Books like 'Playing for Keeps'
Readers who enjoyed Playing for Keeps by Bella North also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny friends to lovers pregnancy sports
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Without You: Scotch and Sammy duet - book 2 by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsSammy. I left because I thought I was doing the right thing. I was falling on my sword. I thought I was saving everyone a lot of heart ache, and in exchange, I took all that ache on my own. I was supposed to be the hero, but instead I was the villain. He hates me with every fiber of his being…. It’s been thirteen years since we last saw each other. It turns out ghosts can’t be buried... -
Nobody Knows by Lani Lynn Vale
All he ever wanted was to matter to someone. What he didn’t know was that he did matter to someone. Someone that worried about him every single day that he was gone. Malachi Gabriel Gnocchi was missing for two years. Thanks to a mission gone wrong, not only had he been captured, but his best friend along with his fellow teammates had been taken, too... -
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Killing Booth by Lani Lynn Vale
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery single thing you want is going to require you to be uncomfortable. Those words had been shared with her by the one man she didn’t think she could take a chance on. She just didn’t know that he was right, or that he was going to be the one making her uncomfortable. Nash Wilder Christopherson was the world’s golden boy. For fifteen years, she watched Nash race from the safety of her phone...Categorized as:
friends to lovers pregnancy sports humor grumpy sunshine suspense contemporary angst -
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
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The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsA powerful love story of tragedy, love, and commitment. The fourth book in the Racing on the Edge series submerges you in the lifestyle of a champion of a sport that dominates America. Through smoke and methanol, you learn the good, the bad, and the secrets no one wants you to know... -
Blades of Glory by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsOld vs. Young. Experience vs. Attitude. No Teeth vs. Also No Teeth…. It’s the game some of these players have been waiting a lifetime for. The veterans of the Nashville Assassins versus the new generation of players—their sons... -
Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEven though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch... -
Happy Halloween from the Montgomerys by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCaleb is spending his first Halloween as a dad! -
Mine To Love by Natasha Madison
Presley. After my sisters’ disastrous weddings, I’m never going to get married. I’ll just stay single forever. It doesn’t matter that I’m in love with my brother’s best friend. Or that Bennett and I shouldn’t even be friends with benefits. Until the positive sign tells me I’m pregnant. Bennett. I fell in love with Presley when she was eighteen and asked me for a favor...Categorized as:
friends to lovers pregnancy contemporary humor sassy heroine strong heroine m-f explicit-open-door -
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...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary humor age difference length-short m-f audiobook -
One Knight's Stand by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThree years ago, I decided to have my first one-night stand. The plan was simple: research how to do it and meet a man at the bar before nerves playing with my guts got the best of me. I wanted to ring in the new year between a stranger’s legs. Someone with good hygiene and exceptional tensile strength to take the edge off of studying mechanical engineering. Then he walked in...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers age difference contemporary black-mc humor african-american length-medium -
Your Rule to Break by Rachel LaBerge
YOUR RULE TO BREAK IS A STEAMY FOOTBALL ROMANCE WITH FAKE DATING. It's the second book in The Play Caller series and can be read as a standalone. What do you do when your sister is marrying your ex? If there’s an answer, Emilie Hayes would love to know... -
When He Was Wicked: The 2nd Epilogue by Julia Quinn
Do the best things really come to those who wait? Three years have passed since Francesca's and Michael's marriage, and they are still childless. And Francesca wonders, can a woman be truly and completely happy when a little piece of her heart remains empty? But just when she makes peace with her fate, something unexpected occurs.Categorized as:
friends to lovers pregnancy historical regency m-f contemporary humor length-novella -
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Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me. I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry. Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me... -
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 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... -
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t. They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return. But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports found-family football contemporary humor length-long audiobook -
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...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult contemporary humor tycoon length-medium audiobook -
Game Ender by B.J. Harvey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author BJ Harvey comes the fourth and final book in the Game series and this time, it's the last two single friends left standing; the reformed playboy and the single mom. ***. "You have chlamydia. ". Three words no man wants to hear... -
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 -
Somebody to Lean On by Jess Mastorakos
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDo I want to kiss my best friend? Yep. Always have. Too bad it’s not that simple. Jackson Wilson and I are long-distance co-guardians of our friends' daughter, and even though we're best friends and we're totally committed to Phoebe, this isn't a romcom where the best friends get together in the end. Unfortunately . But now, Phoebe and I have nowhere to go but Jackson's tiny Tennessee town... -
Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNate. All 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 -
The Someday Girl by Julie Johnson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTHE SOMEDAY GIRL is the 95,000 word follow up to THE MONDAY GIRL. It concludes the angsty, addictive storyline of THE GIRL duet. I fell in love with a man who could not love me back. A man I will never deserve fell in love with me. Katherine Firestone has finally made it in Hollywood. New house. New car. New closet full of designer clothes. She's got it all. And yet. .. without him . . -
