Books like 'The Return Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Return Play by Mariah Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town sports university friends-to-lovers steamy slow-burn multi-pov friendship
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Wilder by C.M. Owens
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWild Ones Tip #349 If you don’t understand what’s going on, it’s because you haven’t been in Tomahawk long enough. My sister and I decided to go to Tomahawk to learn more about our estranged grandmother and spend some time together doing something other than networking. What we expected was some quiet town, a peaceful escape, and a little downtime. What we got? Two sexy mountain men... -
![Talk Nerdy to Me by C.M. Owens]()
Talk Nerdy to Me by C.M. Owens
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDespite the fact it seemed like Base Masters was all over Sterling Shore, I'd never really known much about him, aside from random factoids. Things like... he's a semi-estranged cousin of one of my brother's friends, plays guitar in a local band, and he doesn't get mentioned much unless he's on stage. Until.. -
![Frayed: A Small Town Sports Romance by Laura Pavlov]()
Frayed: A Small Town Sports Romance by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBad 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:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn sports university book contemporary -
![Puck Performance by Alley Ciz]()
Puck Performance by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll's fair in love and potatoes. Melody Brightly Broadway Star. Pink hair. A smile that hits me harder than a slap shot. Terrible taste in hockey teams. Full of secrets. The one woman I fail to defend my heart against. Jase Donnelly Defenseman.Charming. Sexy as puck. Makes my hormones give a standing ovation. The one guy I can never be with, but can't stay away from... -
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![Saved by Love by Toni Aleo]()
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEvan Adler can’t get out of his own head.Worthless.Broken.Failure.Those are just a few of the words he uses to describe himself now. Medically retired from the NHL before he even had a chance to live up to the Adler legacy, Evan has returned to his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to focus on his mental health... -
![Dropout by Jamie Schlosser]()
Dropout by Jamie Schlosser
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJIMMY Over the past year, I’ve been called a lot of things. Slacker. Troublemaker. Party animal. I thought I was on top of the world. Turns out, I was pretty close to rock bottom. Now I have a new title: college dropout. Talk about a reality check. But I’ve got a chance to redeem myself. One summer to turn things around. Two months to prove I’m not a complete f*ck-up... -
![This Crazy Love by J.H. Croix]()
This Crazy Love by J.H. Croix
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRule #1: Do not fall for your brother’s best friend. Rule # 2: Absolutely do not fall for your brother’s best friend. Rule # 3: Don’t break the rules. Shay Jackson Stone is hot—like burn-down-buildings kind of hot. He’s also my brother’s best friend, and the memory of one kiss with him years ago still might get to me. Maybe. But, I am not looking for a second chance...Categorized as:
steamy friends-to-lovers multi-pov contemporary fiction small-town military action-adventure -
![Cheesy on the Eyes: Fake Dating Romcom by Teagan Hunter]()
Cheesy on the Eyes: Fake Dating Romcom by Teagan Hunter
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDating is hard. Dating in a small town? Impossible.Leave it to my little brother to come back home announcing he knocked up his fiancée and the wedding has been moved…to next month.When he tries to set me up with one of his football buddies, I tell him I’ll be bringing my own plus-one.Only problem? I’m hopelessly single.Enter Sullivan Scott, AKA my hero... -
![Becoming a Vincent by C.M. Owens]()
Becoming a Vincent by C.M. Owens
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsAlternative Cover Edition of ASIN B072YXCNK1When you live in a place where “turbo speed” internet is a slight step above dial-up, men carry on nine-year beard-growing challenges out of stubborn pride, and your brothers do things like nail all your panties to the outside of your cabin just for funsies, you tend to be a little crazy. You can call it a "locational" hazard, if you will...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers friendship kind-mc multi-pov slow-burn steamy action-adventure adult -
![That Summer: A Small Town, Friends-to-Lovers Romance by Jillian Dodd]()
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...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship sports steamy audiobook book contemporary -
![Could Be the One: (Lucas and Becca) by Claire Kingsley]()
Could Be the One: (Lucas and Becca) by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve always been the good girl, doing what people expect. But when I find myself dumped, instead of engaged, I realize it’s time for a change. I want to stop being so timid. Take risks. Find my naughty side. And who better to help me than my friend Lucas? Sure, Lucas is sexy as sin, with a smile that turns my brain inside out and a body that makes me think a lot of very bad girl thoughts...Categorized as:
steamy friends-to-lovers slow-burn romantic-love contemporary audiobook small-town forced-proximity -
![What the Heart Learns by Jessica Gadziala]()
What the Heart Learns by Jessica Gadziala
