Books like 'Defensive Hearts'
Readers who enjoyed Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny from hate to love grumpy sunshine sports new adult athletes spanking cheerful heroine sassy heroine
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Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSammy. I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain. He hates me with every fiber of his being…. It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
![Made For You by Natasha Madison]()
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes. A brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance. A spin-off from the Only One series. Vivienne. I did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on... -
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![When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor]()
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Evie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off. When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again. Number Alec is her best friend’s much older brother... -
![Reshuffle by Emilia Finn]()
Reshuffle by Emilia Finn
The first round is for practice. The second round is for keeps. She was everything Ben ever wanted. But time, distance, and jealousy made it impossible. Now they’re adults, Evie’s back in town after college graduation, and Ben never once let go of what he knew was meant to be... -
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![Scenes from the City by Penny Reid]()
Scenes from the City by Penny Reid
No longer for sale. aka. .. the Festivus Surprise. 100% of proceeds go to Toys for Tots. This book cannot be read as a standalone. It is a collection of short scenes following the ladies from the 'Knitting in the City' series and will only be available in eBook format from December 1 - December 15, 2014. 'Neanderthal Seeks Honeymoon' - Janie and Quinn... -
![One Day Fiance by Lauren Landish]()
One Day Fiance by Lauren Landish
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsI’m Poppy Woodstock. Romance author and wholehearted believer in Happily Ever Afters. A terminal case of writer’s block should be my biggest worry. Then I crash into him—literally—and fall into the most gorgeous pair of blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Connor Bradley. Thief, rebel… and my new neighbor. One slip with the bad boy next door, and my life becomes stranger than any fiction I could ever write... -
![REGRET by Emilia Finn]()
REGRET by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.72 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPreston Danes was born and raised on the streets. Unloved. Unwanted. And quickly discarded. Now he’s a man on the verge of a new career when the infamous Checkmate Security offers him a job. They want to shut down a mafia family, and they need the assistance of a skilled hacker to get the job done. Preston knows code like others know their left hands. He’s perfect for the job... -
![Luke by Tiffany Patterson, Covers by Combs]()
Luke by Tiffany Patterson, Covers by Combs
From Bestselling Author Tiffany Patterson. Luke. Call me what you want to call me. Only one thing mattered and that's claiming the NFA heavyweight title once again. I don't trust people, which is why I have my crew, my manager, Lenny, and myself. That's all I need. At least that was until Syd walked into my gym. Syd. I'm here to train Luke...Categorized as:
sports sassy heroine alpha male possessive hero athletes m-f contemporary multicultural -
![The Legend by Shey Stahl]()
The Legend by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn a lifestyle of speed, adrenaline and desire, one racer has sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. In turn, he will fight for his name, his family and now his life to be the legend he’s been portrayed to be. You can be everything you set out to be if you want it bad enough. You can be that record breaker you said you’d be. You can be that hero you always thought you would be... -
![Ice Cold Rival by Nikki Hall]()
Ice Cold Rival by Nikki Hall
One night, one chance, one hundred percent a lie…. Reece. Hookups are my jam, but I’ve never had a girl shuddering with one breath then running away the next. And I can’t stop thinking about her. Probably for the best I’m trading in party games for extra practices. I can lead us back to the Frozen Four, but I need a sign of my dedication to persuade Coach... -
![Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin]()
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a hockey player in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a fake girlfriend. Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, a disgraced hockey player who needs a place to hide out for a few months while he figures out how to get back on his team... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![Puck Performance by Alley Ciz]()
Puck Performance by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAll's fair in love and potatoes. Melody Brightly. Broadway Star. Pink hair. A smile that hits me harder than a slap shot. Terrible taste in hockey teams. Full of secrets. The one woman I fail to defend my heart against. Jase Donnelly. Defenseman. Charming. Sexy as puck. Makes my hormones give a standing ovation. The one guy I can never be with, but can't stay away from... -
![Dangerous Exes by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Dangerous Exes by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel van Dyken’s scorching series, revenge is a justified pleasure…. Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away... -
![Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant]()
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Houston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose. Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships... -
![Blades of Glory by Toni Aleo]()
Blades of Glory by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsOld vs. Young. Experience vs. Attitude. No Teeth vs. Also No Teeth…. It’s the game some of these players have been waiting a lifetime for. The veterans of the Nashville Assassins versus the new generation of players—their sons... -
![Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Senator’s Daughter: Hannah by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHANNAH COCKER. Every man I've dated in this city has either bored me or hurt me. When Sofia Sol, my crazy cousin, offers a ride on the back of her Harley with no destination in mind besides out-of-Atlanta, what do you think my answer is? I'll give you one guess. TOBIAS KYRKOS. Life doesn't ever hand you what you want. You have to take it... -
![Happy Halloween from the Montgomerys by Kristen Proby]()
Happy Halloween from the Montgomerys by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCaleb is spending his first Halloween as a dad! -
![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... -
![The Anti-Heroes Collection by Parker S. Huntington, L.J. Shen]()
The Anti-Heroes Collection by Parker S. Huntington, L.J. Shen
From USA Today bestselling authors L. J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington, and Ava Harrison comes a collection of three full-length standalone romances, featuring filthy anti-heroes and the sassy women who tame them. Includes never-before-seen bonus epilogues! Shattered Dynasty by Ava Harrison. Trent Aldridge is the devil. Rich. Arrogant. Sinfully handsome. He holds my inheritance in his hands... -
![Bang Out by Penny Clarke]()
Bang Out by Penny Clarke
Kennedy needs one night. They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. And I know just who. Spencer Armstrong has a reputation on campus―for bar brawls, a bad attitude, and boundless booty calls. I can’t stand him. Which means he’s perfect to get me past this post-break-up dating slump. One night is all I need...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love sassy heroine athletes cold hero alpha male spanking -
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![Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp]()
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
![Wrong Number, Right Grump by Piper Cook]()
Wrong Number, Right Grump by Piper Cook
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWrong number. Right timing. I left my ex the world’s most unhinged breakup voicemail—complete with colorful language, a few creative threats, and a playlist he could shove where the sun doesn’t shine. Only…I vented to the wrong number. Worse? The stranger listened to my rambling rant and had the nerve to respond...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine cheerful heroine sassy heroine cold hero m-f contemporary humor length-novella -
![Not That Impressed by Ranee S. Clark]()
Not That Impressed by Ranee S. Clark
I’m totally fine if America wants to cast me as the villain. So why do I care if brooding football player Will Pemberton believes it too? But honestly? It stings more than it should when Will—grumpy football star and walking scowl—judges me based on a five-second video from Being the Bennets, my family’s reality TV show. Maybe it’s because his best friend is dating my sister... -
![Hockey Player Seeking Fan by J.S. Cooper]()
Hockey Player Seeking Fan by J.S. Cooper
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s the hottest hockey player in the league and she hates him. She’s his best friend's little sister and he knows to stay away. Neither one of them fully understands how he became her secret relationship coach. Hockey superstar Tyler Kane knew that Erica Carrington was going to be trouble the very first moment he met her...Categorized as:
sports hockey from hate to love alpha male siblings-bff super rich hero age difference contemporary -
![The Plan by Karla Sorensen]()
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be... -
![Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter]()
Text Me Baby One More Time by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA SECOND-CHANCE ROMANTIC COMEDY! I love you , he said. Forever , he said. Turns out, he lied. When he leaves me high and dry after a cross-country move, I push him out of my life as much as I can, which is hard to do when the guy who broke your heart also happens to be the most famous dude in town...Categorized as:
new adult athletes from hate to love sports m-f humor friends to lovers contemporary -
![Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Complicated Christmas Romance by Grace Worthington
He's allergic to Christmas. She practically bleeds tinsel. Their holiday collision is about to get complicated. Single mom Janie Bennett has one pull off the perfect Christmas pageant for her kindergarten class. What she doesn't need is the world's grumpiest hockey player ruining her holly-jolly plans. Enter Rourke Riley, Mr... -
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
![Faking It with #41 by Piper Rayne]()
Faking It with #41 by Piper Rayne
Fake. Being the heir to Jacobs Enterprises, I’ve been around fake people my entire life. I promised myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t change for anyone. Which is the only reason I’m a professional hockey player who lives on the beach and does as he pleases without answering to anyone—except my father. And now, my daughter... -
