Books like 'The Return Play'
Readers who enjoyed The Return Play by Mariah Dietz also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary slow burn friends to lovers new adult sports sweet heroine
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Nora Roberts Bridal Quartet Boxed Set by Nora Roberts
This boxed gift set from the New York Times bestselling author of more than 190 novels features four books that follow the love lives of four childhood friends who have teamed up to form one of Connecticut's premiere wedding planning companies... -
![Game of Hearts by Emilia Finn]()
Game of Hearts by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.73 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThis is book 3 in the brand new series by Emilia Finn. Stacked Deck is the highly anticipated 'Next Generation' series, and begins with our first baby - Evie "Smalls" Kincaid. Full blurb coming soon... -
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![Checkmate by Emilia Finn]()
Checkmate by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsBishop men are nothing but a plague on this planet, a disease that needs eradication before it spreads. They’re murderers. Liars. Thieves. The day I met Colum Bishop, I thought my life was finally turning around. I was led to believe he would be our saviour. He was supposed to be our hero, a long awaited reprieve from the hardships life insisted on throwing at my mom and me... -
![Time by Penny Reid]()
Time by Penny Reid
From the New York Times Bestselling Author Penny Reid A (brokenhearted) physicist. Now an infamous (who is LITERALLY EVERYWHERE!! UGH!) musician. The worst has already happened. Mona has learned that she has nothing figured out and plans are meaningless. After leaving her in Aspen, Abram is now breaking sales-records, rising to rock star fame almost overnight. Mona can’t seem to escape him... -
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![SUIT by B.B. Easton]()
SUIT by B.B. Easton
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecause BB Easton had so much fun writing her bestselling, award-winning memoir, 44 CHAPTERS ABOUT 4 MEN, she decided to give each of her four men his own steamy standalone. SUIT is Ken's book—the hilarious, heartwarming tale of how BB finally got over her bad boy phase and found happily ever after with…gasp…a guy in a tie... -
![Chasing You by Kelly Elliott]()
Chasing You by Kelly Elliott
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI chased, you pushedI chased, you friend zonedI chased, you fellNow I chase to protect you.You chased, I resistedYou chased, I acceptedYou chased, I fell Now I pray you’re not too late.After finally winning the heart of the woman I loved, there was no way in hell he was taking her from me... -
![Rewriting You by Emilia Finn]()
Rewriting You by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m a mom to teenagers… I’m also my late husband’s executioner.He was an abusive man on the fast track to devastation. He hung me from a fancy chandelier to die, and had my saviors driven the long way home that night, I wouldn’t be here today to tell my story.It’s been a long road since then, but my children and I have finally moved back to town.It’s time to lay some ghosts to bed... -
![Finding Ronan's Heart by Melanie Moreland]()
Finding Ronan's Heart by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“The boys.” “The Callaghan Triplets.”“Three of a kind.”All his life, Ronan Callaghan has been part of a group. Always looking out for his brothers. Never seen as an individual or judged on his own merits.When his brothers veer onto their own path, he finds himself alone. Restless. Then he meets her. Beth. A waitress who sees him just for himself. None of the trappings of his wealth or family... -
![Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo]()
Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFirst came love, then came the NHL, then came Baylor and Jayden with a baby carriage... -
![Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster]()
Hearts at Play by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBrianna Heart has a six-year old daughter and a twelve-year plan to keep her life as simple as possible until Layla turns eighteen. That means swearing off relationships and the drama that goes along with them, working two jobs, and being the best damn mother she can be... -
![Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen]()
Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen
Imagine this: an author with a raging case of writer’s block finds an unexpected source of inspiration in her grumpy, gorgeous new roommate. Sounds amazing, right? Except that new roommate is my childhood best friend. And Ian Wilder has been off-limits since I was five... -
![The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels]()
The Consolation Duet Books 1-2 by Corinne Michaels
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLiam wasn't supposed to be my happily ever after. He wasn't even on my radar. He was my husband's best friend-forbidden. But my husband died and I fell in love with Liam only to be left shattered into a million pieces. Again. I want him. I need him. I yearn for him, but he's gone. Now I have to decide if it's him I love or if he was just the consolation prize all along... -
![Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic]()
Path To Resolution by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWolfe Emerson is notorious for two things: being an absolute beast in a boxing ring and being a voluntary mute. His story remains unspoken and he prefers to live his life in silence. That is, until, his world is turned upside down when he meets someone who is louder than life... -
