Books like 'Balk'
Readers who enjoyed Balk by Joy Eileen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance university sports age-gap slow-burn friends-to-lovers forbidden-love kind-mc alpha-mc
-
Beyond the Team by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGriffinAll it takes is four days to change my carefully planned-out life. Four days to fall for Peyton Monroe. Four days to convince her to give me… us a chance.Before her, baseball is the center of my world. Being the best. Getting a full-ride scholarship. Getting drafted. Going pro. But from the moment my frisbee lands at her feet on the beach, I can’t stop thinking about her... -
![Surrender by Amy Daws]()
Surrender by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsOne night of complete surrender is all it takes. Gareth Harris is Manchester United’s reclusive star defender. He has control over all aspects of his life. But a lifetime of supporting his siblings and filling in for an emotionally absent father has taken its toll... -
![Beyond the Bases by Kaylee Ryan]()
Beyond the Bases by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat happens when you want more in life than just running the bases? You hang out at home plate and stop playing the field. He's sexy and irresistible. I've done my best to ignore the magnetism that flows between us. I don't need complications in my life. I can't get wrapped up in his world, the last thing I need is to get attached to a professional athlete. I don’t have time for heartbreak... -
![Beauty and the Beefcake: A Hockey/Roommate/Opposites Attract Romantic Comedy by Pippa Grant]()
Beauty and the Beefcake: A Hockey/Roommate/Opposites Attract Romantic Comedy by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsShe’s my sun and moon. My stars, my air, my sunshine. She’s every heartbeat. There are two kinds of women in the world – those I can bang, and those I can’t. My teammate’s sister? She’s a can’t. I moved in with her to protect her from a nasty ex, not to be the next guy in line. She’s the brains. I’m the brawn. She’s the fruit. I’m the sausage. She talks too much... -
-
![Just Come Over by Rosalind James]()
Just Come Over by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRhys Fletcher is not in love with his sister-in-law. That would be a very, very bad idea, and he doesn’t entertain bad ideas. He also doesn’t lie to himself... -
![Slope of Love by Melissa Foster]()
Slope of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOlympic gold medalist skiers Jayla Stone and Rush Remington have been best friends for years. They've seen each other at their best and worst and have kept each other's secrets without fail. Only there's one secret Rush has kept close to his chest. After months of introspection, Rush realizes he's been filling his bed but not tending to his heart... -
![Shame the Devil by Rosalind James]()
Shame the Devil by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe thing about Thor is, he’s great at swinging that hammer. But he doesn’t settle down.Harlan Kristiansen may not be good at many things, but he can sure catch a pass. He’s an All-Pro at charming a room, too, and then there’s that Norse God thing. He can even figure out how to tackle a woman and save her from a charging bison.On skis... -
![This Is Wild by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Wild by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off Series This is... Zoe When you grow up surrounded by hockey players you know one thing for sure, I was never going to settle down with one. Heck, I didn’t even know what icing was. I was too busy climbing the corporate ladder, becoming one of the most successful realtors in New York City... -
![Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo]()
Dump and Chase by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsShelli Adler has known what she wanted since she was eleven years old. Aiden Brooks. But Aiden has always had other ideas. After spending the early years of his life without his dad, hockey legend Lucas Brooks, Aiden is determined not to settle for anything less than true love. When he’s ready. Now he’s living the fast life of an NHL bachelor... -
![Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAs the hockey league’s star goalie, I live by three simple principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Work hard on the ice.3. Don’t piss off the bosses…too much.I was killing it until a mishap tarnished my image. Now, management has me cleaning up my reputation and coaching a bunch of kids. And damn, those little punks are growing on me, and so is the program coordinator, Kendra... -
![Sterling Streak by L.B. Dunbar]()
Sterling Streak by L.B. Dunbar
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLove was a losing battle for this country music darling and a single dad, baseball star until one night brings them together and one small town sets the playing field for a possible winning streak.They call me Lady Boss. Maneater. Queen. But beneath the makeup, blond wig, and glitzy costumes, I’m just a country girl who likes to sing. I don’t hate men, I’m just struggling to find a good one... -
![The Calendar of New Beginnings by Ava Miles]()
