Books like 'Daring the Defender'
Readers who enjoyed Daring the Defender by Angel Lawson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary new adult sports m-f forbidden love virgin heroine sweet heroine shy heroine sunny hero sweet-hero
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A Little Tempting by Kelsie Rae
My friend's little sister moved in next door. Dylan Thorne. The one and only. She's cute, in a nerdy wallflower kind of way. She's also off-limits. Or at least that's what my other friend says. Everett's been friends with Dylan's older brother for as long as she's lived. Call it a hunch, but I think he has a thing for Dylan, too, which is why he's warned me to keep my distance... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![Knowing You by Allie Everhart]()
Knowing You by Allie Everhart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsNow that Garret’s decided he’s no longer following the rules of his wealthy family, he can finally develop a closer relationship with Jade. Things are going well, but Jade still worries that being with Garret is only temporary. And because of that, she’s not sure how much of herself and her past she’s willing to let him see... -
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![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... -
![Kissing My Brother's Bride by Molly McLain]()
Kissing My Brother's Bride by Molly McLain
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy brother’s fiancée should have been mine. Now, I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not quite as bad as it sounds. Linc was running late for their first date and he begged me to stand in until he could get there.I only went to tell the girl to run. To warn her about my brother’s selfish ways and promise she wanted no part of it.But then I saw her...Categorized as:
forbidden love dual-pov strong heroine new adult m-f friends to lovers contemporary length-medium -
![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... -
![ICED by Jacob Chance]()
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single... -
![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... -
![Made to Love You by Megan Smith]()
Made to Love You by Megan Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsJaylinn McCormick had finally found the man who makes her life complete. After putting the most terrifying night of her life behind her, she’s moving on. Suddenly, unexpected life altering events have Jaylinn spiraling in an unknown direction. Will she be able to survive? Cooper Cahill finally found a balance in his life... -
![Rider by Fiona Davenport]()
Rider by Fiona Davenport
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAiden “Rider” Brand knew the Silver Saints MC rule about sisters being off-limits. But he had no clue that his VP was Wendy West’s big brother when he met her. And after their night together, nobody was going to keep him away from the woman he’d claimed as his own... -
![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... -
![Griz by E. Cleveland]()
Griz by E. Cleveland
This fake relationship romance has it all! Funny, awkward moments. The “will they or won’t they”? And so much tension and steam it'll make you sweat! One thousand dollars.I wasn’t supposed to bid at Westbury’s Bachelor Auction. In fact, I was hosting the event when I decided to lean into the microphone and yell out that ridiculous amount.I blame Bridezilla's stupid text (oops, I mean my sister)... -
![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... -
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![Only One Forever by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 28 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... -
![The Goalie by Olivia T. Turner]()
The Goalie by Olivia T. Turner
I met her.The girl of my dreams.She’s perfect for me in every way.There’s only one thing wrong.She’s the one girl I’m forbidden to have.The coach’s daughter.His little princess.He’s made it very clear. Grace is off-limits.But she’s the only one I want.The only one I’ve ever wanted.I’m the best goalie in the league.I can stop anything.But I can’t stop myself from falling for Grace...Categorized as:
sports hockey virgin heroine m-f secret-relationship forbidden love dual-pov possessive hero -
![Jersey Girl by Rhonda James]()
Jersey Girl by Rhonda James
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBrantley Cage is a standout D-man on Great Lakes University hockey team. Now that his dream of signing with the Detroit Red Wings has come true, his goals for senior year are simple: Work hard. Score big. Stay away from love. And then he meets her. There's just one problem... -
![Spiked by Love by Toni Aleo]()
Spiked by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsAllison Titov and Asher Brooks have been best friends their whole lives. Brought up together as part of the Assassins family, they might as well be related. But... Ally has never felt anything sisterly toward Asher.In love with Asher since she was a teen, Ally has gone pro at keeping her feelings a secret. It’s been easy.. -
![Just Say Yes by Rosalind James]()
Just Say Yes by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsSome fires warm you up. And some burn you down. Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he’s evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can’t afford dreams, so she's given them up... -
