Books like 'Resisting the Running Back'
Readers who enjoyed Resisting the Running Back by Lisa Suzanne also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny football friends to lovers sports
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Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar
These former friends might be faking their engagement, but revealed crushes prove there might not be anything fictional about their arrangement.In college, I often saw Judd Sylver in the library. He was a cool, broody type of guy who reminded me of a deeply tortured soul who might write poetry... -
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
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Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 19 ratings“Hawks fans still in shock after centerfielder, Shepherd Oliver, sustained season-ending injury last night in the 5th inning of the playoffs against Chicago.”Two years ago, I was a pretty big deal. I thought I had it all, until a blast from my past popped up on my social media feed, keeping my ego in check and reminding me how basic I am. Except sassy Wren Bennett isn’t just a blast from my past... -
Always Earned, Never Given by Bella Matthews
Learning how to fly stole my childhood, and accomplishing my dreams took my parents. After my parents’ death, taking care of my little brother and running my dance studio are the only things I’ve got time for in my hectic life.Until Declan Sinclair.As the number one draft pick for the Philadelphia Kings, he’s not afraid of putting in a little hard work to get what he wants. And he wants me... -
Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken proves that everyone scores to win. But off the field, a fumble can change the entire game. Pro footballer Miller Quinton would do anything for his best friend and teammate—including “fake dating” his friend’s sister. What no one knows is that seven months ago in Vegas, Miller and Kinsey did a whole lot more than just kiss... -
Hail Marry by Martha Keyes
His ‘hail marry’ proposal to a stranger might be the wildest play of his entire career.LUCAOne enormous detail stands between me and my dream of being drafted to the NFL: a valid visa. With my student visa expiring and a past, unfortunate run-in with the law disqualifying me from the one I need, I’ve run out of options.Then fate hands me a wild card: saving a stranger from a speeding truck...Categorized as:
sports football contemporary humor marriage of convenience length-medium glimpses-kisses -
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 friends to lovers fighters contemporary grumpy sunshine humor forced proximity length-long -
No Rep by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTaos was tired.Tired of everything that came with living. Not to the point where he was suicidal or anything, but tired enough that he just didn’t give a crap anymore.He’d seen all the ugliness this world had to offer due to his job as a police officer for way too many damn years of his less than stellar life... -
Lights Out Lucy: Roller Derby 101 by Elicia Hyder
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI love Lucy! "OMG! I love Lucy!! Seriously loved this book. Laughs, romance, and some serious a$$ kicking as Lucy tries out for the roller derby. Lights Out Lucy deserves much more than 5 stars! Excellent read from start to finish." --Amazon Reviewer A fresh, fun, feel-good book... -
Thrill Ride by Breezie Bennett
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Flirty, dirty, and downright irresistible! Breezie Bennett's books sizzle like a steamy Florida night." - Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Thrill Ride: South Florida Riders Book 4 NFL kicker Dylan Rivera and quirky yoga teacher Melody Hayes have absolutely nothing in common, except they both believe in "one true love... -
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences.The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her.I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forbidden love contemporary humor athletes siblings-bff length-medium -
The One I Want by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a professional football player, I had a playbook for everything on the field. Then I retired and found out there’s no playbook for life—especially when the one you thought was perfect gets flipped upside down. There’s no play for suddenly becoming a divorced, single dad. There’s no plan for moving your family back to the town you grew up in...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers football single-father age difference contemporary humor office -
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Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNateAll I wanted to do was be me, for one night. I didn’t want to be the number one quarterback in the league. I just wanted to be Nate. I couldn’t tell you exactly what made me stop at that dive bar on the outskirts of town, but it changed my life.Our connection was instant and undeniable. Our night together was explosive, which led to another, and then another. No strings...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary second chances humor friends-benefits new adult length-medium -
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me... -
Fake Start by Jasmin Miller
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYou know that awkward moment when your agent tells you to fake date your best friend’s sister so you can get the endorsement deal of your dreams? No? Call me crazy for considering it, but why not? Daisy’s my friend, after all, and I’ve gotten quite close to her and her two awesome boys over the last few years since her douche-nozzle husband divorced her... -
Crossing the Line by Kendall Ryan
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsRecovering from a pulled groin muscle isn’t exactly how I planned to spend my much-needed summer vacation. But I’ll admit, being nursed back to health by my gorgeous friend Bailey, who’s just graduated from medical school, doesn’t exactly sound like a hardship... -
Off the Record by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFans of the Nashville Fury come to me for all things regarding their favorite professional football team. Stats, rumors and even what the players like on their pizza. What they don’t turn to me for is information about how their offensive coordinator is in the bedroom. The answer? It’s too hot for print... -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less... -
Sexy Six by Ahren Sanders
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey call me Sexy Six Cocky? Absof*ckinglutely Sexy? That's what they say Unstoppable? You bet your ass NFL Golden boy, Super Bowl MVP, and the league's hottest player--on and off the field. To most, I'm a celebrity, with the records to prove it. Fame, fortune, family... I've got it all. Except Grace Monroe. Two years ago, Grace turned my world upside down with just one look... -
