Books like 'The Shut Down'
Readers who enjoyed The Shut Down by Grace Reilly also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports forced proximity cheating age difference other-man-woman alpha male daddy-kink football
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A Real One Captured My Heart by K. Renee
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHave you ever been in a situation where the best thing for you to do, is the hardest thing? That’s the same dilemma Shanice Davis finds herself in after finding out her husband does not love her the same way she loves him. Throwing caution to the wind, Shanice decides to live her best life while on a girl’s trip to Mexico. Gia, Shanice’s best friend only concern is her daughter... -
![The Proposal by Adriana Locke]()
The Proposal by Adriana Locke
Breaking Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sisterIf Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.Why?One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era.Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices... -
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![Finding Infinity by Layne Harper]()
Finding Infinity by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 28 ratings"Finding Infinity" as described by Colin... "Fine Charlie.” Colin says dropping his hands in defeat. “Here's what I want. I want everybody to back off and let me play football. I want you to go back to practicing medicine because I’m ready for you to be happy again - not this forced shit that you keep trying to sell me... -
![Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne]()
Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA steamy Pro Football, Single Mom, Forbidden Doctor/Patient Romance from Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author Lisa Suzanne.I went to Vegas to celebrate my divorce, and the pro football star was there celebrating his new contract. I heard someone call his name, and I wasn't about to miss my chance to get with the man my ex had idolized... -
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![Craving Lucy by Terri Anne Browning]()
Craving Lucy by Terri Anne Browning
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Terri Anne Browning’s New Adult series. One kiss can change everything… I wished I’d known that before I’d kissed my best friend. Things are different now. We can’t go back. I’m not even sure I want to go back. I guess the question is…...Categorized as:
alpha male cheating other-man-woman contemporary new adult friends to lovers virgin heroine -
![One Night Valentine by Hope Ford]()
One Night Valentine by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s not a question of IF this football star can resist the curvy florist but rather WHEN he’ll give in…Cruz It is said that you only want what you cannot have. I hate to be a cliche, but that statement rings true for me.In my case it’s not what I want, but rather who. Tara Brooks. Sweet, funny, and my little sister’s best friend... -
![Infinity. by Layne Harper]()
Infinity. by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsColin McKinney has wanted three things since he met Caroline “Charlie” Collins when he was a junior at Texas A&M University: to make her his wife, play professional football, and have a family. In the first three books of the Infinity Series, Colin and Charlie met, fell in love, broke apart, reunited eight years later, and got married... -
![Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne of us will have to give up the future we’ve dreamed of if we’re going to make this work. It’s not going to be me. We can’t both have that same thought if we want to stay together when our contract ends.But the more I see him struggle against the things his mother does to him, the harder I fall. The more his ex tries to get in his way, the more I want to stand up for him...Categorized as:
age difference sports forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary siblings-bff length-short m-f -
![From Now Until Infinity by Layne Harper]()
From Now Until Infinity by Layne Harper
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsEight years have passed since Colin and Caroline “Charlie” ended their college romance. A chance meeting reunited them confirming that time had not diminished their love for each other. Now, they have to turn their passionate reunion into a legitimate and sustainable relationship. Charlie’s medical practice is in Houston. Colin is the starting quarterback for Dallas... -
![Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens]()
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess.He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good.In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
![Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens]()
Alexander: Alexander's Story by E.L. Stevens
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess.He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good.In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own... -
![Bodyguard by Night by Taryn Quinn]()
Bodyguard by Night by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProtecting my best friend's new sister-in-law Willow from a fan who wants to get a little too close is a no-brainer. Just requires me to do some checking around, to act as her shadow for a while, maybe even give her a place to stay so I can keep an eye on her—all so my best friend's small-town wedding to Willow's sister goes off without a hitch...Categorized as:
forced proximity alpha male age difference contemporary super rich hero length-long m-f -
![Talon by Pepper North]()
Talon by Pepper North
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Buttercup, try that one more time and see what happens…” Elizabeth Sinclair has just escaped from a lackluster marriage and isn’t about to try that again. She’s ready to spread her wings and find the one she really needs in her life–a tall, silver fox Daddy to make her heart skip beats... -