![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... -
![Blocker by Samantha Whiskey]()
Blocker by Samantha Whiskey
I’m the Seattle Sharks’ number one goalie. The blocker. The wall. The opposition’s worst nightmare. I’m driven, committed to my team, and have zero time for distractions—on or off the ice. My focus is on my new contract—one that will secure my position and take care of my family. So, naturally, when Coach’s daughter moves back to town, he asks me to watch out for her...Categorized as:
sports secret-relationship hockey m-f new adult forbidden love cheerful heroine independent heroine -
![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 independent heroine m-f contemporary from hate to love explicit-plentiful -
![Nude Awakening by Penny Clarke]()
Nude Awakening by Penny Clarke
Rylie swears she’s not a prude.How was I to know the art course my best friend signed me up for meant I’d be sketching a nude model? I should have checked the fine print. Then I never would have―quite literally―bumped into Levi Hart moments before he dropped trou in class... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner]()
Secret or Shutout by Leah Brunner
A 6'5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life...no, this isn't the start of a bad joke.I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.But then the next morning my world is rocked again--when I walk inside my team captain's house and see her... -
![Chasing Temptation by Tracy Lorraine]()
Chasing Temptation by Tracy Lorraine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNot all lessons can be learned in a classroom. I went back to school to make something of myself—it was all about me. Until her... My teacher. One look in those sad eyes and every other reason for being in that classroom is erased. She’s lost. That much is obvious. Damn if I didn’t want to be the one to find her, to hell with rules. I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard and fast... -
![Call Me Teach by S.J. Sylvis]()
Call Me Teach by S.J. Sylvis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe deal is simple: my brother’s best friend--who just so happens to be my new roommate--shows me the ropes in the bedroom, and I owe him a favor when the time comes. No big deal, right? Except that the favor he asks for is something I never saw coming.Call Me Teach is a spicy lessons hockey novella that takes place in SJ Sylvis's upcoming series: Wilder U (coming 2026)... -
![A Rose By Any Other Name... by Helen Bell]()
A Rose By Any Other Name... by Helen Bell
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen insecure sophomore Emma gets a part-time job, she’s thrilled. The job is a six-week long project where she’ll be coding a website for a martial arts studio. For Emma, a computer science major, it’s perfect—a great way to gain some real world experience. But her excitement quickly evaporates when she finds out that her boss is Ryan Damon, the mean, arrogant guy she has slammed into, twice...Categorized as:
new adult virgin heroine possessive hero college contemporary super rich hero length-short -
![Blizzard by Cambria Hebert]()
Blizzard by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAn arctic blast is coming… Fleeing to the wintry town of Caribou was always meant to be temporary, BearPaw Resort just a place to hide. Never in a million years did I expect that running back to the past would bring me face to face with my future. But it did, and now everyone I love is in danger. I’ve already escaped death three times, and I know my luck is running out... -
![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... -
![Everything with You by Kaylee Ryan]()
Everything with You by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsEvery road, even the broken ones, will eventually lead us to our destination. We hope to find our place in the world, sometimes getting lost and straddled with the fear of never being found. Ultimately it’s that broken road that leads us to the meaning of life, love and happiness. You watched as Allison and Liam fell head over heels... -
![Behind the Count by Kimberly Readnour]()
Behind the Count by Kimberly Readnour
Dating my brother’s best friend? Yeah, that’s forbidden…Noah Geren.Cessna University’s starting catcher.Sensible. My life-long crush. And totally off-limits.I only want a few things in life. Graduate with a fashion degree. To be taken seriously. And Noah Geren. After my first year of college, I let the idea of him go. And it almost worked Until that late summer night.Shannon Smith...Categorized as:
sports new adult siblings-bff m-f forbidden love secret-relationship college competent heroine -
![The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz]()
The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz Delivers a delicious and page-turning, forced-proximity, found family, standalone sports romance you don't want to miss!Nolan Payne, wide receiver for the Camden Knights is equal parts impulsive and reckless, and utterly addictive.He’s also my new roommate.My orderly existence implodes when Nolan proposes…. a situation... -
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![When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren]()
