Books like 'Playing for Keeps'
Readers who enjoyed Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports friends-to-lovers athlete multi-pov steamy university forbidden-love alpha-mc
-
This Is Love by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom 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... -
Only One Forever by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom The Something So Series and the This Is series comes Only One Forever.DylanMy dreams came true when I was adopted at ten.I was the best on the ice. Living the life of what every kid dreams of.We’ve been best friends since then. Even when she was the annoying little sister following us around.I would do anything for her.It is another family vacation; except this time it feels different... -
Fighting For You by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSexiest soccer player. Top-scoring athlete. America's favorite party boy. Jace Connor has received many titles in his career, and enjoyed them all. Although, he’s working on changing the last one. There’s more to Jace than the media portrays—a man who loves his tight-knit family, being his nieces’ and nephews’ favorite uncle... -
Beauty and the Beefcake: A Hockey/Roommate/Opposites Attract Romantic Comedy by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsShe’s my sun and moon. My stars, my air, my sunshine. She’s every heartbeat. There are two kinds of women in the world – those I can bang, and those I can’t. My teammate’s sister? She’s a can’t. I moved in with her to protect her from a nasty ex, not to be the next guy in line. She’s the brains. I’m the brawn. She’s the fruit. I’m the sausage. She talks too much... -
-
Puck Shy by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI’m having the definition of a bad year.Game Six loss costing my team the Cup? Check.Getting arrested and ruining my image? Check.Almost getting run over after my car breaks down? Oh, look—a hat trick.My contract is up with the Carolina Comets this year, and I need to get it together if I want to stay with the team.I need relaxation, not a relationship... -
Pucked Under by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsRandy Ballistic and Lily LeBlanc are head-over-heels, bed-breakingly, screaming orgasmically in love. But even they have their challenges, mostly outside of the bedroom. With the off-season coming to a close and the boys gearing up for training camp, one more weekend of fun is the perfect way to welcome the new season... -
Flyball by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFighting against our relationship turns into keeping it a secret…most importantly from her father. At first it’s fun sneaking around, but then it feels like every time we’re close to coming clean, something happens to stop us. And then life takes another detour as the reminder that life is short plows into me. It’s moments like these that make me think long and hard about the future... -
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...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers celebrity steamy multi-pov age-gap forbidden-love friendship -
Troublemaker by Kayley Loring
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTO: Alex VegaFROM: Emilia StilesSUBJECT: HelloDear Mr. Vega,I felt it necessary to follow up on today’s meeting, since we weren’t able to speak candidly in front of your son.I was shocked to discover that you are Ryder’s dad...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc celebrity forbidden-love friends-to-lovers humor multi-pov second-chances -
Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsShelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old. Aiden Brooks. But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor... -
Hard to Hold (The Play Hard Series) by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThe contract with Major League Soccer was supposed to help repair my damaged reputation.Then I discovered that I’d made a deal with the devil: the player I’m supposed to recruit is none other than the bad boy, star Premier League footballer, Rush McKenzie.British. Tattooed. Sexy. A man currently at the center of a huge scandal.The goal? To convince him to stay in the States... -
Charming as Puck by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe man could charm the panties off a nun... Nick Murphy. Hockey god. My best friend’s big brother. My friend-with-mindblowing-benefits. The best thing to happen to my nether regions since my subscription to the toy of the month club. The man I’ve been secretly in love with for years. And total ass. I am so done with him. Except there’s one small problem...Categorized as:
alpha-mc athlete forbidden-love friends-to-lovers friendship humor multi-pov second-chances -
Chasin' Eight by Lorelei James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe chase is on… Professional bull rider Chase McKay has finally found a situation too big to charm his way out of. Literally caught with his pants down, he finds himself bucked right off the PBR tour until he can improve his reputation—and his riding. Hollywood actress Ava Cooper becomes the tabloids’ favorite target when her longtime boyfriend is outed as gay... -
Tight End by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI knew playing with my feelings was a huge gamble with someone like him, but I did it anyway. And now I’ve learned the hard lesson that gambling and life in Vegas just aren’t for me.I have a lot of decisions I need to make on my own, so I take a job that will allow me to relocate, regroup, and make new friends as I try to figure out what comes next for me... -
-
The Virgin Game Plan by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sexy standalone forbidden sports romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely! The woman I want is as off-limits as they come.I had an excuse two years ago when I met her on campus. She interviewed me for a story on major league baseball's rising stars, and we shared a hot, passionate night that ended far too soon, and without a mention of who her father was... -
Friend Zoned by Evelyn Sola
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey say the best things come when you least expect it.Burned by her ex-husband and a messy divorce, Jeannie Dubois isn’t looking for anything more than a good friend. Besides, she’s still dealing with the ex who can’t seem to let her go.Insert NBA coach, Aiden Walsh... -
