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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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 forced proximity grumpy sunshine hockey contemporary athletes dual-pov from hate to love -
![Finally by R.L. Mathewson]()
Finally by R.L. Mathewson
From New York Times bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the next installment in the Neighbor from Hell series… For readers who enjoy touching stories that make them smile, laugh, and fall in love. Sometimes life doesn’t go the way that we expected. That’s what happened to Devin Bradford when he received the news that turned his life upside down seven years ago... -
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![Hadley by Addison Jane]()
Hadley by Addison Jane
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsPeople change, it's a fact of life. Hadley found that out the hard way after her husband came home one day with darkness in his eyes that she'd never seen before. Realizing that she couldn't allow him to drag her into the shadows, she watched him walk away, thinking she’d be free to move on with her life. But now she was on the run, seeking safety from a man she once vowed to love forever... -
![My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh]()
My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh
A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong?It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in.I have to be... -
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![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... -
![Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo]()
Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsFirst came love, then came the NHL, then came Baylor and Jayden with a baby carriage... -
![All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey]()
All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey
When seventeen-year-old Patrick Roman is offered a scholarship to a top hockey preparatory school, he thinks maybe his notorious bad luck has finally ended. With a hearing for his legal emancipation on the horizon, he dreams of getting scouted and securing a place on a D1 college team. There’s only one Roman has serious beef with his new winger on the team, Damien Bordeaux... -
![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... -
![Fighting for Honor by J.B. Salsbury]()
Fighting for Honor by J.B. Salsbury
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author JB Salsbury brings her Fighting series to Harper Sloan’s Hope Town in Fighting for Honor. UFL fighter Caleb hasn’t been to Hope Town since he was eighteen. His next big fight takes place in Atlanta and the serene lakefront home from his childhood is the perfect place to train without distractions... -
![Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo]()
Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 17 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... -
![Only One Regret by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Regret by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWelcome to Dallas.....Categorized as:
sports single-father hockey contemporary friends to lovers sassy heroine rich heroine length-medium -
![Bring It Home by Toni Aleo]()
Bring It Home by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 19 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... -
![How Much I Care by Marie Force]()
How Much I Care by Marie Force
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Force comes a steamy new contemporary romance about two strangers who find love in the most unexpected way—by saving a life.Austin Sitting at the top of my game, pitching for Baltimore and a single daddy to the most adorable little girl in the world, I’m living the dream. Until I get the dreaded call that Everly is sick... -
![Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks]()
Strictly Pretend by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsA knight in shining armor? Hardly. More like my worst enemy wrapped in a swoon-worthy tux… When Brooks Salinger saves me from heartbreak at a wedding, I never expect to see him again—let alone find him back in my life, set to destroy my family’s bookstore.But when he offers me a wild deal—pretend to be his girlfriend at a ritzy wedding in exchange for saving the store—I reluctantly agree... -
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![Captive by Brenda Rothert]()
Captive by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsTwo years ago, Jason and Kate Ryker were brought together by grief and bound to one another by love. Now married, they’re confronting their fears together. But heartbreak finds them again, and the ties that bind Kate and Ryke are tested as she struggles against fear and sadness. As a grief counselor, Kate understands all too well the pain of her clients...Categorized as:
alpha male sports hockey athletes contemporary second chances pregnancy length-short -
![Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala]()
Deja Brew by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWithin the struggling cafe Deja Brew, trouble percolates beneath the coffee beans. The shop’s owner, Shale, is forced into a dangerous game by a cartel, and when her shipment vanishes, it's game on.Shale's only hope is an unexpected Junior. Her only regular, and a local hacker with a knack for saving the day... -
![Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss]()
Never Too Soon by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGrace Bianchi has always been drawn to men who are allergic to relationships. But when a mysterious man walks into her shop, saving her from a disaster, she finds herself wondering… is he different than the others?Ryder Cooper is fumbling his way through life. He’s been lost since his wife passed away, leaving him to raise two young children alone... -
![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... -
![Assist by Alexandria House]()
Assist by Alexandria House
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Center for the St. Louis Sires has lived an undeniably good life, but something has always been missing, something he desperately craves—a family.The alluring rapper is at the top of her game, talented and adored by her fans, including the Center for the St. Louis Sires, but what she desires most is a real connection—a friend... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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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![What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black]()
