Books like 'Damaged Defender'
Readers who enjoyed Damaged Defender by Anne Martin also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary marriage of convenience siblings-bff from hate to love sports forced proximity hockey
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Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsFirst came love, then came the NHL, then came Baylor and Jayden with a baby carriage... -
The Stolen Moments Trilogy: Carter & Emilia's Love Story by Catharina Maura
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA single kiss changes everything for two lifelong rivals in this best friend’s brother romance.It was hate at first sight for Emilia and Carter. Neither remembers how their feud started — yet every day, their war intensifies.Until one night. One unexpected kiss blurs the lines between love and hate, and their lives are forever changed.The stakes have never been higher... -
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
Bring It Home by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsBoon Hoenes only has three goals in life. To make Posey Adler his wife, to win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, and for Shea Adler to like him.The first, he’s got on lock. The second, he’s well on his way. And the third… Well, two out of three ain’t bad... -
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Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Lucas Brooks was traded to the Nashville Assassins over a decade ago, he was a brash, brawling hothead without an anchor. Well, four kids and a smokin' hot wife will weigh you down real fast, but Lucas wouldn't change a minute of his happily ever after... -
Sweet Addiction by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis is book 2 in the newest Kroydon Hills Legacy series...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity found-family fighters contemporary length-medium -
A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsChristmas at the Murphy household has always been a big deal, but with her daughters getting older, Kacie Murphy is feeling a bit sentimental, so she decides to give her family the perfect Christmas. Plans of cookie baking, sleigh ride taking, and snowman making are quickly put in jeopardy when Kacie receives devastating news—her mom has sold the beloved Cranberry Inn... -
At the Edge with You: A Small Town Hockey Romance by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never thought I’d see her again.Fable Winthrop was my only partner on the ice. I’d been the hockey player turned figure skater overnight, and she was the prim, proper ice princess who didn’t take my crap.I did everything to make her smile, I worked hard to get her the gold, and I loved every moment of it... -
Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth... -
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
Arrogant Playboy by Alex Wolf, Sloane Howell
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere’s a hot new hire. Too bad she’s Donavan’s ex. Oh, and there’s one other problem—they hate each other. The last thing he expected to see when he walked into the office was Paisley Williams. She was the only person to graduate ahead of him at Columbia. The one woman who could give it back better than he could dish it out. She was also the biggest regret of his life... -
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
One Timer by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsYou’ve known Harper Allen and Jakob Titov since you met them in Taking Shots. You know their story already, right? Ha! You only think you do. In One-Timer, they’ll tell it for themselves. Harper has been hurt so many times, and she has no interest in anything more than a one-time thing, but Jakob Titov has other ideas. He is looking for his forever... -
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Better Not Pout by Maren Moore
A sugar-filled, fake holi-dating, small town romance filled with heat, heart, a couple of temperamental weenie dogs, and heaps of holiday cheer from USA Today Bestselling Author Maren Moore. A lost letter to Santa gone terribly wrong…or perfectly right? As the owner of my family’s vintage candy shop, there are two things I’m great at: Sweet treats and Christmas...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love hockey sports christmas single-father humor contemporary -
Perfect Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAn entire campus knows my name. Women throw themselves at me, hoping I’ll take them home that night. Whispers from the NHL say I’m the one to watch. And the weight of each game is on my shoulders because if our opposing team scores … that’s on me. All the things that keep me up at night are probably someone else’s dreams... -
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... -
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBRAND NEW IN THE HIT SERIES WITH OVER 250,000 SOLD I told her I hope he knows how lucky he is. ERIC: The waitress with the bird tattoo up her middle finger has gotten my attention by not caring if she does. My team thinks it’s hilarious that she’s not into me. I think it’s almost as fascinating as she is. Trouble is she likes musician types... And has one for a boyfriend... -
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:
sports forced proximity siblings-bff age difference friends to lovers contemporary length-short m-f -
Love for a Lifetime by Mandi Blake
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey’ll always be friends, but they can never be more. Dawson Keller has held a torch for his best friend’s little sister for as long as he can remember. He might be a flirt, but his heart will always belong to Olivia.Olivia Lawrence lives to serve others and work on the family farm. Helping people and tending animals keep her mind off the one thing she wants but can’t have—a family... -
Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting
An extensive compilation of outtakes, deleted scenes and a crossover novella from The Pucked Series, which now includes:ENDORSE THIS: An Area 51 invasion outtake in which Alex once again tries to persuade Violet that he should go where no man has gone before. And likely never will... -
Blackbridge Security Box Set 1 by Marie James
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBox Set contains Hostile Territory, Shot in the Dark, and Contingency Plan!Hostile TerritoryCan you call someone an enemy if you haven’t seen them for the better part of a decade?Deacon Black is perfectly content with the status quo—work, sleep, repeat.Who cares if he’s rigid, structured, and set in his ways?It’s a job requirement that keeps his men safe and his company’s doors open... -
All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey
When seventeen-year-old Patrick Roman is offered a scholarship to a top hockey preparatory school, he thinks maybe his notorious bad luck has finally ended. With a hearing for his legal emancipation on the horizon, he dreams of getting scouted and securing a place on a D1 college team. There’s only one Roman has serious beef with his new winger on the team, Damien Bordeaux...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity hockey contemporary found-family length-medium new adult -
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle: TAKING SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
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The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré
Our contractor declared bankruptcy and we now have to leave our bookstore opening into the hands of a professional hockey team.Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends... -
I Need You To Love Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTogether they are nothing more than madness,but they say there’s always some madness in loveSix years elapsed since he shattered her life. Four years since she’s brought him to his knees.Now, Ace is the youngest boxing champion in the world – a force to be reckoned with. He’s dangerous, heartless, and always gets his way.Calla moved to New York to chase her career... -
Sexiled by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMorgan Kennedy:Campus Legend.Ruggedly handsome superstar athlete turned hedge fund manager.My one night stand mistake.And now my boss at my internship.Every staff meeting, I’m taken back to the night I was filled with a need I never knew was possible.Sparks fly between us in the office... -
Hot Shot by Kat Baxter
coming in... -
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?SANTACharlie Heart is many things:An annoyingly good hockey player.The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.My rival.The only person I truly hate in the world.And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
Beachside Kisses With My Enemy: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kristin Canary
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the charming town of Hallmark Beach, love’s a food fight when old flames ignite and rivalries simmer.Things were sailing smoothly in my little slice of paradise until Blake “the Flake” Moffitt waltzed back into town, looking far too handsome for his own good—and mine. Once upon a time, I was hopelessly in love with my best friend's brother, but that fairytale is history... -
The Pucking Arrangement by A.J. Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDmitri Sokolov doesn't lose control. Until his daughter’s nanny quits days before playoffs—and Erin O’Connor steps in to help.The Captain's baby sister. Too young. Too tempting. Too damn off-limits.But now she's in his home—close, distracting, and turning his world upside down... -
Pucking Forbidden by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaking a play for his biggest rival's sister will send this hockey star straight to the penalty box. JORDAN'S STORY IS COMING SOON!These hockey stars are at the top of their game on the ice. But off the ice, their lives are wrecks. Between dodging puck bunnies, the paparazzi, and an endless parade of endorsement deals, they don't have time for love...until they do...Categorized as:
hockey sports from hate to love dual-pov alpha male virgin heroine contemporary length-short -
Playboy Pitcher (Cocky Hero Club) by Cora Kenborn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Cora Kenborn comes an enemies-to-lovers, workplace, baseball romance where a secret marriage between the Miami Storm's new owner and the major league's notorious bad boy will either dial up the heat or burn it all to the ground.The first time I met Benson Laroux, he sat in a bar wearing “cocky player” like a cheap cologne... -
The Fake Husband Play by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat’s a girl to do when her longtime hockey crush offers her a marriage of convenience?Say YES. Obviously.I’ve spent three years lusting after Grammercy Graves on my (supposedly anonymous) hockey romance podcast—breaking down his stats, his plays, that panty-melting Cajun accent...The entire internet knows he’s my dream guy...Categorized as:
hockey marriage of convenience sports contemporary new adult humor m-f length-medium -
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The Beginning of Forever by Heidi McLaughlin
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsPeyton Westbury is determined to make her dreams of motherhood come true, even as she faces the physical and emotional toll of the IVF process. With hormonal ups and downs and the strain it places on her relationship with her husband Noah, Peyton must find the strength to persevere... -