After All by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe last sizzling novel in Kristen Proby's Romancing Manhattan series finds a widower falling deeply in love again with a woman who has scars of her own. When Carter Shaw’s wife died five years ago, he was left to pick up the pieces not only of his own broken heart but also that of his devastated eight-year-old daughter, Gabby—leaving him with no time for anything else, let alone dating...Categorized as:
friends to lovers pregnancy contemporary humor new adult second chances single-father length-medium -
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The Nest Before Christmas by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsA grounded plane. A questionable Greyhound bus. A brotherhood on a mission. When the team’s plane gets grounded right before Christmas, the Falcons will stop at nothing to make it home for the holidays, including launching their own Planes, Trains, and Automobiles-style mission across the country to get back to their wives and kids... -
Talk British to Me by Robin Bielman
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAs the Dating Guy on L. A. ‘s top morning show, I give the single guy’s perspective on dating, love, and sex—and I give great advice. Everyone’s hooking up…well, except for me. Sure, I can get any woman I want, but I’ve got a “no relationship” clause in my contract and the only woman I want has “relationship” written all over her. Probably stamped on her ass, too... -
Checking It Twice by Claire Hastings
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 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 -
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... -
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... -
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 -
Covered by Elise Faber
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s sister. He’s going to keep her anyway. Getting caught in bed with his friend’s sister wasn’t the welcome Ben had planned when joining the roster of the San Francisco Gold. Neither was the black eye he sported for several weeks afterward. Jordyn was a newly divorced, single mom of two boys, and not looking for love, but Ben wasn’t easily scared off... -
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 -
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... -
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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... -
Between the Sheets by Julie Prestsater
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe passion between Mel and Ty is undeniable. But do they have the love to go the distance? Melissa Cruz has been in love with her best friend's sexgod of an older brother since . .. well, since forever. She let Tyler slip away in the past, but this time she is determined to have a second chance at love, even if that means packing up and leaving her family and best friend behind...Categorized as:
pregnancy friends to lovers humor contemporary second chances siblings-bff length-medium -
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...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers humor contemporary single-father length-long standalone standalone-first -
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 audiobook -
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 -
When Morning Comes by A.M. Wilson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere are worse things than getting knocked up by your best friend. Right? Kiersten won’t make excuses for living her very best life. But being the life of the party has its downsides—like waking up naked next to her best friend. Ever since Nathan’s wife died a few years ago, he’s avoided commitment. He went from living the family life to a one-and-done mentality. Until Kiersten breaks the news... -
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... -
Big Buns More Fun by Penn Rivers, P. Jameson
Big buns mean more fun. I know it’s true because I spent summers with my best friend and his sister as a teen. Kimmi and I shared enough laughs to make me realize, even then, that she was meant for me. But our family got in the way, and over the years I lost hope that I’d ever have a chance with my big booty cutie. Except now, her brother is married and finally minding his own business...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary humor curvy heroine open-door m-f siblings-bff -
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... -
Revved Up & Ready by Jasmine Grace
Cam Hacker is too dangerous to date. Good thing we're only pretending. Maybe I shouldn't admit it, but after ending my nine-year relationship, I have no idea who I am anymore. So, I’ve decided to rediscover myself using a list of things I’ve never done before. Step one: Break up with that jerk. Check. Step two: Move to Palm Springs. Check... -
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Fall With Me by Amanda P. Jones
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI don’t date. Ever. And especially not single dads. I’m cursed and refuse to damage anyone else despite my yearning for a picture-perfect family. So when my brother asks me to organize his company’s fall festival, I happily trade my lonely nights of binge-watching fitness videos for pumpkins and hay bales...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports found-family contemporary single-father dual-pov insta-love humor -
Trick Shot by Lyssa Lemire
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen I need a fake fiancée, my best friend Abby seems like the safe choice. But I should have known there’s nothing more dangerous than pretending to love your best friend – after you realize pretending isn’t enough. There’s a lot that makes me one of a kind. Being the best defensive player in college hockey. My status as a local celebrity and campus superstar...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers forced proximity athletes contemporary new adult humor hockey -
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 -
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... -
Pick Me by Victoria Schade
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA delightfully sexy romantic comedy about a romance writer determined to learn how to play pickleball to impress her crush, only to fall for her coach. As a cowboy romance ghostwriter, Brooke Murphy knows a thing or two about happily ever afters. But following her last breakup, Brooke is feeling fresh out of hot and steamy vibes...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers contemporary humor love triangle other-man-woman length-medium audiobook -
The Best Friend Problem by Mariah Ankenman
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPrudence Carlson has been lucky in life. A fulfilling wedding-planning business run with her girlfriends in Colorado, plus the best guy friend ever in her firefighter bestie Finn. All that’s missing from it is a baby. Luckily, it’s the twenty-first century—Pru can take matters into her own hands. She doesn’t need to find true love to create the future love of her life...
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