Books like 'The Beautiful Game'
Readers who enjoyed The Beautiful Game by Holly Wallace Smith also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports multicultural m-f grumpy sunshine fake relationship competent heroine cold heroine independent heroine heroine athlete
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The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee spins a dazzling tale of long-lost relatives, overnight riches, and unexpected romance in the dramatic second book of The Heirs series.Sarah McNeilly is a rare find in the tabloid industry. She won’t ignite gossip. She finds the truth. And for once, that’s what her boss wants... -
![Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott]()
Billionaire Unreachable ~ Wyatt by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when the man you think you despise turns out to be a completely different guy beneath the surface? I didn't like Wyatt Durand. He might be my friend's older brother, but he was unpleasant, sarcastic, and the grumpiest guy on the planet. It didn't matter to me that he was a breathtakingly gorgeous, ultra-wealthy billionaire with the very prestigious Durand last name... -
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![The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott]()
The Billionaire's Secrets by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFormer rock star Xander Sinclair may be out of rehab, but he’s not out of the woods. Still haunted by his parents’ murders, he has secluded himself in his Amesport mansion and dodges any attempted contact from his two brothers. Struggling not to fall into relapse, he believes he’s battling his demons alone. That is, until Samantha arrives to work as his live-in housekeeper...Categorized as:
super rich hero independent heroine m-f contemporary sweet heroine length-medium audiobook -
![Love By Design by Samantha Christy]()
Love By Design by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA sexy Christmas novella that’s a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Holidate.Holland McQuaid works for the toughest designer in New York City. It’s a dream job. It’s heaven and hell at the same time. But when she gets her lucky break, and the job turns into something she never expected, it comes with strings... -
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![Just One Look by Rosalind James]()
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
![Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae]()
Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for Jaxon, Addison and myself. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
![I Need You To Love Me by Genicious]()
I Need You To Love Me by Genicious
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTogether they are nothing more than madness,but they say there’s always some madness in loveSix years elapsed since he shattered her life. Four years since she’s brought him to his knees.Now, Ace is the youngest boxing champion in the world – a force to be reckoned with. He’s dangerous, heartless, and always gets his way.Calla moved to New York to chase her career... -
![Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe]()
Nun the Wiser: A Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy by Smartypants Romance, Lissa Sharpe
Matilda Markov is ready to put her former nun days behind her and experience all the worldly pleasures she can. (ALL the worldly pleasures.) But when she feels her friend group starting to slip away from her, just like she's lost so many people who were close to her before, she takes some bold action to try to keep everyone together...Categorized as:
m-f grumpy sunshine multicultural cold heroine sunny hero super rich hero contemporary humor -
![Callous Heir by Michelle Heard]()
Callous Heir by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI made the mistake of falling for one of my brother’s friends. As if that wasn’t stupid enough, I then declared my love to him.Yeah, I know. Big mistake. Huge mistake.But here I am with my rejected feelings, and Noah won’t even look at me. Whenever he has to talk to me, his words are blunt. Yet they cut deeper than any knife... -
![The Fall of East by Nana Malone]()
The Fall of East by Nana Malone
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTHE SIZZLING CONCLUSION TO THE HEAR NO EVIL TRILOGYNyla Kincade has stolen my ruthless heart.Now that she owns it I’m not taking it back.I’ve vowed to protect her and all that we love with everything that I have.I will die before I break that oath.Considering the danger we face, that might be a careless promise.But I’ve fought this hard for vengeance, I must see it through... -
![Fighting For You by Layla Hagen]()
Fighting For You by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSexiest soccer player. Top-scoring athlete. America's favorite party boy. Jace Connor has received many titles in his career, and enjoyed them all. Although, he’s working on changing the last one. There’s more to Jace than the media portrays—a man who loves his tight-knit family, being his nieces’ and nephews’ favorite uncle... -
![Distance Forever by Luna Mason]()
Distance Forever by Luna Mason
