Books like 'The Game Can't Love You Back'
Readers who enjoyed The Game Can't Love You Back by Karole Cozzo also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult high-school sports from hate to love baseball m-f
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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 high-school from hate to love m-f contemporary young adult new adult friends to lovers -
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 three years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
I sold myself to the devil for Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsLexi Grayson is a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she might need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
high-school from hate to love sports young adult contemporary friends to lovers humor bad boys -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 3 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a prince at her school and somehow they start a trial relationship... -
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In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 5 by Mika Yamamori
After a tumultuous trial period, Yoi and Ichimura-sempai finally pour their hearts out at the summer festival, and the two officially start going out. It's uncharted waters now for both teenagers, and while Yoi insists on keeping things at a measured pace, Ichimura-sempai is about ready to dive in headfirst... -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Vol. 4 by Mika Yamamori
Yoi and Ichimura-sempai's experimental dating relationship continues in full swing. Although hesitant at first, Yoi is flustered as she notices her feelings for him develop over time. Meanwhile, it seems Yoi holds a special place in Ichimura-sempai's heart as well, as he gets jealous over a new “prince” working at her part-time job... -
That Summer by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDevaney Diamond’s summer break was shaping up to be the best one ever. Her longtime crush was finally interested in her, and by the time school rolled around in the fall, she knew he’d be her boyfriend...Categorized as:
high-school sports m-f contemporary young adult friends to lovers angst length-medium -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 1 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsYoi Takiguchi has long legs, a deep voice, and a handsome face... in other words, Yoi is such a good-looking guy that most people don't notice or care that she is, in fact, a girl. Indeed, she's had the nickname "Prince" as long as she can remember. That is, until she met Ichimura-senpai... the only person who's really seemed to see her for herself... -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 5 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsDRAG RACEIt's the final day of the Osaka High School Festival, and two big competitions are still up in the air: the relay race and the cross-dressing pageant! You'd think Mizuki, an actual XX-chromosome girl disguised as a boy at an all-guy high school, would be a better cross-dresser than her classmates, but things are never so easy--and what if winning the contest blows her cover? That might... -
Waiting for Spring 12 by Anashin
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWaiting for Spring manga volume 12 features story and art by Anashin. Mizuki is a shy girl who’s about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships. Of course, the four stars of the boys’ basketball team weren’t exactly the friends she had in mind! Yet the five quickly hit it off... -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 3 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsMEN AT WORKIzumi, his friend Nakatsu and our crossdressing heroine Mizuki are hired to work at a beach chalet run by the family of weird school nurse Dr... -
High School Debut, Vol. 03 by Kazune Kawahara
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsHopeless Haruna needs help finding a boyfriend! After failing to win the eye of any guy in high school, Haruna enlists the help of cute upperclassman Yoh to coach her on how to make herself more appealing to the male species... -
You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.Valentina “Vale” Castillo-Green’s life revolves around soccer. Her friends, her future, and her father’s intense expectations are all wrapped up in the beautiful game...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school contemporary young adult f-f queer length-medium -
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk, Vol. 2 by Mika Yamamori
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsYoi Takiguchi is a girl who's called a "prince" because of her beautiful appearance and the stylish way she carries herself. She had mixed feelings about longing to be like a shojo manga hero. That's when she meets Ichimura-sempai, who is also called a "prince... -
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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... -
Man o' War by Cory McCarthy
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAn achingly honest and frequently hilarious coming-of-age novel about an Arab American trans swimmer fighting to keep their head above water in a landlocked Midwestern town.River McIntyre has grown up down the street from Sea Planet, an infamous marine life theme park slowly going out of business in small-town Ohio... -
Waiting for Spring, Vol. 1 by Anashin, あなしん
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sweet romantic story of a soft-spoken high school freshman and her quest to make friends, Waiting for Spring will delight fans of earnest, fun, and dramatic shojo like Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You.Mizuki is a shy girl who's about to enter high school, and vows to open herself up to new friendships... -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 8 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