![Dark Edges by Kane Caldwell]()
Dark Edges by Kane Caldwell
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’m not your good ole boy or boy-next-door type of guy. If that’s what you’re looking for, I suggest you move on. I curse a lot, work too fucking much, and keep to myself. My edges are hard, rough, and even dark at times. I never thought I would wind up in the business I’m in. I may not always play by the rules, but I go where the money is, keep my nose clean, and my affairs organized... -
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![Defining Us by Karen Deen]()
Defining Us by Karen Deen
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe's my brother's best friend.No one can know he visits my dreams each night.In the naughtiest of ways. But they are just fantasies.They'll never be anything else. Until that accidental kiss, changes everything.His eyes now roam my body.I can't ignore the heat he arouses in me.I'm just longing for his touch. But he's about to leave, and I need to stay... -
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
age difference sports forced proximity friends to lovers contemporary length-short m-f -
![Spec by Lilly Atlas]()
Spec by Lilly Atlas
Scott survived hell serving his country. After more than two decades of service, the man honorably discharged from the army isn’t the same man who went in. Instead, he’s angry, violent, guilt-ridden, and in agony. The only thing keeping him going is the brotherhood he’s found in the Hell’s Handlers MC. Until she shows up, ruining his safe space...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male cheating other-man-woman suspense contemporary bikers bad boys -
![Someone You Love by Kristen Granata]()
Someone You Love by Kristen Granata
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA touching forced proximity summer romance about healing and taking chances.Charly Johnson created a bucket list when cancer left her mother with less than a year to live. They didn’t make it all the way through the list before she died, but she made Charly promise to finish it and live her life to the fullest.Spending the summer in a coastal mountain city in Maine is next on her list...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity football new adult contemporary grumpy sunshine christian length-medium -
![Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel]()
Quarantine and Chill by Kenya Wright, Lacy Laurel
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsBestselling author Kenya Wright returns with a standalone multicultural forced proximity romance that’s a beautiful escape with a huge happy ending.News of the coronavirus hit New York City, and LA-native Jade is stuck dog sitting in her best friend’s Brooklyn apartment. Her bestie Zora is on her honeymoon in the Maldives, but may now be stuck there too. The island has canceled all flights... -
![Grow with Me by Kristen Proby]()
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![Hoax by Flora Burgos]()
Hoax by Flora Burgos
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPresident. Protector. Father. Hoax’s life revolves around his club and his kid. The last thing on his mind is love until Lola tosses her cookies all over his good boots.He knows he should keep his distance, but he’s falling hard, and the better he gets to know her, the more certain he is that he’ll do just about anything to make her his.Alone. Afraid. Pregnant... -
![Rocked: A small town, single mom romance (The Everyday Heroes World) by Julia Wolf]()
Rocked: A small town, single mom romance (The Everyday Heroes World) by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhat happens when a star begins to fade?Life isn't going my way lately. Record sales are plummeting and my inspiration is less than zero. At this point, I'd do anything to get my head on straight, even temporarily relocating to a small town.What I didn’t count on is the pretty paramedic named Kat next door who takes an instant dislike to me... -
![Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne]()
Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA steamy Pro Football, Single Mom, Forbidden Doctor/Patient Romance from Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author Lisa Suzanne.I went to Vegas to celebrate my divorce, and the pro football star was there celebrating his new contract. I heard someone call his name, and I wasn't about to miss my chance to get with the man my ex had idolized... -
![The One I Want by Chelle Sloan]()
The One I Want by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a professional football player, I had a playbook for everything on the field. Then I retired and found out there’s no playbook for life—especially when the one you thought was perfect gets flipped upside down. There’s no play for suddenly becoming a divorced, single dad. There’s no plan for moving your family back to the town you grew up in...Categorized as:
sports age difference forced proximity football single-father contemporary humor office -
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![Dare You by K.L. Shandwick]()
Dare You by K.L. Shandwick
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis book and series have been rebranded to Chasing Love Billie in the Wild Romance Saga by Kelly Shandwick on Goodreads for clarity of reading order. Chasing Love Billie is book one in the series... -
![So Flocked by Sarah Estep]()
So Flocked by Sarah Estep
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter the wedding, they’ll go their separate ways and no one will ever know what happened in the lighthouse.Jordy Taylor is a disaster. Over the hill by professional football standards, the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to hang up his pads just yet, but his team might have other plans...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports age difference football contemporary dual-pov insta-love friends-benefits -