The Calendar of New Beginnings by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe last thing international photojournalist Lucy O’Brien expected when she returned to her hometown was for her mother to ask her to shoot photos for a ‘Calendar Girls’-like calendar…Of course, it’s all for a good cause—raising money for breast cancer. Lucy agrees to help—ribald photos and all... -
![Black Flag by Shey Stahl]()
Black Flag by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the taste you thought you never needed becomes a thirst you cannot quench, then what? Jameson Riley, a NASCAR rookie driver, and Sway Reins, his pregnant girlfriend, are put to the test. They have love; they have lust, and a bond that proves to be vital. But do they have what it takes to make it through his lifestyle. When tested, it’s either fight, or give in... -
![Home Run by Jordan Marie]()
Home Run by Jordan Marie
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
-
![Made For Me by Natasha Madison]()
Made For Me by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling author Natasha Madison comes a brand new stand-alone friends to lovers sports romance. A spin-off from the Only One seriesChaseEveryone expected me to play hockey.I was good at it, but I was better at being a doctor.So I hung up the skates and joined Doctors without BordersBut there is no place like home, so now I’m back... -
![Cougar by M.A. Foster]()
Cougar by M.A. Foster
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAt eighteen, I met a man.A man who turned my world upside down and made me the center of his.He claimed us meeting was fate. I agreed.I was the damsel in distress, and he was my white knight.I became his princess, and he was my prince charming.He gave me the fairy tale.The dream.Until fate circled around and turned my dream into a living nightmare... -
![Shutdown by Winter Travers]()
Shutdown by Winter Travers
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRacing has been Roc Krinston’s entire life. He’s sacrificed everything to be where he is today. When an accident throws a caution flag in his face, he realizes its time to jumpstart his personal life and think about something other than racing... -
![Only One Regret by Natasha Madison, Connor Crais]()
Only One Regret by Natasha Madison, Connor Crais
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsListening Length 7 hours and 4 minutesCooper My name came with big skates to fill. At the top of my game, I had everything I wanted - or so I thought. Being traded to Dallas was not what I was expecting, but neither were the divorce papers I was served. Now I’m a single dad in a city that isn’t my home. Erika Handed my biggest client when I was 22 made my dreams come true... -
![Maxim by Samantha Whiskey]()
Maxim by Samantha Whiskey
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe leading scorer on the Reapers has the unspeakable yips…and it’s me.The second my NHL legend of a father appears, I can’t shoot to save my life.And my mistakes might cost my team our playoff spot.No pre-game superstition can fix it—I’m broken.Adding to the pressure, my little sister’s best friend just became my roommate for the next five months.Evangeline Walsh... -
![Duke-ing it Out by Jami Albright]()
Duke-ing it Out by Jami Albright
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s game, set, and match when this pro football player turned trainer squares off against a gorgeous tennis player with an attitude as big as Texas. Duke Wayne returns to his hometown for one reason and one reason only—reckless pro tennis star Sienna Ramsey has lost her ever-lovin’ mind. His feisty client is ready to throw her career away in favor of a simple life... -
![Devil in Disguise by Rosalind James]()
Devil in Disguise by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe devil doesn’t come with pointy horns and a tail. He comes as everything you’ve ever wished for. When discipline is your life, structure’s a good thing, and Owen Johnson’s got plenty of both. An All-Pro NFL center who’s also a cattle rancher? Yeah, that’s structure. His marriage didn’t work out, but then, he picked the wrong woman. A Wyoming ranch doesn’t look nearly as romantic up close... -
![Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole]()
Zane's Rebel by Loni Nichole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor once in his life, this strait-laced attorney is ready to throw caution to the wind. Too bad his sassy, rebellious soulmate refuses to take the risk.ZaneI take on the sassy-mouthed heiress’s case because she needs a good defense. She’s being sued by her father’s former business partner, who wants to destroy her. The odds in this small-town are stacked against her... -
![The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo]()
The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNow all four novels and the companion novella are together in one can’t-miss eBook bundle: TAKING SHOTSTRYING TO SCOREEMPTY NETFALLING FOR THE BACKUPBLUE LINES The Assassins may be the hottest things on two legs and ice skates, but when the gloves come off, the chiseled men of this Nashville NHL team will do anything for the women they love: A reformed bad boy helps a charming, willful beauty... -
![Just Say Yes by Rosalind James]()
Just Say Yes by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSome fires warm you up. And some burn you down. Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he’s evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can’t afford dreams, so she's given them up... -