When Hakamada crushes their dreams of the Winter Cup, Yuki’s tenure as basketball club manager is now over...However, her relationship with Naruse has only begun! But between Naruse’s captaincy and Yuki’s frantic studies, they hardly ever see each other...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 9 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Today is the day her future will be decided. After all, it’s finally time...for entrance exams. However, one thing after another keeps going wrong! Meanwhile, as Yuki’s graduation gets closer and closer to becoming a reality, Naruse is painfully aware that soon, he’ll be separated from Yuki by more than just a couple of classroom doors..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 7 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
It's autumn, and the qualifier for the Winter Cup is just around the corner! But first, time for one of Yuki’s last school festivals. Between prepwork for that, studying, managing the basketball team, and dating Naruse, Yuki just might have bitten off more than she can chew..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love m-f high-school young adult contemporary humor length-short -
Hana-Kimi: For You in Full Blossom, Vol. 2 by Hisaya Nakajo
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsPERSONAL BESTHigh jump champion Izumi Sano has realized that his slender new roommate Mizuki is a girl, but he's decided to keep her secret so she doesn't get kicked out of their all-boys' high school... -
Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"What if I played football?" I ask. As soon as it's out of my mouth, I feel stupid. Even suggesting it feels like I've overstepped some kind of invisible line we've all agreed not to discuss. We don't talk about how Mara is different from other girls. We don't talk about how Mara is gay but no one says so...Categorized as:
sports high-school from hate to love young adult contemporary f-f queer length-medium -
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... -
Runaways by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRunaways . . .You’ve heard about kids running away, but do we ever truly know why they run?Rae and Law had no choice. Forced to run when life let them down, when it was either leave or be subjected to an unimaginable fate.Can they survive?Two young people, completely alone on the streets with nothing but each other.This is their story... -
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Cross Game 8 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis poignant coming-of-age story will change your perception of what shonen manga can be. About the game of life...and baseball.Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T. Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch... -
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... -
Cross Game 4 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsReads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T With Ko in his second year of high school and Aoba in her first, the regionals for Summer Koshien are about to begin! The third round pits Seishu up against mighty Ryuou Gakuin—one of the teams favored to win the whole shebang... -
Dare to Dream by S.B. Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe'll do anything to protect his love, even if it means trading his life for hers... Bad boy Kade Maxwell knows the pain of loss. His sister's death tore his family apart. His life seemed destined down a nightmarish path until he met Lacey Robinson, a light that cuts though his darkness. Despite her own tragedy, her beauty, determination, and dedication makes him believe he can dream again... -
Home Game by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 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 high-school young adult football athletes contemporary length-medium -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 11 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWith Yuki living on her own, Naruse in his last year of high school, and more than a few months of dating history under their belt, one rainy after in Yuki’s apartment leads to.. -
Cross Game 2 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDrama with a light touch, Cross Game will change how you see shonen manga.Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for T audiences. Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch... -
Cross Game 1 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsCross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch. The series centers around a boy named Ko, the family of four sisters who live down the street and the game of baseball. This poignant coming-of-age story will change your perception of what shonen manga can be... -
Dear McKinnon by Danielle Keil
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEveryone knows what it means to have a teal envelope taped to their locker on the first day of the month. Everyone except new girl McKinnon Gregory.The envelope is the start of a monthly tradition called the Secret Admirers, and something McKinnon never thought she'd see. To her surprise-- and everyone else's-- the teal envelope is taped to her locker on March first... -
Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsSaying Toby Klein is an unlikely cheerleader is like saying Paris Hilton might be into guys--understatement of the year. But the varsity squad at Bayport High gives new meaning to the phrase All-American, and Toby's double life as a varsity cheerleader and a government operative means balancing protocol, pep rallies, computer hacking, and handsprings... -
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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 Broken Hill High Series: Box Set #4-5.5 by Sheridan Anne
Broken Hill Hearts – Book 4 I have never been at such a low. School work? Stuff it. Manners? Get screwed. Being a decent human being? Over my dead body. And it’s all because of him. Nate was supposed to be the reason I wake up in the morning, until he took that reason away. Now, I’m left feeling like an empty shell of the girl I used to be. He’s the love of my life... -
A Thousand Words by Treblehearts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsReece Bremer goes through life with a scowl and cold personality. Jessica Andrews goes through life with a glowing smile and positive outlook. Reece looks at life with dull, judgmental eyes that make him hate the world and the people living in it. Jessica, well . . . She looks at life through a camera. Literally... -