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsHawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime. Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen... -
![Avoiding Temptation (A Bro Code Standalone) by Rachel Van Dyken]()
Avoiding Temptation (A Bro Code Standalone) by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI hit on her first. Realized she was my best friend Finn's little sister second. And got a bloody nose third — compliments of Finn after he watched me nearly score with the new underclassman. After all I did have a reputation on campus, word on the street was that a girl could orgasm within one minute just watching me eat Lucky Charms... -
![On the Fly by Catherine Gayle]()
On the Fly by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsInjury after injury has put Brenden Campbell's NHL career on hold for years. Now he's playing for the Portland Storm and determined to make it stick. Few things in life drive him more than being told he can't have something he wants, and what he wants most is to prove he belongs. Brenden also wants Rachel Shaw, the cute, little redhead who just got hired as the general manager's new assistant... -
![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... -
![Four Years Later by Monica Murphy]()
Four Years Later by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsOwen's story Over. That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way...Categorized as:
athletes virgin heroine shy heroine possessive hero sports college sweet heroine m-f -
![Hard to Break by Piper Lawson]()
Hard to Break by Piper Lawson
Hard to Break is book 3 in the Denver Kodiaks spicy sports romance series. Miles and Brooke's story begins in Hard to Fake and concludes in Hard to Break... -
![Game Day by Piper Lawson]()
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
![Game Changer: A Wynn Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson]()
Game Changer: A Wynn Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsJackson Wynn I don’t want anything to do with my crazy family’s drama, which I’ve been watching unfold from a distance over the last year, but now my grandfather has Alzheimer’s and I feel I need to at least make a quick visit to see him. My hockey season’s over, all I have to do is get through my teammate Steve’s wedding, and then I’m on a plane to Los Angeles to do my family duty... -
![Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis]()
Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLandon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant... -
![Rain Dance by Catherine Gayle]()
Rain Dance by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings***Trigger warning: contains graphic scenes depicting domestic and sexual violence.*** USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the sexy Tulsa Thunderbirds hockey romance series, a spin-off from the Portland Storm series. He's in a drought. No rain. No goals. No women. She has what it takes to quench his thirst... -
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![Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
![The Winning Score by G.K. Brady]()
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together?Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy...Categorized as:
hockey sports dual-pov secret-relationship new adult athletes forbidden love from hate to love -
![Blindsided by Victoria Denault]()
Blindsided by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat if Romeo wore hockey skates, and Juliet was raised on a farm next door?As a life-long Vermonter, there are three beliefs I’ve always held true:1. Our family farm is everything2. Hockey is a close second3. The Todds next door are our sworn enemiesBut this season will test everything I stand for. I have an illicit side job that could cost me my hockey scholarship...Categorized as:
new adult sports college secret-relationship m-f hockey contemporary from hate to love -
![Let You Leave by Caisey Quinn]()
Let You Leave by Caisey Quinn
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNovella included in special edition of Keep Me Still New Adult Romance contains MA 17+ content Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible... -
![Three and Out by Meghan Quinn]()
Three and Out by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPiper was dead to him. The minute she walked out the door on Mason, he was done. D.O.N.E. Now, three months later, he’s still trying to act like he doesn’t care. Like his heart hasn’t been torn into shreds and obliterated beyond recognition. But it’s not working. He’s broken and beyond repair. Then Piper goes missing... -
![Famous Last Words by C.W. Farnsworth]()
Famous Last Words by C.W. Farnsworth
Harlow Hayes has spent three years avoiding Conor Hart. The cocky captain of Holt University’s hockey team makes it easy—he ignores her right back.Plenty of girls fall for the charming lines and that arrogant smirk.Harlow knows better. Knows more.Like the fuel for the fury that makes Conor such a dominant force on the ice. The history they share but didn’t write. The reason they don’t speak...Categorized as:
new adult sports siblings-bff hockey m-f contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door
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