Books like 'The Check Down'
Readers who enjoyed The Check Down by Brandy Pelletier also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports friends to lovers insta-love football
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Weekend Fling by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt’s just a fling. Or is it?Juliet Blake shows up at my bar, dejected after her surprise girls’ weekend goes bad. So I do the usual—mix her a drink and listen to her troubles. I’m a spontaneous guy, so I offer to help—spend the rest of the weekend with her so she’s not alone on her birthday.I don’t expect her to end up in my bed, but when she does, it’s mind-blowing... -
![Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
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![Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson]()
Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
![With This Fling by Tara Sivec]()
With This Fling by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLaura Bennett has spent her life taking care of other people and running the Dip and Twist. Happily spending her time being single and carefree, she has no intention of settling down or falling in love. With an ever-growing family, she’s a mother to them all, and she loves every minute of it. But her baby is getting married, and her oldest has her own life changes she’s dealing with... -
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![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary humor age difference length-short m-f audiobook -
![Perfect Strangers by Carly Phillips]()
Perfect Strangers by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night.No strings.Things just got complicated.Between long hours in the ER and failing to please her demanding father, Dr. Alexa Collins barely has time for a life, and the strain is starting to take its toll.On a rare night out, she can’t resist getting a little crazy on the dance floor. Or playfully crooking her finger at the sinfully hot football player watching her every move... -
![Born to Sin by Rosalind James]()
Born to Sin by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing sentenced by a woman in a black robe is not a meet-cute.Quinn Jeffries follows the rules. A judge in small-town Sinful, Montana, doesn’t have much room for missteps, and when you spend your childhood training for the Olympics, you don’t have time for anything but discipline anyway. And, see? It’s worked! Her life is just fine... -
![Thrill Ride by Breezie Bennett]()
Thrill Ride by Breezie Bennett
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"Flirty, dirty, and downright irresistible! Breezie Bennett's books sizzle like a steamy Florida night." - Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Thrill Ride: South Florida Riders Book 4 NFL kicker Dylan Rivera and quirky yoga teacher Melody Hayes have absolutely nothing in common, except they both believe in "one true love... -
![Hail Marry by Martha Keyes]()
Hail Marry by Martha Keyes
His ‘hail marry’ proposal to a stranger might be the wildest play of his entire career.LUCAOne enormous detail stands between me and my dream of being drafted to the NFL: a valid visa. With my student visa expiring and a past, unfortunate run-in with the law disqualifying me from the one I need, I’ve run out of options.Then fate hands me a wild card: saving a stranger from a speeding truck...Categorized as:
sports football contemporary humor marriage of convenience length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
![Rookie by Amy Davies]()
Rookie by Amy Davies
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRookieWhen I came to the US from Ireland, I thought my life was panned out: become a police officer and help people. One incident changed all of that, and I became a Rugged Skull. My path in life changed. Being a member of the club has its perks, mainly women and booze. But we like something sweet from time to time, and one visit to Coffee Cove had me finding that sugary craving...Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers contemporary bikers bad boys suspense humor length-short -
![Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge]()
Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge
YOUR RULE TO BREAK IS A STEAMY FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH FAKE DATING. It's the second book in The Play Caller series and can be read as a standalone. What do you do when your sister is marrying your ex? If there’s an answer, Emilie Hayes would love to know... -
![The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin]()
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYou are invited to a summer of sparkling champagne, warm buttery croissants and a little bit of je ne sais quoi… With a broken heart and a broken spirit, Hattie is in need of a summer escape. So when an opportunity comes up to work at a beautiful, stately chateau in the Champagne region of France she books her flights quicker than the pop of a cork... -
![Things I Wrote About by Kelsey Humphreys]()
Things I Wrote About by Kelsey Humphreys
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTheir story started over ten years ago but nothing brings out plot holes and character flaws like being stuck together on a private island for a week…Sadie Canton writes America’s favorite romance novels. She’s created one hit happy ending after another, all while avoiding her own painful cliffhanger.But she can’t avoid him anymore...Categorized as:
insta-love sports contemporary humor from hate to love abuse length-medium audiobook -
![Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec]()
