Books like 'Penalty Kill'
Readers who enjoyed Penalty Kill by Lexi James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance friends-to-lovers forced-proximity sports found-family forbidden-love
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Stand and Defend by Sloane St. James
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJordanaI live my life head over heart and never rock the boat. Which is how I wound up engaged to Bryan Davenport—the biggest mistake I ever made. We were a power couple, but no one knew how cruel he could be behind closed doors. When I decide to leave, my fiancé shows just how ruthless he can be and sends me running to the last person I expected: his best man...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance contemporary revenge stalking -
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEvie told herself not to fall for her pro-hockey crush. But when she sees him holding her baby girl, all bets are off. When Evie moves South to the same mountain town where her childhood crush plays pro-hockey, she arms herself with all the reasons why she can’t fall for him again.Number one: Alec is her best friend’s much older brother...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family romance contemporary fiction small-town -
Free from Falling by E.L. Massey
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin “Matts” Matthews is good at a lot of things: Rubik’s Cubes, playing guitar, herding cattle, and most importantly for his career in the NHL, hockey. He’s not good at human interactions or social cues, especially when it comes to women. This deficiency is an annoyance rather than a problem, right up until he meets Sydney Warren. If it’s not love at first sight, it’s sure something close... -
The Knockout by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Knockout is a hot new hockey romance between a broken ballerina and the forbidden bad boy who saves her.We all have dirty secrets. Some are just more fun to hide than others.Ares Wilder is a so-called bad boy. A ladies man. The teammate most likely to fight both on and off the ice...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family romance contemporary humor billionaire -
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Supermad by C.S. Quill
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsL' année universitaire qui débute promet d’être radieuse pour Lane O’Neill. Campus Drivers, l’application qu’il a fondée avec ses meilleurs amis, cartonne. Le concept est simple : jouer les taxis pour étudiant, au volant de voitures de collection. Les filles en raffolent, et les quatre chauffeurs ont à cœur de ne jamais décevoir leur clientèle... -
A Little Secret by Kelsie Rae
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTo be fair, when I looked at the pregnancy test results, I didn't think it would literally make me have a seizure.Then, I woke up in the hospital with my brother's best friend by my side and the doctor congratulating us on our baby.Our. Baby.But the worst part?I didn't correct him.Oops.Now, Griffin Thorne is the only man on the planet who knows about my not-so-little secret... -
Fallen Snow by Jolie Vines
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHot rock star meets injured snowboarder. Even broken hearts can melt.ViolaAfter a hit and run, my gold medal dreams are forced on hold. I can’t walk, let alone snowboard, and a wheelchair is my new way to get around.Everything I worked for has been destroyed.Then the world’s number one rock star strides into my life.He’s staying in my castle and working with my family... -
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 forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance university new-adult contemporary -
The Wildcat by Bella Matthews
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat do you get when you mix a devastatingly handsome hockey player who doesn’t do casual with a blonde bombshell cheerleader who doesn’t do serious?I was supposed to be taking the summer off from dating. . . and flirting. . . and men in general. A cleanse. It sounded great in theory. But theory went out the window when my own personal kryptonite sat on the barstool next to mine...Categorized as:
sports found-family friends-to-lovers forbidden-love romance contemporary humor age-gap -
A Major Puck Up by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere are only a few rules I live enjoy life, smile as often as possible, and don’t ever let a woman come between friends. Oh and hockey is life.For the past forty years I’ve done an excellent job at every single one of them.Until Millie Hall. To be fair, I had no idea who she was that first night. Can’t say the same about the second...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance contemporary age-gap billionaire -
Runaway Bride and Prejudice by Emma St. Clair
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThere's one rule smart hockey players know not to break: never, and I mean, NEVER date the coach's daughter. But no one ever accused Van of being smart.When the mouthy bad boy of the Appies catches the groom cheating on the coach's daughter, he can't just walk away. Not on her wedding day.Maybe his own relationships are casual, but he would never cheat and never treat wedding vows so carelessly...Categorized as:
sports forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance contemporary fiction -
Wild and Wicked by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThere are worse things than getting trapped in a cabin during a blizzard with her best friend’s big brother, hockey star, Elio!Gianna, queen of to-do lists, clean freak, organizer extraordinaire, has her future all figured out. Dream job at twenty-four, engaged at twenty-six, married at twenty-eight, first baby at thirty. And she’s on her way to achieving that…sort of...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers romance contemporary steamy audiobook small-town -
Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsShe’s looking for Mr. Right. I can offer her Mr. Right Now.That’s my specialty.He’s my best friend’s older brother.He was also my teenage crush and completely out of reach.But we had our secrets—moments that nobody knew about.I’d tucked them away in a safe place, and that’s where I’d planned to keep them.He’d moved to the city, and I’d moved on...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers adult angst book coming-of-age -
The Season: Kaufman by Nicole Edwards
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSpencer Kaufman When I signed on to the NHL, I promised to give 150% to the game. I’ve done that. Little did I know, but they would ask more from me than merely my skill on the ice. The team wanted me to be their captain. It’s an honor, one I’ve done my best to fulfill. Although I can’t take all the credit, I was there to lead when we won the Stanley Cup... -
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Wild Card by Maggie Rawdon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe infamous playboy and star wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom is the last person on earth I would ever expect to come to my rescue. Tobias Westfield and I can’t see eye-to-eye on anything. But when my date goes to hell and I end up stranded in the pouring rain on my birthday, he’s there—holding my hand and playing the adoring boyfriend. I might have had him all wrong...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance humor contemporary enemies-to-lovers -
4th Degree by Nikki Castle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe's her coach.She's too young.They're both risking everything.Forced to grow up too soon, Skylar has built her entire life around taking care of her family. But when she catches her first lucky break, she’s finally able to pick up the sport that has always intrigued her. Signing up at the local MMA gym is where she meets Coach Dominic... -
Second-Rate Superstar by Siena Trap
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEver heard of imposter syndrome?Well, if you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find my picture beside the definition.I’ve been living in my older brother’s shadow since the day I was born.Anyone would struggle to live up to the legacy of the great Jaxon Slate, hockey superstar and face of the league. But it’s worse for me. Everyone expects me to be Jaxon 2...Categorized as:
sports found-family friends-to-lovers romance new-adult slow-burn contemporary athlete -
California Dreaming by Bella Andre, Nicky Arden
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMeet the Davenport family! Six brothers and sisters who call picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea home. Successful, brilliant, and passionate, the only thing they all still need is the perfect partner in love and life. Hotshot movie star Archer Davenport has never met a stunt he couldn’t ace, a challenge he couldn’t overcome, or a woman he couldn’t have... -
The Renegade Billionaire by Avery Maxwell
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s got two reasons for getting out of bed every morning: Running his family’s empire and ruining his father. Braxton Reyes doesn’t have time for anything else in his life. At least not until his grandfather’s will is read. The only man Braxton ever trusted has just derailed everything he’s worked for... -
Score by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI have a crush on Nolan Archer, Boston University’s freshman running back. He’s the definition of tall, dark, and swoon worthy. My knees weaken every time our eyes meet. There’s only one problem… he’s a virgin. As much as I try to convince myself he’s too young for me, or that I prefer experienced guys, I can’t deny the flames of attraction flaring between us...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports adult age-gap book contemporary -
Cooper by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThirteen years ago I fell for the wrong person and swore I’d never let another woman into my heart. Ever since, I’ve lived on a diet of bunnies and casual sex. That was until Francesca Danvers walked into my life. The sister of my team Captain’s fiancée, her Maid of Honor to my Best Man. She’s my match in every stubborn way. Boiling my blood during the day, lighting me on fire at night...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers found-family forced-proximity romance contemporary insta-love slow-burn -
68 Days And Counting by Nikki20038
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratings~Sequel to The Bad Boy And The Tomboy~Macy Anderson and Sam Cahill are together in Manchester, England living the new university life. Their relationship is striving as they meet new people and experience different things and strengthen their beautiful relationship. But then again there's soccer, the Cahill family and girls because where there's Sam Cahill there will also be many girls... -
Make My Heart Race by Grace McGinty
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTally Palmer had always wanted to drive fast and kick ass, in that order. She’d earned her place as a NASCAR driver. She followed the rules, paid her dues, and didn’t make any mistakes.Except one. She fell in love with a boy.In the blink of an eye, Tally’s dreams went up in smoke...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers found-family forced-proximity romance reverse-harem contemporary polyamory -
Lovestruck by Julie Capulet
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShe’s completely off-limits.But some rules were made to be broken.Elias O’Shea isn’t just Hawthorne University’s star quarterback—he’s the campus heartthrob. With the looks of a god and an easygoing charm that leaves women swooning, he’s at the top of his game. The NFL is within reach and endorsements are pouring in...Categorized as:
sports forbidden-love friends-to-lovers romance university contemporary new-adult insta-love -
