Books like 'Playing Defense'
Readers who enjoyed Playing Defense by Cate Cameron also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town sports high-school family realistic friendship humor multi-pov
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Whisper of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Bradens are a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series. Tempest Braden adores her family and her small hometown, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be confining... -
Heartcross Castle by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLove Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter whatA second chance…When her grandfather Marley passes away Grace Power discovers she’s been left the beautiful but crumbling estate of Heartcross Castle... -
Trails of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFall in love with Graham Braden and Morgyn Montgomery in TRAILS OF LOVE. When Graham Braden travels to Oak Falls, Virginia to attend the wedding of his buddy Reed Cross to Grace Montgomery, he sticks around to help with renovations to Reed’s new theater. The last thing he expects is to be asked to assess and possibly invest in Grace’s sister Morgan’s business endeavor... -
My Kinda Player by Lacey Black, Sara Eirew
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAJ Summer witnessed four of her sisters fall in love and settle down. But not her. She’s stuck in a rut, destined to spend the rest of her life watching from the dugout, kissing frogs. Then one night, she meets a mysterious stranger, who makes her feel alive and realize she’s not as broken as she thought–until she wakes up alone... -
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My Kinda Forever by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlone. Everything changed for Meghan Summer that fateful February night. All she had, all she saw in her future, was stripped away in the blink of an eye. Even though she finds herself surrounded by her growing family, at the end of the day, there’s nothing but a gaping hole where her heart once beat. Or so she thinks… Her. Nick Adams shouldn’t want her... -
The Lucky Shamrock by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown’s bighearted novel about family, secrets, small-town Texas romance, and—with a little bit of luck—starting over. Family doesn’t mean everyone has to like each other. That’s the case when cousins Taryn, Anna Rose, and Jorja return to Shamrock, Texas, to help manage their grandmother’s flower shop, the Lucky Shamrock... -
That Summer: A Small Town, Friends-to-Lovers Romance by Jillian Dodd
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDevaney Diamond’s summer break was shaping up to be the best one ever. Her longtime crush was finally interested in her, and by the time school rolled around in the fall, she knew he’d be her boyfriend... -
A Home at Honeysuckle Farm by Christie Barlow
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA family secret One shocking argument and ten-year-old Alice Parker’s world was turned upside down. Her peaceful life at Honeysuckle Farm in the quiet rural village of Brook Bridge swapped for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Alice’s life was changed forever… A second chance Now, thirteen years later, Alice’s American dream is over... -
Small Town Swoon by Melanie Harlow
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOnly in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner... -
The Banty House by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn the fading town of Rooster, Texas, all that’s really left is a service station, a church…and the Banty House, a long-ago Depression-era brothel. For more than seventy-five years, Betsy, Connie, and Kate Carson have called their mama’s house a home... -
The Lilac Bouquet by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCome hell or high water, Emmy Jo Massey will have a wedding. After three generations of Massey women with children out of wedlock, she wants the whole town of Hickory, Texas, to witness the legitimacy of her union with Logan Grady. But dream weddings aren’t cheap... -
Our Last Road by London Casey, Jaxson Kidman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe comes back for her… but now she has a son. SAWYER: My name's on the neon sign above the tattoo shop, but her name's forever tattooed on my heart. I grew up with the nickname ‘Saint’ and opened St. Skin with the dream of marrying Kate and living a good life. But that dream died years ago...didn't it? Now I'm heading back to Hundred Falls Valley to stake my claim to the shop.. -
Home Sweet Love by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava's bestselling books...come join the family. International Bestselling Author Ava Miles shares a powerful tale about the sweetness of home and falling in love for the first time. Chase Parker doesn’t believe in all that gushy home sweet love stuff. Moira Hale sure as heck does... -
Difficult by R.L. Mathewson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSurviving high school was going to be hard enough, but surviving telling the one girl that he couldn’t live without how he felt was going to be one of the most difficult things that Sebastian Bradford was ever going to do.From New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author R.L...Categorized as:
humor high-school sports romance young-adult contemporary friends-to-lovers small-town -
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Knocking Boots by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve always heard, don’t fall in love with a cowboy. I just didn't listen. I've sworn off men. They’ve never given me much in life, except a bun in the oven and grief. My kids are my life and all that truly matter. Until him. Jansen Reed is a living fantasy straight from the old west. Sexy drawl, tight jeans and that glint in his eyes that make my knees weak... -
The Calendar of New Beginnings by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe last thing international photojournalist Lucy O’Brien expected when she returned to her hometown was for her mother to ask her to shoot photos for a ‘Calendar Girls’-like calendar…Of course, it’s all for a good cause—raising money for breast cancer. Lucy agrees to help—ribald photos and all... -
My Kinda Song by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAbby Summer has been in love with one man most of her life, but he doesn’t know she exists. For years, Abby has watched him go home with woman after woman, not even noticing the one who stands loyally beside him. That’s why a dating site is the perfect solution to Abby’s problems: get over Levi and move on to someone else... -
