Books like 'Play the Game'
Readers who enjoyed Play the Game by Emma Tharp also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports enemies-to-lovers blackmail university coming-of-age
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No Limits by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEveryone knows Bryan Kincaid.He’s the guy you wear a hazmat suit around... while carrying a long range cattle prod to enforce a little distance.Add a Clorox bath to those precautions, toss a little salt over your shoulder, and a girl could probably walk away from his bed without contracting a nasty case of the clap...Categorized as:
coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers sports action-adventure adult book contemporary fiction -
![Bradford Brawler by Sheridan Anne]()
Bradford Brawler by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI can’t say I’ve ever wished for someone to be bitten right on the tip of their junk by a giant bull ant before, but Tanner Morgan—the only man capable of making me want to scream and cream at the same damn time—just might be the guy to change that... -
![Bradford Butcher by Sheridan Anne]()
Bradford Butcher by Sheridan Anne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne life. Two lives. Three lives. Four.My hands are stained from the blood and the gore.The screams and cries of agonizing pain.If I lose them now, I’ll never be the same.My sister, my cousin … my whole damn world.It was my worst nightmare come to life, and I don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to survive.I thought that night was the end of it... -
![The Endgame Is You by L.A. Cotton]()
The Endgame Is You by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPlay hard ... Fight hard ... Love hard.The time has come for Cameron, Jason, and Asher to hang up their Rixon Raider jerseys and head off to college with the girls they love.But will their relationships stand the test of college life, new friendships, and most of all, football?*The Endgame Is You is a Rixon Raiders Epilogue. It must be read after the other books in the series... -
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![More Than A Game by Bella Matthews]()
More Than A Game by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAiden Murphy has always made me nervous.He’s larger than life. Always the center of attention.I’m the opposite.I hate to have everyone’s eyes on me.He lives his life in public, and I like to live behind the scenes...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers coming-of-age new adult humor contemporary new-adult -
![Claiming 10 by Chloe Walsh]()
Claiming 10 by Chloe Walsh
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook four in the Boys of Tommen series.Release date subject to change.Blurb coming soon.Based in Ireland, the Boys of Tommen series is bound to captivate and lure you into the world of rugby, love, and teenage heartbreak.* Warning *Some scenes in this book may be extremely upsetting for some readers... -
![All the Little Secrets: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers High School Romance by S.J. Sylvis]()
All the Little Secrets: A Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers High School Romance by S.J. Sylvis
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEnglish Prep has always been known for housing the most uppity, privileged rich kids in all of Pike Valley. That is what has been driven into my brain since attending the opposing prep academy in the area since middle school. So, when I am hastily pulled out of Wellington Prep and thrown into English Prep my junior year, it feels like I am being thrown to the wolves...Categorized as:
coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers sports university action-adventure audiobook book contemporary -
![Every Kiss You Steal by J.E. Parker]()
Every Kiss You Steal by J.E. Parker
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHer past is plagued with darkness...He's determined to make her future brighter.-Ashley-My life was once a nightmare.Because of my past, the walls I've constructed are mighty.But those walls begin to waver the day I meet him...Chase Jacobs, star quarterback, and the cutest boy I've ever seen.With his easy smile and sweet words, he's perfect.Problem is, I'm not... -
![Break the Ice by L.A. Cotton]()
Break the Ice by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author L A Cotton comes a brother's best friend sports romance. Lakeshore U, where hockey is religion, and the players are gods. Are you ready to fall in love with a Laker?When Aurora Hart moves in with her brother and his two teammates, it’s only supposed to be a temporary fix.Enter Noah Holden.Cocky. Heartbreaker...Categorized as:
sports university coming-of-age new-adult contemporary forced-proximity young-adult humor -
![The Lion Heart by Carrie Aarons]()
The Lion Heart by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s supposed to be the ruler of this kingdom. The prince poised to take his rightful place on the pitch. Instead, he plays the jester, shunning his legacy. Only I am privy to his lion heart. Kingston Phillips is the heir to England’s football dynasty. The offspring of two of the world’s greatest players, the expectations set on his shoulders could crush the universe... -
![Wicked Needs by L.A. Cotton]()
Wicked Needs by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe edgy, angsty, addictive YA/NA crossover series from L. A. Cotton continues... It’s a fine line between love and hate. Bitch ... Ice Queen ... Frigid. Macey Prince is no stranger to a nickname or two. The words once hurt, now they’re her armor. Being a Prince might be a life sentence she can never escape but Macey isn’t willing for her heart to be collateral again... -
![Fighting For You by Gianna Gabriela, Lauren Dawes]()
Fighting For You by Gianna Gabriela, Lauren Dawes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. Jesse and Zoe’s story is beautifully written, thank you Gianna Gabriela. It’s a must read." Jesse Falcon has dedicated his life to one cause: to fight against that which has taken so much from him. He’s learned the hard way that if you want something to be done, you have to do it yourself. No more waiting for others to make a difference... -