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago.”Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am. Except sassy Wren Bennett isn’t just a blast from my past... -
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![Off the Record by Chelle Sloan]()
Off the Record by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFans of the Nashville Fury come to me for all things regarding their favorite professional football team. Stats, rumors and even what the players like on their pizza. What they don’t turn to me for is information about how their offensive coordinator is in the bedroom. The answer? It’s too hot for print...Categorized as:
sports football contemporary humor length-medium audiobook curvy heroine competent heroine -
![Kissing A Stranger by Lacey Black]()
Kissing A Stranger by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDeckerIf you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package... -
![Lights Out Lucy: Roller Derby 101 by Elicia Hyder]()
Lights Out Lucy: Roller Derby 101 by Elicia Hyder
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI love Lucy! "OMG! I love Lucy!! Seriously loved this book. Laughs, romance, and some serious a$$ kicking as Lucy tries out for the roller derby. Lights Out Lucy deserves much more than 5 stars! Excellent read from start to finish." --Amazon Reviewer A fresh, fun, feel-good book...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult contemporary humor tycoon length-medium audiobook -
![Off Limits by Chelle Sloan]()
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences.The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her.I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forbidden love contemporary humor athletes siblings-bff length-medium -
![The Girls of Heatherly Hall by Julie Houston]()
The Girls of Heatherly Hall by Julie Houston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThree devoted sisters... One complicated family. After the untimely death of their biological father, triplets Eva, Rosa and Hannah find themselves the unlikely owners of Stratton Hall, the vast manor house overlooking their home village of Westernbury. But the beautiful house comes with almost as much baggage as it does land, not least high running costs and debt...Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers contemporary christian humor mystery length-medium audiobook -
![Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw]()
Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNateAll I wanted to do was be me, for one night. I didn’t want to be the number one quarterback in the league. I just wanted to be Nate. I couldn’t tell you exactly what made me stop at that dive bar on the outskirts of town, but it changed my life.Our connection was instant and undeniable. Our night together was explosive, which led to another, and then another. No strings...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary second chances humor friends-benefits new adult length-medium -
![Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale]()
Freak Show by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWelcome to the Circus is a brand-new series that centers around a family that owns a circus, 6 sisters and one brother. This is book 1 featuring Val & Felix...Categorized as:
insta-love sports friends to lovers contemporary suspense humor athletes single-father -
![JOCK by Jacob Chance]()
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me... -
![Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman]()
Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAs the Dating Guy on L.A.‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too... -
![The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake]()
The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFor fans of The Saturday Morning Park Run! Take the plunge and discover a gorgeous new read full of friendship, love and the healing power of community!Ettie is trying to figure out her future.Dominic’s just trying to forget his past...Categorized as:
sports insta-love small town humor disabilities and marks contemporary length-medium audiobook -
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![Not A Player by R.C. Stephens]()
Not A Player by R.C. Stephens
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLilianaHooking up with an annoyingly handsome stranger on vacation isn't the best idea, but I could use a little bit of careless fun before my fresh start.We said no last names, no strings. With law school on the line, it’s all I can offer. I just don’t expect everything to feel so easy— or so right. Too bad I’ll never see him again...Categorized as:
sports insta-love friends to lovers new adult humor contemporary forced proximity second chances -
![Flopper by Colleen Charles]()
Flopper by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Vegas Venom turn up the heat in this brand new standalone hockey romance series from USA Today Bestselling Author Colleen Charles!As one of the top goalies in hockey I live a sweet Vegas lifestyle: VIP treatment at all the hottest spots in town – ushered past every velvet rope – and all the puck bunnies I can handle...Categorized as:
sports insta-love friends to lovers humor new adult contemporary bikers single-father -
![Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings]()
Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe's made a list of her own, and he's just the man to help...Haven Taylor is tired of being called a Goody Two-shoes, and her brother's best friend might be the key to fixing that.DB Elliot is seriously sexy and without a doubt someone she can trust for a no-strings-attached secret fling. After all, she's known him her entire life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports christmas alpha male contemporary humor siblings-bff length-novella -
