Books like 'Behind the Bench'
Readers who enjoyed Behind the Bench by Jillian Arly also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny from hate to love office sports hockey forced proximity friends-benefits secret-relationship m-f
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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... -
![Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster]()
Enticing Her Love: Sutton Steele by Melissa Foster
Pro: Stuck sharing a bed with my hot, broody boss Con: He’s trying to get me fired Discovery Hour reporter Sutton Steele spends her days trying to keep her job, while her insanely hot, infuriating boss, Flynn Braden, would love nothing more than to see her gone... -
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![The Last to Leave by Erica Lee]()
The Last to Leave by Erica Lee
Courtney Fields and Nicole Dawson were high school rivals who thought they would never have to deal with each other again. Eight years after graduating, the two are thrown back together on a trip to Cabo with their two best friends. Throughout the trip, they quickly learn they get under each other’s skin in more ways than one... -
![Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas]()
Kiss My Giraffe by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEnemies to friends to almost lovers then back to enemies…to lovers.She's got a lot of baggage...literally and figuratively. And an entourage. And a freaking giraffe. For real.For a guy who wants to keep things simple, this is anything but... -
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![Now's The Time by Harlow James]()
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man... -
![Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun]()
Hawaii Can Suck It by MéLisa Ryun
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsI’m supposed to film him. Not fall for him.I’m Camila Morales—cargo pants-wearing, scrunchie-collecting, videographer to Reece Dare—a growly, tattooed YouTube adrenaline junkie. He’s hot, sure, when he’s not judging me for smiling (calls it a sign of weakness)... -
![Goalie Interrupted by Anne Kemp]()
Goalie Interrupted by Anne Kemp
Coaching him was never part of the plan. Falling for her should NOT happen. But in hockey––and love––sometimes the best plays come when you break the rules.Elle: Coaching the River City Renegades is exactly where I want to be—hockey, small-town charm, and zero drama…but there’s him.Dixon Andrews. The team’s broody, infuriating, gorgeous goalie...Categorized as:
sports office hockey m-f from hate to love forced proximity secret-relationship second chances -
![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... -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
![A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo]()
A Smoky Mountain Hockey Holiday by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne chalet in the Smokies. Four loving families. While all the grandbabies are on Santa’s Nice List, a few of the adults are getting coal in their stockings. But no matter their status with the man in the red suit, Elli Adler will spoil each and every one of her favorite people with love and holiday cheer... -
![Bleacher Report by Kenna King]()
Bleacher Report by Kenna King
“All’s fair in love, hockey, and podcast syndication.”All I wanted was a tiny interview to secure my podcast syndication deal.What I didn’t expect? That my big break would hinge on Hunter Reed—the NHL’s newest golden boy, full-time playboy, and the guy who mistook me for a puck bunny at Oakley’s bar.Hunter Reed is six-foot-two of attitude, muscle, and maddening charm...Categorized as:
hockey sports m-f forced proximity friends-benefits office competent heroine independent heroine -
![The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré]()
The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré
Our contractor declared bankruptcy and we now have to leave our bookstore opening into the hands of a professional hockey team.Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends... -
![Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance by Abby Greyson]()
Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance by Abby Greyson
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance and the fourth standalone in the interconnected Accidentally In Sports Series.A star shortstop. A benched heart. A second chance sparked by fate—and a sassy pup.DavidI saw my brother and best friend fake-date their way to true love, but that’s not for me. As a single dad and the Smokies shortstop, my heart’s been out of the game since my wife passed...Categorized as:
sports m-f forced proximity second chances office sassy heroine competent heroine tortured hero -
![Over & Out by Claire Wilder]()
Over & Out by Claire Wilder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIntroducing a brand new enemies to lovers romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claire Wilder!Three months ago, a dirt bike accident stole my confidence, my beloved ride, and the one thing that made me feel alive. Now I’m going through the motions in my coastal tourist town, totally adrift… and trying not to think about the stranger who pulled me from the wreckage... -
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![Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love]()
Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love
This is a dual POV, kisses only, sports romance in the Sweet Sports Kisses Series. A reformed bad boy, an heiress with a secret, and a forbidden love. Blake Groomed to run my father’s company, I dream of flying down the speedway. Not "flying" a desk.Forbidden from chasing my dream, I spend my free time helping kids chase theirs while waiting for fate to claim me... -