-
![Score by Jacob Chance]()
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... -
![Lucky Bastard by Kaylee Ryan]()
Lucky Bastard by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEmma When my best friend Aubrey asked me to tag along to an event with her, I never could have imagined that it would be the day that my life changed forever.He’s arrogant and demanding and doesn’t take a hint. Landon Barker, the quarterback for the Hermosa Beach Trojans, is a player on and off of the field. He’s got his sights set on me as his next play, but I see right through him... -
![Wild Heart by Beth Ehemann]()
Wild Heart by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFor Lawrence “Viper” Finkle, hockey isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. Since the first time he stepped onto the ice at just eight years old, he knew what he was meant to do, and he does it well. When his career takes an unexpected hit, and his relationship is pushed to the breaking point, he’s left sidelined and wondering what his future holds... -
![Yours Actually by Nina Levine]()
Yours Actually by Nina Levine
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe playboy and the girl next door.Best friends since forever.This was only supposed to be a wedding season as each other’s plus-one, nothing more.But Callan Black has his hands on me, his eyes on me, and has suddenly become very possessive of me.Callan is the guy I’ve crushed on since I was a teen.It’s totally unrequited.He’s got a type and I’m not it...Categorized as:
family friends-to-lovers slow-burn female-mc alpha-mc romance contemporary billionaire -
![Boy Toy by Sarina Bowen, Tanya Eby]()
Boy Toy by Sarina Bowen, Tanya Eby
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA brand new romantic comedy from your favorite snort-laughing duo! Liam The moment Sadie Matthews walks through the daycare center door, I feel my world tilt in her direction. Again. I fell for her when I was fourteen, and I'm still not over her. Problem: she still thinks of me as a teen she used to babysit. But I've learned a few things about pleasing a woman in the last fifteen years... -
![Off Limits by Chelle Sloan]()
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences.The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her.I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun... -
![Hot for the Handyman by Whitley Cox]()
Hot for the Handyman by Whitley Cox
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's got just the right tool to fix her broken heart ...Welcome to Seattle, the Emerald City and home to The Single Moms of Seattle. Three sexy single ladies who drink a ton of wine every Saturday night, bitch about life, have each other's backs, are the ultimate mama bears, and hope to one day, just maybe find love again.This is Bianca’s story ...Bianca’s life is insane... -
![Royce by Kat Mizera]()
Royce by Kat Mizera
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJust because opposites attract, doesn’t mean they belong together... Professional hockey player Royce Lenahan is no stranger to chaos. He grew up surrounded by it, so as an adult he likes things nice and orderly: His apartment, his hockey schedule, even his dates...Categorized as:
sports family female-mc age-gap friends-to-lovers contemporary female-author new-adult -
![Black Belt in Love by Winter Travers]()
Black Belt in Love by Winter Travers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKennedy Kennedy Kramer has lived the dream. It just wasn't her dream. Yearning to build a life of her own, free of her overbearing parents, she opens Zen yoga studio. To appease her distressed parents and get them off her back, she needs to convince them she’s living the life they want for her. She somehow finds herself entangled with Dante Craig and Operation: Decoy... -
![A.D.I.D.A.S.: All Day I Dream About S*x by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook]()
A.D.I.D.A.S.: All Day I Dream About S*x by Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’ve loved her since we were ten years old, when she almost died in my arms. Dramatic? Not at all. I almost lost Joanne once, it’s not happening again. Thing is, she’s a scared little butterfly, living in a cocoon of her own making. It’s time for her to spread her wings. And her legs. Scandalous? Hell no. She wants it as bad as I do. I’m not the only one dreaming about it all day... -
-
![Outta My League by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
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:
female-mc friends-to-lovers humor slow-burn sports university action-adventure adult -
![Home Run King by Stella]()
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... -
![Ember by Emma Renshaw]()
Ember by Emma Renshaw
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne night changed an entire town.Ten years ago, I left Hawk Valley. I never planned to return. Not to the regrets. The bitter memories. The guilt.My baseball career gave me both the excuse and the money I needed to start over. Then my mom called, and I found myself headed back to the one place I swore I wouldn’t step foot again.Meeting Delilah wasn’t part of the plan... -
