Books like 'The Running Back and the Prima Donna'
Readers who enjoyed The Running Back and the Prima Donna by Anne-Marie Meyer & Maggie Dallen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary young adult from hate to love football sports
-
Fence, Vol. 6: Redemption by C.S. Pacat
A mysterious new fencer arrives at Halverton in the newest chapter of the GLAAD Media Award-nominated sports comic, perfect for fans of Heartstopper.THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN RESET… EN GARDE! Return to the thrilling world of high-stakes, competitive fencing, with a brand new story featuring the beloved cast of characters from the original hit series...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult queer contemporary found-family m-m friends to lovers -
![Unbelievers by AgnesBellex]()
Unbelievers by AgnesBellex
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsIt’s Louis’ senior year, and he’s dead set on doing it right. However, along with his pair of cleats, a healthy dose of sarcasm and his ridiculous best friend, he’s also got a complicated family, a terrifyingly uncertain future, and a mortal enemy making his life just that much worse. Mortal enemies “with benefits” was not exactly the plan... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![That Promise by Jillian Dodd]()
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been two years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
![That Promise by Jillian Dodd]()
That Promise by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsWhat happens to childhood promises when you grow up?Growing up, Devaney Diamond and Chase Mackenzie promised to go to college together. But it’s been three years since the summer that changed everything between them, and their friendship hasn’t recovered... -
-
![Fallen Crest Campout by Tijan]()
Fallen Crest Campout by Tijan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsSam and Mason return to Fallen Crest for a camping trip.They head north, meeting up with a few friends from Roussou and enjoy a night of booze, some leapfrogging, and there’s a small therapy session to air out some tension in the group... -
![I sold myself to the devil for Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight]()
I sold myself to the devil for Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsLexi Grayson is a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she might need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports young adult contemporary high-school friends to lovers humor bad boys -
![The Deception You Weave by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Deception You Weave by Tracy Lorraine
I never could hide from him.Kane Legend always finds me.And now he’s found out the truth.The dark secret I’ve been hiding, the one that’s been slowly poisoning me from the inside out.The pain of the words falling from my lips, is nothing compared to the look of devastation in his eyes. Or the rage that follows.The way I thought he hated me back then is nothing compared to the damage he can do now...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football new adult contemporary young adult cruel hero college -
![The Betrayal You Serve by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Betrayal You Serve by Tracy Lorraine
You can’t outrun the truth...It changes everything.Her secrets might have been exposed, but mine are still hanging over us.A betrayal that sends her straight into the arms of another.It’s like a knife to my heart.But I was holding the blade.Scarlett gave me an ultimatum, one that I need to take seriously.Walk away from the only life I’ve ever known, everything I’ve worked for...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football new adult contemporary young adult cruel hero angst -
![I Sold Myself To The Devil For Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight]()
I Sold Myself To The Devil For Vinyls... Pitiful I Know by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsLexi Grayson is just a normal teenager, as normal as she can be with her unobserving skills and her overthinking mind. But she'll need the overthinking if she wants to unravel the smirking mystery that is Blake Eaton...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports young adult contemporary high-school friends to lovers bad boys humor -
![Fence: Redemption #4 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #4) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence: Redemption #4 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #4) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn the FINAL ISSUE of The GLAAD Media Award-nominated sports comic’s latest chapter, Seiji gets an up close and personal look into Nicholas’ past, and a clearer picture of just how much determination it took for Nicholas to overcome adversity and a rocky start... -
![Going Long by Ginger Scott]()
Going Long by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThey fell in love in high school and found their way back to one another despite the odds. But can first loves really be forever? For Reed Johnson, the dream was always football. But then Nolan Lennox took over his heart...Categorized as:
sports football athletes young adult contemporary friends to lovers alpha male college -
![Fence, Vol. 5: Rise by C.S. Pacat]()
Fence, Vol. 5: Rise by C.S. Pacat
In the highly anticipated next chapter of Fence, Nicholas will stop at nothing until he becomes Seiji's worthy fencing rival!USA Today best-selling author C. S...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary m-m high-school queer glimpses-kisses -
![Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
The GLAAD Award nominated series Fence returns as a graphic novel series as best-selling novelist C.S...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary m-m high-school queer found-family -
![Whistleblower by Kate Marchant]()
Whistleblower by Kate Marchant