![Defending Donovan by Jillian Quinn]()
Defending Donovan by Jillian Quinn
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe'll do anything to earn her v-card... and her heart. Here’s the thing about Drake Donovan. He’s a hotshot hockey player with a secret the size of his stick, a real monster of a problem. And I’m the only one who can help him. But as we grow closer, I realize there’s more to Drake than good looks and a big stick. If he wants to be the one to punch my v-card, he has to work for it... -
![A Love Song for Rebels by Piper Lawson]()
A Love Song for Rebels by Piper Lawson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI swore I’d never fall for a rockstar. He swore he’d never become one.Tyler didn’t mean to break my heart. He did it anyway.Now, I’ll never play by anyone’s rules but mine.When he shows up in the last place I expect, with a confession and a promise…There’s going to be a reckoning.Because the naive girl he shattered is gone.And the woman in her place is ready for a fight...Categorized as:
coming-of-age enemies-to-lovers university book contemporary fiction friends-to-lovers new-adult -
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![Sexiled by Mickey Miller]()
Sexiled by Mickey Miller
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMorgan Kennedy: Campus Legend. Ruggedly handsome superstar athlete turned hedge fund manager. My one night stand mistake.And now my boss at my internship. Every staff meeting, I’m taken back to the night I was filled with a need I never knew was possible. Sparks fly between us in the office... -
![68 Days And Counting by Nikki20038]()
68 Days And Counting by Nikki20038
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratings~Sequel to The Bad Boy And The Tomboy~Macy Anderson and Sam Cahill are together in Manchester, England living the new university life. Their relationship is striving as they meet new people and experience different things and strengthen their beautiful relationship. But then again there's soccer, the Cahill family and girls because where there's Sam Cahill there will also be many girls... -
![Just For The Summer by Danielle Jamie]()
Just For The Summer by Danielle Jamie
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBestselling Author of the Savannah Series brings you a fun summer romance novella showing the ups and downs of a hot summer romance. It's the perfect beach or pool side read! Ages 18+ due to Adult Content & Language. This novella is a prequel to the Chasing Carolina series out next year but can be read as standalone. **BLURB** Chase Kenzington loves two things: fast cars and women... -
![My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
My Bad Decisions by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time he kissed me, we kept it a secret.Tanner and I have been at each other’s throats ever since.The second time he kissed me, I told myself not to fall.I should have known something burned beneath the surface and I couldn’t resist him.The third time led to something more and now one positive test later, neither one of us can walk away... -
![Ruined Rose by Leila James]()
Ruined Rose by Leila James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDaphne DavisNerdy girl with heart.A completely irresistible challenge.Now she’s ruined.And it’s all my fault.She says I’m nothing to her anymore.But she’s stolen my heart.And it will break me if I’m not her everything.Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports coming-of-age romance new-adult young-adult high-school suspense -
![Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer]()
Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEven tough girls need saving. Jude Brooks is bad news. He’s the kind of guy that leaves behind a string of broken hearts and Tatum O’ Connor is not about to be one of those girls, despite all of Jude’s advances. They have a past, and Tatum’s determined to make sure they don’t have a future. Unfortunately for her, “no” isn’t a word in Jude’s vocabulary... -
![BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland]()
BLAZE: Enemies to Lovers College Hockey Romance by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis enemies to lovers romance is impossible to put down! Full of fiery friction. Funny oil-and-water banter. And enough steamy tension that you’ll feel the fire! Blaze is a book boyfriend you won’t soon forget.I have a new job. My official title, Public Relations Manager for the Westbury Warriors hockey team, is a mouthful. It’s also a complete lie...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary fiction forced-proximity -
![No Paine No Gain by McKinley May]()
No Paine No Gain by McKinley May
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne thing I've learned from three years as an undergrad?College is all about balance.Juggling a science-heavy course load, weekend bar crawls, and my plentiful dating life is an art form. An art form I've got down to a T...Until the campus Casanova comes barreling into my biology class and throws my mojo for a major loop...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university book contemporary fiction friends-to-lovers humor -
![Ice Cold Player by Nikki Hall]()
Ice Cold Player by Nikki Hall
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA deal with the devil...GavinAnyone but her. Eva Adams—the entitled, picture-perfect cheer princess. Incapable of empathy, patently manipulative, and absolutely beautiful. I can’t afford her drama—I just want to play my last year of hockey without being kicked out of TU, but there she is on my first day back. Crying. In a weak moment, I make her an offer. An agreement I never thought she’d take...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers romance contemporary forced-proximity angst humor -
![Offside by Avery Keelan]()
Offside by Avery Keelan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis listing refers to the Wattpad edition of Offside. For ARC reviews and other reviews of the published version, please see my other listing for Offside, which has the subtitle Rules of the Game #1.*2021 Watty Award winner: Romance category... -
