Nicole]()
Beauty by Brittanee Nicole
There’s an unspoken rule in hockey: don’t date your teammates’ little sister. Dating the coach’s little sister might be even worse. Not to mention bro code, which clearly states a best friend’s little sister is off limits. And I’m definitely prohibited from dating the owner of the team...Categorized as:
sports athletes hockey m-f second chances competent heroine anal sex secret-relationship -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links / Remove ads -
![Unravel Me by Becka Mack]()
Unravel Me by Becka Mack
Golden boy. Notorious serial dater. The NHL’s most eligible bachelor. That’s what the headlines say about me, at least. I wish I could say they’re not accurate, but truthfully? I don’t even know who I am anymore. Between a soul-crushing ex-girlfriend and a never-ending queue of dates gone wrong, one thing has become glaringly I don’t want to be Adam Lockwood...Categorized as:
sports athletes sweet-hero super rich hero hockey insta-love sweet heroine height-difference -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
Jeremy. Seeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning...Categorized as:
sports age difference athletes friends to lovers secret-relationship multicultural angst caretaking -
-
![Making You Mine by Melissa Foster]()
Making You Mine by Melissa Foster
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection...Categorized as:
super rich hero m-f angst age difference height-difference caretaking friends to lovers insta-love -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
Seth by Carly Marie
Be yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes caretaking secret-relationship praise-kink christmas hockey -
![My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh]()
My Merry Mistake by Courtney Walsh
Sometimes the perfect gift is standing right in front of you. . . You're just too stubborn to see it. I don’t like to make mistakes. Ever. Especially when those mistakes are witnessed by the same person—flirty Finn Holbrook—who can’t seem to leave me alone... -
![Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor]()
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
My requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey. Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out. But then he shows up at my symphony concert. And I catch the sweet strains of Dvorak floating across the hall...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey m-f sweet heroine working class heroine super rich hero athletes -
![The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini]()
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini
How many weddings does it take to fall in love? One year ago, Amelie had it all. Almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant: her life was exactly what she’d ordered. Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, popped up out of nowhere and proved she might like something off menu. ***. One year later, Amelie has lost it all... -
![Endgame by Willa Gray]()
Endgame by Willa Gray
She’s about to proposition a famous hockey player…. Eleanor Ford is ready for a fresh start. Away from her dead-end relationship, her grieving dad, and the city that so deeply reminds her of her mom. Things are off to a good start when she hooks up with the hottest guy she’s ever met. …and she has no idea. Matthew Anderson feels like a ticking time bomb...Categorized as:
hockey friends to lovers age difference sports angst m-f class difference height-difference -
![Love Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Love Me Forever by Layla Hagen
A surprise baby romance from USA Today bestselling author Layla Hagen. The first time I met Travis Maxwell, he completely charmed me. We spent a glorious week together, knowing that we'd go our separate ways in the end. One month later, two blue lines turn my life upside down. I'm pregnant. And the number Travis gave me is no longer in service... -
![Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde]()
Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips, Erika Wilde
He’s not just a bachelor up for auction …. He’s her sexy birthday gift for the weekend. But will she be able to forgive him when she finds out he’s hiding more than a little secret? Georgia Brooks had no intention of bidding on a bachelor at the charity auction, but her sister has other ideas and gifts her with a man for her birthday weekend. But not just any man . . . Drew Daniels... -
![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
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... -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn 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... -
-
![Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas]()
Sealed With A Kiss by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her celebrity crush needs her to be his fake girlfriend? Keep her damned feelings to herself, of course. Child TV star turned adult wallflower Naomi LeClaire has vowed never to return to the spotlight. But when she’s stuck in a storm with Donovan Foster, the hot, charming, wild-life rescuing internet sensation, and she finally gives in and kisses him. .Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers secret-relationship m-f contemporary humor black-mc bwwm -
![A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo]()
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
![Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow]()
Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow
In my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash. Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger. Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey? But wait, there’s more. When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again...Categorized as:
sports hockey m-f athletes friends to lovers competent heroine caretaking sweet heroine -
![A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce]()
A Risk Worth Taking by Jessica Joyce
Claire Ashford has always led a careful life—her family didn't nickname her Claireful for nothing. But after ending a relationship that was equal parts safe and unfulfilling, she recognizes just how much her caution has cost her and dedicates herself to leaving her Claireful ways behind. Her first chance to take a risk comes with a job opportunity in San Francisco...Categorized as:
insta-love christmas m-f sweet heroine sweet-hero sunny hero contemporary forced proximity -
![Accidentally Fudging the Beast by Nichole Rose]()
