Books like 'Play It Hard'
Readers who enjoyed Play It Hard by Michelle Hercules also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult sports from hate to love new adult college athletes possessive hero forced proximity hockey
-
Fallen Crest Forever by Tijan
Mason Kade is the dream. He is the promise. He's offering what so many would fantasize about, and it's not that I don't want it/him/us. It's the opposite. There might be ghosts haunting me, but this man who's my soulmate is asking me for forever. How can I say no to someone who already gave me my happily ever after? The last full-length novel for the Fallen Crest Series! -
#Bae by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 34 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... -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
#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... -
Fallen Crest Campout by Tijan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 29 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. Empty chair, anyone? Enjoy a novella crossover between the Fallen Crest series and the crew series! -
-
Clipped by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsThings are heating up for the Sinclair boys! With one already in the NHL, Jayden Sinclair is hoping to be next! This has been the toughest year of my life. I watched my brother go into the draft without me, my mom got divorced, and the weight of my family’s issues is heavy on my shoulders... -
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... -
Fast Lane by C.S. Quill
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsL’année universitaire qui débute promet d’être radieuse pour Lane O’Neill. Campus Drivers, l’application qu’il a fondée avec ses meilleurs amis, cartonne. Le concept est simple : jouer les taxis pour étudiant, au volant de voitures de collection. Les filles en raffolent, et les quatre chauffeurs ont à cœur de ne jamais décevoir leur clientèle... -
Whistleblower by Kate Marchant
Kate Marchant presents a story about a young journalist who fights for the truth to come to light—even if it means she might lose everything . . . Laurel Cates has never wanted the spotlight...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love college young adult contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsListening time 13 hours 21 minutes. Love is a circus. "Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me. ”. The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip... -
Made to Love You by Megan Smith, Elaine York
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsJaylinn McCormick had finally found the man who makes her life complete. After putting the most terrifying night of her life behind her, she’s moving on. Suddenly, unexpected life altering events have Jaylinn spiraling in an unknown direction. Will she be able to survive? Cooper Cahill finally found a balance in his life... -
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... -
New Beginnings by Lilly Lucas
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsIhr Jahr als Au-pair in den USA hatte sich Lena aus Berlin definitiv anders vorgestellt. Statt in einer angesagten Metropole landet sie in der Kleinstadt Green Valley in den Rocky Mountains, wo ihre Gastfamilie ein kleines Bed & Breakfast führt... -
Love Me by Kristin Mayer
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsEngaged and happily in love, Allison Scott and Damien Wales are looking forward to joining their lives together as one. Coming from a mournful year after losing her parents, Allison is ready to heal and move on to the next chapter with the love of her life. But Damien’s past continues to threaten their future. A man once obsessed with Damien’s sister is now after his one and only love, Allison...Categorized as:
alpha male possessive hero athletes suspense new adult contemporary young adult mystery -
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 Hearts We Fumble by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author Brooke O’Brien comes a small-town, brother’s best friend football romance about a guy who swore she was off-limits—but some lines were meant to be crossed. Football rules everything in our small town...Categorized as:
sports football from hate to love athletes new adult siblings-bff friends to lovers young adult -
Fighter by Tijan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsAll of Dale's brothers help with their bounty hunting business, all except her. Wanting out of that life, she left for college, but on her first morning back home for the holidays, she’s back to chasing after a bail jumper. When she realizes the jumper is her ex-boyfriend, Jax, Dale gets dragged into helping him evade her brothers so he can win an underground fighting competition... -
Going Long by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 28 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 alpha male sports college football young adult contemporary friends to lovers -
The Truth About Air & Water by Katherine Owen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Truth In Lies Series. READ This Much Is True, book 1 first, although it's been written as a standalone. Readers say, don't do that. “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places. ” -Ernest Hemingway ~ A Farewell To Arms. They share an epic love but one moment changes everything. A life together that seemed certain is shattered...Categorized as:
possessive hero new adult sports young adult contemporary cruel hero m-f length-medium -
Cloudless by Katie B. Wright
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“What’s your story, Sunshine? ”. “It’s not a happy one, Kam. ”. “Trust me with it, anyway. ”. Lila. The summer before my senior year was supposed to be filled with exploring our new town and making friends. Instead, a tragic car crash took both of my parents. And now the state is threatening to take my seven-year-old twin siblings, too. I have six months to prove I can keep it together...Categorized as:
sports hockey college athletes new adult friends to lovers found-family single-mother -
Almost Beautiful by Jamie McGuire
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe highly anticipated sequel to Jamie McGuire’s New York Times and internationally bestselling phenomenon, Beautiful Disaster. Newlyweds Travis and Abby Maddox return from Vegas, hoping to one day leave Eastern State University’s fatal fire in the past. But when the FBI arrives in Eakins, friends quickly become enemies, and the Maddoxes fear their happy ever after could go up in flames.Categorized as:
new adult college from hate to love contemporary young adult friends to lovers audiobook -
The Complete Fire on Ice Series by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis series has five full-length novels about hot hockey stars and the women who steal their hearts. Bound. College senior Kate Camden has learned to adapt - to her last year of school, to the promise of motherhood, to the fact that she’s doing it all alone. But just when she’s learned to adjust, heartache threatens to break her apart... -
Torrid Track by Naomi Porter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrynne. My Bonita. She is my ruination. If the Knight’s Legion MC’s president wasn’t my best friend, or the VP my father, I’d be insignificant, a nobody. Just a broken man lurking in the shadows, watching the world go by. Nobody truly knows me until a gorgeous woman with soulful, whiskey-colored eyes looks into mine. Brynne Gallo sees who I am and wants me regardless of my scars and hidden kinks...Categorized as:
suspense forced proximity alpha male possessive hero mafia contemporary young adult bikers -
The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucy Larson lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, and has her sights firmly set on a place at Juilliard. She's on her way to the top and has so far been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Well, up until now…. Jude Ryder is the quintessential bad boy and everything a girl like Lucy needs to stay away from, especially if she wants to hold onto her dream future... -
Portland Storm: The First Period by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBREAKAWAY. She’s reaching for a breakaway pass. Dana Campbell has spent the past seven years in self-imposed isolation for a crime she didn’t commit. The danger is well in the past, but her panic attacks make it impossible to have a normal, healthy relationship with a man. Even her counselor has given up on her... -
-
Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2. Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
Wild Child by M. Leighton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsJenna Theopolis has always known what she wanted. Getting out of her small hometown of Greenfield was number one on her list of priorities. Until she met Rusty Catron. Rusty’s fun-loving personality was the perfect match for Jenna’s inner wild child. But what started off as a summer fling quickly turns into something more. At least it does for Jenna... -
Forever Golden by Rachel Jonas, Nikki Thorne
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsWest Golden—Fierce protector. The one. The cocky jock I once wanted to kill with my bare hands is now the only one I trust with my heart. In a city full of corruption and dark secrets, knowing who’s on your side gets harder to determine every day. Especially now that Vin’s on the warpath, passing out threats he fully intends to see through to the end...Categorized as:
new adult sports suspense from hate to love cold hero young adult contemporary angst -
The Pucks We Freeze by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA small-town stepbrother romance by Brooke O’Brien about a girl trying to stay in control and the grumpy hockey player who still remembers the night she ran—and what it did to him when she didn’t look back. I never expected to see Willow Anson again—not after the way she left. No warning. No goodbye. No explanation. She was the girl who got under my skin...Categorized as:
sports new adult hockey forced proximity suspense from hate to love contemporary forbidden love -
Double Major by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt’s the NHL’s draft day, but the whole Portland Storm team is back together for an entirely different event. Complete with a double wedding, an unanticipated guest, overdue apologies, unexpected goodbyes, and fresh starts, this big day has the potential to get them all called for a Double Major. -
No Rules by Anita Rigins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsHow to win a game where you know neither the rules nor the codes? Barely arrived on her new campus, Iris witnesses a wave of hysteria in the college corridors. The most select group on. campus has issued an invitation. Who wants to try to join? The Pack members rule the everyone knows them, and everyone wants to be part of it. .. Except Iris, who has very... -
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 12 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:
sports forced proximity football new adult friends to lovers young adult contemporary length-medium -
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLoss is nothing new to Lennon Matthews. With each hit her heart has taken, she’s guarded it more closely. Except Caleb Winters smashed through her defenses in high school. Three years later, their relationship is stronger than ever. But aside from letting a boy in, little in Lennon’s life has changed... -
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...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love college sports football athletes young adult contemporary -