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![Everything with You by Kaylee Ryan]()
Everything with You by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEvery road, even the broken ones, will eventually lead us to our destination. We hope to find our place in the world, sometimes getting lost and straddled with the fear of never being found. Ultimately it’s that broken road that leads us to the meaning of life, love and happiness. You watched as Allison and Liam fell head over heels... -
![JOCK by Jacob Chance]()
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university action-adventure adult book contemporary fiction -
![The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth]()
The Easy Way Out by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLoss is nothing new to Lennon Matthews.With each hit her heart has taken, she’s guarded it more closely. Except Caleb Winters smashed through her defenses in high school. Three years later, their relationship is stronger than ever. But aside from letting a boy in, little in Lennon’s life has changed...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers coming-of-age romance new-adult young-adult contemporary -
![Personal Foul by Maggie Rawdon]()
Personal Foul by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“I’m her dirty little secret, the one she loves to hate.”She knows just what to say to cut deep, and I know how to press every single button she has.We hate each other, until one night after I lose the biggest football game of the year. When she offers the kind of mercy I need. It changes everything… until the next morning.Now I’m her dirty little secret, and she’s avoiding me like the plague...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers romance new-adult contemporary forced-proximity steamy -
![First Flight, Final Fall by C.W. Farnsworth]()
First Flight, Final Fall by C.W. Farnsworth
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat do you do when you encounter the famous footballer voted “Sexiest Athlete Alive” three years running on a soccer field in Germany? If you’re Saylor Scott, you challenge him to a shoot-out. And win. Saylor’s goals have always involved the literal kind constructed from posts and netting... -
![Tripped by Jacob Chance]()
Tripped by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEight hundred and eighty days. That’s how long it’s been since my no good ex broke my heart. And I was doing just fine without him. But now, with both of us playing hockey for Boston University and running in the same circles, I can’t seem to avoid him—no matter how hard I try. And boy do I try.It seems my former boyfriend is cockier than ever—if that’s even possible...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary fiction friends-to-lovers -
![Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel by Karen Frances]()
Scottish Player: A Hero Club Novel by Karen Frances
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan what happens in Vegas stay in Vegas?Taking a well-earned break with her best friend, Sam Walker would never have expected to be faced with her brother, or his teammates enjoying a pre-season stag party.Sam knows the single footballer mentality and didn't expect to be drawn to the charismatic one and only Jackson Taylor.One night. That's all he wanted... -
![Trick Play: A rival's little sister college sports romance by Jerica MacMillan]()
Trick Play: A rival's little sister college sports romance by Jerica MacMillan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis was supposed to be my year.Until a transfer student took my starting quarterback spot, slashing my chances of going pro.I've spent all season trying to prove myself to the new coach, win my way back into the spot that's rightfully mine.When that doesn't work, I'm forced to come up with a new tactic, searching for a weakness to exploit...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers coming-of-age new adult humor contemporary new-adult -
![Playing the Field by L.M. Reid]()
Playing the Field by L.M. Reid
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWork hard. Play harder.I’m a player - both on and off the field.Avery and I have been friends since we were kids.In a moment of weakness, she winds up being the latest addition in my playbook and everything falls apart – our friendship and my life.I’m spiraling out of control, and with my football career on the line, there is only one person who can save me... -
![MindF*ck by Danyell A. Wallace]()
MindF*ck by Danyell A. Wallace
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsClayton had it all: good looks, star soccer player, and the unlikeliest girl of his dreams. Life wasn't good. It was great. Until a family tragedy strikes and shatters Clayton's world as he knows it, along with his memory. As Clayton struggles to put the pieces of his life back together, his beautiful, brown-skinned guardian angel with the wavy hair and soulful eyes is with him the entire way... -
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![The Comeback Pact by E.M. Moore]()
The Comeback Pact by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s everything she hates… So, why can’t she say no to him? Introducing Book 1 in the Warner University Bulldog series...KennaWest Brooks stands for everything I despise. He’s a meathead jock whose silence says it all: He only cares about himself and his football season.So, why can’t I say no when he offers me his help?I should run the other way... -
![Rookie by Eddie Cleveland]()
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well! Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out... -
![The Viking's Kitten by Cassi Hart]()
The Viking's Kitten by Cassi Hart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDawnThe last thing I expected when I banged on my neighbor’s door was to see . . . him. The tattooed giant with muscles for days whom I’ve been eyeing for the past couple of weeks...Categorized as:
sports coming-of-age university romance contemporary age-gap steamy action-adventure -
![Playing to Win by L.M. Reid]()
Playing to Win by L.M. Reid
