Books like 'Grumpy Player'
Readers who enjoyed Grumpy Player by R.C. Stephens also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary hockey single-father sports grumpy sunshine forced proximity alpha male
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Bring It Home by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsBoon Hoenes only has three goals in life. To make Posey Adler his wife, to win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, and for Shea Adler to like him. The first, he’s got on lock. The second, he’s well on his way. And the third…. Well, two out of three ain’t bad. -
![Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo]()
Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Lucas Brooks was traded to the Nashville Assassins over a decade ago, he was a brash, brawling hothead without an anchor. Well, four kids and a smokin' hot wife will weigh you down real fast, but Lucas wouldn't change a minute of his happily ever after. During an epic, end-of-season quest for the Cup, changes appear on the horizon, and suddenly, there's a plot twist in Lucas's fairy tale. -
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![A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann]()
A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsChristmas at the Murphy household has always been a big deal, but with her daughters getting older, Kacie Murphy is feeling a bit sentimental, so she decides to give her family the perfect Christmas. Plans of cookie baking, sleigh ride taking, and snowman making are quickly put in jeopardy when Kacie receives devastating news—her mom has sold the beloved Cranberry Inn... -
![Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin]()
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt is a truth universally acknowledged that a hockey player in possession of a bad reputation must be in want of a fake girlfriend. Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, a disgraced hockey player who needs a place to hide out for a few months while he figures out how to get back on his team... -
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![Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo]()
Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsNico Merryweather loves women—all women. Sure, they’re sexy and fun. But “Player” is an easy reputation to hide behind, a way to keep the good times rolling and reality at bay. He’s loud, he’s cocky, he says exactly what he’s thinking, and people just laugh it off because they think they know him. But Nico makes sure no one is close enough to know the truth... -
![Changing Lines by Toni Aleo]()
Changing Lines by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsClaire and Jude Sinclair have been living the perfect life for the last ten years. Blissfully in love, professionally successful, happily married… They have everything they want—except a baby to make their family complete... -
![One Timer by Toni Aleo]()
One Timer by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsYou’ve known Harper Allen and Jakob Titov since you met them in Taking Shots. You know their story already, right? Ha! You only think you do. In One-Timer, they’ll tell it for themselves. Harper has been hurt so many times, and she has no interest in anything more than a one-time thing, but Jakob Titov has other ideas. He is looking for his forever... -
![Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting]()
Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes and Deleted Scenes by Helena Hunting
An extensive compilation of outtakes, deleted scenes and a crossover novella from The Pucked Series, which now includes:. ENDORSE THIS: An Area 51 invasion outtake in which Alex once again tries to persuade Violet that he should go where no man has gone before. And likely never will... -
![One Night Valentine by Hope Ford]()
One Night Valentine by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s not a question of IF this football star can resist the curvy florist but rather WHEN he’ll give in…. Cruz. It is said that you only want what you cannot have. I hate to be a cliche, but that statement rings true for me. In my case it’s not what I want, but rather who. Tara Brooks. Sweet, funny, and my little sister’s best friend... -
![Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins]()
Cocky Quarterback: Eric Cocker by Faleena Hopkins
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsBRAND NEW IN THE HIT SERIES WITH OVER 250,000 SOLD. I told her I hope he knows how lucky he is. ERIC:. The waitress with the bird tattoo up her middle finger. has gotten my attention by not caring if she does. My team thinks it’s hilarious that she’s not into me. I think it’s almost as fascinating as she is. Trouble is she likes musician types. .. And has one for a boyfriend... -
![Coen by Sawyer Bennett]()
Coen by Sawyer Bennett
Coen Highsmith was a league star, but he lost more than his team the day the Pittsburgh Titans’ plane crashed... -
![Rest In Pieces by Candice Wright]()
Rest In Pieces by Candice Wright
If you’d told me years ago that I’d become a stunt woman after a car accident turned my Olympic dreams of gold to rust,. I’d have called you crazy. Yet here I am, throwing myself off a perfectly good building. I guess I’ve always been a little fearless, except when it comes to matters of the heart. I keep my relationships light and meaningless, which is why my exes tend to have big. . -
![Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin]()