Cross Game 5 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReads R to L (Japanese Style). In the summer of his second year in high school, Ko and the Seishu baseball team must take on mighty Ryuou Gakuin and their genius slugger Keitaro Mishima. With everything on the line, will destiny find Seishu moving on to the next round? Later, new neighbors are setting up shop next to Kitamura Sports, and their daughter bears a striking resemblance to Wakaba.. -
Cross Game 7 by Mitsuru Adachi
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis poignant coming-of-age story will change your perception of what shonen manga can be. About the game of life...and baseball.Reads R to L (Japanese Style), for audiences T. Cross Game is a moving drama that is heartfelt and true, yet in the brilliant hands of manga artist Mitsuru Adachi, delightfully flows with a light and amusing touch... -
Perfect Someday by Lauren Runow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI knew, someday, I’d have the life of my dreams.I just wasn’t prepared to lose him in return.Growing up in small-town Mason Creek, it's hard for a girl to dream big. Since my mom was barely making ends meet, I knew moving away for college wasn’t in the cards. What I didn’t know was how singing a Miranda Lambert song while unpacking a box would change my life forever .. -
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 10 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat does he MEAN “that wasn’t nearly enough”?! Well, it is true that between my part-time job and classes and getting dragged into stuff with the college basketball club, it’s been a lot harder to find time to just BE together, but…I’m really trying, okay?! Speaking of the basketball club, turns out that weird flirty guy at the park is also my coworker and a club member—seriously hope he and... -
When Our Worlds Collide by Lindsey Iler
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGraham Black has the world at his fingertips. He's an all-star baseball player who manages to slide by with his devilish good looks. It's his uncanny charm that leads him into the beds and hearts of most of the girls at school. One night his poor choices collide him into the world of Kennedy Conrad. She's quiet and reserved. Everything he's not... -
Wolf Girl and Black Prince, Vol. 4 by Ayuko Hatta
When Kyoya learns Erika gifted Kusakabe the same sweet she made for him, he loses it—and the pair’s days as a pretend couple are over! Complicating matters, Kusakabe asks Erika out for White Day...Categorized as:
m-f from hate to love high-school length-short contemporary young adult japan glimpses-kisses -
The Good Girl & the Bad Boy by M.L. Collins
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat happens when Jackson High’s Good Girl and Bad Boy are forced to work together? I’ll tell you:I destroy his guitar. (Accidentally!)He uses my guilt to trick me into doing his work.For three weeks!Until I find out he lied. Oh, heck no. This bad boy has crossed the wrong girl.I call him out on it. In front of the whole school.Check mate, bad boy. “It feels good to be bad,” he whispers...Categorized as:
high-school from hate to love m-f young adult contemporary new adult humor length-short -
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Cheeky Brat, Vol. 12 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSo after the whole Hakamada debacle and then how the whole Finals League ended, it’s kinda awkward every time I see Hakamada-kun...Still, I’m incredibly happy that Naruse won! Although, now he’s literally telling EVERYONE he knows about us, so I’m not entirely sure how to react around everyone else anymore.. -
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... -
Devious Kisses by Thandiwe Mpofu
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 16 ratings𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕... 𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍.⠀⠀Here’s the 411 about high school—well, at least for my high school, Clintwood Academy.⠀⠀💋It’s a fucking warzone.⠀💋Everyone has a grudge against someone else. ⠀💋It’s the breeding ground for losers, jealous broken-hearted girls, and acne covered fools with zero game...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love high-school m-f contemporary new adult super rich hero young adult -
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsSigned, sealed, delivered…While spacing out in chemistry class, Lily scribbles some of her favorite song lyrics onto her desk. The next day, she finds that someone has continued the lyrics on the desk and added a message to her. Intrigue!Soon, Lily and her anonymous pen pal are exchanging full-on letters—sharing secrets, recommending bands, and opening up to each other...Categorized as:
from hate to love high-school m-f young adult contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
The Candy Cane Kiss by Maggie Dallen
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFake kisses shouldn't taste so sweet. When the new star quarterback at Briarwood High winds up in the hospital over Christmas break, he's sure that's as bad as it can get. He's wrong. His day is about to get so much worse. First he's stuck with that irritating new girl from school who's currenly dressed as a holly jolly Christmas elf as she volunteers on his floor...Categorized as:
high-school sports from hate to love young adult contemporary christmas new adult dual-pov -
Dare You to Fall for the Catcher by Lacy Andersen
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA little dare never hurt anybody...Running is my life. It’s one of the few things I’m good at and I dominate on the track. But my take-no-prisoners reputation doesn’t scare everyone. There’s still one boy who’s not afraid to get under my skin...Jayden Paul. Catcher of the varsity baseball team. Hottie of the year. And the thorn in my side ever since we kissed in sixth grade (on a silly dare!)...Categorized as:
sports high-school from hate to love m-f baseball young adult contemporary heroine athlete
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