Books like 'Playing by the Rules'
Readers who enjoyed Playing by the Rules by Monica Murphy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult sports college new adult friends to lovers secret-relationship siblings-bff football m-f
-
A Sign of Affection, Vol. 3 by Suu Morishita
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 43 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... -
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been two years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers siblings-bff m-f contemporary young adult high-school -
#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... -
-
Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsLife loves a good curveball… Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold) , attending an all-girls school (no boys) , and navigating the strange world of professional sports... -
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 -
Without You by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAlex and Will have spent months keeping their relationship hidden from their families. Getting caught prematurely causes them to admit their love for each other to their parents. One decision made by Alex's father changes her entire world, shattering her plans for the future...Categorized as:
friends to lovers college forbidden love new adult m-f contemporary cowboys young adult -
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 m-f contemporary young adult male-pov alpha male -
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 sports college football young adult contemporary alpha male -
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... -
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... -
Reckless Love by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sexy small-town, single dad, friends-to-lovers romance by USA Today bestselling author, Willow AsterI fell in love with Rhodes Archer the night we met thirteen years ago.We made a pact that night to never cross the just-friends zone.However, Rhodes crossed that line by kissing me recently, and I can’t get over it...Categorized as:
friends to lovers football forced proximity sports forbidden love new adult secret-relationship m-f -
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... -
-
The Final Move by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsHockey legend Devin Garrison thought he blew his shot. But his relationship with Callie Caplan just went into overtime.Sexy, rich, and one of the biggest stars in the NHL, Devin Garrison has always been the one who had it all. That is until his marriage falls apart and he realizes he has to start over. If he's honest, there has only been one woman who ever really excited him-Callie Caplan...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers athletes contemporary young adult hockey length-medium -
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsThe 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. His parents say I haven’t dealt with my past. I have horrible wedding disaster dreams. I can’t find the perfect dress... -
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... -
Drops of Rain by Kathryn Andrews
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAli Rain Sometimes I think to myself, “How did I get here?” Then the pain hits and I remember…it’s because she’s gone. I now live in a new town, go to a new school, and I’m supposed to be moving on with my new life. Only, I no longer know who I am anymore. Dancing is all I have left and every day I feel completely alone. Silence has become the theme song to my life... -
Fumbled Futures: A Sports Romance Collection by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
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... -
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 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 -
All Broke Down by Cora Carmack
In this second book in "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author Cora Carmack s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with "All Lined Up," a young woman discovers that you can t only fight for what you believe in sometimes you have to fight for what you love. Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one...Categorized as:
sports new adult friends to lovers athletes college contemporary bad boys young adult -
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... -
-
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 forbidden love college forced proximity friends to lovers athletes -
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... -
Shift by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBlurb to...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers siblings-bff young adult contemporary length-short audiobook -
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... -
The Fouls We Make by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
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... -
Tangled by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsForbidden bad boy. Best friend's little sister. An undeniable attraction. He's determined to push her away. She's determined to stay."Romantic and heartwarming! Tangled is five big stars! A top read for 2021!" Adriana Locke, USA Today Bestselling AuthorI’ve known Gray Baldwin my entire life.He’s an arrogant frat boy with a red Solo cup permanently attached to his hand... -
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 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... -
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: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 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 siblings-bff college new adult contemporary from hate to love -