The Fastball by Emily Childs
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe's the coach's aggravating daughter. He's the shy guy on first base. And they have no idea they're keeping the same secret. After a devastating accident that leaves his throwing hand in shambles, MLB first baseman, Dax Sage, finds out the woman handling the PR for his recovery is none other than the gorgeous, frigid daughter of his head coach... -
Stout of My League by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLynn Brooks is officially over it.With four overprotective brothers, the youngest Brooks sibling has had enough with bossy alphas. So, when professional baseball star Joey Martel makes a play for her, she's determined to steer clear of him and his toxic circle of jocks. Being the latest conquest for another overbearing caveman? No thanks...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports contemporary age difference grumpy sunshine athletes humor length-medium -
Two for Roughing by Lasairiona E. McMaster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s a simple rule: don’t bang your teammates’ siblings.Finn O’Brien didn’t just break the rule, he annihilated it. Falling in love with his best friend’s younger sister when they were teens was an accident. He fought it for years, hiding behind a list of one-night stands a mile long, anything to convince himself Molly Morrison wasn’t the woman for him...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult humor contemporary siblings-bff hockey length-medium -
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Hero's Risk by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNine years ago, Celine Hernandez broke my heart. Eight years ago, she stomped on it for good measure. When Celine moved to LA after high school, I enlisted in the Marines.After an honorable discharge, I’m home, in Tennessee, living out my dream as a professional hockey player. Now, she’s back in our hometown, filming a movie, and reminding me of a past I’ve tried to forget...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary new adult military humor christmas strong heroine -
Faked and Fumbled by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKnoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Campbell is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers humor contemporary siblings-bff athletes forced proximity -
Puck Proposal by Delancey Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy hockey career is on fire, so when my best friend from high school (and the girl I'd always want) shows up on my doorstep in trouble, I have a turn her away (not likely!) or propose. Back then, Josephine Baxter was the unattainable debutante who took pity on the kid from the wrong side of town.We were unlikely best friends. And she was the girl I’d never have. At least not like that... -
One Timer on Top by London Casey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDON’T SLEEP WITH YOUR BEST FRIEND’S EX. Okay. I get that. I respect that. But what about sleeping with your biggest rival’s ex? And… what about marrying her…?* * *I caught my boyfriend enjoying some “oral service” from another woman. Dumping him is easy. Getting rid of him his almost impossible since I work in PR and he’s one of my clients. (Yeah, I know, don’t mix business with pleasure... -
A Wild Card Kiss by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA sexy standalone romance between a single dad athlete and the woman who got away!Things that suck on my wedding day -- walking in on my groom kissing another woman twenty minutes before the ceremony.Things that suck worse? The woman he’s kissing is my mom.I head straight for the bowling alley bar down the street and ask for a double...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary humor athletes forbidden love second chances single-father -
Fool Around: A New Adult College Romance by Penny Clarke
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratings***This is an updated version, and was previously published as Nude Awakening ***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... -
Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsThe most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film—in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more... -
Thanks For Last Night by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA sexy new friends-to-lovers standalone!Let me list the reasons why dating a sexy, charming, pro hockey star is a bad idea:1. He’s one of my closest friends2. All our friends are friends3. The wounds I’ve got from past relationships go deep. And so do his.We’re both devoutly single -- it’s just safer for the heart that way... -
Blindsided by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLandon Slade. Highest paid quarterback in the NFL. Demi-god. Certifiable ladies’ man. It’s no secret my ego is boosted. Being light on my feet and good with my hands, I control the plays and my stamina is legendary. And on and off the field, I make the decisions, the rules. Do I do complicated? Hell, no. I take what I want, tackle life my way. But then there’s her... -
Dropkick My Heart by Winter Travers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKellan Countless hours of practice, and enough determination to succeed no matter the cost is what has brought Kellan to standing at the door to his life coming full circle. Life on the competition circuit was fast-paced, and exciting, but now Kellan is ready to settle down, and stay in his own bed for longer than a week...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers fighters contemporary from hate to love humor length-medium -
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Bender by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMy second chance is the biggest gamble of my life. I am Marco Rossi, once an Italian nobody, now living the dream as a Vegas Venom player. I thought I was swapping my lonely orphan past for a team-family. But I was wrong. I am on thin ice with everyone, but especially when it comes to Madison McKay...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey athletes curvy heroine contemporary humor length-medium -
The Ex Effect by Karla Sorensen
The headline could write itself: Matthew Hawkins, star defensive end, comes out of retirement to play for the Washington Wolves. Which is perfectly fine by Ava Baker—it makes her job as publicist for the team easier. There’s only two problems. This particular football player was her first crush. The bigger problem: Matthew Hawkins was once engaged to her older sister...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers football humor contemporary forbidden love office secret-relationship -