It’s their wedding anniversary and this year, it’s Keller's turn to surprise Sienna.In true Keller style, expect an extravagant get away, filled with lots of spice and worshipping of his wife. But when Sienna tells him that she doesn’t feel beautiful after having kids, Keller makes it his mission to spend the entire weekend showing her otherwise… and he won’t stop until she believes him... -
![Nixon by Samantha Whiskey]()
Nixon by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsI’m the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL because I know how to read the field.I control the plays—and my life—with absolute precision.Until Liberty Jones delivers the ultimate hit to my blind side with a story about two pink lines.The beautiful, free-spirited brunette has starred in my dreams since she disappeared after our wild weekend in Vegas, but I’ve been burned before... -
![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 audiobook -
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![On the Edge by K. Bromberg]()
On the Edge by K. Bromberg
A spicy, only-one-bed Formula 1 romance from New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg. Surely this can’t be the only solution to overhaul my tarnished rep – faking a romance with the good girl intern?But that’s what my agent says. Just a few months of taming my ways—of shedding Formula 1’s party boy image—will land me a lifetime branding deal. One I desperately need...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine super rich hero athletes m-f fake relationship forced proximity alpha male -
![Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent]()
Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI don’t understand Americans. Or, as we say in Scotland, I dinna understand ye eedjits. And I definitely dinna understand the crazy mother-in-law of my cousin Declan... -
![Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant]()
Love on Display by Dana LeCheminant
They’re sworn enemies. They also happen to be incredibly attracted to one another.After bonding at a half-marathon, rival gym owners Cam and Kailani discover the person they thought could be their soulmate turns out to be the reason their respective businesses are failing... -
![Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray]()
Cougar From Hell by Marika Ray
I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago...Categorized as:
m-f independent heroine competent heroine cold heroine sunny hero humor contemporary age difference -
![Game Day by Piper Lawson]()
Game Day by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the heat of victory, I asked her to be mine forever. We’d both triumphed in our own way:Nova broke free from her past.I led my team to a championship and discovered life beyond the court. Our journey to "I do" was supposed to be easy. Except…The hottest resort in Aspen is only available is on short notice.A new season with the Denver Kodiaks looms on the horizon... -
![The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor]()
The Baby-whisperer and the Brute by Tru Taylor
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYou can’t appreciate all the implications of the word “conflicted” until you come face to face with the guy you’ve been secretly lusting after for weeks... and then learn he’ll be signing your paychecks—Angelina RappaportSome people might call me sheltered. That doesn’t begin to cover it. I’ve been practically sequestered my whole life... -
![Stubborn Heart by A.K. Evans]()
Stubborn Heart by A.K. Evans
The Westwood Company is expanding. Leading the charge is Wyatt Westwood, and he’s as determined as ever to see it through. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to his career have propelled him through the ranks of the company, where he now sits just one notch shy of CEO. Unfortunately, one small problem has brought the expansion to a grinding halt, and it’s up to Wyatt to fix it... -
![Game Breaker by Catherine Gayle]()
Game Breaker by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novel in the Portland Storm hockey romance series. He’s becoming a Game Breaker on the ice. With the playoffs right around the corner, Nate “Ghost” Golston is focused on only one thing—getting the Portland Storm to the Finals so he can finally hoist the Cup... -
![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... -
![The Devoted Groom by Cami Checketts]()
The Devoted Groom by Cami Checketts
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA grieving football player hoping his son will speak again; a speech pathologist with a dark secret; and an unexpected love that sparks danger from the past. After Ryder Quinn’s wife died, his four-year old son stopped speaking. Desperate for a solution, Ryder hires Bree Stevens, a spunky speech pathologist to be his son’s nanny and therapist. Bree moves in, breathing new life into their home... -
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![Irreplaceable by Jenna Hartley]()
Irreplaceable by Jenna Hartley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne impulsive, passionate week changed my life.And I can’t stop thinking about it…or him.The hot Italian with the full lips and inked skin.The passionate man who made me feel incredible until I realized it was all a sham.Because he lied.About his name.About everything.Now, I’m not only pregnant with his child but thrust into the spotlight...Categorized as:
sports multicultural super rich hero soccer contemporary pregnancy secret child grovel -
![Ice Queen by A.J. Wynter]()