Kate Marchant presents a story about a young journalist who fights for the truth to come to light—even if it means she might lose everything . . . Laurel Cates has never wanted the spotlight...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary new adult college behind-doors length-medium -
-
![You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie]()
You Don't Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA queer YA romance about rival soccer players from author Racquel Marie, perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy.Valentina “Vale” Castillo-Green’s life revolves around soccer. Her friends, her future, and her father’s intense expectations are all wrapped up in the beautiful game...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love contemporary young adult f-f high-school queer length-medium -
![Fence Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
From the superstar team of C.S. Pacat (The Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad comes the third volume of this acclaimed, dynamic series... -
![Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson]()
Amour Amour by Krista Ritchie, Ava Erickson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsListening time 13 hours 21 minutesLove is a circus"Every day,” he says lowly, “I hold a person’s life in my hands. The circus is based one-hundred percent off trust. I give it all to someone, and they give it all to me.”The best aerial technique won’t land 21-year-old Thora James her dream role in Amour—a sexy new acrobatic show on the Vegas strip... -
![Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields]()
Bittersweet Always by Ella Fields
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom bestselling author Ella Fields comes an all new standalone. An emotional new adult romance that proves love is worth fighting your demons for. Toby Hawthorne was an enigma. One I didn't factor into my college plans. I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't not looking for it either. And in that state of in-between, he found me. Unaware of the battle he fought everyday, I fell fast... -
![Frayed by Laura Pavlov]()
Frayed by Laura Pavlov
Bad boy football star. Innocent girl next door. Two different worlds. One small town. A million reasons why they should have stayed away from one another.My life was mapped out for me before I even entered the world.Who I'd date, where I’d attend college, what I'd be when I grew up.But there was a time in everyone's life when they'd face a fork in the road...Categorized as:
sports football young adult contemporary friends to lovers new adult sweet heroine mma-boxing -
![Shattered Love by Stacey Marie Brown]()
Shattered Love by Stacey Marie Brown
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEveryone has a story about a broken heart, but Jaymerson’s heart wasn’t just broken. It was completely shattered… Along with her body and mind. Jaymerson Holloway had it all—until one moment. One bad decision. A split second and her life was altered forever. Faced with unimaginable grief and guilt, while learning to simply walk again, Jaymerson realizes she will never be the same...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult new adult contemporary m-f independent heroine strong heroine -
![Fence: Redemption #2 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #2) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence: Redemption #2 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #2) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOld schools and old exes bring Seiji to a boiling point... -
![Wallflower by Cookie O'Gorman]()
Wallflower by Cookie O'Gorman
Wallflower (wohl-flou-erh): Identifier for someone who is shy and/or awkward. For reference, see Viola Kent.Seventeen-year-old Viola Kent likes being invisible. Well, not literally, but she's content being a loner, reading her books, and hanging out with the animals at the shelter. She just wants to keep her head down and get through her senior year at Durham High...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football young adult contemporary high-school friends to lovers humor -
![Fence Challengers: Long Shot #1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence Challengers: Long Shot #1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Kings Row fencers are fresh off of Halverton Training Camp and ready for the State Championships, bringing with them the burden and blessing of a brand-new reputation as underdog champions... -
![Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin]()
Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"What if I played football?" I ask. As soon as it's out of my mouth, I feel stupid. Even suggesting it feels like I've overstepped some kind of invisible line we've all agreed not to discuss. We don't talk about how Mara is different from other girls. We don't talk about how Mara is gay but no one says so...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary f-f high-school queer length-medium -
-
![The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Mistakes You Make by Tracy Lorraine
From USA Today bestselling author Tracy Lorraine comes a new dark bully college romance.Some demons we can't outrun.Kane Legend is mine.The gorgeous boy who always finds me.The ruthless bully I've spent my life avoiding.Even leaving Harrow Creek wasn't enough to escape his torment.Because I didn't stay away and neither could he.One weekend home... one party.One night that ruined everything...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports football new adult young adult contemporary cruel hero length-novella -
![Forever Golden by Rachel Jonas, Nikki Thorne]()
Forever Golden by Rachel Jonas, Nikki Thorne
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 44 ratingsWest Golden—Fierce protector. The one.The cocky jock I once wanted to kill with my bare hands is now the only one I trust with my heart.In a city full of corruption and dark secrets, knowing who’s on your side gets harder to determine every day. Especially now that Vin’s on the warpath, passing out threats he fully intends to see through to the end...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love new adult young adult suspense contemporary angst poor heroine -