![Full Count by Kimberly Readnour]()
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... -
![Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy]()
Dirty Curve by Meagan Brandy
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsYou know how in college there’s that one guy everyone wants to be?That’s me. I’m the top dog. The number one. The big man on campus.Some say those things are solid wins. My new tutor would disagree. My title means nothing to her. My status lost on her. And now my mind? That sucker is stuck on her...Categorized as:
alpha-mc athlete children female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports -
![Misconception: A Rock Star Romance by Julia Wolf]()
Misconception: A Rock Star Romance by Julia Wolf
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI know rock stars. I grew up in the business, and now I make a living managing their tours. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.Lots and lots of ugly.All that ugly is why I’ve sworn off dating rockers, but sleeping with them, well...I’ve been known to make the occasional exception.One sultry night in Vegas, Mo Aronson, lead singer of Unrequited, becomes one of those exceptions... -
![Tussle by Jacob Chance]()
Tussle by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Why haven’t we had sex?” When Jesse Gunn, one of the biggest stars of World Class Wrestling, voiced that million dollar question, yet again, I was stunned. After turning him down countless times, I thought eventually he'd give up. Unexpectedly thrown together for a work project, my mind went to places I’d never allowed... -
![Ice Prince by Nichole Rose]()
Ice Prince by Nichole Rose
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen life spins wildly out of control, a bossy hockey star and a curvy maid will find forever…or be forever ruined. Theo Kline I know everything there is to know about hockey.Right now, I'd give everything just to understand her.Charlotte Mabry is a curvy little goddess with the sweetest smile.She's also my mother's boyfriend's favorite niece... -
![Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland]()
Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTravis Campbell has been at this hockey thing for a while. He knows his days on the ice are numbered, but he’s happy with the Moncton Ice Cats and he’s still got some time to figure out what comes next. He’s been taking college classes online and thought he knew what he was doing, but then he made the ultimate rookie mistake... -
![Waiting For You by Claudia Connor]()
Waiting For You by Claudia Connor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen ER nurse Nora Sellers is hurt in a hospital scuffle, firefighter Zach Walker blames himself. Blaming himself is nothing new. He’s been blaming himself for years for the trauma his baby sister endured as a teenager. Though with his happy–go–lucky attitude no one would know it... -
-
![Ditched by R.C. Boldt]()
Ditched by R.C. Boldt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt...He's playing for the heart she's had sidelined for years.IVY HAYESDating can be a rocky journey. Once the new shine wears off, you may end up with a case of buyer’s remorse.That’s where I come in. I set the backdrop and coach you through the breakup... -
![Hard Rock Love by Athena Wright]()
Hard Rock Love by Athena Wright
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s my big sister’s best friend. This rock star god knows I’m off-limits. But is that a rule he’s willing to break? Seth Powers is wild. He’s devilish. He’s hot as sin. He’s also my big sister Everly's best friend and a rock star drummer in one of the hottest bands around. My silly schoolgirl crush from years ago has turned into a burning desire. I crave his strong fingers caressing my skin... -
![Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman]()
Strictly Come Dating by Kathryn Freeman
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFun, feel-good and a must read for fans of Strictly Come Dancing!Saturday nights are strictly for dancing… As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over... -
![Always Making Waves by Ali Parker, Weston Parker]()
Always Making Waves by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWater, waves, and women. That’s my focus for my time at Pro-U. As it should be for a guy who looks like me. Unfortunately, I failed English the semester before and now I’m scrambling to keep my spot on the swim team and on the campus. The last place I expected to find help was from a hot goodie-goodie on the girls’ team...Categorized as:
athlete female-mc forbidden-love friends-to-lovers humor sports university action-adventure -
![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... -
![615 Forever Way by Abby Brooks]()
615 Forever Way by Abby Brooks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe wasn't looking for love. She found him anyway.Life takes an unexpected turn for Reuben Cantal when Morgan Montgomery moves into town. She's the damsel in distress to his Prince Charming...or is she?Cherry Falls is filled with returning characters and iconic destinations that will begin to feel like family. When you leave the city, and drive into Cherry Falls, it’s like you’ve finally come home...
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