Ice Queen by A.J. Wynter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Ice Queen has a SecretEvery hockey player knows that the coach's daughter is off-limits.But, what about the owner's daughter?Is she off-limits too?Asking for a friend...To make things even more complicated, she's the general manager of the team.AKA my BOSS.So, yeah. If I want to see the playoffs, we need to keep this relationship a secret... -
![Chicago Blaze Books 1 & 2 by Brenda Rothert]()
Chicago Blaze Books 1 & 2 by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBecause the only thing better than one hot hockey romance is two, the first two books in the Chicago Blaze hockey romance series , Anton and Luca, are bundled together in this collection. Book 1 - Anton He’s known as Father Anton to his teammates—the brooding, sexy captain of the NHL’s Chicago Blaze has a reputation for…not having a reputation... -
![The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin]()
The Story of Us by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA football fanatic sports columnist. A sexy Italian soccer player. When in Rome . . . Maggie Lane, a sports columnist and diehard football fan, is not exactly enthused when her editor-in-chief sends her to Rome, Italy, to write a feature story on Italian soccer star Marco Valenti... -
![Sugar and Spice by Kat Baxter]()
Sugar and Spice by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAll she wants is a weekend rendezvous…I love the small town I’m from. I love having so much extended family close by and I love my mail order chocolate company. But what what I don’t love is being everyone’s favorite aunt. It’s like being cock-blocked by the entire town...Categorized as:
multicultural sports athletes m-f contemporary curvy heroine latinx-mc length-novella -
![Gridiron Bad Boy: A Football Romance by Eddie Cleveland]()
Gridiron Bad Boy: A Football Romance by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI fought for my country. Now, it's time to fight for my dreams. I traded my combat boots for cleats and the battlefield for the football field. I'd say it worked for me. With scouts from the professional league at my games and more girls lined up outside my locker room than at the door of a club, I'm living every bachelor's American Dream... -
![Should Have Been Me by Jessica Prince]()
Should Have Been Me by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsShe’s a sunny, sassy photographer.Jolie Prescott has always been in love with love. She spent most of her life walking around with hearts in her eyes and immediately jumped at the chance to start a wedding planning company with her two best friends. So when her own fiancé called off their wedding and immediately started dating someone else, it was a major blow she never saw coming... -
![The Playboy's Fugitive Bride - Book Three by Ana E. Ross]()
The Playboy's Fugitive Bride - Book Three by Ana E. Ross
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Ana E Ross, presents The Playboy's Fugitive Bride, Book Three in the Billionaire Brides of Granite Falls series: Does he have what it takes to tame this wildcat? Deadly threats from a loan shark to pay back a debt her late father incurred sends Nia Sylk on a desperate search for Massimo Andretti, the man she blames for her predicament and her... -
![Just For You by Rosalind James]()
Just For You by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNo shirt, no shoes, no … problems? Hemi Ranapia isn’t looking for love. Fun, yes. Love, not so much. But a summer fishing holiday to laid-back Russell could turn out to be more adventure than this good-time boy ever bargained for. Reka Harata hasn’t forgotten the disastrously hot rugby star she met a year ago, no matter how much she wishes she could... -
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![Take Me Down by Carly Phillips]()
Take Me Down by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAn emotionally broken man, Parker Knight, is living a life he doesn’t recognize. Then he meets sexy, untrusting Emily Stevens at a rundown resort in the middle of nowhere. Parker Knight is merely existing. Emily Stevens is trying to start over. He didn’t plan to meet her. She wasn’t looking for someone like him... -
![A Millionaire at Midnight by Naima Simone]()
A Millionaire at Midnight by Naima Simone
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBoston socialite Morgan Lett is having a run of bad luck. Her fiancé just dumped her for her stepsister, the charity foundation she’s given her life to is in danger of folding, and now, the gorgeous man she bid on and won at a masquerade bachelor auction turns out to be a cold-hearted jerk…and her new employer. Millionaire Alexander Bishop needs the best wife money can buy... -
![Six Secret Babies by Layla Valentine]()
Six Secret Babies by Layla Valentine
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe tried to keep their fling under wraps,But six adorable babies aren’t going to stay hidden for long…HERThe Wenstown Wolves were in need of a new physical therapist, and apparently I was the only one they were interested in,Now I’m halfway across the country, making twice what I made in Seattle, and the team’s new management is an even more welcome surprise…Jason Munro is the buff, big-headed... -
![Going All In by Stephanie Kay]()
Going All In by Stephanie Kay