![Tempting The Biker by Glenna Maynard]()
Tempting The Biker by Glenna Maynard
He's married and twice my age, but I can't walk away.Murder-We were never supposed to happen. Alexa’s my daughter’s best friend. I’m a married man. I’m too old for her, but stolen glances turn into more than either of us are prepared for. I’ve made promises I can’t keep. I’m the Prez of Royal Bastards MC. I’m not supposed to be tempted by her innocence... -
![Intoxication by Charlene Namdhari]()
Intoxication by Charlene Namdhari
An age-gap forbidden love triangle"Take a risk. Just for the pleasure of it."My past:He was my lover.My present:He's my future father-in-law.My future:Who do I choose? Promises are not meant to be broken. Are they?NOTE: Please be aware that this book deals with sensitive topics like cheating...Categorized as:
cheating age difference other-man-woman daddy-kink contemporary new adult love triangle silver-fox -
![The Game by H.J. Bellus]()
The Game by H.J. Bellus
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsBorn 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... -
![Mine To Hold by Natasha Madison]()
Mine To Hold by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsAre you ready for The Southern Wedding Series?Things are supposed to go smoothly on your wedding day.Aren't they?Shelby I got a love letter the night before I was supposed to marry the love of my life.Except the letter wasn't for me.My future husband had written it to someone else. Weston (Ace)Standing at the altar to watch my best friend get married was an honor...Categorized as:
cheating forced proximity other-man-woman contemporary humor friends to lovers new adult m-f -
![Borrowed by Victoria Ashley]()
Borrowed by Victoria Ashley
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI was never supposed to want to keep her.She was meant to be borrowed.Mine for six days and not a day longer.She doesn’t belong to me.She belongs to someone else.My brother…The closest person I have outside of the screaming fans and paparazzi—a constant in my new life— other than the whiskey I drown myself in to numb the pain left by someone else... -
![Entangled by Ginger Voight]()
Entangled by Ginger Voight
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe saga continues for Rachel Dennehy, the tenacious small-town teacher caught in between two compelling, powerful brothers. ****This is Book 2 in the series. Blurb may contain spoilers for Book 1.**** In Book 2 of the Fullerton Family Saga, teacher Rachel Dennehy heads back to California to save her favorite little boy from his rapid downward spiral... -
![Crying Shame by Rebel Shaw]()
Crying Shame by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAddysonLife just threw me a curveball. I have to find a new place to live, but it must be in-district, because my son has his heart set on riding the bus to his first day of kindergarten.When my brother’s sexy best friend suggests we move in with him, I have to remind myself the offer was for his spare bedrooms… not his bed... -
![Teach Me by Nina West, Avery Reid]()
Teach Me by Nina West, Avery Reid
Listening length: 7 hours and 57 minutes. Book Three in the highly addictive The Wolf Hotel series I am not the naïve, innocent girl everyone expects me to be. Not anymore.Henry has ignited a fire, and I will do anything—defy everyone—to keep him in my life. But the question now is, does he feel the same way about me? Teach Me is the third book in the addictive The Wolf Hotel series...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male forced proximity cheating other-man-woman contemporary new adult menage -
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![Lucky Score by Kenna King]()
Lucky Score by Kenna King
***Stuck-together, stranger-to-lovers, Steamy Hockey Romance***Seven and BrynnAs the last line of defense for the Hawkeyes hockey team, I've mastered the art of keeping my guard up, both on and off the ice... -
![Daddy's Little Survivor by Everly Raine]()
Daddy's Little Survivor by Everly Raine
With no plan in mind, Monroe knows only one thing. That if she doesn’t take this chance to escape, the next beating might be her last. Out of gas, food, and luck, desperate for rest and safety, she pulls up to the side of a residential street to gather her thoughts...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male forced proximity daddy-kink bdsm age play contemporary suspense -
![Tempting Sophia by Jessica Prince]()
Tempting Sophia by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHaving my heart broken once was enough to make me give up on the idea of love all together. Instead of searching for The One I decided to embrace variety and turn by back on monogamy. I made a living convincing women they didn’t need a man to feel complete. And I totally rocked at it... -
![Grumpy Player by R.C. Stephens]()
Grumpy Player by R.C. Stephens
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsMarrying the nanny wasn’t my biggest mistake… falling for her was. Being injured on the ice doesn’t just make me a grumpy goalie, it makes me a frustrated single dad unable to care for my daughter… or myself.Ellie is the perfect candidate— kind, patient, beautiful, and looking for a place to call home after a falling out with her family...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity alpha male hockey contemporary single-father grumpy sunshine length-medium -
![Ruined by L.P. Lovell]()
Ruined by L.P. Lovell
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRuined is book four in the She Who Dares series, but can be read as a standalone. HugoI like to fuck. A lot. Anywhere, anyway, as long as I’m shooting my load in or on some pretty young thing I’m good. In fact, scrap that, they don’t even have to be pretty. What can I say? I’m an equal opportunities kind of guy...Categorized as:
cheating alpha male other-man-woman m-f contemporary love triangle dual-pov length-medium -
![Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods]()
Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 45 ratings#1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods returns readers to her world of strong friendships and heartfelt emotions in this classic Sweet Magnolias novel Maddie Townsend might live in a town called Serenity but there's been nothing calm or peaceful about her life since her marriage broke up...Categorized as:
age difference sports cheating other-man-woman contemporary single-mother teacher-hero baseball -
![Changing the Player by Jacob Chance]()
Changing the Player by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFlynnYou know that voice in the back of your head telling you not to do something? Well, I don’t have one, at least not one that functions properly. Mine eggs me on, daring me to do my worst. Which is how I’ve found myself in my current situation—on the verge of being traded from my team.Coach gave me one last chance to prove myself, so I begged my agent, Nadia, to help me out...Categorized as:
sports age difference football contemporary multicultural humor sweet heroine length-short -
![Advent by Nina Lane]()
Advent by Nina Lane
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLiv and Dean face the possibility that their first Christmas together could also be their last.First included in For the First Time: Twenty-One Brand New Stories of First Love and now included in Spiral of Bliss: The Complete Boxed Set... -
![Wildflowers and Wide Receivers by Kathryn Andrews]()
Wildflowers and Wide Receivers by Kathryn Andrews
A few years ago, I wrote a short story set at a private party on New Year’s Eve about Jonah Dallman, the Tampa Tarpons newest wide receiver, and Sophie Black. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them, his teammates and what would have happened next...Categorized as:
sports age difference forced proximity football found-family athletes single-father contemporary -
![Until We're More by Cindi Madsen]()
Until We're More by Cindi Madsen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she's finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us. By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity cheating other-man-woman friends to lovers humor new adult contemporary -
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![Repair My Life by Hayley Faiman, Pink Ink Design]()
Repair My Life by Hayley Faiman, Pink Ink Design
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA single mother of four. A man who never imagined he’d ever have a family. She’s running again. He’s there to catch her. Together they will either float or drown. The future is set in stone for Rebecca Albright. Married young, she’s had four children back-to-back, but she’s living in misery with a van on its last leg as her only mode of transportation...Categorized as:
alpha male cheating other-man-woman bikers contemporary insta-love suspense single-mother -
![Stuck with the Grump by Josie Hart]()
Stuck with the Grump by Josie Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLying to my best friend wasn’t the worst thing I did,His little sister was.I retreated to my family’s shared cabin after a company scandal.Instead of fuming alone, there was my best friend’s little sister, all grown up.When the storm washes the road away, we get really cozy.She still has that smart mouth on her.Unafraid to bite back and put me in my place... -
![Truly Madly Deeply Mine by Katherine Jay]()
Truly Madly Deeply Mine by Katherine Jay
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFootball was my entire world…until a beautiful stranger turned it upside down.Lucy Mathers is fun and careful, outgoing yet reserved, wild and a little mysterious. She’s also a distraction I never saw coming. Before her, I had a one-track mind, football was my focus, and nothing was going to derail that...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference sports alpha male football office contemporary new adult -
![Past the Rush by Britt Stark]()
Past the Rush by Britt Stark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night changed everything.Every hope and dream I had vanished with the touch of a hand.Whoever said love lasts forever obviously has never been in love with their brother’s best friend.Ever since high school, I have been trying to replace the painful memories of my past with new ones. Forgetting every trauma was working until I ran into him… Conrad Stone... -
![Dirty Plays by Michelle A. Valentine]()
Dirty Plays by Michelle A. Valentine
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsZayn and I have been working hard to keep the relationship between us a secret. If we’re discovered after the Devil’s football organization forbid him to have any romantic relationships, he risks a possible suspension. Zayn’s way of concealing our relationship is passing me off as his niece in order to explain why we’re together all of the time until the season is over... -
![Surprise Baby for the Player by Clarissa McKay]()
Surprise Baby for the Player by Clarissa McKay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI didn’t realize I was hooking up with my student, but once I saw his hockey-player body, I couldn’t help myself.If anyone finds out, I’ll be out of a job.Unlike most college boys, he’s mature in all the right ways and completely knows how to turn on a woman.All the dedication he’s shown on the ice is completely focused on me, and I gotta say… I don’t hate it...Categorized as:
sports alpha male age difference new adult contemporary insta-love rich heroine length-medium
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