![Holding on to Forever by Siobhan Davis, S.B. Alexander]()
Holding on to Forever by Siobhan Davis, S.B. Alexander
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSecretly dating Coach Parker’s daughter was never part of the plan. Neither was becoming her dealer… ADAM Returning to my drug-dealing past wasn’t on the agenda when I accepted the full ride to play ball at Cypress U. But Mom lost her job. And my sister’s medical bills are mounting. So, I’ve no choice but to change the playbook... -
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![Loved by Liam by Melanie Moreland]()
Loved by Liam by Melanie Moreland
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLiam Callaghan is happy with the way things are.He has a successful business, a family he loves, and a life he thinks is fulfilling and complete.Until a favor for his brother brings him to her.She sparks something inside him. Something he had no idea he was missing.One touch and he knows Paige Winters is the woman he wants.She and her daughter become his focus. His world... -
![Empire High Matchmaker by Ivy Smoak]()
Empire High Matchmaker by Ivy Smoak
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMatthew Caldwell is NYC's most eligible bachelor.Charming.Gorgeous.Wealthy.Great with kids.Broken.Sixteen years ago he lost everything. He made a vow to never love again. But suddenly everyone in his life is acting like a matchmaker. He can't help but wonder if a broken vow is better than a broken heart.There's just one problem. Only one woman in the city has caught his attention... -
![Sea of Love by Melissa Foster]()
Sea of Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsYou fell in love with Lacy Snow in Sisters in White (Snow Sisters, Book Three). Follow her on her path to her forever love in Sea of Love. Lacy Snow hadn’t been looking for love when she met strikingly handsome and seductive Dane Braden... -
![Unexpected Fall by Kaylee Ryan]()
Unexpected Fall by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsLife is full of ups and downs. Events that shape who you are, even those that are filled with heartbreak and tragedy. What do you do when actions bring devastation? How do you pick up the pieces and keep moving forward? One breath. One second. One minute. One hour. One day at a time, you learn to live with your unexpected fall... -
![Playing For Keeps by Emilia Finn]()
Playing For Keeps by Emilia Finn
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLife is all about choices, right? Everything we do, from brushing our teeth in the morning, until we climb into bed at night, is a series of choices. Sometimes we make bad choices, sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re made under duress, and sometimes they’re the lesser of two evils kind... -
![Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo]()
Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo
Stella Brooks is a woman who knows what she wants. From her first glimpse of Paris Fashion Week at the tender age of eleven, she has only ever wanted to be a designer. Hardworking and dedicated, she knows she can make a success of it. Until…she is driven to trade fashion for frosting, a move that makes her soul sing but shakes her confidence in her decision-making to her core... -
![Stay Tonight by Kaylee Ryan]()
Stay Tonight by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSterling It’s always been her, and I just never realized. Now that I’m looking at her that way, I can’t unsee it… and I don’t want to. Alyssa has been my best friend since kindergarten, and these intense new feelings could cost me our friendship. She’s the one I share everything with, good or bad. It makes sense to share my life with her... -
![Fighting for Honor by J.B. Salsbury]()
Fighting for Honor by J.B. Salsbury
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author JB Salsbury brings her Fighting series to Harper Sloan’s Hope Town in Fighting for Honor. UFL fighter Caleb hasn’t been to Hope Town since he was eighteen. His next big fight takes place in Atlanta and the serene lakefront home from his childhood is the perfect place to train without distractions... -
![Touched by Love by Melissa Foster]()
Touched by Love by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTOUCHED BY LOVE is a USA TODAY BESTSELLER Readers’ Favorite calls Touched by Love, “The best book I’ve read all year!” 5 Stars! An unexpected tragedy leads to an unexpected love. Fall in love with the story thousands of readers are raving about. Fiercely independent Janie Jansen has always believed there were worse things in life than being blind, and she’s spent her life proving it... -
![Broken Dove by Chelle Bliss]()
Broken Dove by Chelle Bliss
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA simple arrangement. A complicated future.Lia Dove has always been a free spirit, living life to the fullest and never putting down roots. But after finding her birth father, along with a group of lovable, rowdy bikers, she can’t imagine being anywhere else. Throw in a hot biker roommate who offers her no-strings-attached deal as the cherry on top and leaving becomes an afterthought...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sweet heroine new adult contemporary suspense bikers betrayal length-medium -
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![Saved by Love by Toni Aleo]()
Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEvan Adler can’t get out of his own head.Worthless.Broken.Failure.Those are just a few of the words he uses to describe himself now. Medically retired from the NHL before he even had a chance to live up to the Adler legacy, Evan has returned to his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to focus on his mental health... -
