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
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A Sign of Affection, Vol. 3 by Suu Morishita
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 41 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]()
#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... -
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![Coast by Jay McLean]()
Coast by Jay McLean
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 29 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... -
![That Promise by Jillian Dodd]()
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 -
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![Fallen Crest Campout: A Fallen Crest/Crew crossover novella by Tijan]()
Fallen Crest Campout: A Fallen Crest/Crew crossover novella by Tijan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsSam and Mason return to Fallen Crest for a camping trip.They head north, meeting up with a few friends from Roussou and enjoy a night of booze, some leapfrogging, and there’s a small therapy session to air out some tension in the group... -
![Gentry Boys by Cora Brent]()
Gentry Boys by Cora Brent
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 27 ratings“All my life I’d always known what the Gentry boys were. A set of fraternal triplets born to a depraved family, they were rough, sexy and wild as wolves..." DRAW They called us ‘those white trash Gentry boys’ until we believed that’s what we were. Our people squatted at the edge of a hellhole prison town for generations. The childhood we endured was the stuff of nightmares... -
![Endure by S.E. Hall, Sommer Stein]()
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... -
![Without You by Kelly Elliott]()
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 -
![Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross]()
Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 40 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... -
![Going Long by Ginger Scott]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
Reckless Love by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 28 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 -
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![Trust Him by Caitlyn Dare]()
Trust Him by Caitlyn Dare
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratings𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗺. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻.Hadley Rexford wasn’t supposed to get under my skin. But I thought she was like me, until I push her too far, and destroy everything we had.I want to hurt her.Consume her. In the end, I’ll make sure she’s only ever mine.Cole Jagger wasn’t to supposed to become everything to me... -
![That Wedding by Jillian Dodd]()
That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 37 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... -
![Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![The Fake Zone by Mariah Dietz]()
The Fake Zone by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA romance that will have you on the edge of your seat by USA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz.Greyson Meyers can’t afford the distraction of a relationship. His focus is football and earning his degree to ensure his mom never has to work another day.Mila Atwool has it all together—at least, that’s what everyone thinks... -
![The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine
From USA Today bestselling author Tracy Lorraine comes a new dark bully college romance.Some demons we can't outrun.Kane Legend is mine.The gorgeous boy who always finds me.The ruthless bully I've spent my life avoiding.Even leaving Harrow Creek wasn't enough to escape his torment.Because I didn't stay away and neither could he.One weekend home... one party.One night that ruined everything... -
![Fumbled Futures: A Sports Romance Collection by Meagan Brandy]()
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... -
![The Game Changer by L.M. Trio]()
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... -
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![The Secret Ex-Boyfriend by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie]()
The Secret Ex-Boyfriend by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"Don’t have a best friend that’s a girl" — this was the advice from my older cousin. I didn’t take it. Because he followed with, "friends don’t f*ck friends. And you’ll want to f*ck her." It was terrible advice. My cousin should’ve told me that being best friends with Baylee Wright — since she was twelve — would be the best and worst decision of my life... -
![The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![Tangled by Laura Pavlov]()
Tangled by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
![Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire]()
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... -
![The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore]()
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 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 -
![The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak]()
The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 36 ratings"When I met Oliver Perry, I had no clue he was the lead singer for The Heartbreakers. And he had no idea that I was the only girl in the world who hated his music." Stella will do anything for her sick sister, Cara—even stand in line for an autographed Heartbreakers CD...for four hours. She's totally winning best birthday gift this year... -
![Defenseless Hearts by Meagan Brandy]()
Defenseless Hearts by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter months of silence, here she stands on my front porch, waiting to be let in again. But it's the same play every time, and I know how this ends - I give her all I have and she carries it with her on the way back to him. I should turn her away, but I won't. Couldn't do it if I tried. Because no matter how many times she pops back up, pulls me in and drags me under, it will never be enough... -
![Pep Talks by Ali Dean]()
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... -
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![Flame by Erin Noelle, Kerry Genova]()
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]()
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 -
![Let Me Heal Your Heart by Lily Foster]()
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]()
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... -
![Seven Shades of You by A.M. Johnson]()
Seven Shades of You by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratings**Stand Alone** Her world was color. Canvas and paint. Indie O’Connell lived inside her head. Her voices the muse. And as a freshman at St. Peter's College, all she wanted, was to create a name for herself with the brush in her hand. His world was over. Despite his humble upbringing, Kai Carter seemed to have it all. Captain of the swim team and a full scholarship... -
![The Prelude of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen]()
The Prelude of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsWhen Ella Daniels and Micha Scott are fourteen, they make a pact to leave the small town of Star Grove and create better lives for themselves. The pact was made as best friends, but over the next six years, their friendship begins to intensify. Feelings change. Grow. Veer towards love. But one tragic night changes everything. Hearts get broken. And the future they had planned changes forever... -
![Can't Let Go by Michelle Lynn]()
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]()
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... -
![The Shortstop by A.M. Madden]()
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 Ever After of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen]()
The Ever After of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Temptation of Lila and Ethan comes a story of change, hope, and unbreakable vows. The day Ella has waited for is just around the corner. It's the day she'll marry Micha, the love of her life, the light that guided her out of the darkness... -
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![The Winning Side by CM Doporto]()
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... -
![Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao]()
Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao
Dear Wendy's Sophie and Jo, two aromantic and asexual students at Wellesley College, engage in an online feud while unknowingly becoming friends in real life, in this dual POV Young Adult contemporary debut from Ann Zhao... -
![Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham]()
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 Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham]()
The Falling of Love by Marisa Oldham
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou will never forget your first date, your first kiss, or your first love. You will also never forget how it felt when it was torn apart. Seventeen-year old Grace Hathaway does not give much thought to falling in love, until the day that Ian Taylor, rebel and misfit walks into her math class. From their first conversation, Grace is mesmerized by Ian's charisma and rock star façade... -
![Surviving Us by Erin Noelle]()
Surviving Us by Erin Noelle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTwo survivors. Two weeks. One awakening. When Bristol Criswell travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. A vacation fling is the furthest thing from her mind, especially not with a cocky-mouthed, arrogant jerk like Davis McKay... -
![Easy to Love You by Megan Smith]()
Easy to Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsHunter finally has MacKenzie Cahill, the girl of his dreams. A horrible accident finds those dreams threatened. As their lives change, secrets begin to surface. These revelations could prove to be either the downfall of Hunter and MacKenzie or the catalyst that strengthens their bond. Hunter has painful choices to make...
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