Books like 'Play It Hard'
Readers who enjoyed Play It Hard by Michelle Hercules also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance sports university enemies-to-lovers suspense slow-burn multi-pov forced-proximity realistic
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Love Is In the Air Volume 1 by Susan Stoker, P.J. Fiala
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratings30 of your favorite authors come together to celebrate love and romance in this anthology featuring brand new, original short stories.All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.Featured authors include:A.M. Kusi, Abbie Zanders, Alley Ciz, Anna Blakely, Anna Brooks, Becca Steele, Cora Kenborn, Darcy Burke, Elizabeth SaFleur, Emery Rose, Greer Bailey, Ivy Layne, J. Kenner, Jeana E... -
Point of Contact by Jemma Westbrook, Janice Whiteaker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLeaving Miami was the plan, but Courtney never expected to do it behind the wheel of an archaic RV with the most hostile member of Team Rogue at her side.Reed didn’t like her, which was fine. She didn’t necessarily like him. He was rigid. A stickler for the rules. Unamused by everything, especially her...Categorized as:
suspense enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov romance military contemporary bodyguard -
Fate of a Royal by Meagan Brandy, Amo Jones
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratings“You will go to Rathe University, live among the giftless and those of light magic. You, Knight Deveraux, will learn to coexist.” I’ve never heard more wasted words in my life. Then again, the gifted counsel never did have much to say that wasn’t. The only members amongst them who speak a thing worth listening to are my parents, the King and Queen of the Stygian’s, the people of Dark Magic...Categorized as:
paranormal university enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn sports romance -
Hard to Love by K. Bromberg
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, is back with a heartfelt, enemies to lovers romance and a hero who redeems himself to steal your heart . . .He was the one-night stand that didn’t exactly go as planned. Now he’s standing before me as if he’s never seen me naked, telling my manager he’ll take the job. Reluctantly.Finn Sanderson.Sports agent extraordinaire. Handsome as hell...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn sports adult age-gap audiobook -
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Truly Yours: Mason & Sophie, #2 by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI knew within moments of meeting Mason Holt that he would change my life forever. I just didn’t realize how much. As my world spirals out of control, he continues to stay by my side, protecting and taking care of me. Being just friends is all he’s been able to offer, that is until both of our lives are threatened... -
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:
enemies-to-lovers realistic slow-burn sports suspense university action-adventure audiobook -
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... -
A Little Complicated by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsArcher Buchanan is perfect. He's sweet. Attentive. Passionate.He's been my best friend for as long as I can remember and when I find myself in a pickle, he's the first to bail me out.Always.I should've known he'd insist on taking me to prom after my Mystery Man broke my heart an hour before he was supposed to pick me up.Now I'm moving in next door to my new boyfriend and his twin brother..Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity multi-pov suspense romance new-adult contemporary -
The Deeper I Fall by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's a rough and rugged hockey player. She's a posh British princess. To win an enormous inheritance, they’re forced to live together.This is not going to go well.When his former hockey coach passes away, Declan Cadell is shocked to learn the man left him a cattle ranch. Well, not exactly. He’s got one little hurdle to jump first... -
Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelixDancing is everything to me. It’s the mother I lost, the father who never sees me. It’s the fiery love of my life, and I’ll defend it to my last breath—that’s what it means to be the lead principal at one of the best ballet companies in the world. Just when I thought I was on top, my greatest rival—my eternal nemesis—waltzes back into my Nicoló Savini... -
Fastball by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt was over as quickly as it started…or at least I thought it was. But as it turns out, I can’t stay away. Life keeps throwing us together, and it seems like she’s everywhere all at once. She’s in the same house as me, in the bedroom next to mine as I dream about what she’s doing in there... -
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 multi-pov slow-burn sports adult athlete audiobook -
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 multi-pov slow-burn sports adult book contemporary -
Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s the hot, tattooed bad boy that I traded insults with...and now he wants my help? Knox Holland is in a jam. After an incredible first year on the pro motocross circuit, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his bad reputation has landed him without a team. He’s untouchable and desperate to turn it around. Which is how he ends up at my gym asking me to train him...Categorized as:
sports university enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn romance contemporary -
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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 slow-burn multi-pov romance contemporary new-adult friends-to-lovers -
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...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn forced-proximity romance contemporary found-family -
Strong and Wild by Sloane St. James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMickyI’m new to this city, but things are looking up. My bestie’s husband hooked me up with a great apartment above the hockey bar where I currently work, and I’ve got a great side gig bringing in plenty of cash to help fund my dream of opening my own cocktail lounge, Sugar & Ice. Life is sweet. My new neighbor, on the other hand, is not.When he reveals his true self, I hate what I discover...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov romance contemporary steamy fiction -