![This Is Love by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Love by Natasha Madison
From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off series This is... Vivienne Never fall in love. That was my motto, and I was sticking to it. Having my heart broken once was enough, and I never wanted to do it again. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, the only thing I do. One rule shouldn’t be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds... -
![Vixen's Guide to Christmas by Chelle Sloan]()
Vixen's Guide to Christmas by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGUIDE TO LOVE (& CHRISTMAS) RULE #27: Make your list. Check it twice. Because Santa knows how naughty you've been. I haven't written a letter to Santa since I was eight years old, but maybe this year I need to. Dear Santa, I promise, no matter what "he" told you, I've been good this year. I didn't know he was my business rival when I slept with him. I didn't know he hated me...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love office christmas contemporary humor length-medium -
![This Is Love by Melissa Foster]()
This Is Love by Melissa Foster
Fall in love in Harmony Pointe, where hearts are lost, found, and sometimes misplaced…and everyone get a happy ever after. If a woman can’t find love in the quaint town of Harmony Pointe, it’s sure to find them—whether they’re looking for it or not. Here, the remaining single Dalton siblings are about to discover that they’re next in line to get swept away by love...Categorized as:
sassy heroine strong heroine tortured hero forced proximity boss & employee office m-f humor -
![Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart]()
Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray, Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIn the cutthroat world of professional sports, I’m the agent who always calls the shots. Until a decade-old feud with hockey superstar Banks Bennet resurfaces, and I’m forced to play nice. When his agent drops him and rumors of a trade swirl through the league faster than a puck on a breakaway, I find myself in the dreaded role of Banks’s new agent...Categorized as:
hockey sports from hate to love office forced proximity contemporary mature couple humor -
![Face-Off at the Altar by Toni Aleo]()
Face-Off at the Altar by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMarkus Reeves is sucking. Big-time. Toiling away on a minor-league hockey team hundreds of miles away from home, he's watching his dreams of an NHL career fade away. Add in the lingering guilt he has over the dramatic demise of his relationship with college girlfriend, Mekena, and he's a mess on and off the ice. But the family of his heart, the Sinclairs, won't let Markus suffer any longer... -
![Tomboy by Avery Flynn]()
Tomboy by Avery Flynn
How exactly has one good deed landed me in the penalty box? Ice Knights defenseman Zach Blackburn has come down with the flu, and my BFF—his PR manager—begs me to put my nursing degree to use and get him back to health. Of course she would call in a favor for the most hated man in Harbor City. But when he’s finally on the mend and I’m sneaking out of his place, everything goes sideways... -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
independent heroine sassy heroine strong heroine m-f humor contemporary friends to lovers audiobook -
![Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson]()
Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game. Until he saw her. The one that got away. The one he thought he'd never see again. For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over... -
![How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor]()
How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
How is it possible for the chemistry between two chefs to be hotter than a ghost pepper yet colder than liquid nitrogen?When THE Tatum Elliott shows up to run the catering kitchen at my family’s farm and event center, I don’t trust her anymore than I did back in culinary school.But like it or not, she’s here. On my territory. My turf...Categorized as:
office forced proximity second chances from hate to love m-f contemporary humor length-medium -
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![Sure Shot by Kat Mizera]()
Sure Shot by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Fort Lauderdale... where the days are hot and the Knights are hotter!I gave up everything for hockey… even my chance at love. But relocating to Florida to be the starting goalie for the Lauderdale Knights is still the best decision I’d ever made. I have everything… except someone to share it with... -
![The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson]()
The Wedding Jinx by Becky Monson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA a person or thing that brings bad luck.I'm Mila Banks, the ultimate jinx. Not just in theory—I've got a track record. Seven weddings, seven disasters. Everything from a groom with a concussion to an attack of red ants (a long story) has happened because of me. So, when my bestie, Nadia, insists on making me her maid of honor, I can't help but try to find a way out of it... -
![The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale]()
The Mistake You Crave by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat do you get when you combine one drunken night in Vegas, your brother’s best friend, and a twenty-four-hour chapel? One giant, hot hockey player mistake. Growing up with a hockey hot-shot for a brother, I’ve spent my life surrounded by cocky men. I know the ins and outs of the games they play both on and off the ice. Which is why I’d never date one of them. And marriage? Absolutely not... -
![Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers]()
Summer Hate by Melissa Ivers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHe was the last person I wanted to see on my girls trip, let alone share a room with.Donovan Fitzroy is grumpy. Irritable. Annoyingly perfect. And as handsome as he is uptight. He’s also my best friend’s older brother.My bestie promised me a relaxing week at her family owned resort, but when I got there all I got was an apologetic phone call and a promise that her brother would take care of me... -
![Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi]()
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
![Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne]()
Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne
The last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Still, I can’t bear the thought of leaving the game.This past year I’ve reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it’ll be the time to find the right woman. But this is where it gets tricky... -
![A Business Proposal, Vol. 7 by Haehwa, Perilla]()
A Business Proposal, Vol. 7 by Haehwa, Perilla
Ha-ri made a deal—go on one blind date for her BFF and pretend to be a super-vixen to end all of her unwanted marriage set-ups! Unfortunately, instead of easy money, Ha-ri’s got a headache. Her date is Taemu, her company’s hot new CEO, and he’s got his own plans to get his family to back off by marrying whoever shows up on the date...Categorized as:
office from hate to love m-f boss & employee contemporary humor super rich hero length-medium -
![Falling for My Enemy by Claire Kingsley]()
Falling for My Enemy by Claire Kingsley
“I thought if I could crack the code to falling in love, maybe someday it would work for me.”Corban Nash is a self-proclaimed data nerd with a sexy half smile and a set of abs that leave girls drooling. He developed a theory he claims will make two people fall in love. And after numerous tests on friends and family, it’s been successful for everyone who’s tried it... -
![Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly]()
Dirty Flirt by Mira Lyn Kelly
Bad ideas are kind of my superpower... I’m Ben Boerboom, the NHL’s favorite puck boy, and Lara's my slamming hot, former bestie. She's also the friend who got away and my dirty, dirty accomplice from those two insane weeks that weren't supposed to change anything... but did.I wanted it all. Would have wrapped my forever around her finger if she'd let me...Categorized as:
sports hockey m-f forced proximity second chances competent heroine independent heroine athletes -
![The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington]()
The Friend Face Off by Grace Worthington
Getting involved with your brother’s best friend is risky enough. But when he's a hockey player? It's a whole new level of bad idea.As a ravenous reader, I’ve got a I’m obsessed with hockey romances.But let me tell you, real life hockey players are nothing like my book boyfriends.So I threw down the gauntlet on BookTok. I challenged any single guy out there to prove me wrong... -
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![She's a Keeper by Ali K. Mulford]()
She's a Keeper by Ali K. Mulford
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey’re both used to temporary. Have they unexpectedly found forever?Lark Lachlan has her life under control. Although she enjoys the occasional summer fling with women, the devoted-to-her-career, bisexual zookeeper has no trouble keeping her heart in its cage. So she’s a little surprised to feel an instant, all-consuming attraction to the handsome new volunteer, Logan... -
![Empty Net by Teagan Hunter]()
Empty Net by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:1. Stop enough pucks to get the Seattle Serpents to the playoffs.2. Don’t fall for my fake fiancée.When Lilah Maddison’s mother keeps trying to set her up on dates she’s not interested in, she blurts out that she’s already seeing someone. The problem? She’s single.So, I step in to help and agree to pretend to be her boyfriend for an event...Categorized as:
hockey sports m-f competent heroine sassy heroine independent heroine athletes forced proximity -
![Sexy Filthy Boss by Piper Rayne]()
Sexy Filthy Boss by Piper Rayne
He’s the sexy alpha male in the corner office who goes through assistants faster than free donuts in the breakroom.I’m the assistant who was chosen to cover for his last fire.The owner of the company is clear—hook the biggest client in our firm’s history and there’s a partnership for him and a promotion for me. Stipulation—we do it together... -
![So Over You by Kate Meader]()
So Over You by Kate Meader
Three estranged sisters struggle to sustain their late father’s failing hockey franchise in Kate Meader’s sizzling Chicago Rebels series. In this second entry, middle sister Isobel is at a crossroads in her personal and professional lives. But both are about to get a significant boost with the addition of a domineering Russian powerhouse to the Rebels.... Isobel Chase knows hockey... -
![Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince]()
Turn of the Tides by Jessica Prince
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Beau Wade left his small hometown of Whitecap, Oregon, he swore to himself he’d never go back. But when his NFL career goes up in smoke, that’s exactly what he finds himself doing. Not much has changed in the ten years he’s been gone... -
![Truth About Nerds & Bees by Andrea Simonne]()
Truth About Nerds & Bees by Andrea Simonne