What's It Gonna Take by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGarrethFrom the first moment I saw Reagan Turner at the bar and restaurant I help manage, I was drawn like never before. She was dating someone at the time, which meant she was off-limits, until the jerk broke up with her. I can’t get her out of my head, can’t stop wanting to kiss those perfectly lush lips. Fighting this attraction has been my kryptonite.So, I give in to temptation... -
![Losing an Edge by Catherine Gayle]()
Losing an Edge by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn any other family, Levi “501” Babcock would have been the golden boy. Instead, he’s lived his entire life in the shadow of his almost-perfect older brother. They both play for the NHL’s Portland Storm, but Levi is tired of being the second-best Babcock brother. He’s determined to find at least one thing he can do better... -
![The Proposal by Adriana Locke]()
The Proposal by Adriana Locke
Breaking Rugby’s bad boy marries his best friend’s little sisterIf Renn Brewer would’ve asked me to marry him, I would’ve said no.Why?One, his reputation precedes him. His name is in the headlines at least once a month. Two, he’s not just my brother’s best friend. They’re teammates. And three, I’m in my self-care era.Unfortunately, a version of me equates self-care with bad choices... -
![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 SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
![Saved by Love by Kelly Elliott, Ellie Grace]()
Saved by Love by Kelly Elliott, Ellie Grace
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy momma used to say, “Out of every tragedy, a miracle of love would come." The last ten years of my life have been nothing but tears and pain. I lost hope and wanted to give up on waiting for my miracle to come.Finally, a light is shining at the end of the tunnel. After leaving Texas and my past behind, I've started a new life journey in Estes Park, Colorado... -
![Play to Win by Ja'Nese Dixon]()
Play to Win by Ja'Nese Dixon
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKamal’s an ex-football player. Jayda’s a single mother uninterested in another relationship until she sees Kamal with her daughter.Every rejection will only make his victory sweeter. He plans to lick, taste, and devour her like the delicacy she is until the world, her ex, and Jayda recognizes his name tatted on every inch of her curvy body... -
![Two Minute Warning by Alexandra Warren]()
Two Minute Warning by Alexandra Warren
There’s a lot that can happen in two minutes or less…Kendall “Snoop” Dogwood has something to prove.After a devastating ending to his first year with the Houston Skyhawks, getting redemption is the only thing on the veteran quarterback’s mind coming into the new season... -
![Finding Home by Jenn McMahon]()
Finding Home by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
![Hot Shot by Kat Baxter]()
Hot Shot by Kat Baxter
coming in... -
![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... -
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![Grow with Me by Kristen Proby]()
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![Puck the Holidays: A Vipers Sin Bin Novel by K.D. Miller]()
Puck the Holidays: A Vipers Sin Bin Novel 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... -
![Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo]()
Wild Tendy by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 15 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: 4.44 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... -
![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... -
![Love in the Storm by Mandi Blake]()
Love in the Storm by Mandi Blake
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a snowstorm sneaks up, she gets stranded with the handsome man who once arrested her. Will he be able to forgive her when the truth comes out?Lyric Woods has been sober for years now, but nothing about picking herself up from rock bottom has been easy. She’s behind on bills and on the verge of getting evicted, still paying for the mistakes of her past... -
![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... -
![Rest In Pieces by Candice M. Wright]()
Rest In Pieces by Candice M. Wright
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIf 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
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 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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![Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers]()
Light 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson, Bang Brothers
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLight 'em Up by Kelly Jamieson is book 5 in the Bang Brothers Hockey seriesAnnie BangI’m thrilled to be working in professional hockey, since my five brothers are all hockey players. My new role as skating coach to the New York Bears is the perfect fit and I can’t wait to whip all these guys into shape so we can win more games... -
![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... -
![Saving the Game: A Fake Relationship Sports Romance by Susan Renee]()
Saving the Game: A Fake Relationship Sports Romance by Susan Renee
Has this ever happened to you?You’re minding your own business after the game, buying drinks at the bar for your teammates when you overhear a woman talking on the phone. You don’t know her, but she’s telling her mother she’s in a serious relationship with you. You decide to play along and ask her when you get to meet the parents... -
![Only One Forever by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity hockey contemporary new adult friends to lovers forbidden love athletes -
![Knock Out by Jiffy Kate]()
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA.Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine forced proximity fighters contemporary humor friends to lovers length-long -
![Chosen by the Mountain Man by Sadie King]()
Chosen by the Mountain Man by Sadie King
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s the nanny, half my age and off-limits. But my heart has chosen her, even if it breaks me…My military career ended when I became a widower.My daughter needed me, so I came back to Wild Heart Mountain determined to be a good father.Except I’m not. I’m too grumpy, too bitter, too broken.Until Caitlin walks through the door...
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