![The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams]()
The Crash Trilogy: Includes Crash, Clash and Crush by Nicole Williams
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLucy Larson lives for wearing the satin down on her ballet shoes, and has her sights firmly set on a place at Juilliard. She's on her way to the top and has so far been careful to keep trouble out of her life. Well, up until now…Jude Ryder is the quintessential bad boy and everything a girl like Lucy needs to stay away from, especially if she wants to hold onto her dream future... -
![All That's Been Said by Emma Doherty]()
All That's Been Said by Emma Doherty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIzzy Kavanagh hates her new life in the US; that much she’s made obvious. She’s done everything she can to alienate her twin, Ethan, and to prove she doesn’t want to be there.She’s certainly succeeded.Perhaps a little too much.Suddenly the idea of having her brother hate her isn’t what she wants...Categorized as:
sports football young adult high-school contemporary siblings-bff new adult found-family -
![The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle]()
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne last summer together.One bucket list.One line and once it’s crossed, there’s no going back…Luna Truly was living on bottled air and borrowed time.She had spent most of her life in and out of hospitals.All she wanted to do was live a typical life—one where she didn't feel like she was a burden.Everyone treated her like she was a fragile piece of glass, except for one person...Categorized as:
sports football friends to lovers young adult forced proximity contemporary new adult length-medium -
![Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney]()
Running Home to You by Suzanne Sweeney
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00IFR0XP2 Juliette Fletcher thought she had it all – a strikingly handsome man who adores her, a new business venture with her best friends by her side, and a dream house right on the beach. But appearances can be deceiving and everything comes at a cost... -
![The Starburst Effect by Kelly Oram]()
The Starburst Effect by Kelly Oram
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLily Rosemont lives next door to the biggest jerk in high school. Noah Trask has bullied Lily for years, and now he’s ruined her senior year by making her a target and turning the whole school against her. On top of that, her parents are getting divorced, and her world is falling apart around her...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports young adult contemporary high-school abuse friends to lovers cruel hero -
![Home Game by Ginger Scott]()
Home Game by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFootball has been my life. Not that I ever had a choice in the matter. When your dad is a retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the gridiron tends to weave its way into your DNA.I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football young adult high-school athletes contemporary length-medium -
![Cheeky Brat, Vol. 11 by Mitsubachi Miyuki]()
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 11 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWith Yuki living on her own, Naruse in his last year of high school, and more than a few months of dating history under their belt, one rainy after in Yuki’s apartment leads to.. -
![The Game You Play by L.A. Cotton]()
The Game You Play by L.A. Cotton
Cocky football players, school rivalry, and the girls who get in their way. Get ready … The Raiders are back! Felicity Giles has a list. Lose her virginity. Meet her knight-in-shining-armor and fall in love. Have the best senior year a girl can have. The only problem? Her knight isn’t a saint, he’s a villain, and she’s pretty sure he’ll destroy her before ever handing over a piece of his heart... -
-
![The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth]()
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsLoss is nothing new to Lennon Matthews.With each hit her heart has taken, she’s guarded it more closely. Except Caleb Winters smashed through her defenses in high school. Three years later, their relationship is stronger than ever. But aside from letting a boy in, little in Lennon’s life has changed... -
![Fence: Redemption #1 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #1) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence: Redemption #1 (Fence: Redemption (Single Issues) #1) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUSA Today best-selling author C. S... -
![Ruined Hopes by L.A. Cotton]()
Ruined Hopes by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAshleigh Chase has always had big dreams.But when she wakes up in hospital with no memory of how she got there, her bright future dissolves around her.Ezra Bennet has always felt like the odd one out.But this time, he really screwed up and he has no choice but to face the consequences...Categorized as:
sports football high-school contemporary virgin hero new adult friends to lovers young adult -
![Catching Feelings by Ana Hartnett Reichardt]()
Catching Feelings by Ana Hartnett Reichardt
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAs a sophomore, Andrea Foster doesn't expect to earn the starting catcher position on the Alder University softball team. She's used to blending in and leaving the spotlight for the likes of Maya Gonzalez, the team's fiery ace pitcher. No one is more surprised than Andy when she's named starting catcher and captain of the Alder Lions.Maya was supposed to be captain, everyone says so...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love queer new adult f-f young adult contemporary friends to lovers -
![Cheeky Brat, Vol. 10 by Mitsubachi Miyuki]()
