Books like 'First Down'
Readers who enjoyed First Down by Ella Kade also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance university sports bodyguard friends-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn enemies-to-lovers
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Becoming Selfish by lizrose, Liz Tomforde
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsELIThis is it. my senior year. My last shot to get called up to play in the National Hockey League. This season is about me. Though every season is about me. I'm the captain of my university's hockey team- the top scorer both o and off the ice- and everyone on campus knows my name.I feel the pressure every single day.I can't afford to get distracted... -
All the Sauce by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOwen Adler has spent his whole life being half of a matched set. But when his twin brother Evan leaves hockey—and him—behind on the Carolina IceCats, Owen finds he has to skate a new path on his own.Angie Paxton knows a lot about being on her own. She pushed Nashville, and the trauma she experienced there, to the back of her mind and started over in South Carolina... -
A Little Jaded by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMoving in with the infamous Everett Taylor was not on my bingo card.But, after my ex hit me then left me on the side of the road, I had no one else to call.Everett is bossy and moody and controlling.He’s also my ex’s hockey rival, my new very fake boyfriend.The plan is to keep me safe until my ex gets bored and leaves me alone... -
Supermad by C.S. Quill
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsL' année universitaire qui débute promet d’être radieuse pour Lane O’Neill. Campus Drivers, l’application qu’il a fondée avec ses meilleurs amis, cartonne. Le concept est simple : jouer les taxis pour étudiant, au volant de voitures de collection. Les filles en raffolent, et les quatre chauffeurs ont à cœur de ne jamais décevoir leur clientèle... -
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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... -
Lost Boy by Hannah Gray
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was four when my parents gave me my first pair of skates. By six, I was hooked on hockey and couldn’t get enough. At twelve, I had made a name for myself on the ice. And when I was fifteen, colleges were starting to take notice. Life was great—until it wasn’t. Because when I was seventeen, my best friend died in my arms. And nothing made sense after that. Drinking turned to smoking...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity friends-to-lovers romance contemporary steamy substance-abuse -
Player by Natalie Rios
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCocky. Player. A**hole. Without a doubt, Theo Montgomery is the university's most promising student athlete – and it’s biggest player. Confident, charming, and handsome as sin, there isn’t a single girl at Carlton University who’s immune to this quarterback. Except Allie. Smart. Driven. Sassy. Make no mistake, Allie Perez can’t stand jocks...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports university athlete book contemporary -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers sports university action-adventure adult athlete book -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary female-author -
Wild Card by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe infamous playboy and star wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom is the last person on earth I would ever expect to come to my rescue. Tobias Westfield and I can’t see eye-to-eye on anything. But when my date goes to hell and I end up stranded in the pouring rain on my birthday, he’s there—holding my hand and playing the adoring boyfriend. I might have had him all wrong...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers romance humor contemporary steamy -
The Problem with Players by Brittainy C. Cherry
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAs a female coach, I’ve always lived by a simple mantra: throw hard, swing for the fences, and never, ever look back--especially when it comes to past flames.So when my ex-boyfriend somehow manages to land the job as my new assistant coach, my life is flipped upside down. The game I thought I'd mastered is now being played with a whole new set of rules.My ex is baseball's all-star Nathan Pierce... -
Stone: A Pittsburgh Titans Novel by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMinor league player Stone Dumelin lost his younger brother when the Titans’ team plane went down...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports adult athlete audiobook -
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:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers slow-burn university book coming-of-age contemporary fiction -
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Score by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI have a crush on Nolan Archer, Boston University’s freshman running back. He’s the definition of tall, dark, and swoon worthy. My knees weaken every time our eyes meet. There’s only one problem… he’s a virgin. As much as I try to convince myself he’s too young for me, or that I prefer experienced guys, I can’t deny the flames of attraction flaring between us...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports university adult age-gap book contemporary -
Hard Fall by Brenda Rothert, Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe St. Louis Mavericks are having the best season in team history. On pace for a pro hockey record, the unexpected death of their captain and star player knocks them off course in ways they never expected.WestonMy world was turned upside down the day Ben Whitmer died. Best friends since junior hockey, Ben was like a brother to me. My voice of reason and a grounding force on and off the ice...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports adult book contemporary -