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLiam has always preferred spending his life inside books, only looking up to occasionally growl at customers in his shop. Until the day someone new comes to town. A woman who could keep up with him, someone who sees beyond his guards, who makes him want something decidedly non -fiction for a change. The only problem is, Riley has a secret. One that just might tear them apart... -
![Worth the Risk by Bella Matthews]()
Worth the Risk by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratings**Formerly Published As Changing The Game**Not all love stories have happy endings. Some are destined to crash and burn. Growing up, I was the youngest member of my family. Sheltered and protected by my older brother and his friends. Always on the outside looking in. College was supposed to be my chance for a fresh start. My opportunity to figure out who I am and what I want...Categorized as:
university sports friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov slow-burn coming-of-age romance -
![The One for Me (The Arrowood Brothers) by Corinne Michaels]()
The One for Me (The Arrowood Brothers) by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times Bestselling author Corinne Michaels brings a new endearing friends-to-lovers story to life in the third STANDALONE in the Arrowood Brothers series.Devney Maxwell has been my best friend since we were six years old, but she has no idea I’m in love with her.Even when I’m on the road playing professional baseball, she’s my home—the only one I’ve ever known... -
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![Jump on Three by Julia Wolf]()
Jump on Three by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratings-Rules are my favorite.-Order relaxes me.-Tattooed boys with shaggy hair and soulful eyes are strictly off-limits.I’ve recently come to the conclusion I’m bad at boyfriends. But as terrible as I am at choosing them, even I would never consider my sister’s former crush—tall, growly, enigmatic Ivan Sokolov. That’s a line I won’t cross, even if Delilah is way over him.Ivan is just my swim teammate... -
![Forbidden Miles by Claire Kingsley]()
Forbidden Miles by Claire Kingsley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“Either I was seeing things, or Cooper was stalking down the aisle toward us. In his underwear. Nope, I wasn’t seeing things. It was my nightmare come true.” Moving back to my family’s winery seemed like a good idea. I can save money, be closer to my family… But I forgot that when you’re the baby of the family—and your three older brothers are basically insane—life can get complicated... -
![Stay Tonight by Kaylee Ryan]()
Stay Tonight by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSterling It’s always been her, and I just never realized. Now that I’m looking at her that way, I can’t unsee it… and I don’t want to. Alyssa has been my best friend since kindergarten, and these intense new feelings could cost me our friendship. She’s the one I share everything with, good or bad. It makes sense to share my life with her...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers slow-burn friendship kind-mc romance contemporary small-town womens-fiction -
![Whispers and Wishes by Heather Long]()
Whispers and Wishes by Heather Long
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEverything changes. Even the things we didn’t ask for. Jake, Archie, Coop, and Ian were my best friends and three of them still are and they’re also now my lovers, my boyfriends, and pretty much the anchors keeping me from getting washed away.I’ve had great moments and I’ve had horrible ones. One thing is for sure, I’ll never forget my senior year.It’s the year everything changed...Categorized as:
university coming-of-age friends-to-lovers steamy slow-burn romance reverse-harem high-school -
![Strike Zone by Ginger Walls]()
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy...Categorized as:
university sports friends-to-lovers kind-mc slow-burn romance contemporary grumpy-sunshine -
![Just One Wish: A Kingston Family Novella by Carly Phillips]()
Just One Wish: A Kingston Family Novella by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips returns to her sexy Kingston-Dare world of rich billionaire heroes in her new Kingston Family series.**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers friendship kind-mc steamy adult anthologies billionaire contemporary -
![Stay Together by Kaylee Ryan]()
Stay Together by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRushtonFrom the moment I see her, I’m hooked. There’s just something about Crosby that has me eager to know her. One thing’s for sure, I can’t stay away from the new kindergarten teacher with the kind smile and secrets in her brown eyes.There’s no hiding in a small town, and she’s suddenly everywhere... -
![Pretty Incredible by Lacey Black]()
Pretty Incredible by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBlair Hooking up with my best friend’s brother was a mistake…an unforgettable one. It’s always in the back of mind and having returned to town has brought all those feelings rushing to the surface. This time, I’m only here to cover my dad’s patients and help run the clinic—all work and no play. I haven’t even seen Gabe Rhodes since the steamy night we shared after he rescued me from a snowstorm... -
![Southern Playboy by Jessica Peterson]()
Southern Playboy by Jessica Peterson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA Nanny/Boss Romance Hiring the woman who wrecked me to nanny the kid I just found out I have is a dumb idea. Getting naked with her in the back of my truck is even dumber. But old habits die hard. Amelia Fox was my high school sweetheart, the girl who broke my heart and nearly ended my football career nine years ago... -
![Somebody to Love by Wendy Vella]()
Somebody to Love by Wendy Vella
