Books like 'Playing It Safe'
Readers who enjoyed Playing It Safe by Amy Andrews also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm sports lgbtq slow-burn
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Free from Falling by E.L. Massey
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin “Matts” Matthews is good at a lot of things: Rubik’s Cubes, playing guitar, herding cattle, and most importantly for his career in the NHL, hockey. He’s not good at human interactions or social cues, especially when it comes to women. This deficiency is an annoyance rather than a problem, right up until he meets Sydney Warren. If it’s not love at first sight, it’s sure something close... -
Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsMiloUnusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. Maybe not anyone.When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life.Turns out, I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store for his tattoo parlor but my apartment too... -
Splintered by Isabel Lucero
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa —the best place to go when all you want to do is disappear and not have anyone expect anything of you.Overwhelmed with work and feeling like I’m being pulled in multiple directions at once, I crave the serenity a private island holds for me... -
Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelixDancing is everything to me. It’s the mother I lost, the father who never sees me. It’s the fiery love of my life, and I’ll defend it to my last breath—that’s what it means to be the lead principal at one of the best ballet companies in the world. Just when I thought I was on top, my greatest rival—my eternal nemesis—waltzes back into my Nicoló Savini... -
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Loving the Legend by Kit Grey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSince Pro basketball player Ty “Pretty Boy” Washington picked up a basketball, he’s only ever wanted one to make it to the pro league and win championships. As the number one pick in the draft, he defies the odds in his rookie year by beating the record of one of the greatest players in the league, Sid “The Wonder Kid” King... -
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
Fall Again by Ann Lister
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDagger Drummond and Ryan Pierce have been married for years. They've experienced firsthand what living under the lights at center stage can do to even the strongest relationships, but somehow they've managed to remain on solid ground – until now. Ryan realizes he wants more from their marriage, but Dagger is too fearful to give it to him... -
Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen danger stalks their new home, it’s only their strength as a couple that keeps them safe.Ryker misses Jacob every day he’s away. At the start of a new Raptors season with everything to play for, Jacob, the desert ranch, and their small menagerie of animals have become an oasis of peace in a turbulent world... -
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRule #1: Don't fall in love with your best friend's brotherAfter Anders Lindholm lost his wife and baby daughter in a car accident, he knew he’d never find love like that again.Hockey, routines, and his team are all that have kept him going since.But as he approaches forty, an injury makes him consider what life after retirement will be like... -
Muffin a čaj by Theo Addair
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDaniel a Kit jsou dva šestnáctiletí spolužáci, kteří snad ani nemůžou být rozdílnější. Jeden je nejlepším studentem na internátě, k okolí se chová odměřeně a úzkostlivě si střeží své soukromí. Druhý má umělecké nadání, pořádek považuje tak trochu za zbytečnost a často dřív mluví, než myslí.Zdálo by se, že přátelství mezi nimi je nepravděpodobné a cokoli hlubšího rovnou nemožné... -
The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHey guys! It’s Tyler here, and this is the newest chapter of my life. Y’all are not going to believe this, but…I just joined the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s Men’s Soccer team! No, seriously, I actually did! I’m officially a Panther now! I did well on my youth soccer team, and I destroyed the opposing team in high school lacrosse, so I should be ready for college soccer, right?I wish... -
Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been... -
Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEx-quarterback Davis Abernathy knows he’s on his last chance.If he strikes out as Paxton Kelly’s coach, nobody else is going to call him. Not to get back on the field, and not to stand on the sidelines.He’s got a lot to teach Pax, and as a second-year quarterback, Pax has a lot to learn. But Davis doesn’t anticipate the irresistible way they’ll be drawn together from their first meeting... -
Rescue by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I don't need you to rescue me." Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it... -
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Division Bells by Iona Datt Sharma
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn politics, love is a stranger…It’s a bitterly cold winter in London and Jules Elwin has no idea what he’s doing. As the newest special adviser to a government minister, he’s drowning in arcane procedures and party politics, and the civil servant who’s supposed to be helping him is doing nothing of the sort... -
The Red Zone by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSpencer’s deep in the Red Zone and it’s time to even the score. Nine years ago Spencer Evans became the first player out of the closet to be drafted into the NFL. Everyone believed he had aspirations to change the world but all Spencer ever wanted to do was play football for a team that accepted him wholeheartedly... -
A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never made a Christmas wish, but if I could, I’d ask Santa for a Daddy who understands me.I learned early on in life that gentle hands and friendly smiles can hide darkness underneath. I shy away from cuddles and hugs and refuse to let anyone get too close to me. It’s safer if they stay away and I don’t mind putting up as many barriers as I can to keep everyone out of my space... -
Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMarcus Warnes. The catcher at the top of his game.A knack for smack talking, a master play caller, and the quickest pop time in the league. The world saw the team playboy when all he wanted was to settle down with someone. To find the one. Marcus longed for holidays at home and a family to spend them with. His time in the spotlight didn’t make it easy to find... -