![Levi's Blue by Michelle Leighton]()
Levi's Blue by Michelle Leighton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFour beautiful days. Three steamy nights. One breathtaking love. Levi Michaelson. He wanted four dates. Four opportunities to prove I could trust him. Four chances to change my mind about him. I agreed. Probably not my smartest decision. He was everything I knew to avoid—gorgeous, charming, sexy as hell—but I couldn’t help myself. When he touched me the whole world disappeared... -
![Endeared by J.S. Scott]()
Endeared by J.S. Scott
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAfter finishing a hard-won medical residency, Owen Sinclair now lives his dream as a family physician. The windfall that brought him newfound wealth has also made handsome Dr. Sinclair the town’s most eligible bachelor... -
![Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover]()
Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen she was a little girl, Remy Archer fell in love with Hyde Fuller at first sight. In fact, he was the only thing she could see for a very long time. For Remy, it never mattered to her that Hyde was always too serious and always seemed so sad. To her, he was the very best, and the center of her entire world. She never dreamed he would let her down when she needed him the most... -
![Trust the Push by Kaylee Ryan]()
Trust the Push by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI'm making strides in the world of dirt late model racing. With back-to-back championships under my belt, I'm determined to win a third and be the youngest driver in history to do so. I'm going to make it happen. My career is my focus. That is until the ultimate distraction in the form of a redheaded bombshell drops into my life... -
![Needing You Close by Kennedy Fox]()
Needing You Close by Kennedy Fox
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI never expected to see my first love again after he left me twelve years ago. Though I’ve moved on, working with Tyler is no easy task—especially when he focuses his bedroom eyes on me. Flirting with the past is like playing with fire, and considering I’m engaged, I’m bound to get burned... -
![Long Shot Bonus Epilogue: Double Overtime by Kennedy Ryan]()
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![She Writes Love by Sandi Lynn]()
She Writes Love by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTwo lives, two losses, and one meeting that changed their lives forever. Learning to move and learning to love again isn’t always easy. The circle of life. It’s something we all know about but are never truly prepared for the unexpected. The unexpected that comes out of nowhere. No warning, no heads up, nothing... -
![Bring It Home by Toni Aleo]()
Bring It Home by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBoon Hoenes only has three goals in life. To make Posey Adler his wife, to win the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row, and for Shea Adler to like him.The first, he’s got on lock. The second, he’s well on his way. And the third… Well, two out of three ain’t bad... -
![Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson]()
Rogue Wave by J. Bengtsson
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA love story that survives the test of time. Keith McKallister is the king of the stoners. You know the type. Every school has one – the hot, fun, dopey guy beloved by the student body but despised by, well, just about everyone else. He spends his early mornings in the ocean and his days trying to get to class on time... -
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![Change My Game by Kelsey Clayton]()
Change My Game by Kelsey Clayton
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMy name is Jace London,And I may have screwed up.I’ve always been the guy who had it all.Privilege, entitlement, and a life of luxury.But after one college night gone tragically wrong,Nothing has ever been the same.Everyone thinks I should be happy.With a trust fund like mine, who could be sad?But no one knows what’s going on with me,Or the nightmares that keep me awake at night... -
![A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy]()
A Callahan Wedding by Monica Murphy
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe sweet and sexy conclusion to New York Times bestselling author, Monica Murphy’s standalone Callahan series, bringing readers along for the ride as fan favorites, Jake and Hannah get married! Hannah Walsh. Gorgeous. Intelligent. My first love. My high school sweetheart. My everything. And now my fiancée...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports new adult alpha male athletes contemporary found-family length-short -
![Saint by Nicole James]()
Saint by Nicole James
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShe’s a favor, a debt I owe—that’s all.Kami—I’m no longer the little girl he once knew, one who believed in fairy tales.And he’s no longer the white knight I believed him to be.How can he be when he shows up on a black Harley wearing leather and biker boots?I didn’t want this, but the decision is out of my control.Now I’m his.I have to remember this is only temporary... -
![Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover]()
Fortunate Son by Jay Crownover
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsRy Archer and Bowe Keller are as different as night and day. But that doesn’t stop the childhood frenemies from reconnecting whenever one of them needs some help tackling any of life’s major puzzles, like figuring out why getting what you always thought you wanted isn’t living up to all the hype... -