Summer Camp Secret by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen Aspen Fairchild finds herself face-to-face with Brooks Hennessey, a pro hockey player with a heart as guarded as her own, a simple act of kindness turns into a night they can’t forget. Neither can the media. When the playful lie about their engagement goes viral and lands them in the same cabin at Camp Firefly Falls, Brooks proposes continuing the charade for the week... -
Portland Storm: The Second Period by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDelay of Game With her father’s health in question, Sara Thomas is focused on reducing his anxiety. That’s no small feat considering his high-stress job. Everyone knows Sara’s single; no one knows she’s pregnant. There’s never a good time to unexpectedly get knocked up, but now is not it... -
The Correspondent by Tess Thompson
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. He loathes her. Fate has other plans.When a snowstorm strands these enemies in an abandoned cabin, will they begin to see each other in a whole new way?After fighting her way out of poverty, Stormi Collins is finally going places... -
A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Audrey Carlan comes a new story in her Marriage Auction series…“’Tis the Season,” some people say, as if the month of December could somehow magically make the world a better place. Fat chance of that happening in Sin City.In my world, nothing is merry and bright. More like dark and dank...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine contemporary length-short audiobook -
Rest In Pieces by Candice M. Wright
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf you’d told me years ago that I’d become a stunt woman after a car accident turned my Olympic dreams of gold to rust,I’d have called you crazy.Yet here I am, throwing myself off a perfectly good building.I guess I’ve always been a little fearless, except when it comes to matters of the heart.I keep my relationships light and meaningless, which is why my exes tend to have big.. -
Caught from Behind by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt's always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I’ve had a crush on my brother’s teammate and friend for a long time… Long enough to know that my interest isn’t reciprocated. I’m destined to be his teammate’s little sister—untouchable and completely off-limits no matter how hard I try to convince him otherwise. But then…everything changes...Categorized as:
sports hockey siblings-bff from hate to love sassy heroine friends to lovers angst grumpy sunshine -
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
sports siblings-bff forced proximity multicultural humor contemporary m-f length-medium -
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the cutthroat world of professional sports, I’m the agent who always calls the shots. Until a decade-old feud with hockey superstar Banks Bennet resurfaces, and I’m forced to play nice. When his agent drops him and rumors of a trade swirl through the league faster than a puck on a breakaway, I find myself in the dreaded role of Banks’s new agent...Categorized as:
hockey sports from hate to love forced proximity contemporary office mature couple humor -
Off the Ice by Tierney Rose
How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years... -
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Logan by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 27 ratings**Previously LIGHTNING**LoganI was one of the best players in the NHL and as fast as lightning on the ice. Hockey was my life. It consumed me. It was the one thing I could commit to. I was a bachelor—happy and living the ultimate dream. Then the accident happened and the doctors told me I’d never play hockey again...Categorized as:
sports hockey from hate to love forced proximity contemporary cheating dual-pov strong heroine -
My Unexpected Vow by Harlow James
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHave you ever thought there was a spider crawling on you only to discover it was a piece of hair?But it’s not your hair—it’s your wife’s—a woman who just happens to be your best friend’s little sister that hates your guts as well... -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity contemporary small town m-f length-long audiobook -
Hit 'em Hard by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same. JENSEN: Chasing my pro hockey dreams in the City of Angels has been a relentless battle. Each season feels like starting over, and being miles away from my family only adds to the struggle. I don’t know what I would do without my online gaming friends. Especially @Empress... -
Heart on Ice by J.A. Low
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPierre St. Pierre is a runaway groom.Catching his fiancée cheating the night before their wedding wasn’t the fairytale he imagined. He’s on the next flight out of Italy, leaving the embarrassing mess behind him.The last person Isabelle Alessi ever expected to see again is her first love and the man who broke her heart...Categorized as:
hockey from hate to love sports forced proximity cheating contemporary athletes second chances -
Undeniable Love by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Small Town, Enemies to Lovers, Sports Romance from New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase She’s a small town girl looking to escape her monotonous life. He’s the NFL superstar looking to return to his roots. Twelve years ago, he nearly destroyed her family. Now they’re working together and the attraction she feels is…completely undeniable. Lucy Dawson dreamed of leaving South Creek...
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