Books like 'Playing the Player'
Readers who enjoyed Playing the Player by Beth Bolden also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm lgbtq sports friendship athlete multi-pov fake-relationship friends-to-lovers
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Truth Game by Chloe Walsh
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHis silence wounded her pride, but his truth will crush her world... Daryl King was the person I was meant to be with. My best friend since childhood. The peanut butter to my jelly... until I lost him. Now our school's star quarterback is back in my life and our worlds are colliding once more... -
![Strike a Chord by K.M. Neuhold]()
Strike a Chord by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“You want to fake date me?” Music is my life, my band is my heart and soul, and it’s all falling apart before my eyes. A plan hatched from desperation as we both watch our careers burn down around us. Dating my best friend’s twin brother, Paris, who just so happens to be a gay icon at the moment seems like the perfect plan... -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
Seth by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBe yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening... -
![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
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![Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
![Hat Trick by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Hat Trick by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStan Lyamin has seen many of his dreams come true. He’s found his soulmate, loves Noah like his own, hoisted the Cup, and has his Mama living with him in his new country. But his fantasies of a loud, loving, madcap home overflowing with childish laughter linger... -
![Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn]()
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... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV... -
![Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan]()
Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFake dating my hottest friend was not my smartest move… The cocky ex-baseball player—and flirty playboy—is the one man I’d never fall for. Which is why I stupidly thought he’d make the perfect fake boyfriend. As the reigning queen of the dirt bike racing circuit, my only goal is to win this next championship race. Except I’ve got a bit of a…reputation problem...Categorized as:
fake-relationship friends-to-lovers friendship multi-pov sports adult book contemporary -
![You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours. “I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool. “It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching... -
![Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen]()
Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThree novellas, including all new Ivy Years fun! BLONDE DATE: A nervous sorority girl, a mean fraternity prank and an adorkable basketball player with a heart of gold. Blonde Date follows Katie and Andy’s first blind date… STUDLY PERIOD: One hunky hockey player with a language barrier. Plus one awkward English tutor with a big crush... -
![Hit the Brakes: A Fake Boyfriend Food Truck Romance by Beth Bolden]()
Hit the Brakes: A Fake Boyfriend Food Truck Romance by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan they fake it til Tate makes it?Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school... -
![Live Wire by E. Davies]()
Live Wire by E. Davies
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAdam: I might be into guys. Do you have any idea how terrifying that is? I've already run halfway across the country to get away from my abusive parents, and I really want to experiment, but I can't even hook up without scaring myself away. I might look confident on the outside, but this is tearing me apart. Then my new roomie wins a trip for two to a gay resort in Hawaii... -
![Masterpiece by H.J. Welch]()
Masterpiece by H.J. Welch
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“I want to trust you.” Koby Duvall always knew his place at school. Art nerds like him were just target practice for guys on the football team. NFL star Vince Russo may never have bullied him, but the two men are still nothing alike. Except when Koby is asked to create a sculpture of Russo, they find themselves stuck together... -
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![Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp]()
Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTeammates, roommates, friends with benefits. What could go wrong? Boys of Summer is a book about finding the perfect person to ride shotgun with on the crazy road trip called life. It contains a Dolly Parton lookalike, an unfortunate deer versus car incident, and poorly-timed epiphanies. Everybody leaves. That was the first lesson Thunder goalie James McVicker ever learned... -
![Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe]()
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]()
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... -
![All the Stars by Duckie Mack]()
All the Stars by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRider doesn’t have a lot of rules when it comes to guys, but there is one- he doesn’t date, not ever. He’s content with random hookups because dating means too much. That’s reserved for the one person he knows he can never have, his best friend, Cameron.After watching his own family fall apart, Cam longs for someone who will stick it out through thick and thin... -
![Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley]()
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... -
![Ineligible Receiver: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett]()
Ineligible Receiver: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA sexy and emotional story about two best friends that secretly fall in love, but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task... -
![Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver]()
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... -
![Blindsided by Carly Marie]()
Blindsided by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI sent my boss into subspace before lunch. Now what?Easton knows, in the world of professional hockey, he’s getting old and his body can’t take many more hits. When a job offer too good to pass up falls into his lap, Easton goes for it. What should be the start of a new chapter, opens another he thought had closed when he'd been drafted... -
![No Backing Down by Becca Seymour]()
No Backing Down by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen we’re both needy and tactile AF, it’s no wonder everyone thinks my best friend and I are an item. But that’s so not what’s going on.Cassius Britton, the mouthy basketball player for the Minnesota Eagles, is my soul mate. He has been since he shared his gummy bears and let me have all the red ones.Because that’s the kind of person he is—selfless and sweet. But he’s so much more than that... -
![Mad For Madison by Hayden Hall]()
Mad For Madison by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMadison Masters is everything I want to be.He’s confident, good-looking, and beyond popular. Wherever he appears, he’s the center of attention. It’s his natural charisma that pulls every gaze to him. Mine especially.I have been in love with Madison since the moment I met him. The only trouble is he has no clue that I exist... -
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![Tame Me by A.T. Brennan]()
Tame Me by A.T. Brennan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never felt like I fit in. Why would that change now that I’m in college?Two years ago my best friend broke my heart and left me to pick up the pieces of my self-esteem. I swore I’d never let another person hurt me and shifted my focus to school and getting to where I want to be in the future. I have a job I enjoy, friends who understand me, and a family that loves me... -
