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
-
The Original Crowd by Tijan
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThis is the original version of A Whole New Crowd. It has only gone through one round of edits so it is rough. I make no apology for this. The edited version was released as A Whole New Crowd. This is being published at readers' requests. They want to own the original version as well so here it is in all its gritty and monstrously long glory. There is lots of sex so the reader is forewarned... -
Ace of Hearts by Morgane Moncomble, Jennifer Higgins
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsTwo star-crossed Las Vegas lovers betting it all in the high-stakes world of poker. It’s play or be played in a gripping and emotional novel about secrets, deception, and revenge.When it comes to poker, Rose Alfieri and Levi Ivanovich have more in common than just playing the game. It’s what they’ll do to win... -
#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... -
Unbelievers by AgnesBellex
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIt’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan... -
-
#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... -
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... -
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 alpha male sports college football young adult contemporary friends to lovers -
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 -
Un hiver pour te résister by Morgane Moncomble
Star montante du patinage artistique, Lily n’a qu’un seul objectif : remporter la médaille d’or au Championnat Mondial. Lorsqu’elle rencontre son nouveau partenaire, elle est aux anges.Son modèle de toujours, c’est lui : Orion Williams.L’homme qu’elle se surprend à mépriser dès leur première rencontre…Champion maudit, Orion ne rêve que d’une chose : arrêter le patinage artistique...Categorized as:
new adult sports forced proximity from hate to love contemporary young adult length-long audiobook -
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... -
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 -
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsListening time 13 hours 21 minutesLove 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... -
-
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 -
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 athletes hockey contemporary friends to lovers young adult length-medium -
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... -
Off Limits by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 38 ratings“There is a vulnerability there, hovering just below the surface. And I want to pick at it until I expose it. Then I want to kiss it." Two years ago, Emily Burnham had an epiphany about the shallowness of her life. And she made it her mission to become a different person…a better woman. Out from under the controlling thumb of her mother, Emily is tasting the real world for the first time... -
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 -
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... -
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 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 -
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... -
-
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 -
Home Game by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFootball has been my life. Not that I ever had a choice in the matter. When your dad is a retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the gridiron tends to weave its way into your DNA.I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football athletes young adult high-school contemporary length-medium -
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 oncampus 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.. -
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...Categorized as:
new adult college from hate to love contemporary young adult friends to lovers audiobook -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
-
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 -
Red Zone by Riley Paige
CarterI’ve spent my whole life proving people wrong.From foster homes to the football field, I clawed my way out, one yard at a time. And now? I’m on the verge of everything I’ve worked for. The draft. The NFL. The future I’ve always dreamed about.Except all I can think about… is her.Lyla Harding– my coach’s daughter.LylaCarter Hayes is a walking headline waiting to happen...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity new adult alpha male football college young adult -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
A Beautiful Funeral by Jamie McGuire
Losing has never been easy for a Maddox, but death always wins. Eleven years to the day after eloping in Vegas with Abby, Special Agent Travis Maddox delivers his own brand of vigilante justice to mob boss Benny Carlisi. Vegas's oldest and most violent crime family is now preparing for vengeance, and the entire Maddox family is a target... -
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... -
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 -
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... -
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... -
Slam by Holly S. Roberts
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOlivia Stradmore, daughter to Senator Jonathan Stradmore, has one goal in life—win her fifth grand slam tennis title in as many years. Olivia doesn’t have time for problems with a stalker who disapproves of her less than modest life choices. She enjoys the occasional tennis pro in bed, short skirts, and the chance to allow her wild side out... -
Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA new book in the Varsity Series is coming soon! Varsity Captain will give readers the experience and backstory of Varsity Heartbreaker (book 1 in the series) told from Lucas Fuller's POV. This is a full-length novel with brand new content and not just a simple retelling...Categorized as:
new adult sports from hate to love contemporary young adult friends to lovers audiobook
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.