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 10 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat does he MEAN “that wasn’t nearly enough”?! Well, it is true that between my part-time job and classes and getting dragged into stuff with the college basketball club, it’s been a lot harder to find time to just BE together, but…I’m really trying, okay?! Speaking of the basketball club, turns out that weird flirty guy at the park is also my coworker and a club member—seriously hope he and... -
![Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan]()
Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsThe boys of Kings Row head to France with exes, rivalries, and secrets in this fun and hilarious novel by a New York Times bestselling author—inspired by the award-nominated comic series by C.S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary m-m friends to lovers high-school humor -
![Cheeky Brat, Vol. 12 by Mitsubachi Miyuki]()
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 12 by Mitsubachi Miyuki
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSo after the whole Hakamada debacle and then how the whole Finals League ended, it’s kinda awkward every time I see Hakamada-kun...Still, I’m incredibly happy that Naruse won! Although, now he’s literally telling EVERYONE he knows about us, so I’m not entirely sure how to react around everyone else anymore.. -
![The Winning Side by CM Doporto]()
The Winning Side by CM Doporto
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLexi’s determined to keep her word and stand by Raven’s side because her love for him is too strong to deny. As Raven learns to deal with the issues that are destined to destroy him and their relationship, their love is taken to a new level. As doors are closed and new ones are opened, Lexi and Raven find themselves in a heavenly bliss, but not without the challenges from Raven’s past... -
![Habits by Anna B. Doe]()
Habits by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHow can something so wrong feel so good? A brand new standalone in Greyford High series is coming March 27th! Senior year. Three girls. Three guys. Secrets and lies. Demons of past and present. Old insecurities and new fears. One more year left to pretend. One more year to wreck it all. The countdown begins...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love contemporary new adult young adult siblings-bff hockey length-medium -
![Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham]()
Tell Me You Love Me by Gracie Graham
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBrynn Nichols is an enigma wrapped up in a riddle I can’t decipher.She’s my best friend’s twin sister, the only girl immune to my charms. Far too wholesome for a player like me.Getting under her skin is my favorite pastime. And it’s not hard to do considering how much she hates me.But when football and summer classes take us to the same college, her brother makes me promise to watch over her... -
-
![The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore]()
The Midseason Fakeout by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe star quarterback of the Bulldogs was supposed to be my ticket to a normal life, but now I’ve fallen for him…again.He’s my brother’s best friend. The perfect person to fake a relationship with. No feelings involved. Just pretend.He helps me. I help him.We both agreed.Except, things get real…and quick...Categorized as:
sports football from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers siblings-bff college new adult -
![Cheeky Brat, Vol. 13 by Mitsubachi Miyuki, Alethea Nibley]()
Cheeky Brat, Vol. 13 by Mitsubachi Miyuki, Alethea Nibley
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGeez, that was so nerve-wracking! I’m glad that I could FINALLY do something for him as his girlfriend...Next up is graduation, a spring break trip with the team, and then off to college! I’m kinda nervous about how he’s gonna handle Suwa-san being around all the time, though..Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult contemporary humor friends to lovers length-short -
![Dare You to Fall for the Catcher by Lacy Andersen]()
Dare You to Fall for the Catcher by Lacy Andersen
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA little dare never hurt anybody...Running is my life. It’s one of the few things I’m good at and I dominate on the track. But my take-no-prisoners reputation doesn’t scare everyone. There’s still one boy who’s not afraid to get under my skin...Jayden Paul. Catcher of the varsity baseball team. Hottie of the year. And the thorn in my side ever since we kissed in sixth grade (on a silly dare!)...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult high-school contemporary heroine athlete m-f baseball -
![Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott]()
Varsity Captain by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA new book in the Varsity Series is coming soon! Varsity Captain will give readers the experience and backstory of Varsity Heartbreaker (book 1 in the series) told from Lucas Fuller's POV. This is a full-length novel with brand new content and not just a simple retelling... -
![Fence #1 (Fence (Single Issues) #1) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #1 (Fence (Single Issues) #1) by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsSixteen-year-old Nicholas Cox is an outsider to the competitive fencing world. Filled with raw talent but lacking proper training, he signs up for a competition that puts him head-to-head with fencing prodigy Seiji Katayama...and on the road to the elite all-boys school Kings Row... -
![Rebels Don’t Fall for Tomboys by Emma Dalton]()
Rebels Don’t Fall for Tomboys by Emma Dalton
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEvery tomboy deserves to score the guy of her dreams.Bailey:I’m the Tomboy. I’ve dreamed of playing quarterback since I was a kid. No one on the football team wants me around, though, and I need to prove to them that I belong.Zane Hastings is the only guy who welcomes me. But when he plays me like a fool, I don’t want anything to do with him...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love young adult high-school contemporary slow burn humor length-long
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