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So This Is War by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsDid I think I was going to fall for my coach's daughter? The answer would be no. I'm still unclear on how I got into this predicament in the first place. A year ago, I was a man with one thought on his mind, the redhead I met at a hotel bar. Twelve months later, I found her. Unfortunately for me, she not only happens to be my very off-limits coach's daughter, but also . . -
Beyond the Game by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsPaisley One minute I’m sitting at the ballpark chatting with a handsome stranger, the next his lips are on mine and sparks are flying, while the whole world watches us reach first base on the kiss cam. As the daughter of a former professional baseball player, I know all too well what it’s like living in front of the lens...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports adult book contemporary fiction insta-love -
The Boyfriend Goal by Lauren Blakely, Erin Mallon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA forbidden romance with my brother’s hockey-playing teammate wasn’t on my to-do list when I moved across the country.Neither was getting locked out of a friend’s place wearing next to nothing.Or spending the night with the sexy stranger who rescues me.But I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone so getting out of the rest of my clothes with him seems like a good way to start... -
Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve loved Henry Hensley since I was seven years old. We’ve gone from best friends to lovers to nothing.To most people, he’s the Chicago Falcons starting right winger and hot single dad, but to me, he’s my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first love.Eight years ago, that all changed when our lives took us in two different directions... -
Behind the Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMaven Wood is ready for a fresh start. After an injury on the soccer field leads to her dropping out of college, she needs a change. When her godfather–the coach of the hottest team in the NFL–tells her about an open position as a sports photographer, she jumps at the chance to apply. The pay is good, but it doesn’t cover her rent after her roommate moves out...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family forbidden-love romance contemporary fiction -
Awake at Dawn by Amelie Rhys
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gemma Briggs moves in with her brother’s friend, the only thing harder than keeping the arrangement a secret is resisting the explosive chemistry she has with her new roommate—hot NFL player, Noah London.After a workplace one-night stand leaves her high and dry with a baby on the way, Gemma Briggs is forced to leave her job as a college figure skating coach...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity friends-to-lovers romance contemporary new-adult slow-burn multi-pov -
Off Camera by Chelsea Curto
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAvery Sinclair is good at her job as the social media manager for the Baltimore Thunderhawks. She’s one of the best in the NFL, in fact. The only thing stopping her from being the account of the year? The DC Titans, run by the mystery man she’s been feuding with for years.Reid Duncan isn’t the world’s biggest sports fan, but he loves his job... -
Reckless Love by Willow Aster
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA sexy small-town, single dad, friends-to-lovers romance by USA Today bestselling author, Willow AsterI fell in love with Rhodes Archer the night we met thirteen years ago.We made a pact that night to never cross the just-friends zone.However, Rhodes crossed that line by kissing me recently, and I can’t get over it... -
Happily Ever Maybe by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan’s Montgomery Ink Legacy continues with a workplace romance that started with a fling and ends with something more. It was only supposed to be one job. I know the rules.Get in. Get out.Protect the girl, then move on.Only it never works out the way it should.Now Jennifer and I work with each other and there’s no going back to normal... -
Playing it Country by Alexandra Hale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaking the world believe I was a playboy was easy.Falling for the girl with one foot out the door? Even I didn’t see that coming.I’d do anything for my twin brother.Even put my own life on hold when his first love disappeared and left him heartbroken.I donned the mask. I played the part. I smiled at the whispers around town.I took the heat so my brother wouldn’t have to...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers found-family romance western contemporary small-town fiction -
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Frozen Heart Face-Off by Siena Trap
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy heart only beats for her.Four years ago, half of my heart walked out the door. The piece left behind has sat frozen in time—a time when our love was alive and thriving.I was luckier than most guys in the league. I met the girl of my dreams before I hit it big, and she stood by my side as my hockey career took off.She was my cheerleader, my best friend, my soulmate...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers romance contemporary grief slow-burn -
The Proposal Play by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy plan when I win a date in Vegas with my brother’s hockey star best friend? Poker and go to sleep early. Instead, I wake up with a ring on my finger and the sexy athlete naked in my bed.But Asher’s my best friend too so we’ll get this annulled and laugh about this secret for years to come.Trouble is our wedding pics went viral overnight.Now everyone thinks we’re a real couple... -
Caution by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLike every hardworking member of Harper Security Ops, Forrest Hickman takes time away from work to relax and recharge. And he often does that while riding his snowboard on the slopes of his favorite ski resort.He wasn’t sure anything would be better than some time alone to clear his head. That is, until he meets someone to spend his break with...Categorized as:
found-family friends-to-lovers forced-proximity romance audiobook contemporary small-town suspense -
Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays… Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget...Categorized as:
forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports adult book cheerful-mc children contemporary -
Unloved by Peyton Corinne
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe highly anticipated follow-up to Peyton Corinne’s “unputdownable and unforgettable” (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) TikTok sensation Unsteady follows hopeless romantic Ro and player—on and off the ice—Freddy as their feelings for each other grow from strictly friendly to so much more. Matt “Freddy” Fedderic is all smiles—at least on the surface...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family romance contemporary university new-adult -
A Deal with the Devil by Angel Lawson, Samantha Rue
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes The Devil Hides in Plain Sight...One fateful night. Two lives forever changed.Sometimes the bonds of tragedy are stronger than blood.When Vandy Hall got into a stolen car with Reynolds McAllister-her brother's best friend, her childhood crush-she had no idea the lifetime of pain it would cause her...Categorized as:
forbidden-love found-family friends-to-lovers sports boarding-school book contemporary dark -
Buried Alive by Stacey Marie Brown
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNine years after a tragic accident, Hannah “Brennley” Evans has returned home to the snowy mountains of Whistler, Canada. This is the very place that destroyed her, where her whole world ended, and the reason she now goes by Hannah Jennings. Struggling with his own tragic past, Rhys Axton, an infamous sexy snowboarding champion, wants nothing more than to be the next Olympic hopeful...Categorized as:
forbidden-love friends-to-lovers sports adult audiobook book coming-of-age contemporary -
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere's a Callahan wedding happening...but who's the happy couple?More info coming soon... -
The Final Play by Amie Knight
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Final Play isn’t always the end. Sometimes, it’s the beginning of something far more beautiful. As a professional linebacker, I lived and breathed football. The only thing I loved as much as the game was my twin brother, Max, who kept me almost as busy cleaning up his messes. The most recent of which landed him behind bars... -
On the Line by Naomi Loud
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrowing up in high society, James Ferdinand never imagined that one day she’d end up working as a server.But after her authoritative father gives her the ultimatum—stay in line rather than pursue her art—she needs to find a quick way to support herself since she’s unwilling to give up on her dreams.The answer is landing a job at Orso, a fine-dining restaurant in the heart of Marsford Bay...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers forced-proximity found-family romance dark contemporary new-adult mental-illness -
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Callum by Sawyer Bennett
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCallum Derringer was hired by the Pittsburgh Titans to help rebuild the organization after a devastating plane crash left its future unknown. Now that he’s got the team back on track, it’s time to put some effort into his own life.When I accepted the job of general manager with the Titans, it was just the opportunity I needed to prove myself to the sports world...Categorized as:
sports forced-proximity found-family friends-to-lovers romance contemporary abuse fiction -
Love Machine by C.S. Quill
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLorsque les Campus Drivers débarquent à Miami, Lewis et ses acolytes décident de nouer un partenariat prometteur avec une application qui cartonne : la Love Machine. Conduire les étudiants c’est bien, mais les accompagner à leurs premiers rencards, c’est encore mieux ! Sauf pour Rafael Torres...Categorized as:
friends-to-lovers found-family romance new-adult contemporary young-adult fiction book -
Tell Me a Story by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoey I don’t want to be someone’s dirty little secret. I know all too well what that feels like. Guarding my heart means staying out of pro football player Brock Williams’s bed and out of the spotlight. But after all these years, he’s exactly like I remember, charming, determined, and used to getting what he wants. And what he wants now is me. The chemistry between us is undeniable... -
Pucking Revenge by Brittanee Nicole
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA fake dating, friends to lovers, hockey... -
The Rebound by Kendall Ryan
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA smokin' hot new standalone romance from New York Times bestseller, Kendall Ryan.My coach hates me, and our team captain now watches my every move, so that's super fun.Which is why I'm trying something new—being a good guy. It might not be what I'm known for, but I'll try anything once.The part of this that’s not an act? Helping out my new neighbor Kinley. She's beautiful, funny and newly single...Categorized as:
forbidden-love forced-proximity friends-to-lovers sports adult athlete audiobook book -
Felix by Lulu Moore
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI have a secret. Twelve years ago I crushed on my teammate’s little sister, before firmly putting her in the friend zone. Which then became the best friend zone. And my teammate became more of a brother.But now we have two problems.1. I just found out she’s been crushing on me too, and my feelings have come hurtling back like a puck heading for the net2...
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