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll Darcy Collins wants is to focus on finishing her master’s degree. She doesn’t have the time to get involved with anyone. But her meddling mother is persistent in her unwanted matchmaking for Darcy. When her mother tries once again to set her up on a date, Darcy tells her she’s already seeing the San Francisco Strikers' latest handsome hockey star, Jake Northman... -
![Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai]()
Open Door Marriage by Naleighna Kai
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsReunited... A chance encounter lands NBA star Dallas Avery back in the arms of the woman of his dreams. A woman he hasn't seen in years... -
![Field of Pleasure by Farrah Rochon]()
Field of Pleasure by Farrah Rochon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOriginally Published by Harlequin Kimani Romance – September 2011 Jared Dawson is used to taking big hits on the football field, but nothing could have prepared the New York Sabers star cornerback for the blow he experiences when he catches his long-time girlfriend in bed with an ex-teammate. Seeking a balm to soothe his wounded ego, Jared decides a no-strings-attached fling is the way to go... -
![Going Hard: Boys of Fall by Cari Quinn]()
Going Hard: Boys of Fall by Cari Quinn
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe lives on the straight and narrow, but she’s determined to take the curves way too fast… Librarian Hollie Bennett is used to being overshadowed by her older brothers. One’s a country star, one’s a former football star…and she’s just a sedate librarian with a secret thing for high-end lingerie and fast sports cars...Categorized as:
athletes multicultural sports independent heroine anthologies contemporary length-novella -
![Hard Hearts by Ella Goode]()
Hard Hearts by Ella Goode
FrankieI’ve got no time for men and not much use for them either. I’m busy with my friends, my career, and my family. Some may call it hard-hearted, but I prefer smart. I’m on the verge of closing a deal of a lifetime and no famous quarterback trying to make his rehab time go by faster is going to convince me to give up being single... -
![Until Now by Amy Donnelly]()
Until Now by Amy Donnelly
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFocus. Dean Goldsmith is Indiana University’s star quarterback, and his dreams are about to come true. His undefeated season means he has a legitimate shot at the NFL. If he stays focused. Football comes first. College senior, Grace Yeates, is determined to defy the odds. She is months away from graduating with a business degree, something no one thought she would be able to pull off... -
![Owned By My Roommate by Imani Jay]()
Owned By My Roommate by Imani Jay
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsOne curvy girl, one hot roommate... things are about to get steamy!Asher Lee is a retired professional rugby player, on his way to Europe to discuss a coaching opportunity.Anta Konan is a Silicon Valley working girl, flying to London for a much needed getaway...Categorized as:
multicultural athletes sports contemporary alpha male forced proximity length-novella -
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![Three and Out by Meghan Quinn]()
Three and Out by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
![Curveball by Kate Angell]()
Curveball by Kate Angell
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe bad boys of baseball, they are the top power hitters of the Richmond Rogues, and the team's best hope for a shot at the World Series. But when all three have to be benched for brawling, it's the beginning of a whole new ball game, and the opposing team could win something more than a trophy--these ladies are after their hearts... -
![Penalty Kiss by Annie Dyer]()
Penalty Kiss by Annie Dyer
Clean-living, wholesome, and with a constant smile plastered on her pretty face, Dee Jones is my antithesis...Categorized as:
sports soccer m-f grumpy sunshine athletes contemporary from hate to love length-medium -
![The Chase by Erin McCarthy]()
The Chase by Erin McCarthy
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsKendall Holbrook is determined to make it to the top, even with the challenge of being a woman on the male-dominated racing circuit. She doesn't have time for romance-especially not with racing rival Evan Monroe, the man who nearly crushed her dream years ago... -
![The Bachelor by greenwriter]()
The Bachelor by greenwriter
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOne competition, one man, twenty-five women, and a bet. Zachary Astor wanted to be the Bachelor for one purpose alone: to prove to his friends that he can ditch twenty-five women without ever looking back at any of them... -
![Claiming Carter by Jennifer Bonds]()
Claiming Carter by Jennifer Bonds
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsQuarterback Austin Reid’s got it all—talent, looks, women. The only thing missing? A national championship. Something he intends to rectify. With his kicker laid up and the university’s home opener in three weeks, he’s not above poaching talent from the women’s soccer team. Or recruiting a sassy, STEM-loving brunette who wants nothing to do with football or him.Kennedy Carter is no jersey chaser...Categorized as:
sports soccer m-f independent heroine competent heroine heroine athlete athletes contemporary
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