Cooper by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThirteen years ago I fell for the wrong person and swore I’d never let another woman into my heart. Ever since, I’ve lived on a diet of bunnies and casual sex. That was until Francesca Danvers walked into my life. The sister of my team Captain’s fiancée, her Maid of Honor to my Best Man. She’s my match in every stubborn way. Boiling my blood during the day, lighting me on fire at night... -
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... -
Awake at Dawn by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gemma Briggs moves in with her brother’s friend, the only thing harder than keeping the arrangement a secret is resisting the explosive chemistry she has with her new roommate—hot NFL player, Noah London.After a workplace one-night stand leaves her high and dry with a baby on the way, Gemma Briggs is forced to leave her job as a college figure skating coach...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn romance contemporary new-adult multi-pov -
Off Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAvery Sinclair is good at her job as the social media manager for the Baltimore Thunderhawks. She’s one of the best in the NFL, in fact. The only thing stopping her from being the account of the year? The DC Titans, run by the mystery man she’s been feuding with for years.Reid Duncan isn’t the world’s biggest sports fan, but he loves his job... -
My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when you fall for your best friend, but they fall in love with someone else? Nothing is what it seems in this unrequited love, new adult romance.Miles knew Nessa never had eyes for him. Only when someone new tries to hurt her, he knows he can’t stand back any longer. It’s time she finds out the man he is behind the glasses and beneath the shell he wrapped himself in... -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary -
偷偷藏不住 by Zhu Yi
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratings十三岁那年,桑稚偷偷喜欢上一个男人。 男人的模样冷淡慵懒,说起话来吊儿郎当的,经常来她家,一个下午窝在她哥哥房间里打游戏。 偶尔见她进来送水果零食,也只是漫不经心地掀起眼皮,笑得像个妖孽:“小孩,你怎么回事啊?一见到哥哥就脸红。” *妖孽腹黑x乖戾少女 内容标签: 情有独钟 励志人生 甜文 主角:桑稚,段嘉许 ┃...Categorized as:
slow-burn friends-to-lovers forced-proximity university romance fiction contemporary young-adult -
Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe way she looks, smells, laughs is killing me.I fell in love with my sister’s best friend. To top it all off, she’s brilliant. And I’m failing Chemistry.Of course, when I get her help, she’s laidback about it. Charming and helpful as always, like she doesn’t know how much I want her. I’ve got to play it cool and let her see a different side of me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports university action-adventure adult book -
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Home Run King by Stella
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life was what country songs are made of: my Granny died, my girlfriend broke up with me, I knocked up her cousin, and I was inducted into the Major League Hall of Fame. Yup…just like every country song I’ve ever heard. But let me start over… My name is Gage Nix. That’s all you need to know. Actually, there’s a lot more to Gage than meets the eye...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports adult athlete book contemporary -
Full Count by Kimberly Readnour
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDating my bestie? Yeah, I can only wish... Garret Cartel.Cessna University’s starting shortstop.Painstakingly gorgeous.ReservedFriend-zoned since freshman year.I have a knack for falling for unattainable guys.Blame my trust issues.They keep me safe.But this is our final year.My last chance to break the dreaded friend-zone chains before graduation.There’s one slight problem... -
The Smirking Jerk by DarknessAndLight
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“I’m in love with you.” How many times would I have to think about this, how many times, before she could hear it, feel it, see it in my eyes? “I’m in love with you.” How could I make her see without telling her, without scaring her off… without losing her. I couldn’t lose her... -
Unloved by Peyton Corinne
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe highly anticipated follow-up to Peyton Corinne’s “unputdownable and unforgettable” (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) TikTok sensation Unsteady follows hopeless romantic Ro and player—on and off the ice—Freddy as their feelings for each other grow from strictly friendly to so much more. Matt “Freddy” Fedderic is all smiles—at least on the surface...Categorized as:
sports university friends-to-lovers forced-proximity romance contemporary new-adult disability -
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 forced-proximity sports university adult book contemporary fiction -
Dirty Deal by Mira Lyn Kelly
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFatherhood blindsided me.There I am, working to get a rise out of my cranky little rule-following, fun-wrecking, soon-to-be ex-neighbor when my one-night stand from last season shows up… in labor.Next thing, I’m a single-dad begging for a crash course in caring for this tiny miracle from the neighbor who loves to hate me.Turns out, Nora raised half her siblings.She knows things...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports adult audiobook book -
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 friends-to-lovers sports university book contemporary fiction humor -
Callum by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCallum Derringer was hired by the Pittsburgh Titans to help rebuild the organization after a devastating plane crash left its future unknown. Now that he’s got the team back on track, it’s time to put some effort into his own life.When I accepted the job of general manager with the Titans, it was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself to the sports world...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance contemporary abuse fiction -
