Books like 'Play the Game'
Readers who enjoyed Play the Game by S.J. Sylvis also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports hockey marriage of convenience m-f from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov found-family arranged marriage
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Saving His Heart by Avery Maxwell
Never have I ever...The number one rule in medicine is don't fall in love with your patients, but Preston Westbrook makes his own rules. Hand him a life-altering diagnosis, and all bets are off.I'm a doctor without a license. He's a billionaire without a chance.He hired me to care for his failing heart, but when meddling family forces his hand, he introduces me as his girlfriend... -
![The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee]()
The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee spins a dazzling tale of long-lost relatives, overnight riches, and unexpected romance in the dramatic second book of The Heirs series.Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants... -
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![Enticing by Bella Matthews]()
Enticing by Bella Matthews
From USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a Single Mom, Marriage Of Convenience, Hockey Romance.You’d think a romance author would know better than to fall for her fake husband. It’s the oldest trope in thebook . . . literally. But it turns out writing it and living it are two very different things...Categorized as:
sports hockey marriage of convenience forced proximity super rich hero dual-pov new adult athletes -
![Made For You by Natasha Madison]()
Made For You by Natasha Madison
From Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comesA brand new stand-alone enemies-to-lovers grumpy/sunshine sports romance.A spin-off from the Only One seriesVivienneI did the last thing I ever expected to do. I bought a boat. A beautiful boat that was all mine to spend the summer on.Only thing I was looking forward to was the calm being on the water brought me...Categorized as:
sports athletes forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine from hate to love cold hero hockey -
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![Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott]()
Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
![Wicked Empire by Tracy Lorraine]()
Wicked Empire by Tracy Lorraine
USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tracy Lorraine brings you the next installment of her new dark mafia, high school bully romance series.She didn’t want to believe me.She wanted to believe the threat wasn’t really there.But as the sirens ring out in the distance and she stares down into my eyes, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her...Categorized as:
new adult m-f from hate to love first-person-pov dual-pov contemporary mafia high-school -
![Twelve of a Kind by Sandi Lynn]()
Twelve of a Kind by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCarter: I was grateful for my second chance at life and discovering a family I never knew existed. Relocating my company and myself from South Carolina to Los Angeles brought me closer to them. They were all happily married, except my brother Gabriel, who was engaged to the love of his life. I didn’t trust women, and for good reason... -
![The Best of All by Karla Sorensen]()
The Best of All by Karla Sorensen
He’s commitment phobic. She believes in happy endings. The twist of fate that binds them is a surprise they never saw coming in a bittersweet romance about instant family—and not-so-instant love.A decade-old animosity is the only thing Liam Davies and Zoe Valentine have in common...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports dual-pov from hate to love grumpy sunshine new adult m-f friends to lovers -
![RUSH: Deluxe Edition by Emma Scott]()
RUSH: Deluxe Edition by Emma Scott
To be blind is not miserable; not to be able to bear blindness, that is miserable. --John MiltonCharlotte Conroy, Juilliard-trained violinist, was on the cusp of greatness when tragedy swooped down on dark wings, crushing her hopes and breaking her heart. The music that used to sing in her soul has grown quiet, and she feels on the verge of setting down her violin for good...Categorized as:
new adult dual-pov angst grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love sports m-f -
![Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
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... -
![Power Play by Toni Aleo]()
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
![False Start by Lisa Suzanne]()
False Start by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFootball season is fast approaching, and as a single dad, I need help. Even though I claim I have a little black book filled with names of women who could step up to the task, none of them will do...not when I see the bond that's forming between Victoria and my daughter.And not when the attraction between Victoria and I continues to grow despite our constant clashing... -
![All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey]()
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... -
![Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter]()
Blind Pass by Teagan Hunter
What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there.I would know. I’m coming home with a brand-new ring on my finger.My wife? Ryan Bell.We’re polar opposites.She’s sunshine and happiness.I’m grumpy and scarred—literally.We could get it annulled and no one would be the wiser.Only problem? We posted about it online, and it’s already making headlines... -
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![Down To You by Jayne Frost]()
Down To You by Jayne Frost
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery story deserves a soundtrack. And ours is epic. She started from perfect. A star who shone brighter than the rest. But then fate took it all away. Now she's broken. A beautiful song with a fractured beat. But I'm still on the rise. Chasing a dream that she's already left behind. If I'm lucky, I can find my redemption in the spotlight. Destiny brought us together. Put her in my path... -
![Frozen Heart Face-Off by Siena Trap]()
Frozen Heart Face-Off by Siena Trap
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMy heart only beats for her.Four years ago, half of my heart walked out the door. The piece left behind has sat frozen in time—a time when our love was alive and thriving.I was luckier than most guys in the league. I met the girl of my dreams before I hit it big, and she stood by my side as my hockey career took off.She was my cheerleader, my best friend, my soulmate... -
![Field Goal by Lisa Suzanne]()