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
Made For Me by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone friends to lovers sports romance. A spin-off from the Only One seriesChaseEveryone expected me to play hockey.I was good at it, but I was better at being a doctor.So I hung up the skates and joined Doctors without BordersBut there is no place like home, so now I’m back... -
Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsResisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist. A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever. But how do I become the man I want to be.. -
Let Me Be the One by Bella Andre
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHow far would you go for a friend? Back in San Francisco preparing for her big art show, Vicki Bennett needs help protecting herself and her career from the unwelcome advances of one of the judges. She knows that her longtime friend and baseball star, Ryan Sullivan, will know just how to handle things, and he's the only person she can imagine asking for help...Categorized as:
alpha-mc athlete celebrity family friends-to-lovers friendship multi-pov second-chances -
Rockstar by Lauren Rowe
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt was lyrics at first sight when I saw Violet Rhodes across that crowded party. She was lights and darks, swirled together. Music in motion. And all of it while looking like a hitwoman at an Elvis convention. I had nothing to offer the intriguing girl but a one-night stand. I figured I’d revel in my last night of anonymity before my first tour and shoot her a quick “We’ll always have L.A... -
Stroked Hard by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s hot. Like, stop breathing kind of hot with his killer body, vivid blue eyes, and constant five o’clock shadow. Did I mention his body? Watching Hollis Knightly, Olympic diving gold medalist, man-pony specialist—and cocky bastard—stand up on the diving platform in nothing but a small piece of Spandex? Yeah, I’m beguiled. And easily seduced... -
Only One Regret by Natasha Madison, Connor Crais
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsListening Length 7 hours and 4 minutesCooper My name came with big skates to fill. At the top of my game, I had everything I wanted - or so I thought. Being traded to Dallas was not what I was expecting, but neither were the divorce papers I was served. Now I’m a single dad in a city that isn’t my home. Erika Handed my biggest client when I was 22 made my dreams come true... -
Dirty Secret by Mira Lyn Kelly
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn my defense, I didn’t know she was his sister… A sexy hockey standalone from USA TODAY bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly This team hates me. Something about my chronic case of resting prick face and that thing with the captain when the season started. My fist, his jaw. Yeah, we go back and not in a good way. Coach says no more “confrontational BS” or I don’t play at all... -
-
Something So Perfect by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMatthew Drafted first round pick when I was seventeen, playing first line at eighteen, branded NHL's bad boy at nineteen. At twenty-three I was cut from the team and living back home with my parents. A knock on the door brought an opportunity I couldn’t turn down... -
Maxim by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe leading scorer on the Reapers has the unspeakable yips…and it’s me.The second my NHL legend of a father appears, I can’t shoot to save my life.And my mistakes might cost my team our playoff spot.No pre-game superstition can fix it—I’m broken.Adding to the pressure, my little sister’s best friend just became my roommate for the next five months.Evangeline Walsh... -
Making His Play by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAlex has a big name in hockey, famous for his stick skills—on and off the ice. But he’s also got a freckle-faced female problem. He took his sister’s tomboy best friend, Charley, to a Vegas wedding to cheer her up after a bad breakup.Too much champagne later and he’s waking up with Charley in his bed and his ring on her finger. And the crazy part is…Mrs. Alex Stone has a nice ring to it... -
Undeniable Temptation by Eden Summers
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHaunted by a kiss. With his destructive marriage behind him, Ryan Bennett can no longer deny his insatiable attraction to the one woman in control of his future. He needs her. Craves her. She’s the only glimpse of happiness through the building drama in his life and yet one drunken kiss has pushed her further away. Tormented by what’s at stake... -
The Manny by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe needed a nanny. I needed a lead actress. Somehow I became The Manny. Secrets and lies are a killer way to start any partnership--especially a horizontal one. Now, I'm a glass half full kinda of guy, so, after the 'you're fired' speech was directed at me, I figure now's the time to be the screenwriter I came to sunny California to be... -
Xavier's Kitten by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYou've met his twin, Tate Grimes, now get ready to meet Xavier in Xavier's Kitten! Welcome to Silver Spoon Falls, TX. The men here are known for having it all. Except there's a shortage of eligible ladies in town to share it with. These determined men won't let that slow them down... -
The Champion by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAn emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series! Falling for the rookie wasn't part of the plan. As a pro athlete, I have one unbreakable rule when it comes to men -- Don't date another baseball player. Good thing I haven't been tempted once in four years in the majors. Until the day a rising star walks into my locker room... -
Traded by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe first time I met pro football’s hottest quarterback, we ended up horizontal just before the most embarrassing moment of my life.The second time, I unleashed all my pent-up anger on him.The third time was when the owner of the Vegas Aces introduced him as the newly traded player I’d be coaching for the next year. No…I’m not a football coach. I’ve been hired as his full-time behavior coach... -
