Books like 'The Way We Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Way We Play by Tia Louise also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
small town virgin heroine m-f sports found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love athletes competent heroine
-
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 grumpy sunshine from hate to love m-f contemporary dual-pov -
![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... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan]()
Hart to Heart by M.E. Carter, Jacob Morgan
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsListening Length: 5 hours, 6 minutesWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for any of us.But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
![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... -
-
![This Much Is True by Adriana Locke]()
This Much Is True by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsWhen celebrity Laina Kelley bolted from her small hometown church on her wedding day, she ran to the first place that came to mind—the home of the local farrier, a gorgeous playboy who just so happens to be her first love … and biggest frenemy... -
![Now's The Time by Harlow James]()
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
![Charring Bones by Brandy Hynes]()
Charring Bones by Brandy Hynes
You’re either the hunter or the hunted. The lion or the lamb. Bound on an altar. Belts of deceit. Tangerine skies. Taunted by time. Scorch. Stack. Salt. Gage She’s my nightmare. My weakness. My Wicked. Ainsley Morelli was everything I craved, the breath in my lungs, my only home. But she sent me to die, and threw dirt on my grave. That was another life. When she had the upper hand... -
![Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae]()
Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for Jaxon, Addison and myself. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
![The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow]()
The New Doctor at Peony Practice by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreorder the next book in the heartwarming and bestselling Love Heart Lane seriesLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatAll’s fair in love and…medicine?Dr Katie O’Neil has only been in Heartcross a few hours when she finds herself already ruffling feathers – not least with medical school nemesis and new colleague Ben Sanders...Categorized as:
small town forced proximity from hate to love m-f humor suspense contemporary length-medium -
![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... -
![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... -
![Play Me by Adriana Locke]()
Play Me by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat happens when a grumpy rugby player meets his match with a feisty, no-nonsense assistant? Someone gets played... -
![Someone To Love by Michelle Major]()
Someone To Love by Michelle Major
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne month. One fake boyfriend. One shot at forever.I’ve got four weeks to cross one thing off my bucket list—and it isn’t exactly PG.I’m not the type to take risks, but when a friend battling cancer dares you to go big, you don’t say no. My mission? Lose my V-card before my baby sister’s wedding. Did I mention she’s marrying my high school crush? Yeah... -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder!Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity m-f grumpy sunshine small town office humor length-medium -
-
![I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller]()
I Knew He Was Trouble by Amanda Schimmoeller
I’ve never needed help from anyone. I certainly don’t need it from the infuriating doctor next door.I loathe my uncivil neighbor and the loud music he blares before the sun has risen. Even the dogs I walk—for one of my four jobs—despise him.I’d be happy never seeing him again... -
![A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans]()
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...There's always time for tea... unless you've lost your teapot…Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy sunshine forced proximity small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![A Christmas Auction: A Marriage Auction Novella by Audrey Carlan]()
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:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love contemporary length-short audiobook -
![Caught from Behind by Elise Faber]()
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... -
![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 forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine m-f new adult dual-pov college -
![Uprooted by Andrea Wiseman]()
Uprooted by Andrea Wiseman
Stuck in Montreal with no job prospects, recent biology graduate Soleil Bellerose makes a snap decision to try tree planting in Alberta. She expects long days, blood‑sucking mosquitoes, and hard work. What she doesn’t the wild beauty of the land—and Gabe Hawthorne, the cocky, rugged foreman at Silvertip Reforestation who pushes all her buttons...Categorized as:
from hate to love small town m-f grumpy sunshine found-family competent heroine contemporary office -
![Keeping You by Alex Taylor]()
Keeping You by Alex Taylor
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHannah:I learned two years ago to never date a coworker or a playboy.Waking up married to Dr. Grayson Maxwell was not how I thought this work trip in Vegas would end. I want an annulment, but he surprises me with a request: ninety days to show me we can make this marriage work.With planned dates, thoughtful gestures, and beautiful words, he starts to chip away at my resolve... -
![It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson]()
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn.People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love.So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up.The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports grumpy sunshine m-f found-family football contemporary humor -