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Rosie Forrester is in desperate need of cash after an embarrassing run-in with the law. Enter Dylan Savage, the prodigal son of Winterhaven's sheriff, who needs a place to stay for a few months. He's taciturn and every bit as beastly as his fans' nickname for him would imply—nothing like the handsome, charming bookstore owner she's in love with from afar...Categorized as:
sports hockey grumpy sunshine contemporary cold hero length-medium glimpses-kisses audiobook -
![Edge by Brenda Rothert]()
Edge by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsOne bad hit has left the career of young NHL Center Luke Hudson in question. When he arrives for rehab with a minor league team, his injury has robbed him of the edge that made him great. Team trainer Adella Price’s job is to help Luke get back in peak condition. But their one on one sessions shake her resolve to remain unattached... -
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![A Little Crush by Kelsie Rae]()
A Little Crush by Kelsie Rae
Seems the little girl who had a crush on me is all grown up. She ran away from our hometown a solid decade ago. Now she’s back for her brother’s wedding. For my friend’s wedding. Not gonna lie, I had no intention of crossing the line with her. Not back then. And not now. Until I catch her swimming in her parent’s backyard. Nope. Not even then...Categorized as:
hockey single-father sports contemporary age difference new adult length-long audiobook -
![The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo]()
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle:. TAKING SHOTS. TRYING TO SCORE. EMPTY NET. FALLING FOR THE BACKUP. BLUE LINES... -
![Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp]()
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m sarcasm with a messy bun. He’s a sweetheart with a slapshot. Sparks were one thing—those fireworks, though? Yeah…no one warned me about those. Mabel. Returning to Maple Falls wasn’t part of my five-year plan—or my backup plan. Or any plan, really. But here I am, back in my quirky hometown, dodging my mother’s judgment and trying not to cringe every time someone mentions the viral moment... -
![Hot Shot by Kat Baxter]()
Hot Shot by Kat Baxter
coming in June! -
![Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer]()
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back? SANTA. Charlie Heart is many things:. An annoyingly good hockey player. The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers. My rival. The only person I truly hate in the world. And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
![Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London]()
Protector of Misty Mountain: An ex-military, age gap, mountain man romance by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe walked into my world like she belongs here… but I don’t let people stay. Juniper. The mountains were supposed to be my escape—a place to rebuild, to breathe, to prove to myself that I could make it on my own. But from the moment I set foot in Misty Mountain, one mountain man has made it his mission to send me packing. Griffin Calloway...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forced proximity age difference contemporary military length-novella -
![The Pucking Arrangement by A.J. Summers]()
The Pucking Arrangement by A.J. Summers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDmitri Sokolov doesn't lose control. Until his daughter’s nanny quits days before playoffs—and Erin O’Connor steps in to help. The Captain's baby sister. Too young. Too tempting. Too damn off-limits. But now she's in his home—close, distracting, and turning his world upside down. -
![My Wife by Ellie Hall]()
My Wife by Ellie Hall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s a new Mr. Mom. She’s a jilted bride. When her role as the nanny develops into a marriage of convenience, will playing house become less of a game? Liam. I don’t know what I’m doing. In fact, I have no idea where this kid came from. I mean, I know that part, but when he showed up on my doorstep, not only did I have to put everything on hold, but my hockey coach threw me into the sin bin...Categorized as:
hockey sports grumpy sunshine single-father contemporary marriage of convenience humor length-long -
![Pucking Forbidden by Nichole Rose]()
Pucking Forbidden by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaking a play for his biggest rival's sister will send this hockey star straight to the penalty box. JORDAN'S STORY IS COMING SOON! These hockey stars are at the top of their game on the ice. But off the ice, their lives are wrecks. Between dodging puck bunnies, the paparazzi, and an endless parade of endorsement deals, they don't have time for love. .. until they do...Categorized as:
hockey sports alpha male dual-pov virgin heroine contemporary from hate to love length-short -
![Just My Puck by Marion De Ré]()
Just My Puck by Marion De Ré
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe lost her memories, but did she finally find her luck? I’m the unluckiest person in the world. Think getting a parking ticket while your car is being towed. Or winning hockey tickets… only to end up in the hospital with no memories because a two hundred pound hockey player crashed into the plexiglass—and straight into you. Yeah. That happened... -
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![Puck the Holidays by K.D. Miller]()
Puck the Holidays by K.D. Miller