The Real Fake Fiancé by Sara Jane Woodley
Hi, I’m Dee, and I’m captain of the friend zone. I didn’t ask for this dubious honor, but don’t worry, I like it this way. I’m happy not dating and just being “one of the guys” on my volleyball team. Until my scary new boss informs me that my job—I’m a developer at a dating app (ironic, right?) that I coded from scratch, an app that is essentially my baby—is in jeopardy. So I lie... -
The Trustworthy Groom (Texas Titan Romances) by Cami Checketts, Christine Kersey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA lonely football player, a damaged bride, and the fake marriage that can heal them both. Hailey Knight has two choices: fall prey to a predator who is out to own her and destroy her football team, or marry a man she’s just met. True, her fake husband can make her quiver with a touch, gets her jokes, and is patience personified, but she knows better than anyone how quickly charm can turn ugly...Categorized as:
sports football christian humor suspense contemporary marriage of convenience length-short -
Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe's made a list of her own, and he's just the man to help...Haven Taylor is tired of being called a Goody Two-shoes, and her brother's best friend might be the key to fixing that.DB Elliot is seriously sexy and without a doubt someone she can trust for a no-strings-attached secret fling. After all, she's known him her entire life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports christmas alpha male contemporary humor siblings-bff length-novella -
1026 Wild Way by Mandi Beck
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe’s out of her element, and he’s out of his mind…over her.One trip upriver, s’mores over a campfire complete with a hungry bear, and some seriously great sex in a Yurt. That’s all it took for Weston Wild to become smitten. It doesn’t matter that his life is all things outdoors in the small town of Cherry Falls while hers consists of world travel and the glitzy glamour of fast-paced LA... -
Flip Shot: A Friends to Lovers, Hockey Romance by MJ Fields
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTheoReturning from Texas after summer break, which I spent working, and training, I expected a temperature change. Hell, I welcomed the chill, but I didn’t expect to be completely frozen out by the only chick at Lincoln University who I thought about almost as much as I do hockey.When I saw Riley Park for the first time, the universe shifted...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers college contemporary second chances humor new adult length-short -
The Sweetest Game by Cookie O'Gorman
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHopelessly in love with my best friend's brother.That's what it will say on my tombstone. Here lies Junior "June" Dorsey. Tomboy. Car lover. Bookworm. She suffered from a severe case of unrequited love syndrome.It's not like I haven't tried liking other guys. I have. It's just none of them measure up to him.Baylor O'Brien. Beautiful. Cocky...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult dual-pov virgin heroine humor contemporary fake relationship -
Past the Rush by Britt Stark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night changed everything.Every hope and dream I had vanished with the touch of a hand.Whoever said love lasts forever obviously has never been in love with their brother’s best friend.Ever since high school, I have been trying to replace the painful memories of my past with new ones. Forgetting every trauma was working until I ran into him… Conrad Stone... -
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Fake Fiancé by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll’s fair in love and war…until you agree to be your best friend’s fake fiancé.Levi: Life as an NFL player has always been fast-paced, but nothing prepared me for becoming the guardian of my godson, Duncan. With his grandmother contesting custody, I need to prove that I’m a steadfast influence who’s not going anywhere and there’s one sure-fire way to show that: get engaged... -
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Fumbled Arrangement by S. Jones
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat started out as a night of fun at a Vegas hotspot somehow turned into saying “I Do” by an Elvis impersonator. If you think that’s bad, it gets worse. My new husband lied to me and told me he ran a not-for-profit. That couldn’t be further from the truth.Imagine my surprise when I realized I married one of the best tight ends in the league... -
The Comeback by Ranee S. Clark
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEight years ago, he asked me to marry him and I said yes … then I ran.AvaEven so, I never dreamed we’d end up here—him hating me for the choices I made to save his career. It’s fine. I’ve moved on.I’ve had a few bumps in the road with my rising event planning career, but running my best friend’s wedding to her pro-football fiancé will fix all of that. If I pull off the perfect wedding... -
Just a Football Star by Deb Goodman
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart.”When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys. Now? It’s all gone... -
Laid Bare: A New Adult College Romance by Penny Clarke
Natalie needs to get laid.Bad time management skills. Partying a little too much. Glitter in unmentionable places. When boys meet me, they tend to focus less on the hot and more on the mess. Which means I’ve always just been one of the guys. Making it harder to get, well, you know...Categorized as:
friends to lovers football sports dual-pov friends-benefits college new adult contemporary -
Stick To Me by Marion De Ré
Ever heard of a guy who’s nice, funny, cooks like a chef, boasts a six-pack, and is the best player in the NHL?Well, let me introduce you to Aaron Miles—AKA the biggest test of my self-control.Aaron and I have been friends since sixth grade, sharing everything from school and vacation to helping me start my business. But one thing I did on my own: falling in love with him.It’s hopeless...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports hockey found-family contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
DRIVE by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsKissing a complete stranger shouldn’t be a life altering experience, but with him it was. One look into his mischievous hazel eyes and our lips were colliding without a second thought. Now, months later, not only do I know his name, we’ve also become friends. Good friends. The kind of friends that kiss and cuddle together, all night long...
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