![Luciano by taintedkissesxo]()
Luciano by taintedkissesxo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLiam Luciano is one of the most feared men in all the world. At the young age of 18, he inherited the family name. 10 years later, the Luciano name is well known for its role in the Mafia; along with two other families: The Costello's and The Corinelli's. But when a 21-year-old is put on all three of the family's radar, Luciano steps in the way; doing something he had never done before... -
![Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray]()
Home Is Where You Park It by Marika Ray
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a giant of a man who grunts for words and barks out orders, yet circumstances require I be his fake girlfriend and spend the weekend with him in an isolated cabin.And of course there’s only one bed. Just my luck…But I need this commission check that only Boston can guarantee me...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love small town m-f contemporary humor military -
-
![Storm by Abbi Glines]()
Storm by Abbi Glines
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBriar Falling in love with a man you can’t fully trust isn’t just unwise, it's a constant battle. Storm Kingston had busted into my life, shattering my well-maintained walls. He claimed I was his, promising to fulfill all my dreams. But I had already caught him in a lie that I couldn’t confront him about. To do so would mean the death of an innocent person... -
![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 m-f contemporary independent heroine explicit-plentiful audiobook -
![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 -
![Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo]()
Heavy Shot by Toni Aleo
From the Nashville Next Generation series, comes your next book-boyfriend!Dimitri Titov was on hockey skates before he could walk. All he’s ever wanted is to play for the Assassins, his dad’s team. After growing up in Russia, he’s back in Nashville, Tennessee, and ready to pursue his lifelong goal.Austen McDavid escaped the kind of life they make Netflix documentaries about... -
![The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly]()
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 small town from hate to love forced proximity m-f contemporary length-long audiobook -
![Snowed in with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart]()
Snowed in with the Mountain Man by Lilah Hart
A stranded motorist might be the key to melting his icy heart.Since when does it snow on Thanksgiving?I've been away from my hometown in the mountains since college, but today, I'm traveling home to spend Thanksgiving with my grandmother. My little hatchback does a decent job climbing the mountain...until the halfway mark...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f small town grumpy sunshine virgin heroine contemporary curvy heroine dual-pov -
![Eoghan by Kate Randall]()
Eoghan by Kate Randall
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s a fighter, but I’m a criminal who will do whatever it takes to steal her heart.GemmaI rose from the ashes of my childhood like a phoenix, and never looked back.The last thing I need is the cocky bad boy of the Monaghan family barging in and turning my carefully constructed life into chaos.He’s everything I shouldn’t want, nothing I was prepared for, and the only thing I crave... -
![Game Day by Piper Lawson]()
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the heat of victory, I asked her to be mine forever. We’d both triumphed in our own way:Nova broke free from her past.I led my team to a championship and discovered life beyond the court. Our journey to "I do" was supposed to be easy. Except…The hottest resort in Aspen is only available is on short notice.A new season with the Denver Kodiaks looms on the horizon... -
![Unexpectedly Hers by Jamie Beck]()
Unexpectedly Hers by Jamie Beck
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBy day, bashful wallflower Emma Duffy works at her family’s bed-and-breakfast. By night, she secretly pens erotic romance hot enough to melt the snow in their cozy Rockies town. But Emma’s real life is about to heat up when her mother books the entire inn to a professional snowboarder, hoping the publicity will put them on the map...Categorized as:
sports small town m-f athletes contemporary length-medium third-person-pov audiobook -
![Tee'd Up For Trouble: A Small Town Sports Romance by Maya Alden]()
Tee'd Up For Trouble: A Small Town Sports Romance by Maya Alden
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsOne American Billionaire + One Irish Pub Owner = TroubleBurned by betrayal, Jax Caldwell, golf’s answer to Henry Cavill, needs a break from the spotlight. He didn’t expect to find it in the form of a busted Porsche on a muddy road leading to the edge of Ballybeg, Ireland... -
-
![Ghost Dance by Catherine Gayle]()
Ghost Dance by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the sexy Tulsa Thunderbirds hockey romance series. He had it all. And lost it in an instant. The night Dmitri Nazarenko won hockey’s Holy Grail, he lost more than he ever bargained for. With a world of guilt weighing him down, Dima can never forgive himself for his tragic misjudgment... -
![Undeniable Love by Samantha Chase]()
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... -
![Lace 'em Up by Elise Faber]()
Lace 'em Up by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’d decided long ago it was easier to pretend embrace my namesake than to try to prove myself to the world.No one ever had ever seen through that…Until I rescued a runaway bride from the side of the road.Then my mom—my interfering, matchmaking mom—saw the diamond ring, made assumptions I didn’t have the heart to dispel, and, suddenly, Rory and I were pretending to be engaged... -
![Watermelon With You? by Alexandra Hale]()
Watermelon With You? by Alexandra Hale