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...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn realistic romance young-adult high-school contemporary -
Rival Hero by Jackie Walker, Jason Clarke
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI never planned on sleeping with him. Nor did I intend to make him my enemy.I only went into the bar to scope out my competition – him.The scorching hot night that followed was a mutually pleasurable accident.Of course I knew we were in the running for the same position.It’s not my fault he didn’t know who I was.Gathering intel is my specialty...Categorized as:
suspense enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn romance audiobook military -
His Darkest Desire by Tiffany Roberts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA cursed goblin sorcerer. The human female he’s waited an eternity for. A secret that could tear them apart.A quaint cottage in a Scottish forest seemed the perfect place for Kinsley to start anew. But when a tragic accident leaves her isolated and dying, her new life is over before ever beginning.Until a dark, mysterious being emerges from the night gloom and offers to save her—for a price...Categorized as:
paranormal forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers multi-pov slow-burn witches-wizards romance fantasy -
Hooked by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAvoiding bad boy hockey player Marshall Winters has been one of my goals since he did me wrong four years ago.However, with both of us attending Boston University and his younger sister being my best friend, it’s damn near impossible.Then he saves me from a dangerous situation, whisking me away to his family’s cabin, changing everything... -
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 -
Sticks and Stones by S. Massery, S.J. Sylvis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSticks and stones may break our bones… Hockey is my life. After Wren Davis puts my dreams of the NHL in jeopardy, I vow to make her life hell if she ever comes near me again. But she’s my best friend’s foster sister, and even though they don’t live together anymore, their bond is still tight, which makes avoiding each other extra difficult...Categorized as:
sports university suspense enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity paranormal witches-wizards romance -
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...Categorized as:
sports university slow-burn forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers multi-pov suspense romance -
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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... -
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 multi-pov romance new-adult contemporary -
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... -
Gravity by Cat Mason, Asli Fratarcangeli
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"There has to be something on this Earth that holds you here, other than Gravity." Luke Hanlon was focused on anything but his own life.The happiness of everyone else came before his own. He worked hard to build Artistic Pricks Ink into the profitable business that it is today and yet, it isn't enough anymore. Something is missing. Someone... -
Player's Kiss by Sienna Blake
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm his new favorite game.It was supposed to be my big break—landing the coveted spot as the All Ireland Rugby team's new PR assistant.Instead I've become a glorified babysitter, lumped with the heinous job of keeping their star winger out of trouble and out of the papers.Eoin O'Sullivan.Cocky. Charming. Outrageous. Destined to drive me feckin crazy.Party boy.Ladies man.An absolute PR nightmare... -
Throttle: A Savage Disciples MC Novella by Drew Elyse
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOnce a Disciple, forever a Disciple. Candy didn’t build a life for herself by being stupid, regardless what people might think of her being a stripper. And no matter what her body wants, what her heart wants, she knows that falling for a fighter is as stupid as it gets. A Disciple will fight like a savage, but that isn’t always the way... -
Forbidden Love by Evan Grace
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsViolet Carmichael knew her second year of college would be tough, but nothing could have prepared her for what was about to happen…Violet’s goal is clear—to finish college and work alongside her father and uncle at their family business—but she has one major problem... -
Penance and Promises by L.A. Cotton
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn alternate title/cover for this ASIN can be found here.Seven years ago, Ana Parry walked into Chastity Falls Academy and changed the lives of Jackson Pierce and Braiden Donohue. Her arrival set into motion a series of events that none of them could have ever predicted.But they got out. Escaping Chastity Falls, they left behind a life built on lies and secrets, danger and fear... -
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... -
Her Devils by Melissa Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“We live life in the fast lane and we flirt with danger everyday.” Was the Cove Devils’ warning when I accepted their deal. Danger wasn’t the only thing they flirted with, at least judging by the panties and bras their fans throw at them at every public appearance. #tametheheartbreakers is trending and I know the real danger is that I’m starting to care for them...Categorized as:
sports multi-pov university paranormal witches-wizards romance reverse-harem contemporary -
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Sweet Punk by Leila James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe sweet punk across the hall has my undivided attention.He’s inked perfection.Totally unattainable.He’s hiding something behind his quiet demeanor.But I’ve got trouble of my own. The dangerous kind.He wants all of me, but he doesn’t know my whole story.And I will walk through fire to keep him...Categorized as:
university enemies-to-lovers multi-pov suspense forced-proximity new-adult kind-mc contemporary -