![Red, White, & Bayou by Erin Nicholas]()
Red, White, & Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWyatt Landry is back in town...for one night only. At least, that's the plan. In spite of the big Fourth of July party, and his cousin’s plan to set him up with a friend of hers, and how much he wishes things could be the way they used to be.But they're not. And he's hitting the road as soon as the sun sets.Until he sees her. The woman in the red dress...Categorized as:
friends to lovers insta-love contemporary military humor second chances dual-pov length-novella -
![Sexy Six by Ahren Sanders]()
Sexy Six by Ahren Sanders
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey call me Sexy Six Cocky? Absof*ckinglutely Sexy? That's what they say Unstoppable? You bet your ass NFL Golden boy, Super Bowl MVP, and the league's hottest player--on and off the field. To most, I'm a celebrity, with the records to prove it. Fame, fortune, family... I've got it all. Except Grace Monroe. Two years ago, Grace turned my world upside down with just one look... -
![Caged by Brittany Crowley]()
Caged by Brittany Crowley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSavannah I was perfectly content with my life, or at least I thought I was. Then Zander ‘The Hitman’ Cage walked into my bar with those hypnotizing blue eyes and everything I ever thought I wanted flew out the window. Giving him a chance was the easiest decision I ever made. He ripped apart my safe little existence and took me along for the ride of my life... -
![Dating Your Arrogant Athlete by Lana Dash]()
Dating Your Arrogant Athlete by Lana Dash
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRule #1: Don't Drop the Ball.Jamie Hayes is a star baseball player with an ego to match. But when we are forced to work together, I see there is more to this arrogant athlete than I originally thought... -
![Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart]()
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it.With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports contemporary age difference grumpy sunshine athletes humor length-medium -
![Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi]()
Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsKnoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Campbell is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers humor contemporary siblings-bff athletes forced proximity -
![It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff]()
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t.They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return.But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
football friends to lovers sports found-family contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
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![Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster]()
Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s a simple rule: don’t bang your teammates’ siblings.Finn O’Brien didn’t just break the rule, he annihilated it. Falling in love with his best friend’s younger sister when they were teens was an accident. He fought it for years, hiding behind a list of one-night stands a mile long, anything to convince himself Molly Morrison wasn’t the woman for him...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult humor contemporary siblings-bff hockey length-medium -
![Two for Tripping by Lasairiona E. McMaster]()
Two for Tripping by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAwkward. Adrift. Alone.Fresh out of college, Will Morrison finds himself at a loss. Graduating top of his class was all well and good, but with no idea of what to do next, it’s all meaningless, and his recent mistakes have put him on tenuous ground with his best friend and sister...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers insta-love college contemporary new adult tearjerkers humor -
![Win a Date with a Bully by Kate Tilney]()
Win a Date with a Bully by Kate Tilney
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA curvy CEO wants redemption with the bully who made high school hard for her but is surprised with what she finds when she wins a date with him at a charity bachelor auction.Bridger Kade and his buddies made high school a living h-e-double hockey sticks for me. Now he's the captain of Seattle's hockey team and people everywhere want to date him.Everyone, except me... -
![Puck Proposal by Delancey Stewart]()
Puck Proposal by Delancey Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy hockey career is on fire, so when my best friend from high school (and the girl I'd always want) shows up on my doorstep in trouble, I have a turn her away (not likely!) or propose. Back then, Josephine Baxter was the unattainable debutante who took pity on the kid from the wrong side of town.We were unlikely best friends. And she was the girl I’d never have. At least not like that... -
![One Timer on Top by London Casey]()
One Timer on Top by London Casey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EX. Okay. I get that. I respect that. But what about sleeping with your biggest rival’s ex? And… what about marrying her…?* * *I caught my boyfriend enjoying some “oral service” from another woman. Dumping him is easy. Getting rid of him his almost impossible since I work in PR and he’s one of my clients. (Yeah, I know, don’t mix business with pleasure... -
![Wild Ride by Breezie Bennett]()
Wild Ride by Breezie Bennett