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was the bad boy no one trustedBailey’s burned out and not sure what leads her back to Ryker Falls, but has a feeling it’s got something to do with closure. Bad boy Joe Trainer was once her soulmate, but she isn’t sure she has a soul anymore. Finding he’s made something of his life is a shock, as he’d been on a one-way trip to hell when she left...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov romance contemporary small-town enemies-to-lovers fiction -
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![Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas]()
Bayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThey are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately.Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad.And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model.Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov friendship romance contemporary in-uniform fiction -
![Forgiven by Carrie Aarons]()
Forgiven by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn a split-second, a car crash killed almost everything between them. Ten years later, can one accidental ride fix tattered spirits, uncertain futures, and broken hearts? Lily Grantham has always done what she’s been told. The daughter of a senator, she grew up as the good girl of Fawn Hill, and carried that torch right on through to adulthood. Her only wild streak? Bowen Nash... -
![Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec]()
Swing and a Mishap by Tara Sivec
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 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. Except sassy Wren Bennett isn’t just a blast from my past... -
![Triple Play for the Single Mom by Rebel Bloom]()
Triple Play for the Single Mom by Rebel Bloom
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy plan was transfer to the college where my ex, the star quarterback, could finally be a dad.But life threw a curveball when I accidentally collided with three of his hunky teammates!Being a young single mom hasn’t been easy.My ex shirks fatherhood, and I’m a magnet for judgmental stares.But it’s all been worth it for how much I love my little boy... -
![The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant]()
The Secret Hook-Up by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWatching too many women settle for mediocre men has made me lose my taste for relationships, but when I see Duncan Lavoie again after all this time, suddenly I’m starving... -
![Pining by Stephanie Rose]()
Pining by Stephanie Rose
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA slow-burn, friends-to-lovers standalone holiday romanceThe bad guy never gets the girl. In the eyes of the law, I’ve paid for my youthful mistakes but I know I can never undo the damage I’ve caused. When I stepped out of my cell, I vowed to live a good life, make the right choices, and avoid temptation at all costs. Until her. She’s not a choice, she’s a compulsion. A craving... -
![Wicked Promises by L.A. Cotton]()
Wicked Promises by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L A Cotton continues...Forever is a long time.Summer Stone-Prince has her whole life mapped out. Attend college with her childhood sweetheart. Graduate. Get married and live happily-ever-after. But all it takes are two little words and everything changes.Everything...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers kind-mc multi-pov sports book contemporary enemies-to-lovers fiction -
![Come a Little Closer by Kait Nolan]()
Come a Little Closer by Kait Nolan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGriffin Powell has avoided his hometown since he left it in the rearview years ago. But the former Marine understands duty and promises, and that means dragging himself back home as part of his brother's wedding party. Which gets him thinking about a promise he made to a woman, after the best night of his life. When she, too, shows up as part of the wedding, it feels like a sign... -
![Bad Taste In Men by Erin Nicholas]()
Bad Taste In Men by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“You’ve been moping around long enough. Let me show you how these guys should be treating you.” Bailey Davis does not have bad taste in men. She’s just had some relationships that haven’t worked out. That’s totally normal. And she now has one broken engagement. Big deal. And an ex-fiancé who cheated on her. Okay maybe she has bad taste in men. At least the ones she plans to marry...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers steamy multi-pov contemporary small-town fiction forced-proximity book -
![Firefly Effect by K.K. Allen]()
Firefly Effect by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor years, tales of the Firefly Man were nothing more than elaborate rumors spread by residents in the Great Smoky Mountains.Until the night Evelyn Vaughn stumbled upon a dead body in the woods.Fear gripped her, and silence stole her voice.All while she watched the boy she was with that night take the fall.Fourteen years later, Evelyn is nothing more than a shell of her former self...Categorized as:
slow-burn coming-of-age friends-to-lovers multi-pov romance suspense contemporary mystery -
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![Saving the Halfback by Aly Westman]()
Saving the Halfback by Aly Westman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTraumatic past, dark secrets, found family.I spent most of high school as a ghost. Avoiding, blending, disappearing. It wasn’t until my ex slipped into a coma after a freak accident that something inside me shifted. I was able to breathe again, find myself. I even joined the football team, something my ex never would’ve allowed...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers slow-burn multi-pov romance reverse-harem high-school contemporary -
![Kiss Me First: A Coming Of Age Sports Romance by Anna B. Doe]()