The Saturday Morning Park Run: A gloriously uplifting and page-turning book that will make you feel happy! by Jules Wake
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis is the story of two women.One old, one young.One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.Both needing a friend.And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking)... -
The Comfort of Secrets by Christine Nolfi
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCat Mendoza needs a win. After a business failure and years of dating the wrong men, she’s ready to turn things around.First she must convince the residents of Sweet Lake, Ohio, that she’s taking her responsibilities seriously. As the events director of the newly restored Wayfair Inn, she has the support of her best friends, Linnie and Jada... -
Christmas at Wynter House by Emily Harvale
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"This is one Christmas Cracker of a read.” – Rachel’s Random Reads. After a frosty welcome, things soon heat up at Wynter House. Neva Grey is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with her family in the cosy cottage they’ve rented in the picture-postcard village of Wyntersleap. Nestled between rolling hills and a gently burbling river, it’s going to be idyllic. Except it’s not... -
Wicked Forever by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom bestselling author, L A Cotton, comes the much-anticipated conclusion to the Wicked Bay series .. -
Leave Me Breathless: A small town brother's best friend romance by Carrie Elks
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShe’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him... -
Out of Alignment by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsParker Banks is a creature of habit. Unfortunately, her schedule isn’t going according to plan. After experiencing one of the worst weeks of her life, the last thing she needs is some guy thinking he can fix her problems. Nash Stevens is all about precision. An industry-leading chassis tuner, he’s partly responsible for the record-setting cars coming out of LT Motorsports... -
Rock Bottom: (A Dawson Family Novel) by Emily Goodwin
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRory's life is a mess. After getting dumped by her boyfriend, let go from her job, and losing her apartment, she takes a chance on a new job in a new town. Things can't get any worse, right?Wrong.When the foundation of Dean Dawson's life crumbles to pieces at his feet, he swears off relationships of any kind and goes back to a life of bachelorhood, loving and leaving different women every night... -
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Return to Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLife couldn’t be better for Mia and her friends in Little Pondale – until tragedy strikes… Mia Ward is on cloud nine after a magical Christmas and New Year and she isn’t the only one. Everyone on Lily Pond Lane seems to be living in blissful harmony. Until tragedy strikes… not once, but twice. And as Hettie Turner points out: ‘Bad things always come in threes... -
The Weekend Getaway by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA weekend break changes everything…The chemistry between Keira and Noah is instant. It only takes one date for Keira to realise there’s something special between them.When Noah invites her to a family party in his hometown, she eagerly agrees, and by the end of their weekend away she’s absolutely head over heels. Not only for Noah, but for his close-knit family and the stunning Isles of Scilly... -
Fluke by Adriana Locke
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND I need a fake ex-husband. Let me explain … I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back. But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist...Categorized as:
humor multi-pov friendship family romance contemporary friends-to-lovers fake-relationship -
The Bridge to a Better Life by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles of the #1 National Bestseller NORA ROBERTS LAND comes a humorous and emotional romance about the power of love and second chances—perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery. "Ava's story is witty and charming... -
My Kinda Night by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPayton Summer doesn’t have time for love. Between running her own business in her hometown of Jupiter Bay and her monthly night out with her sisters, Payton has no room for men, dating, or the drama that it entails. Her life is fine just the way it is. Yet, her attraction to the one man she shouldn’t want can’t be ignored. Dean McIntire has one rule: don’t date clients... -
Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe by Milly Johnson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLove and friendship bloom at the Sunflower Café…When Connie discovers that Jimmy Diamond, her husband of more than twenty years, is planning to leave her for his office junior, her world is turned upside down.Determined to salvage her pride, she resolves to get her own back... -
Tinsel and Tatas: A Holiday Romantic Comedy Anthology by Kilby Blades, Serena Bell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGet a head start on the holiday spirit by reading for a great cause! Nearly twenty of today’s most entertaining rom-com authors have teamed up to sell #Books4Boobs. This collection of holiday shorts ranges from sweet to steamy and promises to entertain... -
Ear Candy by M.E. Carter, Andrea Johnston
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s the plot twist she didn’t hear coming. Becoming a book narrator was never my goal. But if your deep voice tempts romance listeners to swoon and throw their proverbial panties at you, plans change... -
Ale's Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn Enemies-to-Lovers RomanceHollis Hayes is the worst neighbor in the entire history of neighbors.She’s also the hottest.F.M.L.I don’t have time to fight with the dog groomer next door. There’s a brewery to run, siblings to rein in, and a mom to look after. So if Hollis thinks I’ll roll over and let her drive me out of business, she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is... -
Fight From The Heart: a small town romance by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a forbidden office romance happens in this small town, one night might blossom into something more than either ever expected.Pam Carter loves all things bright and beautiful, but as manager of the local gardening center and moonlighting as a personal assistant, life isn’t always blooming lilacs. Especially when she has a crush on the one man she shouldn’t.. -