Accidentally Fudging the Beast by Nichole Rose
Nothing tastes as good as chocolate…until it nearly kills the hot hockey star of your dreams. Dani. I had a vision when I made fudge for the team's homemade Secret Santa exchange. It didn't involve nearly killing Trent Kirk, the hot hockey star I've been obsessing over for months, but here we are anyway. Now, he's insisting that I spend Christmas break helping him recover... -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance. Wanted. A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
![Bad Call by C.L. Rose]()
Bad Call by C.L. Rose
EMMETTFrom the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she’d be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn’t long before it all fell apart...Categorized as:
sports m-f height-difference second chances caretaking anal sex independent heroine sassy heroine -
![The Christmas List by Maren Moore]()
The Christmas List by Maren Moore
From bestselling author of The Mistletoe Bet, Maren Moore comes a second chance, single dad, holiday novella full of Christmas sugar and spice. I love Christmas. So much so that in my smalltown I’m known as The Queen of Christmas. And no one knows holiday festivities quite like Strawberry Hollow. Only this Christmas season delivers an unexpected twist in the form of Wyatt Owens... -
![Boone by Sawyer Bennett]()
Boone by Sawyer Bennett
Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down. As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game... -
![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me. I feel like he’s falling for me, too. And then my ex shows up...Categorized as:
sports age difference friends to lovers m-f contemporary humor length-short audiobook -
-
![As You Ice It by Emma St. Clair]()
As You Ice It by Emma St. Clair
If at first you don’t succeed, DO NOT try, try again. At least not when it comes to dating a hockey player. When Naomi met Camden Cole on Oakley Island, she assumed he would be gone in a week or two like any other tourist passing through. Perfect for a fun summer relationship. A temporary one... -
![The Love You Win by Piper Hale]()
The Love You Win by Piper Hale
One broken heart. One winning bid at a date auction. One hot, grumpy hockey player. What could go wrong? According to my best friends, five months is too long to nurse a broken heart. They’re determined to push me out of my nest made of sweatpants and sadness. I need to date; they say. They have the perfect plan; they say...Categorized as:
hockey sweet heroine super rich hero athletes insta-love m-f sports working class heroine -
![Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love]()
Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance in the Sweet Sports Kisses Series. A reformed bad boy, an heiress with a secret, and a forbidden love. Blake. Groomed to run my father’s company, I dream of flying down the speedway. Not "flying" a desk. Forbidden from chasing my dream, I spend my free time helping kids chase theirs while waiting for fate to claim me... -
![This Is Love by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Love by Natasha Madison
From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off series This is. .. Vivienne. Never fall in love. That was my motto, and I was sticking to it. Having my heart broken once was enough, and I never wanted to do it again. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, the only thing I do. One rule shouldn’t be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey m-f anal sex sassy heroine independent heroine athletes -
![The Fall of East by Nana Malone]()
The Fall of East by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTHE SIZZLING CONCLUSION TO THE HEAR NO EVIL TRILOGY. Nyla Kincade has stolen my ruthless heart. Now that she owns it I’m not taking it back. I’ve vowed to protect her and all that we love with everything that I have. I will die before I break that oath. Considering the danger we face, that might be a careless promise. But I’ve fought this hard for vengeance, I must see it through... -
![Born to Sin by Rosalind James]()
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute. Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
![Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne]()
Charity Case: The Complete Series by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese three women are the toughest juries they’ll ever have to plead their case to. THIS BOX SET INCLUDES…. Clean Slate (Charity Case #0. 5). Moving two thousand miles away wasn’t my plan, but when family needs you, you come. Before I can head back to my hometown of Chicago though, I have two men to say good-bye to. Neither one of them will be happy to hear the news... -
![Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi]()
Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“I want you to date my daughter. ”. Those seven words hit Nolan Reid like a puck to the head. Once destined for NHL stardom, a skiing accident left Nolan driving the Zamboni for the San Diego Sea Lions. But his humble life of maintaining the ice is about to get complicated. The billionaire owner’s insane plan? Nolan fake-dates his daughter Zena to ignite her ex’s jealousy... -
![Charming CEO by Lila Monroe]()
Charming CEO by Lila Monroe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"He's the bane of my existence. .. and my brother's best friend! " Fall for a new trope-tactic off-limits rom-com book from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe! Flynn McCord is ruggedly charming, impossibly annoying, and… my brother’s best friend. He’s been driving me crazy as long as I can remember - and not even in a sexy, fun ‘oh my god, don’t stop’ kind of way...Categorized as:
angst super rich hero m-f age difference caretaking forbidden love friends to lovers insta-love -
![Fighting For You by Layla Hagen]()
Fighting For You by Layla Hagen
Sexiest soccer player. Top-scoring athlete. America's favorite party boy. Jace Connor has received many titles in his career, and enjoyed them all. Although, he’s working on changing the last one. There’s more to Jace than the media portrays—a man who loves his tight-knit family, being his nieces’ and nephews’ favorite uncle... -
-
![The Crush by Karla Sorensen]()
The Crush by Karla Sorensen
You know that girl from your past that you can’t quite stop thinking about? The one that you pushed away because you had a goal that seemed so much bigger, so much more important than any crush you might have had? That’s Adaline Wilder for me. Nothing came before football. Not in college, and not in my five years in the pros...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers angst athletes independent heroine sassy heroine sunny hero m-f -