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...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn sports university book contemporary -
![Last Round by Charity Ferrell]()
Last Round by Charity Ferrell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat’s the best way to get back at your cheating ex?Give every guy who hits on you his number. That’s what I did when I met Silas. Little did I know, we’d see each other again.One run-in leads to another.One fake date leads to a friendship.That friendship leads to feelings.But everyone knows feelings and friendship doesn't mix.We’re too much the same.It’d never work out...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn steamy adult book contemporary fake-relationship -
![Pieces of Us by Carrie Elks]()
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![So Flocked by Sarah Estep]()
So Flocked by Sarah Estep
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter the wedding, they’ll go their separate ways and no one will ever know what happened in the lighthouse.Jordy Taylor is a disaster. Over the hill by professional football standards, the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to hang up his pads just yet, but his team might have other plans... -
![Keeping You Away by Kennedy Fox]()
Keeping You Away by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last time I saw my first love was twelve years ago. We fell hard and fast, but it didn’t stop me from leaving. I never expected to see her again, but when I move back to my small hometown, there’s no avoiding it—especially since her dad’s my new boss.The more time we spend together, the more I want a second chance to be the man she deserves. As old sparks resurface, we grow closer... -
![Rookie Mistake by Lisa Suzanne]()
Rookie Mistake by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI fell for the boy next door, and then my father ripped it all away from us.The first person to catch my eye in a long time is a colleague who tells me what we just did over his desk will never happen again.And then my mother calls with news from back home.I have to head back to the small town my father forced me to leave seven years ago knowing the boy I still love will show up, too... -
![On the Ropes by Kathryn Nolan]()
On the Ropes by Kathryn Nolan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSummer in the city heats up when the girl who got away moves in next door.Dean “The Machine” is a South Philly legend. Much to the dismay of fans who still hound him, the broody former fighter walked away from his boxing career right before clinching another championship belt... -
![Tragic Lies by L.A. Cotton]()
Tragic Lies by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom bestselling author of the Rixon Raiders comes a new spin-off next generation series. More angst...More drama...More Raiders... -
![A Girl Like Lilac by Victoria L. James]()
A Girl Like Lilac by Victoria L. James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe first time Toby Hunter got arrested for defending Lilac Clarke’s honour, he was only fifteen years old, but he’d loved her from behind his black-rimmed glasses for as long as he could remember...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship multi-pov angst book contemporary fiction -
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![Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan]()
Every Time I Fall by Lexi Ryan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings you Every Time I Fall, a sexy standalone romance about a woman learning to love herself and the guy who’s loved her all along.He’s my brother’s best friend.The hot guy with the heart of gold I’ve never let myself want.Guys like Dean don’t go for girls like me.Curvy. Thick. A big girl... -
![Into the Tide by Laura Pavlov]()
Into the Tide by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsShe’s my best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. But every man has his breaking point. Lila James is my best friend’s little sister and I’ve always looked out for her.She's five years younger than me, and when she left for college, she was just a kid.But now she’s home for the summer—and she’s definitely not a kid anymore.She’s beautiful and smart and everything I didn’t know I needed... -
![Expect Me by Lacey Black]()
Expect Me by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTravis Stevens struggles to move on and forget about the one amazing night he spent tangled up in the sheets with a beautiful woman who disappeared just before dawn. Now she’s just a memory that he can’t ignore... -
![Tristan by Karla Sorensen]()
Tristan by Karla Sorensen
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThere's one thing you should know about Tristan Whitfield: he’s been in love with Anna for years. There are two problems with that: she has no idea, and she's married. Or at least, she was. Anna Callahan knows three things about her brother’s friend, Tristan: he's quiet, incredibly handsome, and has a smolder that could set the room on fire... -
![Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson]()
Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMeet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me.Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain.Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you... -
![Off-Limits by L.A. Cotton]()
Off-Limits by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom bestselling author of the Rixon Raiders comes a new spin-off next generation series.Lily Ford has always been a wallflower.But it’s senior year, and she wants nothing more than to try and push her boundaries and embrace the last year of high school.Kaiden Thatcher has always been the star on the football field...Categorized as:
coming-of-age friends-to-lovers kind-mc multi-pov slow-burn sports steamy university
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