Field Goal by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAs I navigated this new life as a single dad, I thought I was fine. I thought nobody would come between us. But I was wrong.It turns out greedy and selfish people are everywhere, and it’s my job to fight them...to protect my daughter even as she hurls hurtful words at me and blames me for everything...Categorized as:
sports marriage of convenience angst from hate to love forced proximity dual-pov athletes new adult -
![Knockout by Jessica Prince]()
Knockout by Jessica Prince
It wasn’t fair that the man I hated with a passion was so freaking gorgeous.Things in Layla Fox’s life were going great. She had a fantastic job, amazing friends, and a killer apartment. There was just one tiny glitch in all that perfect. Her upstairs neighbor was the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome . . . and she hated the man with every cell in her body... -
![Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo]()
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
![The Difference Between Somebody and Someone by Aly Martinez]()
The Difference Between Somebody and Someone by Aly Martinez
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe world owes you nothing. It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that. Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom... -
![Hot Heir by Pippa Grant]()
Hot Heir by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsIf I had to pick a bride of convenience, my first choice would NOT be Peach Maloney.My fiftieth choice would NOT be Peach.Top spot on my list of occupational hazards? Yes. Royal pain in the crumpets? Yes.A bride of convenience? No.But I’ve unexpectedly gone from royal bodyguard to monarch, having inherited a crown that was stolen from my family long before my birth... -
![Forward Progress by Lisa Suzanne]()
Forward Progress by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOne lapse in judgment has ripple effects I never saw coming. Legal battles, jail time, and league punishments don't faze me as much as losing the two people who are most important to me.I’m still learning how to navigate these relationships, especially as they've started to pay the price for my actions. The fear of losing them grows stronger each day, and I don't know how to fix things between us...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes dual-pov marriage of convenience angst new adult forced proximity -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 27 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... -
![I Need You To Love Me by Genicious]()
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... -
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![Jasper by Lulu Moore]()
Jasper by Lulu Moore
As Captain of an NHL team, I'm rich, successful and have women falling at my feet.I thought my life was perfect until a pint sized blonde checked into me one day, knocking my life off course.Wolfie Williams is sass personified. Beautiful, fiery, funny and oh so sexy. With every eye roll she gives me I become more and more wrapped around her finger, making me realise she is my missing piece...Categorized as:
from hate to love slow burn sports super rich hero new adult independent heroine hockey m-f -
![Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo]()
Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsShelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old. Aiden Brooks. But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor... -
![End Game by Toni Aleo]()
End Game by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is going to be Ryan Justice’s year. It’s his last year of college and his last year as a hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies. He’s making all the plays in preparation for achieving his dream of being drafted into the NHL. This is Sofia Castilleja’s beginning. She is starting her college career as a star member of Bellevue’s brand-new gymnastics team... -
![Anger Banger by S.M. Shade]()
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son...Categorized as:
new adult found-family from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity contemporary humor -
![Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Show Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsI moved to Chicago six months ago, determined to finally open my own bakery. My landlady was this sweet woman who treated me like her granddaughter. Then she sold the house. Now the devil himself is my landlord and neighbor since I live in the guesthouse on his property. Declan Maxwell is moody, unreasonable, and takes himself far too seriously. Unfortunately for me, he’s also damn sexy... -
![Beneath the Ice by L.A. Cotton]()
Beneath the Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAre you ready to fall in love with a Laker? When Connor Morgan wants something, he goes after it and doesn’t stop until he gets it. Enter Ella Henshaw. She’s the love of his life. Beautiful. Loyal. He has their future all mapped out. When Ella watches Connor take a nasty hit on the ice, she prays it isn’t going to ruin his final season with the Lakers. Or compromise his shot at going pro...Categorized as:
angst sports new adult forced proximity dual-pov grumpy sunshine found-family hockey -
![Changing Lines by Toni Aleo]()
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
![When Hearts Surrender by Victoria Lum]()
When Hearts Surrender by Victoria Lum
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA cold, reclusive billionaire, a dark family curse, and an arranged marriage with the one woman he’s forbidden to love.All my life, restlessness has haunted me, as if a piece of my soul were missing. Then, I met him.A mysterious, charismatic bad boy in a leather jacket who whisked me away on the ride of a lifetime.For the first time, I felt truly alive... -
![On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton]()
On Thin Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAn emotional and angsty grumpy x sunshine hockey romance from USA Today and WSJ bestselling author L A Cotton. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?When Harper Dixon discovers her father is the Lakeshore U Lakers new assistant coach, she wonders if her life can get any worse.Enter Mason Steele.Arrogant. Cold. With enough ice around his heart to freeze anyone who gets too close...Categorized as:
sports new adult dual-pov forced proximity from hate to love angst grumpy sunshine m-f -
![Only One Forever by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different...Categorized as:
sports new adult forced proximity athletes hockey m-f contemporary friends to lovers -
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![Second-Rate Superstar by Siena Trap]()
Second-Rate Superstar by Siena Trap
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEver heard of imposter syndrome?Well, if you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find my picture beside the definition.I’ve been living in my older brother’s shadow since the day I was born.Anyone would struggle to live up to the legacy of the great Jaxon Slate, hockey superstar and face of the league. But it’s worse for me. Everyone expects me to be Jaxon 2...Categorized as:
sports hockey found-family new adult slow burn athletes friends to lovers contemporary -
![Mr. Wicked by Marni Mann]()
Mr. Wicked by Marni Mann
An alpha billionaire dedicated to no-strings pleasure. A woman committed to changing his wicked mind. Together they ignite a steaming-hot romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Mr. Hook-up.Grayson Tanner has had better days... -
![The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness]()
The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness
“No strings, no rings.” That’s Luke Archer’s motto. As the champion quarterback for the New York Empire—not to mention a self-made billionaire—Luke has given up on serious relationships. Women only want him for one thing: the thrill of being with a superstar. And he likes it that way too... -
![The Plan by Karla Sorensen]()
The Plan by Karla Sorensen
Have you ever fake dated your bodyguard? I don't recommend it. Especially if he's anything like Erik Wilder: former football player, world class know-it-all and unapologetic grump. To be clear, I didn't want a bodyguard (hence the fake dating idea). Most days, I can’t figure out why he wants the job either. We drive each other insane, probably because we’re as opposite as two people can be...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity new adult grumpy sunshine cold hero m-f contemporary -
![The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo]()
The Chase is Over by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsYou are cordially invited to the wedding of Shelli Adler and Aiden Brooks…Shelli has been planning her wedding to Aiden in her scrapbook since she was old enough to wield a glue stick. And now that day has finally arrived... -
![Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart]()
Some Kind of Blunderful by Livy Hart
If you ask Mia Madden, the road to dating hell is paved with suspiciously hot online profiles. Take tonight’s date, for example. Alex Conroy’s whole “boardroom in the streets, lumberjack in the sheets” thing totally works for her, but his profile did not convey that he represents everything she loathes about corporate hustle culture. He’s not even worth her bottle of purse wine...Categorized as:
forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love dual-pov new adult m-f humor contemporary -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Vaughn 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...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love independent heroine m-f contemporary explicit-plentiful -
![Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell]()
Falling into Forever by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s a brokenhearted romance novelist to do when an interview accidentally turns her into the villain? I’ll tell you one thing—the plan definitely wasn’t to turn to the man who taught me that happily ever afters exist only on the page...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love m-f contemporary friends to lovers -
![Just Another Spark by Carly Phillips]()
Just Another Spark by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe’s a rock star wanted by millions.She’s a wife willing to fight for their love. Rock star Dash Kingston is finishing the last leg of his band’s U.S. tour. Exhausted and ready to be home, he can’t wait to see his girl. Time zones, show times, and the demands of his career have made married life harder than expected. Even knowing the rock star life wouldn’t make their relationship easy... -
![Unlucky Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie]()
Unlucky Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
From New York Times bestselling authors Krista and Becca Ritchie comes the next installment in their steamy contemporary romance series. Luna and Donnelly are back again in their second novel, bringing the weird, the sexy, and heartfelt heat... -
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![In Your Pucking Dreams by Sheridan Anne]()
In Your Pucking Dreams by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsCASSIEI made the worst decision of my life when I left Denver three years ago.I broke his heart. I broke my family’s hearts. And then I broke my own.It’s taken three long years, but here I am staring my past in the face.Only everything has changed.He isn’t the boy I once knew. He’s the Captain of the Denver Dragons... -
![Brazen Steele by Ali Dean]()
Brazen Steele by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeckett Steele knows what he wants and he’s finally going after it. But there’s one thing that might complicate his mission. It was easy to sign the legally-binding contract prohibiting a public relationship when he had no intention of falling in love... -
![Power Play by C.J. Cartwright]()
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if the one who got away… comes back? They say you never forget your first love. But does time truly heal all wounds?Levi Fawkes knows hockey, and not much else. As the captain of the Astoria Bay Thunder, his eyes are always locked on the goal... -
![A Christmas Bargain by Ariana Cooper]()
A Christmas Bargain by Ariana Cooper
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHis land for my heart? That wasn't part of the deal. I'm Claire Winters, real estate heiress with a deadline.Desperate to save my family's legacy.Until I meet Derek Everett, the stubborn single dad who holds the key.He's a former Wall Street king.Eight years my senior.Devastatingly handsome with those blue eyes.And he's using our fake relationship as leverage...Categorized as:
new adult grumpy sunshine fake relationship first-person-pov dual-pov m-f contemporary length-short -
![Slammed by Victoria Denault]()
Slammed by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNot every goalie plays it safe... As a publicist for the San Francisco Thunder hockey team, Dixie Braddock is too busy rescuing the players from trouble to get into any of her own. Except, of course, when it comes to the super hot new goalie... -
![Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs]()
Flowers and Financiers by Alina Jacobs
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn my defense, I never claimed to be professional...At least that’s my excuse for why I mistook a billionaire for a waiter, made off-color comments and accidentally dumped a plate of food all over him.Embarrassing myself is a daily occurrence, just like my unpaid bill notices.But being in a wedding instead of planning one is not...Categorized as:
super rich hero from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-f contemporary humor suspense
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