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDavid Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
Easy by Kiki Clark
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWho knew a chipped tooth could lead to love?Simon is ready for the real deal when it comes to relationships—unfortunately, his libido hasn’t gotten the message. After string of disastrous hookups, he finds himself frustrated, annoyed, and missing part of a tooth.Enter Dr. Jackson Allbrook.Simon is pretty sure dentists aren’t supposed to be as good-looking as Jackson is... -
Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBLAINEWhen my name is involved in yet another scandal, I’m told to keep my head down and my stats up. The trade deadline is looming, and I don’t want to leave Chicago.But that night, I meet Alex. The guy with the bluest eyes and the kindest smile.My reputation precedes me, and he’s determined to resist me, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny the chemistry between us... -
Stitch Me by K.C. Carmine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen a bad-boy immigrant wants to explore his kinky side, Rod is willing to give him much more than his firm hand.His career a mess and his sex life a string of meaningless hookups, Rod is ready for a change. He needs someone who can fit into his world as a true partner, but also feed his dominant and sadistic sides. Impossible? Maybe, but he needs to try... -
Lovely Allergen by Zhichu, 稚楚
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSong Yu has three requirements for Yue Zhishi:– You cannot call me gege in public.– We won’t do anything together in public.– You cannot let other people know you live with me.Yue Zhishi has always been obediently following these rules. They were practically strangers at school. At the opening ceremony, he suddenly collapsed due to an allergy-related asthma attack, sending everything into chaos... -
Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t like him. Reed Chambers reminds me of every guy who was ever a jerk to me. With his drop dead good looks and overly confident stroll. His quiet, cold eyes that send shivers across my shoulders... -
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Candy Hearts: Volume 1 by Lee Blair, Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat's sweeter than a low angst queer romance at Valentine's Day? How about sixteen of them brought together in one anthology to help support a good cause?Each novella in the Candy Hearts Anthology is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. And this time around, every story has a secret—a secret admirer... -
The Saint and the First-Time Sinner by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGay natural caregiver meets arrogant first-time gay.My job isn’t easy but taking care of sick people in the comfort of their own homes is so worthwhile. I like to think I’m professional and know I’m good at what I do, regardless of the circumstances, the patient, or even their families. Maybe it’s because I’ve known loss in my own life, or maybe I was just made for the job... -
Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMorgan Boyle wants two things in life: to play hockey and to be left alone. Noah Andersson is loud, outgoing and probably hasn’t stopped talking since he learned how to say words. When Morgan ends up on a team with Noah at the Olympics, they get closer than either of them expected, and even when they’ve returned home Morgan still finds himself drawn to Noah... -
The Best Wedding Ever by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA short featuring Jacabs and Beck from Face Offs & Cheap Shots book two of the CU Hockey by Eden Finley & Saxon... -
Concussion Protocol: A Short & Spicy MM Romance by Rebecca Rathe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA sweet and spicy short story by Rebecca RatheHe's a ten, but he's my ex-boyfriend's straight teammate and my patient... -
Surprise Play by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn innocent gift has the power to change everythingMalcolm Ward is a retired wide-receiver, NFL offensive line coach, and husband to one of the best wide-receivers in the NFL. His life is hectic and the last thing he expects is to walk into the bedroom one afternoon to find his husband sleeping with the pacifier Malcolm had jokingly given him a decade before... -
Illegal Contact by Neve Wilder, Riley Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI've hated spoiled, cocky Patrick Whitt since the first time I saw him at football camp when we were kids.Once we made it to the NFL, of course, he landed on the LA Royals, the biggest rivals of my team, the Denver Rush. Everything about him rubs me the wrong way...until one unexpected night, we happen to rub each other the right way, and suddenly I can't get enough of him... -
Una maldita confusión by América Rodas
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJean intenta confesar su atracción hacia Olivia en una fiesta, pero por culpa del alcohol termina declarándose a su mejor amigo, Oliver. ***Cuando invitaron a Jean a la fiesta de una desconocida sabía que debía decir que sí, sobre todo porque necesitaba liberar el estrés de la escuela, de su casa, de su equipo de básquetbol y de él mismo... -
What He Learns by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA new dominantA jaded submissiveWhat could possibly go right?Sterling's plan is simple. Learn how to be dominant, woo his crush. The only problem is he doesn't know how to do either of those things. Getting a job at the local kink club seems like a good place to start. Meeting a kind and older submissive on his first night on the job throws a wrench into his plans... -
The Soccer Field Is Empty by Mark A. Roeder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Soccer Field Is Empty is the story of teen love, steamy romance, friendship, loyalty, understanding, and ancient prejudice. Here is a tale that breaks the stereotypes of the ignorant and peers into the soul of two boys who want what we all want; to love and be loved... -
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Rough Contact by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTheir romance is forbidden. Their love is a secret. Neal Fisher knows heartbreak. It's the clock ticking down in the Super Bowl. It's missing the most important field goal of his life. It's losing everything: his thirteen year career as an NFL kicker, his future, and his pride.Jamie Wright knows love. It's everything on the line as the crowd holds their breath... -
Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne broken collarbone, two stubborn men, three interfering chefs, four weeks to go, five chewed garlands, and The Pear Tree covered in snow…Ben’s Christmas Plans:1. Finish the staff schedules, get the orders done, and make sure the next month runs smoothly because December is hell.2. Break collarbone at rugby.3. Scrap all plans. Drag Ianto in to help.4... -
Hot Date (Memories with The Breakfast Club) by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOnce again, Julian Cornell is at the zenith of his career; not only have his designs helped the young men and women in the burn unit, he’s about to ink an exclusive deal with the hottest model for his new high-fashion menswear collection... -
Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRule #1: Don’t fall in love with the coach.Gabriel Theriault’s been skating on thin ice for the past two seasons with Toronto but his arrest following an off-ice fight is the final straw.His only shot at redemption is to start over in Evanston and prove that he still has what it takes to be a pro player.No more fights. No more drinking. No more random hookups. Rule #2: The team always comes first... -
No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPining for your best friend sucks ass—and not the good kind of sucking. But I can’t back away, and I definitely can’t let go. Eddie Phelps is too damn important to me. He has my heart and soul. Well, he and his daughter, a ten-year-old who one day will run the world.It’s not like I can even blame Eddie for mixed signals or anything. He’s done everything right. He always does... -
Not a Boy by Elle Keaton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHenry should have kept on walking by when he spotted the younger man sitting alone on the beach. He should never have stopped, never sat down, and certainly never kissed him. Because now Henry is experiencing feelings. And he doesn’t like it one bit.Things happen for a reason, even random hook-ups. Ben was supposed to get off work early that night... -
Double Play by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIf self-destruction is an artform, then Hervé is a master artist.After all, he’s perfected self-sabotage since he was young and full of promise.He’s spent his life running from his past and pushing away anyone who might break down his walls, but it wasn’t until his body betrayed him that he realized just how lonely his present had become... -
Star of the Game by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelix only wants two things:1. To make music.2. His best friend, Emery.But he’s not willing to risk two decades of friendship for something more. Besides, a bout of writer’s block is preventing him from creating new material, and he’s got deadlines to meet. He doesn’t need any distractions—and Emery is the biggest distraction of all.Emery only wants two things:1. To play hockey.2... -
Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey’re setting fire to the sheets, but a romance between an out and proud hockey star and a closeted playboy prince could end up burning them both.Marquis Miller might be one of the NHL’s best players, single, wealthy, and open about his sexuality, but he knows his future lies in taking over the reins of the family’s multimillion-dollar company after retirement... -
Braeton & Drew by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBraeton Reed left his small-minded hometown and disapproving family long ago and never looked back. Andrew Hines has nothing against a solid, loving relationship; he just isn’t sure he’ll ever find one. Braeton has been told he’s a bit of a diva. Andrew has heard he’s not flashy enough... -
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Gorgeous by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAVERY:I wear dresses for me, not for straight guys.Two things make me stand out: my femme clothes and my long hair. When a jerk catcalls me, I don’t expect a stranger to step in—and I certainly don’t expect a rescuer as handsome as Eric.I thought he was straight until our plan to get drinks after work turns into something more... -
Who We Were by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Don't leave the house, don't talk to the paparazzi, don't answer your phone unless it's me, and do not- whatever you do- attempt to post about this on social media." Life isn’t supposed to be this complicated when you’re an Oscar winner…right? So what if he has two names, and straddles the line between two worlds... -
Whitewash by Ann Grech
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn unexpected love worth fighting for... Pro snowboarder, Reef Reed, is on the precipice. His chance of winning the world championship is within reach. But he’s navigating a treacherous path, one which is full of incredible highs and soul-crushing lows. Crippling stress, insurmountable distances between him and his boyfriend, jealousy, and illness threaten everything he’s worked for... -
Hidden Truths: Mpreg Romance by Giovanna Reaves
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey say your past always show up when you least expect it. Brenden Smith made a promise to himself that he would never put his heart on the line again. He swore off romance after his last breakup... -
Part-Time Daddy by B. Harmony
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsExhausted, overworked, underpaid, and for damn sure underappreciated.Struggling to find a balance between the career I’ve always wanted and the desire to have someone to take care of me, I agree to join an exclusive event at The Garden.A couple of hours to let go with Dean Nash, the Daddy of my dreams, then it’s back to the grind.As head of security at The Garden, I’m content with my single life... -
Andre by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMattThere’s nothing quite like a night with one of the Gentlemen of the Emerald City. No strings. No complications. I’ve been burned by love, and I’m not going there again.Unlike my teammates who fell for their Gentlemen, I know how to keep emotions from coming into play.At least… I used to.AndreI used to love this job. The money doesn’t matter—just the thrill. But that thrill is gone now...
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