![Save The Date by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Save The Date by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEver since he first set foot in Harrisburg, Tennant’s life has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs too numerous to mention, hard knocks and championship rings. Through all of those monumental moments, one thing has been a constant for him, Jared Madsen. Now that their wedding day is drawing nearer, Ten is seriously considering eloping... -
![Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle]()
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
![Stealing Home by Carrie Aarons]()
Stealing Home by Carrie Aarons
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWalker Callahan has loved from afar for as long as he can remember.The golden boy of the Callahan baseball dynasty, he’s the only player to ever secure a top spot on a roster controlled by his own flesh and blood. The pressure, duty and plans laid out for him since birth loom large, causing things like love and a family to fall by the wayside... -
![Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe]()
Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHooking up with your friend is a totally acceptable way to pass the time until your soulmate shows up. Right?I’m on a mission - happily ever after or bust. I just know my handsome, successful, bearded prince is out there waiting for me to find him. I’ve had my cards read a million times. This is my destiny... -
![Clutch by E. Davies]()
Clutch by E. Davies
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCocky racing driver Tyler Joseph is sidelined after one risk too many. After being at the center of a fiery crash, he’s forced to rest and recover at his best friend’s farmhouse or he’ll miss the rest of the season. Tyler does what he wants, though, and what he wants right now is the hot, sexy little physiotherapist whose hands only touch him where it hurts... -
![The Two Stars Collision by Hayden Hall]()
The Two Stars Collision by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen an adorable force meets an irresistible object they might just fall in love.MilesStudies astrophysics? Check.Loves Star Wars? Check.Still a virgin at twenty-one with zero experience in real life? Double-check.I didn’t want any fanfare around my twenty-first birthday... -
![Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood]()
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEckieThere are ways to get ahead in college hockey, but having a meltdown, trying to get rid of your coach, and stalking his boyfriend isn’t one of them... -
![Summer Catch by Beth Bolden]()
Summer Catch by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNewly hired Charleston Condors’ coach Jonathan Kelley is very aware of all the uphill battles he’s got to climb.There’s a new owner he’s got to please. New culture to implement. New players to train. New rules to follow.But one rule hasn't don't spend so much time flirting with the cute bartender via text that you start to wonder if you're straight, after all... -
![Concussion Protocol: A Short & Spicy MM Romance by Rebecca Rathe]()
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... -
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![The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond]()
The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old? Patrick Griffin I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would... -
![Heartbreaker by Sean Ashcroft]()
Heartbreaker by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“You’re not really my boyfriend.”“What if I wanted to be?”Kieran Goode isn’t gay, but when his childhood best friend crashes back into his life in need of someone to play his wholesome, steady boyfriend, how can he say no?Felix Harris had his heart broken when Kieran moved away at fourteen after the death of his father—and he never quite got over it... -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Keeping It Casual by Jax Calder]()
Keeping It Casual by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDustinI moved to Mineral Creek so I could focus on my son. After my recent breakup, small-town life is exactly what we need, and I’m determined to stay single.But the town’s resident matchmakers have other ideas. Every second person I meet tries to set me up with Mineral Creek’s one other gay single Dad.Jeremy. King.I’ve heard those two words so many times since we moved here...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq fake-relationship friends-to-lovers multi-pov romance contemporary small-town -
![Assisted by Carly Marie]()
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suitAs assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy... -
![An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane]()
An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAny other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself... -
![The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFans Have Mixed Reactions to Engagement of Fisher Cats’ Hale and BrewerOn the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top d-pair.The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship... -
![Show Me by Neve Wilder]()
Show Me by Neve Wilder
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTwo Roommates. One Camera. A whole lot of action. I get crushes the way some people get seasonal allergies. And sharing a house with four hot roommates is like being stuck in permanent spring. Too bad I keep getting friend-zoned. But it’s senior year now, and I’m done pining for the impossible. Time to live it up and go out with a bang. Or a lot of bangs... -
![Una maldita confusión by América Rodas]()
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... -
![Forever Man by A.J. DeWall]()
Forever Man by A.J. DeWall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA bond forged in Catholic school, an unspoken attraction that outlasts years of separation and other relationships. Ren and Cole never acted on that thing that always bubbled beneath the surface of their friendship, not until a chance encounter in a Santa Fe bar and a song that would tip the scales forced them to confront their feelings... -
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![The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden]()
The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's always been there, whether I realized it or not.KaiGrowing up, Izzy was the cute, geeky guy next door.He and my twin brother were inseparable, and Izzy followed River around with hearts in his eyes.Fifteen years after I last saw him, he moves in across the street and ends up as my last-minute date to River's wedding... -
![Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak]()
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... -
![Finding Finn by Charlie Novak]()
Finding Finn by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when a quiet boy with a secret falls for his best friend?Finn has always kept people at arm’s length. Being quiet and shy doesn’t get you many friends outside your family, and it’s even harder when you’re running a spicy, secret side project.But Gem might be the exception to the rule. The game designer is clever, self-deprecating, and appreciates Finn’s affection for all things nerdy... -
![Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn]()
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]()
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... -
![Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow]()
Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"The weirdest part about kissing my best friend is that it isn't weird at all." Drew Riordan is excellent at compartmentalization. It's the only way he's managed to survive three years at Bellamy university—and on the crew team—and how he's made peace with staying in the closet for the foreseeable future...
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