Breathe, Annie, Breathe (Hundred Oaks) by Miranda Kenneally
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsAnnie hates running. No matter how far she jogs, she can’t escape the guilt that if she hadn’t broken up with Kyle, he might still be alive. So to honor his memory, she starts preparing for the marathon he intended to race. But the training is even more grueling than Annie could have imagined. Despite her coaching, she’s at war with her body, her mind—and her heart...Categorized as:
athletes sports college new adult forced proximity contemporary young adult high-school -
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... -
In Your Heart by Micalea Smeltzer
"I thought I had found love. I thought I had found my forever. I’d never been more wrong in all my life." Sadie Westbrook’s seemingly perfect life comes to a screeching halt when she catches her fiancé in bed with another woman...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers friends-benefits m-f contemporary musicians young adult length-long -
Intercepted by Emma Hart
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsFour people. Four goals. Four endings. In the third and final book of the USA Today bestselling By His Game series, the rules of the game no one knew they’d have to play are blurring, and when the past becomes the opposing team, hearts aren’t the only thing at stake of being lost… Finding naked pictures of her best friend on her boyfriend’s phone wasn’t in Everleigh White’s five year plan...Categorized as:
athletes friends to lovers sports new adult young adult contemporary second chances length-medium -
Forever Love by Chelsea Landon, Megan Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor a limited time only, enjoy books one, Forever Dark, and two, Forever Light, in the Forever Love Series together. Forever changed by one night that leaves their lives, love, and sacrifices forever altered... -
Player Problems by Samantha Bee
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBaylorTorryn Gray is bold, brash, and has a reputation that rivals even mine.She should be terrifying, but I’m only intrigued, captivated by the way she doesn’t need to be the center of attention.Coming off a season where my past exploits haunted me, I’ve vowed to be more careful about who I let into my bed. Someone who won’t distract me. Who won’t attempt to manipulate or take advantage... -
How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying Hours: A College Wrestling RomCom by Sara Ney
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsHe is a CRUDE. ARROGANT. A**HOLE.Sebastian ‘Oz’ Osborne is a walking, talking cliche. One of the university’s most celebrated student athlete—and possibly the biggest douchebag-- Oz has a filthy mouth, a fantastic body, and doesn’t give a sh*t about what I, or anyone else, thinks.He loves to have fun, but loves winning even more...I am SMART. CLASSY. CONSERVATIVE... -
-
Shutout by Avery Keelan
Tiktok sensation Avery Keelan is back with the second in the addictive Rules of the Game series, Shutout, an unputdownable and steamy college hockey romance.He's the tall, tattooed stranger I hooked up with on Halloween... and now he's my new roommate.After a sudden cross-country move, I’m stuck crashing with my older brother and two of his hockey teammates for sophomore year... -
The Fullback and his Best Friend by Anne-Marie Meyer, Maggie Dallen
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was my best friend until...he kissed me.OliviaTo say that I'm excited to have my best friend come live with me is an understatement. Even though he's not my boyfriend and I would never look at him as such, I'm excited that with him around, I'm no longer the ninth wheel.Plus, having a movie buddy to watch my favorite movie Dirty Dancing is a plus. Even if he rolls his eyes everytime we watch it...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers m-f football young adult high-school contemporary length-short -
Her First Kiss: Londons story by M.J. Fields
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA new adult / college / sports romance novel from USA Today bestselling author, MJ Fields . One woman with her entire life in front of her. Having experienced a lifetime’s amount of loss and love under the spotlight of her stepfather and stepbrother’s rock and roll stardom, London Fields decides now is her time to shine... -
Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEven tough girls need saving. Jude Brooks is bad news. He’s the kind of guy that leaves behind a string of broken hearts and Tatum O’ Connor is not about to be one of those girls, despite all of Jude’s advances. They have a past, and Tatum’s determined to make sure they don’t have a future. Unfortunately for her, “no” isn’t a word in Jude’s vocabulary... -
Winter Wedding by Rochelle Paige
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll Alexa wants is to walk down the aisle to Drake with their family and friends surrounding them. Feeling the loss of her mother more acutely than ever, she agrees to a lavish event in an effort to please her new mother-in-law. The stress of a high-profile wedding starts to wear on her – and that’s before things even start to go wrong. All Drake wants is to make Alexa his wife... -
A Different Side: Book 4 by C.M. Doporto
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe highly anticipated story from the University Park Series. Park Hill University’s star quarterback, Raven Davenport, has every woman dying to get caught in his trap, but he’s only interested in catching one girl – Lexi Thompson...
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.