A holiday hockey romance that will make you laugh, swoon, clutch your pearls, and believe in holiday magic. Hattie McNamara, a southern girl born and bred, has never seen a hockey game in her life, but when the offer to become the Seattle Vipers’ new Assistant Director of Media and Marketing lands in her lap, she can’t possibly say no... -
![Summer Camp Secret by Kait Nolan]()
Summer Camp Secret by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen Aspen Fairchild finds herself face-to-face with Brooks Hennessey, a pro hockey player with a heart as guarded as her own, a simple act of kindness turns into a night they can’t forget. Neither can the media. When the playful lie about their engagement goes viral and lands them in the same cabin at Camp Firefly Falls, Brooks proposes continuing the charade for the week... -
![Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin]()
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI'm escaping the city. He’s chasing a fresh start. In a town full of surprises, love might be the biggest one. Fiona. I’m a city girl turned temporary small-town resident—yes, I know, cliché. But after my life in Manhattan unraveled, I needed a reset. So when my aunt invited me to Maple Falls, I didn’t hesitate. The slower pace is exactly what my burned-out brain needs... -
![Portland Storm: The Second Period by Catherine Gayle]()
Portland Storm: The Second Period by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDelay of Game. With her father’s health in question, Sara Thomas is focused on reducing his anxiety. That’s no small feat considering his high-stress job. Everyone knows Sara’s single; no one knows she’s pregnant. There’s never a good time to unexpectedly get knocked up, but now is not it... -
![Hopelessly Devoted to Violet: Hopelessly Devoted Novella by Terri Anne Browning]()
Hopelessly Devoted to Violet: Hopelessly Devoted Novella by Terri Anne Browning
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvery time someone mentions planning their wedding, Violet finds a reason why they should wait. Luca is her soulmate and Love Bug’s favorite person. They are already a family, but they need to make it official. Luca is getting tired of calling her his fiancée and not his wife. But Vi is torn. Saying “I do” to Luca will mean releasing the last hold Remington had on her heart... -
![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 -
![Long Shot by Kat Mizera]()
Long Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale. .. where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter. Jace:. I never expected to make it up to the big leagues. But now that I’m here, I’m never going back down. I will out-work, out-train, outdo every other guy on the Knights if that’s what it takes. Not even a shark attack will get in my way… but the sexy surfer chick who rescues me just might. Tawny:... -
![Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi]()
Ice Ice Maybe by Rich Amooi
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“I want you to date my daughter. ”. Those seven words hit Nolan Reid like a puck to the head. Once destined for NHL stardom, a skiing accident left Nolan driving the Zamboni for the San Diego Sea Lions. But his humble life of maintaining the ice is about to get complicated. The billionaire owner’s insane plan? Nolan fake-dates his daughter Zena to ignite her ex’s jealousy... -
![The Billionaire and His Forever by Sadie S. Black]()
The Billionaire and His Forever by Sadie S. Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe were always going to be an impossible fantasy. There was never a future for us between the secrets and the scandals, the temptations and the lies, and above all--a child who never deserved this life... -
![Lucky by Sawyer Bennett]()
Lucky by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMatteo “Lucky” Branson has it all—an elite hockey career, a massive fanbase, and the kind of charm that trends effortlessly on TikTok. As the fun-loving left winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, he’s built a brand on superstition and swagger... -
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![Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley]()
Flirting With Forever by Claire Kingsley
He’ll break all her rules. Nora Lakes is sophisticated, successful, and happily single. Career problems aside, her life is fine the way it is, thank you very much. Sure, her best friends are all moving into a new season of life—full of husbands and babies and white picket fences. But that’s not what Nora wants. Neither is the gruff, tattooed guy next door. Tattoo artist Dex St... -
![The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder]()
The Sneak Peak by Victoria Wilder
My Best Friend. Young. Tempting . She bid on me at my company’s charity auction and won. Back then, she was too young, with hearts in her eyes and her whole life ahead of her. That’s how we started, and after all this time, she’s become my best friend. Being a single dad of twins and running Colorado's most successful summer sports company requires control and focus... -
![Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn]()
Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Spending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays…. Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget... -
![Cage by Tia Louise]()
Cage by Tia Louise