![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... -
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![Dear Roomie by Kate Meader]()
Dear Roomie by Kate Meader
Reid Durand isn't here to make friends. Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel purely on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women. Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle... -
![Mollify by Xavier Neal]()
Mollify by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDean "Mr. O" Kellar has been following closely in the footsteps of his famous adopted father for years, but when Megan Davis pops back into his life suddenly he starts following him in a new light. She was the girl who saved Dean when they were children and the girl he needs to save now... -
![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... -
![Evil is Forever by Trilina Pucci]()
Evil is Forever by Trilina Pucci
In this sizzling sequel to One Killer Night, a special effects artist and a hotshot chef put their shared past to the test to survive a stalker—and their feelings for each other. It’s been two years since Evie and Chase clawed their way out of the real-life horror movie that would define most people. They’ve finally moved on. Or so they thought. Evie’s doing special effects for a new slasher film... -
![Temptress by Jessica Prince]()
Temptress by Jessica Prince
Who knew the grumpy single dad next door would turn out to be The One? As Sloane Chambers stood at her window and creeped on the new guy moving in next door, she was immediately drawn to the tattoos, muscles, and the way his jeans hugged his perfect . . . frame. But when she caught him hacking up her rose bushes with a chain saw, the battle was on...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine cold hero from hate to love alpha male m-f sassy heroine contemporary humor -
![Since I Fell For You by Bella Andre]()
Since I Fell For You by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with the San Francisco and Seattle Sullivans. Now get ready to fall in love with the New York Sullivans! BOOK DESCRIPTION: Suzanne Sullivan doesn't need a bodyguard. After all, she's one of the most successful digital security specialists in the world―so she can most certainly take care of herself despite the problems she's been running into lately... -
![The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington]()
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Getting involved with your brother’s best friend is risky enough. But when he's a hockey player? It's a whole new level of bad idea. As a ravenous reader, I’ve got a I’m obsessed with hockey romances. But let me tell you, real life hockey players are nothing like my book boyfriends. So I threw down the gauntlet on BookTok. I challenged any single guy out there to prove me wrong... -
![The Trouble With Gravity (Gravity Series) by K.K. Allen]()
The Trouble With Gravity (Gravity Series) by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsKai's life is a series of choreographed steps, each one shielding her from the tragic memories of her past. Audition, dance, paycheck, repeat. It's a broken record, but it's what keeps her world spinning... -
![Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince]()
Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Beau Wade left his small hometown of Whitecap, Oregon, he swore to himself he’d never go back. But when his NFL career goes up in smoke, that’s exactly what he finds himself doing. Not much has changed in the ten years he’s been gone... -
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![Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin]()
Love in Overtime by Melissa Baldwin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying hockey in Maple Falls was meant to be just a charity gig, but then my new publicist showed up, melting the ice—and my heart. Cooper. I never anticipated being roped into a charity hockey game during the off-season. But here I am, heading to Maple Falls, all because my publicist decided to retire. Change was inevitable, but I didn't foresee it coming so soon... -
![Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington
He’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 hockey from hate to love m-f cold hero athletes sassy heroine possessive hero -
![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... -
![The Race by Alice Ward]()
The Race by Alice Ward
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI like it fast. She likes it faster. Who will win this race? As founder and CEO of UnCaged Fitness, I sponsor some of the hottest fitness properties around. Top female athletes and models beg for my attention. I’m rich. I’m ruthless. And when it comes to my business, I don’t play around. Until Emma James and her beautiful curves comes to Daytona... -
![Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance. Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do. Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me. Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff. Then life slows me down. Way down... -
![The Winning Score by G.K. Brady]()
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together? Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy...Categorized as:
from hate to love hockey sports new adult athletes contemporary forced proximity dual-pov
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