Scoreless Nights by Katie Rae
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I knew I wouldn’t be strong enough to resist her anymore."Our parents wanted us to spend quality time together, but I’m not sure this is what they meant….CruzAs the goalie of the Miami Inferno FC, it was my job to keep everyone scoreless.So how did I end up being the one that couldn’t score?The answer: Lily Harris. My step sister, and apparently my new roommate...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity multi-pov slow-burn contemporary latinx-mc fiction forbidden-love -
Chasing Indigo by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRyan Harding. He’s running royalty. The guy I’ve been following online since I started this sport. Sure, I’ve got a crush on him, but so does nearly every other runner in the country. I’m an unknown in this world, it’s not like the prince of distance running is ever going to notice me, which is for the best. I’ve been down this road once before with the Mr... -
Wonderlight by Tina Spencer
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings𝑰 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑻𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆.𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒎.Avery used to have high hopes for her future until one traumatic night shattered her into a million pieces...Categorized as:
multi-pov enemies-to-lovers slow-burn forced-proximity suspense romance contemporary fiction -
Blindside Sinner by Mariah Wolfe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBad boy hockey players don’t fall in love.Especially not with their assistants.And they ESPECIALLY don’t get them pregnant.Beckett Daniels is hockey’s hottest bad boy.He’s also my newest assignment.A chance encounter with his ex-handler gets me a job I need to pay off the dangerous debts I inherited...Categorized as:
sports enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity multi-pov romance contemporary alpha-mc female-mc -
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 -
Cruel Devil by Daniela Romero
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDominique Price hates me.He wants me.He can never have me.At least that’s what I tell him.Good looking, arrogant, football God, everything comes so easy for him. I won’t be just another game to win.It doesn’t matter that I want him.It doesn’t matter that with just one look, he takes my breath away.He’s my brother's best friend and officially off limits... -
The Trouble with Gravity by K.K. Allen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKai’s life is a series of choreographed steps, each one shielding her from her tragic past. Audition, dance, get paid, repeat. It’s a broken record, but it’s what keeps her world spinning.When a dangerously handsome man with trouble written all over his face rides into her life, his entrance makes a disastrous splash... -
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 multi-pov slow-burn enemies-to-lovers suspense romance small-town -
Fall With Me by Lucy Smoke
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIsaac Icari: The God of Hazelwood University. My stepbrother.My lover.My enemy.It was dangerous to let myself be swept up by him but he’s a drug that I crave.I should have walked away the second I realized what he was involved with, when he revealed who his father truly was.Now it’s too late.We should have known better. Get too close to the sun and you get burned...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers university multi-pov paranormal witches-wizards sports romance contemporary -
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The Drawback of Single Dads by Piper Rayne, Jason Clarke
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s the father of my child and my best friend.When Hudson and I met, somehow things just clicked between us. We had the same sense of humor and the same carefree attitude about our lives and goals. Neither of us wanted to lay down roots, we wanted to explore the world... -
SEAL's Hellion by Lynne St. James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSEAL's Hellion is book three in the Black Eagle series and features John "Tex" Keegan, Matthew "Wolf" Steel and his wife Caroline from Susan Stoker's SEALs of Protection. Navy SEAL Ryan McLaughlin hardened his heart against love years ago, now he focuses on keeping his teammates safe. The one fly in the ointment is the beautiful, smart and sexy Chrissy, he can't get her out of his head...Categorized as:
suspense slow-burn forced-proximity enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance military contemporary -
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... -
Pretty Little Thing by L.K. Farlow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsORIONI’m torn between two women…They’re as different as night and day, yet I want them both.Frankie, the sensitive, single mom. Watching her care for her son damn near has me ready to give up my bachelor lifestyle.Then there’s my Bluebird, the stripper who’s captivated me since the moment I laid eyes on her... -
Only With You by E. Salvador
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSenior year should be easy. Unfortunately, it's going to be anything but that for Julianna Sparks.Due to unforeseen circumstances, Julianna moves in with two of her friends, who also happen to be best friends with the guy she hates. But that's not the only issue… she’s three weeks into school, and struggling to understand calculus II...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers sports university forced-proximity slow-burn multi-pov romance new-adult -
No confíes en Asher Hall by Myriam M. Lejardi
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsUn romance como nunca lo has ¡en un reality de TV!Todo está en juego. Incluso el amor.Un reality que regresa con la intención de hacer historia. Un millón de dólares. Doce participantes. Veintidós pruebas.Remi Evans y Asher Hall nunca se habrían encontrado en un concurso como TRICKSTER si ella no necesitara el dinero para salvar a su padre. Él, para evitar la cárcel...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers forced-proximity slow-burn suspense romance steamy new-adult contemporary
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