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGet ready for Talon and Cora in this small town, enemies to lovers story!In 2024, escape to the lowcountry of Magnolia Point, South Carolina, and celebrate all the fun holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their charming Southern men... -
![The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin]()
The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA football fanatic sports columnist. A sexy Italian soccer player. When in Rome . . . Maggie Lane, a sports columnist and diehard football fan, is not exactly enthused when her editor-in-chief sends her to Rome, Italy, to write a feature story on Italian soccer star Marco Valenti... -
![Fumbled by Lisa Suzanne]()
Fumbled by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAs a pro football player, I’m known for scoring both on and off the field. But all that changes when a tragic accident leaves me as a single dad to a little girl. With both our lives flipped upside down, I’m scrambling to balance my career while supporting the needs of a girl who just had her life torn apart...Categorized as:
sports athletes forced proximity from hate to love m-f contemporary dual-pov single-father -
![Morsel Enemies by Alexia Chase]()
Morsel Enemies by Alexia Chase
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAre you ready to meet your next Man of the Month?Chocolate chips, year-round Christmas decorations, crystal-clear waters, and smoldering nights under the stars. What more could you ask for?Ava’s boss, Jax, wants the same land Miles wants, and she’s there to make sure Jax gets it and escape Hell Town, Florida, as fast as she can... -
![My Bad Boy Valentine by Annee Jones]()
My Bad Boy Valentine by Annee Jones
Can a bad boy with a past win the heart of the girl next door? I never thought my quiet life as a middle school teacher in Hope Peak, Montana, would be shaken up by the return of Knox Slater—the town’s notorious bad boy and my high school crush. Tasked with caring for his troubled younger sister, Knox is rough around the edges but surprisingly determined to do the right thing...Categorized as:
from hate to love m-f small town forced proximity grumpy sunshine found-family contemporary usa -
![The Heart Beat by Alice DesMerveilles]()
The Heart Beat by Alice DesMerveilles
Le second tome de la saga phénomène Wattpad aux 3 millions de lecteurs débarque enfin sur vos liseuses !Ashley court après les mecs, court après l'amour, court après son père.Mais la vérité, c'est qu'elle ne cesse jamais d'être déçue par les hommes. Elle collectionne les plans cul sans attaches et les coups d'un soir qu'elle finit toujours par regretter... -
![The Bucket List by Alice DesMerveilles]()
The Bucket List by Alice DesMerveilles
Le phénomène Wattpad aux 3 millions de lecteurs débarque enfin sur vos liseuses ! Lily a tout pour être heureuse : de bonnes notes à la fac, un environnement familial sain et une carrière de médecin en perspective.Seulement, elle est trop sage, trop sérieuse, à l’inverse de son frère, Kyllian, qui part en vrille depuis la mort de leur père...Categorized as:
sports found-family forced proximity football from hate to love new adult length-long open-door -
-
![Finding Home by Jenn McMahon]()
Finding Home by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBlair Andrews has spent the better part of her adulthood playing trophy wife to her politician husband in San Francisco. All she knows is her pampered, polished, perfect life.Until it all comes crashing down around her.After hiding out in her sister’s spare bedroom for months to avoid pitying looks on the streets, she decides it’s time to escape city life and learn to stand on her own...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine small town forced proximity from hate to love found-family m-f cowboys contemporary -
![Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine]()
Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLove So Perfect, Book 5 in Marquita’s contemporary romance series about the Lawson Brothers. Star quarterback Austin Lawson’s dating life is fair game to the myriad gossip bloggers. Thanks to his most recent screw up with a social media savvy super model, he’s forced to return home so that his PR team can do damage control...Categorized as:
athletes sports virgin heroine small town humor contemporary curvy heroine length-novella -
![Dating the Grump (Silver Spoon Single Serve) by Loni Nichole]()
Dating the Grump (Silver Spoon Single Serve) by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe wasn't supposed to fall for the town grump. He wasn't supposed to look this good naked. And the whole town definitely wasn't supposed to find out about them.In a small town where matches are made every day and love lasts forever, you'd think dating would be easy... -
![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:
found-family sports athletes forced proximity football age difference single-father contemporary -
![Willowleaf Lane by RaeAnne Thayne]()
Willowleaf Lane by RaeAnne Thayne
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSometimes going back is the best way to start over Candy shop owner Charlotte Caine knows temptation.To reboot her life, shed weight and gain perspective, she's passing up sweet enticements left and right. But willpower doesn't come so easily when hell-raiser Spencer Gregory comes back to Hope's Crossing, bringing with him memories of broken promises and teen angst... -
![Waiting Game by Lisa Suzanne]()
Waiting Game by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsComing April 1!My wedding to Prince Charming is interrupted with accusations that it’s a sham.It is, but we both hold tight to the story that we’re marrying for love. I don’t have to fake it, but I’m not so sure about my husband.As I play the waiting game for him to return home from training camp, I start to find my niche with the wives of his pro football teammates...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
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.
