Books like 'Playing to Win'
Readers who enjoyed Playing to Win by Sasha Lace also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance small town sports forced-proximity insta-love grumpy-sunshine found-family cheerful-mc multi-pov
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The Resurrection of Wildflowers by Micalea Smeltzer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIt took me a while to learn that sometimes no matter how much, or how hard you love someone, or something, you have to let them go. You can’t save a sinking ship.Sometimes, you have someone else you have to be strong for, who needs you more.You make a choice.A devastating one.And you hope, maybe one day, they’ll come back to you...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine adult age-gap book contemporary -
Loving Romeo by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsDemi Crawford was Magnolia Falls royalty.I was the boxer from the wrong side of the tracks.She was the epitome of everything good, while I was broody and rebellious.We couldn’t be more different.Her family was enemy number one which made her guilty by association.I despised her before I even knew her.It was easier that way.But now she’d moved in next door to me, and she was everywhere I turned...Categorized as:
sports found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov steamy -
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe guy who broke my heart is now an arrogant, too-hot firefighter… who’s hell-bent on getting me back. This summer, I have one goal: field work. I need it to finish my PhD. I never expected Finn Rhodes to offer help. He broke my heart twelve years ago, and now that he’s back in town, I want nothing to do with him. Finn wants one thing—me. We were inseparable as kids until everything changed... -
Enticing by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFrom USA Today and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Bella Matthews comes a Single Mom, Marriage Of Convenience, Hockey Romance.You’d think a romance author would know better than to fall for her fake husband. It’s the oldest trope in thebook . . . literally. But it turns out writing it and living it are two very different things...Categorized as:
sports found-family insta-love grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov -
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Famous in a Small Town by Kylie Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat chance does a small-town girl have with a world-famous rock star?Two years after his wife’s death, rock star Garrett Hayes hasn’t moved on. But he has moved out of L.A. Where better to escape his past than a small town in the Northern California mountains? If only he could get the townsfolk of Wildwood to leave him the hell alone... -
Starting Over Scottish: A Grumpy Sunshine Holiday Romance by Tricia O'Malley
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratings...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov steamy adult -
Rocked Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEx-bodyguard and moody Irishman Colin Daly needs three things:To figure out how to have a real job after his longtime client no longer needs him.To find some really good Irish whiskey in the land of homemade moonshine.To stop having dirty dreams every time he hears young, beautiful, recently-discovered-thanks-to-social-media music sensation, Hayden Ross, sing...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity steamy found-family insta-love multi-pov -
Drink It Up: The Donovans by Cee Bowerman
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsQuinn Donovan is a single dad with too much on his plate. He is surrounded by his wild and crazy family at home and at work while raising two little girls who are the light of his life. When a complete stranger swoops in to help him when he needs it most only to then disappear without a word, it seems he’s lost his chance to get to know her... -
Gotta Be Bayou by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHow do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine — Max — Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again...Categorized as:
forced-proximity steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance contemporary -
Wild Temptation by Hope Ford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Wild is a temptation I can’t resist.He’s my grumpy boss.He didn’t want to hire me,But as a favor to a friend -- he gave me a chance.Besides proving I’m a good worker, and can make a difference on his peach farm.It seems I can’t stop throwing myself at him. I didn’t think Asher would rock my world...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov steamy romance contemporary -
Finding Home by Lauren Rowe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m Caleb Baumgarten, the “bad boy” drummer of Red Card Riot. The world knows me as C-Bomb, but I assure you, it’s Lil Miss Rule Follower, Aubrey Capshaw, who’s the human equivalent of an atomic bomb. After tragedy strikes and the toddler with half my DNA inside her loses her beloved mommy, I get the bright idea to hire my daughter’s remaining lifeline, her “Auntie Aubbey,” as my live-in nanny...Categorized as:
forced-proximity found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov steamy romance -
Dirty Little Midlife (Fake) Date by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSingle mom Mia has a problem. Her new landlord Des just raised her rent, and even in her dreams, Mia wouldn’t be able to afford it.Not that she’d want to dream of Des. Ever.To make matters worse, Des is big, grumpy, and apparently his heart is made of granite. He’s not willing to meet Mia in any sort of middle.Suffice it to say, Mia’s forties aren’t off to a good start.Until...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA standalone enemies to lovers, fake engagement, hockey romance. I’ve been secretly in love with Wilhelmina Reddi-Grinst since the third grade.I should be the one taking her to our small-town high school reunion. The prom king finally gets his chance with the valedictorian.Except she hates me.To the world, I’m a pro hockey player with a million dollar smile...Categorized as:
sports found-family multi-pov forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy -
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... -
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The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn injured rugby star, his pregnant roommate, and one rule they can’t Don’t date the owner’s daughter. It was supposed to be an easy house- and dog-sitting gig while the owner was gone for a month. But when my sportsing landlord comes home unexpectedly, injured and in need of a new arrangement, we end up as accidental roommates instead...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy insta-love -
On the Shore by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe's the GOAT of the NFL. She's a hot-headed reporter who despises him. They're in the same small town for the summer. What could possibly go wrong?I'm more than aware of the responsibilities that come with being a quarterback in the NFL.The upside—I get to do what I love every day, which is play football.And I make more money than I know what to do with...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family steamy multi-pov -
Awaken My Heart by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAbraham:I already had my happy ending. Childhood sweethearts, my late wife and I made four beautiful kids together who are now grown and married off themselves. I’m content to be their old dad, tending to my ranch and my tomato plants. Until Emily Carson and her tempting curvy body and her smiles that she hands out like candy, crashes into my life making me want things I have no business wanting...Categorized as:
insta-love grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family forced-proximity romance age-gap -
The Gruff Loner's Bargain by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrook:I might be down on my luck, but I’m determined to open the best all-inclusive wedding venue in the U.S. But first, I have to scope out the competition. The only problem is I need a fake fiance to pull it off. Even worse, the only man available to do the job is the annoying handsome Landry Hendricks. Because of course I need the help of the one man in town who hates me...Categorized as:
insta-love steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
Forsaken Oath by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeau Carter: kingpin, blue-eyed playboy from across town, and the only man I’ve ever shared my secrets with.And now, my fiercest competition.I never planned on racing in the Gauntlet, but with my sisters depending on me, winning this tournament is the only way to keep our heads above water. I work for a crew that trades in secrets, and Beau runs the underground races that keep this town alive...Categorized as:
found-family forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy multi-pov romance -
That First Flight by Jenn McMahon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSomething tells me, nothing I do can stop myself from feeling things for my roommate.I’ve always wanted to be a chef.But the same day two pink lines showed up on the test, was the day I gave up chasing my own dreams to put my daughter first.I didn’t expect that to lead to a life of being scrutinized by my parents for every single move I made.After years of it, I was done...Categorized as:
forced-proximity found-family multi-pov insta-love steamy romance contemporary friends-to-lovers -
Jaxon by Kate Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLeahWho knew buying a run-down house would be so much work? It was hers, though, and while it might not be much, to Leah Day, it was perfect because it meant she was free from her cheating ex-husband. What she wasn’t prepared for was the roof to leak into her bedroom… She also wasn’t expecting her hot neighbor to come marching over to scold her for climbing onto the roof...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family romance contemporary small-town -
Venom & Vengeance by Emma Slate
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s grumpy. Older. An ex-con.Did I mention I’m totally hot for him? After a near fatal run-in with the cartel, I turn to Viper for protection. He’s muscle for his motorcycle club, and the next thing I know I’m living in a biker clubhouse with my own personal bodyguard. Viper makes me feel safe…and desired. No wonder I can’t keep my clothes on around him...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy found-family romance dark -
Lot 62 by Nordika Night
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsEvery fairytale had a villain, and this way of life was ours. Coming from nothing and gaining something is a lot to handle. Can they hang on to it? A year after moving in together on Lot 62, Devon and Maddox have a whole new dynamic to adjust to—cohabitation. Merging their personalities and energies into one tiny trailer is a lot to handle, but so is their relationship...Categorized as:
sports found-family forced-proximity steamy multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
His Christmas List by T.L. Swan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHis Christmas list....The inaugural first year of Christmas short stories by T L Swan.Every year I will add a new short story to this collection and it will be live to download for 28 days only.Merry Christmas my beautiful readers, thank you so much for giving me a chance and reading my books.You really have made all my wishes come true...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine insta-love steamy adult alpha-mc -