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Kiss Me First: A Coming Of Age Sports Romance by Anna B. Doe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBefore Blairwood, there was Bluebonnet.Katherine Adams never thought she’d end up in a small town in Texas, but when things start to go south, it’s the perfect place to escape to.Emmett Santiago, Bluebonnet’s golden boy, never imagined he’d fall so quickly, but one glance at Kate and he’s a goner... -
The Great Escape by Charlotte Fallowfield, Book Cover by Design
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Great Escape - A laugh-out-loud novel from Charlotte Fallowfield, Amazon U.K. #1 bestselling contemporary romance author of Until We Collide. A tropical beach paradise in Mexico was the last place Georgie Basset expected her decimated heart to be jump-started again, not after she’d been jilted the year before by her fiancé, leading to said breakage... -
First Comes Loathe by Lilly Atlas
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsConceited. Harlot. Easy. Addict.A-list Hollywood actress, Scarlett, has been called every name in the book. Most she’s earned with her attention-seeking antics, high-maintenance personality, and bed-hopping. But even the most glamorous and sought-after actress can have a vulnerable center hidden beneath the glittery exterior... -
In Over Her Head by Terri Osburn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLove is on the menu when two chefs heat up the kitchen—and each other—in this newest addition to the Anchor Island series.Chef Lauren Riley has one philosophy—never depend on anyone. A loner and a perfectionist, she’s on Anchor Island to turn Pilar’s into the best restaurant in the Outer Banks, not to make friends... -
Love and Other Things by Juliana Stone
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeck Jacobs makes a living restoring and fixing homes. The only thing he can’t fix, is himself. A part of him died the night his fiancé was taken, and he’s accepted the fact he’ll live his life alone. What he doesn’t count on is Sidney Barrett, a woman more broken than he is... -
Meet me at the Wedding by Georgia Toffolo
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLily loves living in Hawke’s Cove, and planning her best friend’s wedding at the Hawkesbury estate is the icing on the cake. But when the estate’s owner dies, and his son cancels the wedding, Lily must face Henry Hawkesbury – a man she hasn’t seen since that fateful night ten years ago…Henry wants nothing more than to return to Hawke’s Cove, sell his estranged late father’s estate and leave... -
So Good by Darcy Burke
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCameron Westcott has spent eight years recovering from heartbreak by keeping romantic entanglements casual and simple. He’s never minded being called a manwhore, but after two years immersing himself in his new winery, he might be ready for the next chapter. Especially when he meets a sexy wine distributor—only she says she isn’t interested... -
Had to Be You by Melanie Shawn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLaura Lopez knew exactly what she wanted in life. The American dream: a husband, two kids (at least), and a white picket fence. She handled the white picket fence on her own; the hubby and kiddos were proving to be more difficult. The problem was that the alpha-holes she attracted were not marriage material... -
Promise Me by Jill Mansell
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsOne minute Lou is happily employed, with a perfect flat. The next, her home and job have gone. Suddenly she has to start over.The last thing Lou wants is to move to a tiny Cotswolds village. She certainly doesn't intend to work for curmudgeonly eighty-year-old Edgar Allsopp. But Edgar is about to make her the kind of promise nobody could ignore... -
The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHot romance is the cure for heartbreak in this sequel to The Vincent Boys.Getting a boy to fall head-over-heels in love with you isn’t easy. Especially when he’s been in love with your cousin for as long as you can remember. Lana has lived her life in her cousin’s shadow. Ashton always made perfect grades, had tons of friends, and looks model-perfect... -
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Unti Ribbon Ridge #6 by Darcy Burke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA Today bestseller Darcy Burke concludes her Archer family saga with a second chance at first love…Everyone thought college sweethearts Bex Holmgren and Hayden Archer were headed for the altar… until a tragic accident sent young Bex running from a future she wasn’t ready to claim... -
Not Just For Christmas by Alexandra Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKitty, who runs the Spotted Pig Tea-rooms in the picturesque village of Tindledale, thinks she's come to terms with her husband Ed’s death on active duty. When she learns that Ed’s army dog, a black Labrador named Monty, is being retired and needs rehoming, it awakens her heartache once more... -
Working Back by B.J. Harvey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGirls weren’t on Bryant Cook’s radar until the day he moved next door to the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. Fortunately for him, Faith Baker fell just as hard that first day as well. From ages eight to twenty-two, it was the ‘Faith and Bryant’ show, and their happily forever after seemed certain. Until it wasn’t. Now she’s back after twelve years and she wants what they had...Categorized as:
family multi-pov humor contemporary audiobook friends-to-lovers second-chances small-town -
Dangerous Curves by Eve London
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe fire between them is hot enough to melt the ice for this curvy girl and her hockey-playing hero.LailaMoving to Broken Bend, Texas to take care of my grandmother is a no brainer. Finding out she signed me up for a dating app without my permission almost sends me packing. Until I realize my date is the hulking hockey player I’ve been fantasizing about for days... -
Delay of Game by Evie Graham
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn the sixth day of Christmas, the geese aren’t the only thing a-laying…Patrick O’Reilly is known for two things. His skills on the ice and his skill off the ice. When an injury forces him to retire, he does the only thing that makes sense; he packs his wounded pride and his bags, and leaves memories behind.Lorelei Cole thought she had everything together... -
Best Match by Pippa Green
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings...Categorized as:
sports friendship family contemporary steamy friends-to-lovers small-town forced-proximity
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