He's the beauty. She's the beast.Theodora Stewart, Bee BiologistThat's it. I've had enough. My new neighbor has been sending threatening letters for months and is now suing me. He's trying to force me to remove the beehives from my backyard. (What kind of jerk doesn't understand how important bees are?)It turns out he's some famous quarterback named Gabriel "Beauty" Bardales... -
![Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer]()
Puffin Bay by Annie Dyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHeartbreak led me to Puffin Bay, searching for peace in a small, coastal town. Four years later, my bar is thriving and my next business is just what the town needs. It doesn’t need Roman Tominey. Arrogant, city-boy, suit-wearing grump - he knows how to push every one of my buttons, and after an evening of bad decisions, he knows how to push that one too...Categorized as:
from hate to love forced proximity office strong heroine m-f humor contemporary grumpy sunshine -
![Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington]()
Perfectly Faked by Grace Worthington
He’s a hot-headed hockey star. A grump with a broody glare. Hater of playing by the rules. Bigger hater of figure skaters like me. And now, my new fake boyfriend.I’ve spent my entire life working for a shot at Nationals, but when my figure skating partner gets an injury right before the biggest season of my career, my chances of making a comeback vanish overnight...Categorized as:
sports hockey forced proximity second chances from hate to love m-f athletes sassy heroine -
![The Winning Score by G.K. Brady]()
The Winning Score by G.K. Brady
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual. Can they make it through quarantine together?Quinn Hadley only does one thing as well as he plays hockey—wheeling the ladies. He’s the envy of his teammates. With puck bunnies on speed dial in every city, he never spends a night alone unless it’s by choice. He has a certain type—hot, blond, and easy...Categorized as:
from hate to love hockey sports forced proximity secret-relationship athletes contemporary dual-pov -
![Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday]()
Three Little Words by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGia Gallo is officially in bridesmaid hell. Stranded in New York with her best friend's wedding dress, Gia has six days to make it to Florida in time for the ceremony. And oh-so-charming best man Bennett Buchanan has taken the last available rental car. Looks like she's in for one long road trip with the sexiest - and most irritating - Southern gentleman she's ever met..Categorized as:
sassy heroine tortured hero forced proximity m-f humor contemporary famous heroine length-medium -
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![Strike Zone by Eva Haining]()
Strike Zone by Eva Haining
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove isn't a BALL GAME... it's a CAGE FIGHT!I find her so elegant, and yet I know she could kick my ass with ease.Lincoln Nash is the top hitter in major league baseball, and a World Series Champion. When his best friend hooks up with the sister of MMA fighter, Dee Lex, he’s eager for an introduction. She’s strong, fearless, and effortlessly beautiful... -
![Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens]()
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
![Whiskey Wednesdays: Book 3 in the Palm Springs Poolside Series by J. L. Brannick]()
Whiskey Wednesdays: Book 3 in the Palm Springs Poolside Series by J. L. Brannick
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsConnor McCoy’s professional hockey nickname is The Hammer. And the first time we met, that’s exactly what he did to me. He hammered orders, barked instructions, and interrupted me three times. Then he tried to walk off before I could tell him I was not his latest assistant.But the intense, hot-as-sin man spectacularly outdoes himself when he almost gets me charged with felony burglary... -
![A Christmas Court(ship): A Sweet Best Friend's Brother Holiday RomCom by Tiffany Noelle Chacon]()
A Christmas Court(ship): A Sweet Best Friend's Brother Holiday RomCom by Tiffany Noelle Chacon
A best friend’s brother, a high-stakes holiday pickleball game, and a spark they can’t ignore.Sadie:I’ve had a crush on Beckett Dawson forever—my best friend’s older brother, the hometown golden boy turned pro pickleball player. He’s been gone for years, but when he walks into my early-morning practice, I finally have a chance for him to notice me... and not just because I can return his serve...Categorized as:
sports m-f forced proximity sassy heroine athletes humor length-novella glimpses-kisses -
![Sneaking Around With #34 by Piper Rayne]()
Sneaking Around With #34 by Piper Rayne
I have a reputation for being tight-lipped. You learn quick when you become a professional hockey player to be guarded with the media, so I’ve worked hard to cover up the mistakes of my youth.But when I’m traded to the Florida Fury, where my ex–best friend is the starting right wing, I’m forced to confront my past...Categorized as:
sports sassy heroine from hate to love second chances secret-relationship hockey m-f humor -
![ICED by Jacob Chance]()
ICED by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOliver Ice, one of Boston University’s notorious hockey players, has been on my radar since I slammed into his rock-hard body during my first week of college, three years ago. He helped me to my feet, muttered an apology, and ran off after his girlfriend, dashing my hopes of a happily ever after. Now, he’s the bartender where I work, and this time, very much single...
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