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSometimes fate sends a sign, and sometimes it sends a bloodhound with a hot hockey player holding its leash, dragging it off you. Owen Stone is not your usual hockey player. He’s a six-foot-two single dad with dark hair, ocean eyes, and muscles for days. He’s also a last-minute trade trying to find a home for his seven-year-old daughter, his psychic sister, and his adoring bloodhound... -
![Jonah by Brenda Rothert]()
Jonah by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsReyna. I don’t do relationships. A federal agent whose life revolves around rescuing kidnapped children, I’ve got no interest in catching any man who’s not a criminal. So when my new assignment in Chicago requires me to get closer to a VIP Chicago Blaze fan, Blaze goalie Jonah West is the perfect cover. Like me, he’s too focused on his career to make time for love, dates or even hookups. Jonah... -
![Grow with Me by Kristen Proby]()
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![Savor by Xavier Neal]()
Savor by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLately, Logan "Unbreakable" Kellar's life has been a series of miscommunications with catastrophic consequences. However, this time around, the consequences threaten to not only damage his current relationships but erase a future he only ever dreamed of... -
![Dear Roomie by Kate Meader]()
Dear Roomie by Kate Meader
Reid Durand isn't here to make friends. Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel purely on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women. Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle... -
![Red Rocket by Raine Miller, Brit DeMille]()
Red Rocket by Raine Miller, Brit DeMille
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Public Relations" is about to take on a whole new meaning for a standout Russian enforcer with a bad reputation and the feisty redhead from the PR department who just might be the one person who can help him shine up his tarnished image in this grumpy/sunshine hockey love story. "They call me 'The Mad Russian' for a reason. ". —Viktor Demoskev, VEGAS CRUSH... -
![Broken Bridge by Nana Malone]()
Broken Bridge by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne miscalculation. One misstep had cost me everything. I lost my sister and my wife. I will burn down the world to get them back. Even if I have to become someone they fear. Forget vows, forget brotherhood. All I have left is rage. I have made promises I intend to keep. I will right the wrongs of The Elite, ensure vengeance for Emma, even if it cost me my soul. -
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![Better Day by Karen Deen]()
Better Day by Karen Deen
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA secret romance is one thing . .. but living a life of lies takes it to the next level. My assignment is to protect them, then walk away when it's over. Simple! Until she walks through that door, frightened, vulnerable, and overwhelmed. Cassie is becoming my greatest weakness. She's the sacred fruit I shouldn't want, but from that first taste of her lips, turning away is no longer an option... -
![The Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series by Sawyer Bennett]()
The Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDiscover the series that led Violet Duke to rave, “Sawyer Bennett never fails to deliver heroes I fall hard for and heroines I adore. ” Featuring the chiseled bad boys of the Carolina Cold Fury hockey team, these electrifying romances are melting hearts, one reader at a time. And now the first four novels are available in one sizzling ebook bundle:. ALEX. GARRETT. ZACK. RYKER... -
![Hot Shot by Kat Mizera]()
Hot Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale—where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter. Wolf:. I’ve been in love with the same girl since we were seventeen. Back before our careers took off and pulled us away from one another. No amount of fame, money, or puck bunnies could ever replace Scarlett. But she has a mind of her own, and dreams that don’t include me...Categorized as:
sports alpha male hockey contemporary friends to lovers pregnancy athletes length-medium -
![Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae]()
Heartache & Playdates by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Love isn’t like milk. It has no expiration date. ” ~ Nonna Russo. Maddox Cruz. Single dad. Tech billionaire. Genius. That is what people saw when they looked at me. Those adjectives might all be true, but inside I was still a kid who grew up in the system and was raised by the streets. Which was why I had no plans to attend my 20 year high school reunion...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine single-father alpha male contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium -
![Show 'em How by Jami Davenport, Bang Brothers]()
Show 'em How by Jami Davenport, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMeet the Bang Brothers—five hot hockey-playing brothers who are allergic to commitment. The brothers are about to face off against their newly-retired mother…who suddenly has plenty of time to play matchmaker... -
![Hit 'em Hard by Kat Mizera]()
Hit 'em Hard by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Phantoms are back with a vengeance… and the City of Angels will never be the same. JENSEN:. Chasing my pro hockey dreams in the City of Angels has been a relentless battle. Each season feels like starting over, and being miles away from my family only adds to the struggle. I don’t know what I would do without my online gaming friends. Especially @Empress...
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