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Stay by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA scorching hot small town, age gap, single father/nanny romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster...Categorized as:
forced-proximity found-family multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Heartbreak & Cupcakes by Shawna Renae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlex VaughnThe last thing I wanted was to be named San Francisco’s Most Eligible Bachelor. The title alone was misleading. I wasn’t a bachelor. I was a widower and single father. One who wasn’t available or interested.Well... there was one person who might have piqued my interest. Cupcake Girl. But interest and intent are two very different things...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine steamy adult book contemporary -
Not Such A Bad Guy by Erin Nicholas
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA fling, a funeral, and a little falling in love... just another weekend in Bad, Louisiana. Physical therapist Christopher Gilmore is back in Bad, Louisiana, for the reading of the will of his friend and mentor, Patrick Faucheaux. Christopher expects a small memento from the man he considered a father figure...Categorized as:
forced-proximity insta-love multi-pov steamy contemporary fiction small-town medical -
Musical Games by Evie Alexander
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s never been kissed, and she’s about to rock his world… Bubbly actress Sam is on the brink of the bigtime — all she needs is one lucky break. But when she drops everything for the chance to meet Hollywood’s biggest star, she blows it by blurting out a lie.Now, she’s got ten days to write an album with a man who wants nothing to do with her...Categorized as:
forced-proximity steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc insta-love romance contemporary -
Hide and Peak by Victoria Wilder
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlluring. Sexy. Liar. The newest stranger in Strutt's Peak has a mouth as loud and captivating as the bright tattoos drawn all over her body. But she's no stranger to me. Because I’ve met her.I’ve kissed her lips.And I'm the only one who knows her secret.She’s supposed to be dead.Now, I hide the truth and keep her safe. Pretend we never met. Try to forget I ever touched her...Categorized as:
forced-proximity insta-love grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family suspense romance -
Brewing Sunshine: a Steamy Small Town Romance by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe calls me Viking, and she’s not wrong. I’m rough around the edges and work as hard as I play. What she’s going to find out is that I love even harder.I knew from the moment I met her she was made for me.The problem?My Kira is stubborn and she takes her job very seriously. We both want to prove ourselves and make the new Brothers Three Taproom a success...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov insta-love contemporary -
Man Splain by Vanessa Vale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt's literally my job to make sure everything goes to plan. I'm really f-ing good at it. But when the beautiful coffee shop owner refuses a corporate loan to keep her business afloat solely because we had a slightly-drunk quickie, it makes me crazy. Insane. Frustrated. Turned on. Especially when I discover the stubborn woman chooses instead to be a cam girl to pay her bills...Categorized as:
forced-proximity steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov romance contemporary -
Upping the Ante by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's been the grumpiest boss a woman could ask for--or he WAS until I quit. But former football star Deacon Clark doesn't seem to be getting the memo. Instead, he tags along with me to Sheet Cake, Texas, where I'm hoping to start a new business.Deacon's only hope is to hire me back as his assistant. At least, that's what I thought. Until ... the very clear lines we've always kept start to blur...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary fiction -
A Lodge Affair by Rachel LaBerge
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIvy Lawson loves a to-do list, hates surprises, and the only outdoor activity she’s interested in is brunch on a patio. After catching her long-term boyfriend—and co-worker—cheating, she’s thrown into leading a high-profile client event at The Emerald Canopy Lodge. AKA: her nightmare destination. Ivy finds herself desperate and anxious to get her job done and leave the lodge as soon as possible...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov romance contemporary slow-burn -
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service... -
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Player For Hire by Taryn Quinn
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“I want to learn what it’s like to love se* and I want to pay you for the research.”Whoa, whoa…what?The first part of that sentence was a dream come true for a guy. The second part is the one that left me shocked and speechless.Two things I didn’t think were possible since I’m a bartender. I’ve heard some stories, man...Categorized as:
insta-love steamy forced-proximity found-family multi-pov romance contemporary small-town -
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Lumber Snack by Mae Harden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOn the first day of Christmas, I climbed my true love's tree...Dear Santa,After everything I’ve been through this year, I think we can both agree that I deserve something special in my stocking this Christmas. And the burly, axe-toting, mountain man that just rescued me from an icy death sure fits the bill. At least, he would if he could pull that spruce tree out of his back chimney... -
So Flocked by Sarah Estep