![Writing the Rules by Mariah Dietz]()
Writing the Rules by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPoppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was … until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he’d forgotten.Paxton Lawson was long ago labeled ‘The Golden Boy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers contemporary college siblings-bff football length-long -
![Second-Rate Superstar by Siena Trap]()
Second-Rate Superstar by Siena Trap
Rated: 4.33 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 friends to lovers new adult slow burn hockey found-family contemporary athletes -
![My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
My Next Play by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when you fall for your best friend, but they fall in love with someone else? Nothing is what it seems in this unrequited love, new adult romance.Miles knew Nessa never had eyes for him. Only when someone new tries to hurt her, he knows he can’t stand back any longer. It’s time she finds out the man he is behind the glasses and beneath the shell he wrapped himself in... -
![The Trouble With Her by Kat T. Masen]()
The Trouble With Her by Kat T. Masen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt was supposed to be a holiday, a trip of a lifetime to discover myself. But the truth is, I was running from life back home. And away from my best friend.Andrew ‘Andy’ Baker is also family. At least—that’s how we were raised.Then, I fell in love with life in London.And I met Prince Charming. It all just fell into place until it didn’t.But I took a vow... -
![Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw]()
Watch and Learn by Rebel Shaw
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNateAll I wanted to do was be me, for one night. I didn’t want to be the number one quarterback in the league. I just wanted to be Nate. I couldn’t tell you exactly what made me stop at that dive bar on the outskirts of town, but it changed my life.Our connection was instant and undeniable. Our night together was explosive, which led to another, and then another. No strings...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult contemporary second chances humor friends-benefits length-medium -
![Blizzard by Cambria Hebert]()
Blizzard by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAn arctic blast is coming… Fleeing to the wintry town of Caribou was always meant to be temporary, BearPaw Resort just a place to hide. Never in a million years did I expect that running back to the past would bring me face to face with my future. But it did, and now everyone I love is in danger. I’ve already escaped death three times, and I know my luck is running out... -
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![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![My Rebound by Carrie Ann Ryan]()
My Rebound by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA rebound isn’t supposed to last. Though, sometimes, fate has other ideas in this opposites attract, friends with benefits romance.It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.Mackenzie Thomas started planning her future at the age of six. She knew the college she wanted, the career she needed, and the boy she would marry.Only he wasn’t supposed to break up with her in such a spectacular fashion... -
![Burn by Ginger Scott]()
Burn by Ginger Scott
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratings**Burn is the third and final book in the brother’s-best-friend, friends-to-lovers Fuel Series by Ginger Scott. This second-chance romance completes this angsty, steamy, new adult trilogy.Dustin Bridge’s world is about speed. About the edge. His life has been carved by cutting corners and making moves, following impulsive decisions while weighing the facts at hand... -
![Last Chance: A Second Chances Novel by L.P. Dover]()
Last Chance: A Second Chances Novel by L.P. Dover
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA steamy, second chances novel by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, L.P. Dover. Can be read as a STANDALONE. One Taste, the prequel to Last Chance, has been added at the beginning with all new scenes. One last chance. That's all Luke Collins, local bad boy and motocross champion, has to not only find his redemption, but win back the girl he lost...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers sports athletes suspense contemporary second chances length-medium -
![Knocked Up by Nikki Ash, Nicole Blanchard]()
Knocked Up by Nikki Ash, Nicole Blanchard
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when you’re left with more than just the memories of an incredible night together? Settle in and get your fill of sixteen NEW secret baby stories where hidden secrets are revealed and couples that were once separated are reunited. Each story guarantees cuteness, sexiness, lots of love, and of course a HEA... -
![Love You Better by Brit Benson]()
Love You Better by Brit Benson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKelley Pierce is my person.Loyal. Dependable. Strong. He makes me laugh on my darkest days and calms me when I’m at my most chaotic. He’s also totally gorgeous, or so I’ve been told. And sinfully sexy, not that it matters.Best friends don’t notice those things. Kelley gets me like no one else does, and I get him. Our friendship is perfect.Kind of...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers contemporary friends-benefits found-family soccer length-medium
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