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 forced-proximity romance contemporary angst humor -
Tell Me a Story by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoey I don’t want to be someone’s dirty little secret. I know all too well what that feels like. Guarding my heart means staying out of pro football player Brock Williams’s bed and out of the spotlight. But after all these years, he’s exactly like I remember, charming, determined, and used to getting what he wants. And what he wants now is me. The chemistry between us is undeniable... -
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Offside with #55 by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe last thing any professional hockey player wants is to be the old man in the game. The guy who doesn’t know when it’s time to retire. Still, I can’t bear the thought of leaving the game.This past year I’ve reflected on all my regrets, and I told myself that once I retire it’ll be the time to find the right woman. But this is where it gets tricky...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports adult age-gap audiobook -
Puck Block by S.J. Sylvis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFord Collins is my brother’s best friend and Bexley U’s favorite defender on the ice. Unfortunately, he feels the need to block much more than the puck.Namely, ME and any chance I have with a guy.Encouraged by my older brother, Ford has ruined every single date I’ve ever had... -
Fair Catch by Kandi Steiner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAs if things aren’t already tough enough as the only girl on a college football team, Coach had to go and assign Zeke Collins as my roommate.A cocky kick returner and my brother’s best friend who should have been ripped of that title years ago, he’s as infuriating as he is undeniably sexy.I hate him, and for good reason — reason I won’t ever let him forget...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports university adult alpha-mc -
Desperately Seeking Roommate by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWANTED: A ROOMMATE Requirements 1. Don’t be a smoker. That’s gross. 2. Don’t be a jerk. I have no time to deal with your mood swings. 3. Clean up after yourself. Is it really so hard to put dirty clothes where they belong? If you meet these qualifications, call me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports university adult audiobook book -
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 forced-proximity romance new-adult contemporary steamy -
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 friends-to-lovers sports university adult book contemporary fiction -
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... -
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... -
Breaking Away by Sookh Kaur
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDmitri Lokhov is the rival team’s hot, tattooed, grumpy defenseman. When he loses his calm, knocking my fiancé out on the ice, I’m shocked. Until I learn that he lost his cool over a nasty comment about me… made by my fiancé! I break my wedding off, but the best way to get revenge? Fake date the grumpy rival... -
The Puckable Playbook by E.M. Moore
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen college journalist, Lenore, finds herself trapped rooming with a hockey player, she’s anything but thrilled. After all, Len despises athletes; too cocky, too entitled, and definitely not included in her long-term goals. With a lengthy list of ex roommates, however, she doesn’t exactly have a choice...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance contemporary new-adult -
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Marc Jillson & The Gazebo by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWant true, heart-throbbing romance? Put down the Cheetos, and stop being a jackass.The question is, can I do it?I’ve been an epic dick to my friends, my uncle. Him.Travis Hunter. Photographer, econ-student, paraplegic. Can I redeem myself? Apologize? Make a fresh start?Hunter seems to think so. Even roped me into saving his favorite gazebo from the bulldozers.The confidence of this man amazes me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports university book contemporary disability -
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 friends-to-lovers sports university adult athlete book contemporary -
The Third Baseman by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy name is Jupiter Reeves, and I am a fraud.It’s not that what’s written about me isn’t true.I am the greatest third baseman of my generation, possibly ever.I am surly and unapproachable.I do have a constant scowl, with an armour of tattoos.And to the outside world, I play my role as the bad boy of baseball like I was born to do it...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance contemporary workplace steamy -
Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBroke, jaded and unceremoniously dumped by her doting boyfriend. That’s the state in which Melody Woods returns to the place she spent a decade avoiding: her small hometown of Oakwood Bay.Things go from bad to worse when Melody’s twin brother talks her into a catastrophic end-of-summer camping trip...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance small-town multi-pov -
The Puck Decoy by G.N. Wright
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHockey is my life. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, all I’ve ever needed, and everything was going according to plan. All I had to do was focus on the game, keep my head down, then get drafted into the NHL.With my team by my side I was focused solely on the game. I thought nothing could stop me, but then my father came along and ruined everything... -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers friends-to-lovers sports university adult athlete book contemporary
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