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA smoking hot wide receiver with a tattered reputation. A feisty tomboy with dreams of being a sports agent. Can he build his brand with a fake fiancée? Can she snag the promotion she desperately wants? Sure. If he can keep it in his pants and she can resist taking the ride of her life. Fall in love with Leo and Frankie as their romance slides from fake to forever... -
![Perfect Harmony by Violet Rae]()
Perfect Harmony by Violet Rae
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsCan the jaded rock star convince the shy girl with the voice of an angel that he wants her as more than his singing partner... he wants her as his partner for life?MackI've been a solo artist for years, but lately, something's out of tune. I've given the industry my all but I'm ready to hang up my guitar. Then I meet her. Harmony is beautiful with the voice of an angel...Categorized as:
friends to lovers insta-love contemporary rockstars mental illness alpha male age difference humor -
![The Ex Effect by Karla Sorensen]()
The Ex Effect by Karla Sorensen
The headline could write itself: Matthew Hawkins, star defensive end, comes out of retirement to play for the Washington Wolves. Which is perfectly fine by Ava Baker—it makes her job as publicist for the team easier. There’s only two problems. This particular football player was her first crush. The bigger problem: Matthew Hawkins was once engaged to her older sister...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers football humor contemporary forbidden love office secret-relationship -
![Play Me by Kelly Elliott, Kristin Mayer]()
Play Me by Kelly Elliott, Kristin Mayer
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsShe has a head for business and a body for sin. He is a coach who knows how to use his equipment. Neither is looking for love. Should be easy, right? Wrong. This might be the most important game Kendall Wales and Hunter Owens have ever played where everything is on the line. With one wrong play, they could lose it all... -
![Tap Out by Alley Ciz]()
Tap Out by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhat would you do if you came face-to-face with your celebrity crush?Rocky Steele is surrounded by professional athletes.It’s her job. As a physical therapist in a world renowned gym, she works with the best of the best, from hockey players to MMA fighters. Celebrity status does not impress her. Nor do big, strong men in peak physical condition. Nope...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers insta-love fighters contemporary new adult forced proximity humor -
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![Blindsided by Shey Stahl]()
Blindsided by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLandon Slade. Highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Demi-god. Certifiable ladies’ man. It’s no secret my ego is boosted. Being light on my feet and good with my hands, I control the plays and my stamina is legendary. And on and off the field, I make the decisions, the rules. Do I do complicated? Hell, no. I take what I want, tackle life my way. But then there’s her... -
![Dropkick My Heart by Winter Travers]()
Dropkick My Heart by Winter Travers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKellan Countless hours of practice, and enough determination to succeed no matter the cost is what has brought Kellan to standing at the door to his life coming full circle. Life on the competition circuit was fast-paced, and exciting, but now Kellan is ready to settle down, and stay in his own bed for longer than a week...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers fighters contemporary from hate to love humor length-medium audiobook -
![Bender by Colleen Charles]()
Bender by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy second chance is the biggest gamble of my life. I am Marco Rossi, once an Italian nobody, now living the dream as a Vegas Venom player. I thought I was swapping my lonely orphan past for a team-family. But I was wrong. I am on thin ice with everyone, but especially when it comes to Madison McKay...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey athletes curvy heroine contemporary humor length-medium -
![Heartthrob by Katie McCoy]()
Heartthrob by Katie McCoy
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMove over, Colin Firth - there’s a new Darcy in town! Jax Hawthorne is Hollywood’s sexiest bad boy. I’m a glorified secretary who thinks color-coding my library is a wild Friday night. So when he shows up after all this time wanting to make good on our childhood deal to tie the knot, it’s not because he can’t resist my perfect credit score... -
![The Real Fake Fiancé by Sara Jane Woodley]()
The Real Fake Fiancé by Sara Jane Woodley
Hi, I’m Dee, and I’m captain of the friend zone. I didn’t ask for this dubious honor, but don’t worry, I like it this way. I’m happy not dating and just being “one of the guys” on my volleyball team. Until my scary new boss informs me that my job—I’m a developer at a dating app (ironic, right?) that I coded from scratch, an app that is essentially my baby—is in jeopardy. So I lie... -
![Friends with Benefits by Nicole Blanchard]()
Friends with Benefits by Nicole Blanchard
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTripp Wilder is more than a friend… ..but Ember Stevens is determined not to make him a boyfriend. After a string of bad breakups, she prefers the sex without the strings and who better to teach her about NSA relationships than her love ’em and leave ’em neighbor, Tripp? It’s the best of both worlds...
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