Get Inked: A Pucked Series and Clipped Wings Crossover Novella by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the itch for new ink takes over, NHL star Randy Ballistic commissions his trusted tattoo artist to design a new sleeve, and the rest of the PUCKED boys decide it’s time to commemorate their love of hockey with a team tattoo. But it can’t just be about the boys—the PUCKED girls want in on the action, too... -
-
Entangled by S.E. Hall
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThings heat up, and not just the Georgia summertime, when Dane and Laney go head to head over plans for her new duplex. But Laney's got his number, and knows just how to coerce her bossy, domineering man. Spend the summer with the gang and find out...just how many is a crowd? The members of the Evolve Crew are getting older; so is the content. Mature audiences recommended... -
Trying to Score by Kendall Ryan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTeddy King excels at many things. Playing hockey. Check. Scoring on and off the ice. Check. Being stupidly attractive ... Double check. I knew him way back when. Before he was the guy everyone wanted a piece of, he was just a rebellious college co-ed and one of my more energetic study partners...Categorized as:
alpha-mc athlete celebrity friends-to-lovers friendship humor multi-pov second-chances -
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
Play Fast by Cari Quinn, Taryn Elliott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFive reasons I should never go near Oz Taylor:• He’s a hot as sin world famous rockstar with a big...ax.• He’s a huge, tattooed older guy with a piercing dark gaze that can destroy a woman’s virginity.• He’s my forever best friend’s older brother.• He hasn’t spoken to me in more than five years.• Oh, and I’m pretty sure he hates me.. -
Goody Two-Shoes: A Small Town Curvy Girl Romance by C.L. Cruz
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGoody Two-Shoes is a short, sweet, steamy story. It is the third in the Juniper Creek series but can be read as a standalone. It features a strong, curvy heroine and the man who wins her heart.CharlotteI’ve always been a good girl. I stayed out of trouble, was the valedictorian of my class, and was even accepted into my father’s alma mater.But it was never enough to get my parents’ attention... -
One More Chance by Samantha Chase
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwenty-three years ago, he hopped on a bus to pursue his dreams in the music business.But that meant leaving behind the girl who could never really be his.Now older, wiser, and insanely successful, Mick Tyler has achieved everything he ever wanted, but he’s never been more miserable... -
The Virgin Replay by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA virgin, an athlete, a fake romance...and only one bed in the hotel room. Following rules shot me to the top of my game as an all-star baseball player, and the golden rule is this -- don’t hookup with your teammate’s sister. But ask her to be your fake date when you desperately need one for a family wedding? Nothing in the guy code against that... -
Tussle by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Why haven’t we had sex?” When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed... -
Kissing Kennedy by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo worlds will collide when an older tattoo artist meets his innocent future.AsherKennedy Thorne is an obsession I can't shake.One look into those big green eyes, and I'm hooked.But the two of us are from different worlds.I'm rough, dirty, and rude, with a past I can't hide.She's an innocent little angel with big dreams and a bright future ahead of her... -
Cannon by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, he’s hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction... -
-
Team Player by Adriana Locke, Charleigh Rose
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHot jocks. We love them all. Sexy baseball players. Intense footballers. Sweaty MMA fighters, and sizzling hockey hotties. Score!The good news? Eleven bestselling authors have gathered to give you a set of stories focused on the men we love most—sports heroes. We bet you’ll love this thick … book. The bad news? The men in these novellas don’t actually exist... -
Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThree novellas, including all new Ivy Years fun! BLONDE DATE: A nervous sorority girl, a mean fraternity prank and an adorkable basketball player with a heart of gold. Blonde Date follows Katie and Andy’s first blind date… STUDLY PERIOD: One hunky hockey player with a language barrier. Plus one awkward English tutor with a big crush... -
Knox by Eve Jagger
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSexy. Famous. A player on and off the field. Cooper Knox has a body built for sex and sin, and he's my dirty little secret. He was supposed to be a one-night stand - but now he’s back in town, and he’s going to find out the truth. I’m his best friend’s little sister: off-limits and totally out of his league. We swore we’d stay away from each other. Our secret could destroy everything... -
Twist of Fate by Ella Fox
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOne night changed everything. Leah Cooper was an absolute mess caught in a downward spiral until Gavin Wilde made a brief appearance in her life at a critical moment. Gavin forced her to re-evaluate what she was doing and make necessary changes. Years later a Twist of Fate brings them back together again when Leah has no choice but to go on tour with The Renegade Saints... -
Dirty Player by Mira Lyn Kelly
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis NHL star isn’t afraid to play dirty to get his girl It started as a joke… A throw away promise between friends. A dare for a single kiss at our reunion and nothing more. But that kiss… That kiss was no joking matter. It was hot and wet. A hands-everywhere, breathless kind of insanity that left us both teetering on the brink... -
#Holiday by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGivers gonna give… Twas the night of game day, And all through the town, Lacey glittering snowflakes fluttered around. They clung to the roads, concealing everything with white. It was a beautiful #holiday sight. The paparazzi were out without any care, In hopes to catch Romeo and Rimmel, rumored to be there. When out on the road there arose such a clatter...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.