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsQuitters never win.Winners never quit.And I am no quitter.The gorgeous blonde I had a one night stand with three years ago breezes back into my life without warning. I may have made a mess of things back then but there is no way am I letting her go this time.The only problem? She hates me for what I did to her.Lucky for me, she needs me... -
![Unforgettable by S.B. Alexander]()
Unforgettable by S.B. Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s a football god. She’s the daughter of a Texas senator. Their chemistry is like oil and water. My name is Ryker James. I hate when people tell me what to do. I’m cocky, ornery, and I take things when I want them. Caring isn’t in my vocabulary unless it’s related to football or my family, and I just lost my entire family in a blink of an eye. Now all I have is football... -
![The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz]()
The Roommate Route by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Mariah Dietz Delivers a delicious and page-turning, forced-proximity, found family, standalone sports romance you don't want to miss!Nolan Payne, wide receiver for the Camden Knights is equal parts impulsive and reckless, and utterly addictive.He’s also my new roommate.My orderly existence implodes when Nolan proposes…. a situation... -
![Daring You by Ketley Allison]()
Daring You by Ketley Allison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFact #1: I called off my engagement to an a-hole. Fact #2: I probably shouldn’t hook up with my brother’s best friend in order to "heal." Fact #3: I already have. A few times. F—Screw the facts. ASTOR I came to New York to forget him. But whether it was coincidence, bad luck, or fate being a cruel bitch, he came here, too...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers coming-of-age romance new adult contemporary celebrity -
![The Kiss List by Maya Hughes]()
The Kiss List by Maya Hughes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIf I were on fire, she’d break out the marshmallows.It’s not that we don’t like each other, more like hate with the fury of a thousand suns. But it wasn’t always that way.I still remember how her lips tasted. How they felt pressed against mine. How I wanted more. How I still crave her...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university adult athlete book contemporary fake-relationship -
![Teaching Tucker by Jillian Quinn]()
Teaching Tucker by Jillian Quinn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter a drunken hookup, I never thought I would see Tucker again... Until he strolls into my classroom like he owns the school. He handed out orgasms like it was his job. Now, it’s my turn to grade him. I’m a teaching assistant until the end of the semester. A position I scored because I’m a goody-two-shoes. Not the girl who sleeps with smoking hot hockey players... -
![Chess Not Checkers by Annah Conwell]()
Chess Not Checkers by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe thinks he’s an arrogant jerk. All Jasmine Chamberlain wants is to make her family proud. She owes them everything and intends to pay them back by being the best student, cheerleader, and chess player the university has ever seen.Unfortunately for her, on her first day of chess club, she gets paired with an arrogant, flirty, hotshot quarterback with an affinity for pushing her buttons... -
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![Just a Taste by Crystal Kaswell]()
Just a Taste by Crystal Kaswell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe hates me… almost as much as she wants me. I have everything I should want. Only the thrill is gone. My days are grey. Until I meet Meg. The inexperienced college student is a breath of fresh air. Sassy, s*xy, completely unimpressed by me. She hates my cocky grin. She huffs at my one-liners. And when she asks if I have some place better to put my mouth… I make her an offer... -
![Stay with Me by Rebel Hart]()
Stay with Me by Rebel Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNow A #1 Bestselling Series For Rae, things feel more like a black hole than bright sunshine. With her two best friends losing themselves in one another, she feels more alone than ever. Clint's left. Her mother's gone off the deep end. D.J. is louder and more abusive than ever. She doesn't know what to do. She has nowhere to turn. So, she does the only thing she can... -
![Hard As Steel by McKinley May]()
Hard As Steel by McKinley May
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBecoming a sports reporter isn't just my dream job--it's my calling.I've been sketching the blueprint for my future since I was an overly ambitious ten-year-old: Get accepted into Windhaven University's journalism program? Check. Score the sports section of the campus paper? Easy as pie. Snag a once-in-a-lifetime internship? Currently in progress... -
![Tackle by Jacob Chance]()
Tackle by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTrevor Lincoln is the legendary tight end for Boston University’s football team. As the youngest son of a former NFL player, he lives a life of privilege with an endless stream of girls vying for his attention. He always gets his way. Until I come along. Everything about him irks me. From his crooked smile and sexy, dark hair, to his obscenely large trust fund... -
![Duchess of Forsyth by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue]()
Duchess of Forsyth by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPossess. Defile. Menace. The Dukes are trained for one to fight.To fight for West End.To fight their enemies.To fight one another.It’s no surprise that when Lavinia Lucia comes into their lives, they want to fight her too.Unfortunately for Nick, Remy, and Sy, their new Duchess wasn’t born to fight back... -
![Forever Love by Chelsea Landon, Megan Smith]()
Forever Love by Chelsea Landon, Megan Smith
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor a limited time only, enjoy books one, Forever Dark, and two, Forever Light, in the Forever Love Series together. Forever changed by one night that leaves their lives, love, and sacrifices forever altered...
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