![Charming as Puck by Pippa Grant]()
Charming as Puck by Pippa Grant
The man could charm the panties off a nun. .. Nick Murphy. Hockey god. My best friend’s big brother. My friend-with-mindblowing-benefits. The best thing to happen to my nether regions since my subscription to the toy of the month club. The man I’ve been secretly in love with for years. And total ass. I am so done with him. Except there’s one small problem...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes hockey competent heroine m-f second chances secret-relationship -
![The Image of You by Melanie Moreland]()
The Image of You by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFrom NYT best selling author Melanie Moreland comes an epic love story of loss and redemption. I realized in that one moment something was terribly wrong. “I apologize,” she spoke, sounding formal. “You have me at a disadvantage. ”. Her hand rose in greeting. “I’m Alexandra Robbins…and you are? ”. I stared at her hand and then her beautiful face... -
![Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen]()
Love Letters to Christmas by Camilla Evergreen
He's the best mail lead around, and I'm just his childhood friend turned roommate. .. I've spent my life battling to manage my parents' impossible expectations and trying to catch the eye of Brian Single, a man whose head only turns for mail...Categorized as:
christmas friends to lovers angst m-f insta-love sweet heroine tortured heroine sweet-hero -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine m-f humor contemporary strong heroine 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. On her own... -
![Workplace Tyrant by R.K. Lilley]()
Workplace Tyrant by R.K. Lilley
TURNER THE TYRANT HAS MET HIS MATCH. I was done for. Profoundly screwed. The issue, of course, was my assistant, Devereux. She was slowly but surely driving me crazy. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Hiring her was supposed to bring order to my life. Instead, she’d brought disorder. Chaos. Irritation. Malaise. Comfort. Exuberance. Delight. I was obsessed with her. Truly, irrevocably obsessed... -
![Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole]()
Wishing for Champagne Kisses by Brittanee Nicole
Best Friends Don’t Kiss. Ryan Manning has been my best friend since we were kids. He’s my secret keeper. The holder of all my truths and the person I admire most in the world. He’s also a Lumbersnack and the man I’ve secretly pined after for decades. But we don’t talk about that. I’m just here in Lake Tahoe for the next week to play the part of his doting girlfriend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers christmas angst sweet-hero sassy heroine competent heroine m-f humor -
![Marry Christmas by Kat Baxter]()
Marry Christmas by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s the one who got away. The one I’ve never been able to forget. The one who can never forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made. Now, it’s my grandmother’s dying wish to see Maggie and I married. If we can stay married for year, there’s a fortune on the line. But first we have to spend Christmas with my family and convince them we’re in love...Categorized as:
second chances christmas class difference super rich hero m-f contemporary humor fake relationship -
![The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale]()
The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you get when you combine one drunken night in Vegas, your brother’s best friend, and a twenty-four-hour chapel? One giant, hot hockey player mistake. Growing up with a hockey hot-shot for a brother, I’ve spent my life surrounded by cocky men. I know the ins and outs of the games they play both on and off the ice. Which is why I’d never date one of them. And marriage? Absolutely not... -
-
![Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi]()
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…. When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one. Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
![Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray]()
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me. Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods. It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...Categorized as:
age difference m-f independent heroine competent heroine sunny hero humor contemporary cold heroine -
![Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner]()
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life. .. no, this isn't the start of a bad joke. I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger. But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her...Categorized as:
sports hockey m-f age difference competent heroine independent heroine sweet-hero sunny hero -
![The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor]()
The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou can’t appreciate all the implications of the word “conflicted” until you come face to face with the guy you’ve been secretly lusting after for weeks. .. and then learn he’ll be signing your paychecks—Angelina Rappaport. Some people might call me sheltered. That doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve been practically sequestered my whole life... -
![Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly]()
Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly
Bad ideas are kind of my superpower. .. I’m Ben Boerboom, the NHL’s favorite puck boy, and Lara's my slamming hot, former bestie. She's also the friend who got away and my dirty, dirty accomplice from those two insane weeks that weren't supposed to change anything. .. but did. I wanted it all. Would have wrapped my forever around her finger if she'd let me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports hockey m-f second chances competent heroine independent heroine sunny hero -
![Sweet, Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster]()
Sweet, Sexy Heart by Melissa Foster
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster's writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. All Love in Bloom books can be enjoyed as stand-alone novels or as part of the larger series. In SWEET, SEXY HEART. .
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
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.