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... -
-
Drive by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsYears of training are about to pay off for hockey player Nikola Vereshkova. A call to play in the big league means he can finally come through for those who need him. His relocation to Chicago comes with built-in friends – and one gorgeous enemy who was less than impressed with him after their first encounter. Sadie Alexander knows all about the drastic measures men will take just to get laid... -
The Fouls We Make by Brooke O'Brien
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA close proximity, friends-to-lovers sports romance by Brooke O'Brien about a woman who has sworn off dating football players and an all-star running back determined to win her heart and break her rules. I've sworn off dating football players. After my last relationship ended disastrously, I've given up on love entirely...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity football college suspense alpha male new adult friends to lovers -
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... -
Wilder Play by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe addicting, edge-of-your seat Wilder series continues with the third installment filled with sports, romance, and characters you'll obsess about. Continue your fast-paced binge read and enjoy the ride along this twisty, unpredictable plot. -
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKnocked up by the QB. Harassed by punt bunnies. Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here. I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant. Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship... -
Hunger by B.L. Wilde
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhen Jade walked out on Oliver six months ago, she left her heart behind. Little did she know her mission was far from over. Given a new mission—to secure a secret nuclear power core—she’s thrown back into his world and has to earn his trust once more. The only problem is that she’s competing directly with another Seductor that she despises, who has already been on the mission for two months... -
Once Loved by Cecy Robson
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsHe's the campus golden boy. She's picking up the pieces of her broken past. But in Cecy Robson's scorching novel of second chances - perfect for fans of Monica Murphy and J. Lynn - their differences only make their connection more explosive. Every memory Lety Tres Santos has from her childhood comes with a scar - some emotional, some physical... -
When You Were Mine by Elizabeth Reyes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen her head was screaming “enough,” her hopeful heart continued to whisper “wait. ”. It's the only way Valerie Zuniga can justify her ongoing addiction to the amazing but ever, elusive Alex Moreno. Mesmerized by the profound connection neither has ever quite understood, Valerie accepts their crazy relationship for what it is—non-exclusive... -
In the Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsIt was supposed to be a single night of fake names, half-truths, and anonymous sex. Neither of them was prepared for it to become more. Keith Burns, star defenseman for the NHL’s Portland Storm, was just looking for a way to pass the time and ease the loneliness of his lavish lifestyle... -
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 new adult contemporary young adult friends to lovers length-medium audiobook -
-
The Game by HJ Bellus
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 21 ratings**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. Born to shine. Groomed to dominate. Levi Wilks is destined only to be a champion…. Number one on the field, in the record books, and in every fans’ heart. This star QB is perfection from head to toe. Only his looks rival his talent on the field... -
The 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... -
Movie Stars Don’t Fall for Nerdy Girls by Emma Dalton
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEvery nerdy girl deserves to be loved. I’m the Nerdy Girl and I don’t believe in romance. Everyone at school is obsessed with the new student—teen movie star Asher Park. Me? I’m the lucky one who almost gets run over by his limo. And he doesn’t even apologize. To make matters worse, my vice principal asks me to tutor him... -
Habits by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHow can something so wrong feel so good? A brand new standalone in Greyford High series is coming March 27th! Senior year. Three girls. Three guys. Secrets and lies. Demons of past and present. Old insecurities and new fears. One more year left to pretend. One more year to wreck it all. The countdown begins...Categorized as:
sports new adult from hate to love hockey contemporary young adult siblings-bff length-medium -
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe star quarterback of the Bulldogs was supposed to be my ticket to a normal life, but now I’ve fallen for him…again. He’s my brother’s best friend. The perfect person to fake a relationship with. No feelings involved. Just pretend. He helps me. I help him. We both agreed. Except, things get real…and quick...Categorized as:
sports football college new adult from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers siblings-bff -
Fight for Her, Volume 4 by J.J. Knight
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe dramatic conclusion to the bestselling MMA series arrives with Fight for Her #4. Maddie has left me again, and I can’t blame her. I failed to protect her. I don’t even know if I deserve her and Lily. But I’m determined to make things right. First, I’m going to find her father. He’s been living on the streets too long. That has to end. Second, I’m going to give up this career...
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.