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter the wedding, they’ll go their separate ways and no one will ever know what happened in the lighthouse.Jordy Taylor is a disaster. Over the hill by professional football standards, the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to hang up his pads just yet, but his team might have other plans...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity found-family insta-love steamy multi-pov romance contemporary -
One Last Play by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe could be the one. I’ve spent twelve years caring for my niece Maddie who I adopted after my sister died. Having a daughter has made me picky when it comes to the women I spend time with. Not to mention dealing with the pressure of being a college football coach. But when I spot MJ at a mutual friend’s wedding, something draws me toward her...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov romance contemporary -
Shadowed Obsession by Penelope Black
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsbook two coming this...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov steamy romance reverse-harem -
Fake Around and Find Out by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship romantic comedy.The Happy Haven Trailer Park is not where I hoped to be at age twenty-five.Circumstances have left me without a job or a car in a small town where work is scarce. When my insufferable neighbor approached me with a very indecent proposal to co-star in his videos on the Lonely Hands app, I had to resist the impulse to punch him in the mouth... -
Homebound by Meredith Trapp
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShe’s Texas's toughest bull rider, and he’s determined to win her heart.Dakota and Wyatt. Storm and sunshine. Growing up, they were as inseparable as a pair of cowboy boots. The best of friends—or so Dakota thought...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family multi-pov romance -
Everything But You by Harlow James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Speak now or forever hold your peace.”I hate that part in a wedding, where everyone waits on pins and needles to see if someone has a reason why the couple shouldn’t get married.So, when I ran into my high school sweetheart and found out that she was engaged, I said my peace before she ever walked down the aisle...Categorized as:
found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov insta-love romance -
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son...Categorized as:
forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy found-family romance contemporary -
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Craving by Lilian Monroe
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTHE WEDPOCALYPSE CONTINUES... Marlon St. James wants only one to be left alone. He has a house, a successful private security business, and endless peace and quiet. Things are exactly as they should be. Until Camilla. His brother thrusts soft, sweet, curvy Camilla Fox in front of Marlon and announces that she’ll be moving into Marlon’s house. Otherwise, she’ll be homeless. Fine...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity multi-pov insta-love romance contemporary -
Falling by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Little Miss Sunshine and a Hot, Grumpy Rancher are forced to live together, what could possibly go wrong?To the small town of Landmark Mountain, Callum Landmark is a man of few words and considered to be the family grump. Uninvited and unexpected, I crash into his world like a wrecking ball and disrupt the delicate balance of his carefully constructed existence...Categorized as:
grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity found-family insta-love steamy multi-pov -
Wild Bliss by Lexi Blake
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSabrina Leal moved to Bliss looking for a new start. She’s in charge of building a school system from scratch and is excited about the challenge. What she didn’t count on was the surliest bar owner she’s ever met. Sawyer Hathaway gets under her skin in the most annoying way. He’s arrogant and sometimes rude, and she can’t stop thinking about him. It’s easier to ignore him when it’s only Sawyer...Categorized as:
steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity insta-love romance contemporary -
Latte Darling by S.J. Tilly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI have a nice life - living in my hometown, owning the coffee shop I’ve worked at since I was 16.It’s comfortable.On paper.But I’m tired of doing everything by myself. Tired of being in charge of every decision in my life.I want someone to lean on. Someone to spend time with. Sit with. Hug.And I really don’t want to go to my best friend’s wedding alone... -
Just Between Us by Lena Hendrix
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRoyal King is pure mischief wrapped in a cocky smirk and a heated stare. Five minutes in his small town and I knew he was going to be nothing but trouble. He’s an arrogant, tattooed playboy with a secret, and I’m the woman tasked with quietly cleaning up his family’s mess.I never dreamed he could be the mysterious stranger behind my hidden, late-night messages...Categorized as:
forced-proximity found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov steamy insta-love -
Lost & Found in Copper Ridge by Harlow James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt all started with Jack & Diane…And no, not the couple from the popular 80’s song—the couple that signed a five-dollar bill with their names and the location of The Livingston Cabin in Copper Ridge, Colorado.And I just so happened to acquire that five-dollar bill on the same day of the funeral of a close friend AND the day I was supposed to be getting married.Coincidence? Perhaps...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine insta-love adult book contemporary
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