Books like 'The Playing Game'
Readers who enjoyed The Playing Game by Ainsley Booth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary sports athletes praise-kink sweet-hero dual-pov competent heroine anal sex caretaking second chances
-
Valkyrie by Kris Michaels
A Beauty, but eventually the allure fades. The assassin known as Valkyrie uses her many charms to ensnare the unsuspecting monsters she kills. She lives among the rich, privileged, beautiful people of the world. Or so they’d have the world believe. She’s witnessed the ugliness, brutality, contempt, and greed that formed the miscreants she hunted. A Beast, at least in most people’s eyes... -
![The Final Hour by Brittney Sahin]()
The Final Hour by Brittney Sahin
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTrained to fight and born to lead, Emilia can handle anything the sexy Irishman throws her way—except love.Sean McGregor, the handsome and protective Irish billionaire, was once the king of one-night-stands, but when a beautiful and courageous Italian comes into his life, everything changes. He only wants her—the one woman he can’t have... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![Piece by Piece by Kaylee Ryan]()
Piece by Piece by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsLaylaOwen Riggins is too good to be true. The best things in life usually are. He’s good looking, generous and interested in me. Too bad someone like him and someone like me aren’t’ meant to be together.He’s used to the best things in life, and I’ve grown up with the worst... -
![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... -
-
![Touch by Touch by Kaylee Ryan]()
Touch by Touch by Kaylee Ryan
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAspenI’ve watched my sister struggle to find the happily ever after that she deserves. I know love doesn’t happen overnight, but a man like Conrad Riggins almost makes me believe in forever.The hottie Riggins brother has always been a shameless flirt, but the way his gaze slowly travels over my towel-clad body heats things up a few degrees.I tell myself that we’re just caught up in the moment...Categorized as:
super rich hero friends to lovers insta-love m-f contemporary new adult found-family length-medium -
![Love By Design: A Blind Date Holiday Novella by Samantha Christy]()
Love By Design: A Blind Date Holiday Novella by Samantha Christy
Rated: 4.62 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA sexy Christmas novella that’s a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and Holidate.Holland McQuaid works for the toughest designer in New York City. It’s a dream job. It’s heaven and hell at the same time. But when she gets her lucky break, and the job turns into something she never expected, it comes with strings... -
![Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster]()
Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster
She’s a romance writer who, against her better instinct, is finding love in the friend zone in a fun, sexy, and unpredictable romantic comedy by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who... -
![He Said Together by Ruth Cardello]()
He Said Together by Ruth Cardello
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times, bestselling author Ruth Cardello comes another scorching Corisi romance about the lengths people go for those they love and how complicated family can be.Kal has always done whatever was necessary to protect and care for his family—even if that meant dancing for money. He’s not happy with his life or himself, but what matters most are the people he loves... -
![Delayed Call by Toni Aleo]()
Delayed Call by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsVaughn Johansson is the Nashville Assassins' star player. He's brash, cocky, and talented. And he isn't afraid to let anyone know it. He lives his life on his own terms, never forming romantic attachments, and only allowing his very closest to see his true, caring self. Brie Soledad has the weight of the world on her shoulders... -
![Jake Understood by Penelope Ward]()
Jake Understood by Penelope Ward
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length companion novel and sequel. A different side to the story: Jake’s side. “We’re getting a new roommate,” they said. I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis. Nina.. -
![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... -
![Total Chaos by Nikki Ash]()
Total Chaos by Nikki Ash
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsKendallMy life has been an endless loop of heartache and breakup songs. I’ve lived in fear that I’m broken and will never find the kind of love that would piece me back together into something whole.When my boyfriend proposes, I say yes, desperate for an easy fix. For a super-glue solution. But, on the day of my wedding, when my dad tells me to follow my heart, it doesn’t lead me down the aisle... -
![Power Play by Toni Aleo]()
Power Play by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPosey Adler is coming home. After a devastating journey for what she mistakenly thought was true love, she is saying to hell with men and love forever. As the Nashville Assassins’s new assistant coach for special teams, Posey is ready to focus on her job and have the attention on her for a change... -
![The Wild One by Ruth Cardello]()
The Wild One by Ruth Cardello
She wants to go wild. A billionaire decides to go with her. For two Americans in Paris, love wasn’t in the plans in New York Times bestselling author Ruth Cardello’s sexy high-stakes romance. After years of choosing safe over satisfying, a weeklong Paris fling sounds perfect to Wren Heath... -
-
![Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo]()
Twenty-Two by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Lucas Brooks was traded to the Nashville Assassins over a decade ago, he was a brash, brawling hothead without an anchor. Well, four kids and a smokin' hot wife will weigh you down real fast, but Lucas wouldn't change a minute of his happily ever after... -
![Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor]()
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMy requirements for a man are simple. Must love books. Must NOT love hockey. Which is why I will never be interested in my neighbor, the aloof and mysterious Felix Jamison, no matter how many books I see him hauling into his apartment. Unless he loses his pro hockey skates, I’m out. But then he shows up at my symphony concert. And I catch the sweet strains of Dvorak floating across the hall...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey m-f humor contemporary forced proximity from hate to love -
![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... -
![Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Laced by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOne of us will have to give up the future we’ve dreamed of if we’re going to make this work. It’s not going to be me. We can’t both have that same thought if we want to stay together when our contract ends.But the more I see him struggle against the things his mother does to him, the harder I fall. The more his ex tries to get in his way, the more I want to stand up for him...Categorized as:
age difference sports friends to lovers m-f forced proximity contemporary siblings-bff length-short -
![The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee]()
The Whole Time by Catherine Bybee
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes a tale of a strong-willed dancer exercising her independence and the rich biker she can’t let go. Salena Barone has broken free of her family and moved into an apartment above the D’Angelos' restaurant, where she works as a manager―without a husband, thank you very much... -
![Jasper by Lulu Moore]()
Jasper by Lulu Moore
As Captain of an NHL team, I'm rich, successful and have women falling at my feet.I thought my life was perfect until a pint sized blonde checked into me one day, knocking my life off course.Wolfie Williams is sass personified. Beautiful, fiery, funny and oh so sexy. With every eye roll she gives me I become more and more wrapped around her finger, making me realise she is my missing piece... -
![Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae]()
Hart to Heart by ME Carter, Murphy Rae
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWe’re the Harts. Between an engagement, a wedding and an adoption, we’ve had the best year of our lives. Things have never looked better for Jaxon, Addison and myself. But just because you say “I do” doesn’t mean you get a happily ever after. And sometimes, you get tackled more in life than you ever did on the football field... -
![Beautifully Broken Control by Catherine Cowles]()
Beautifully Broken Control by Catherine Cowles
A woman trying to rebuild her life.Kennedy is doing all she can to escape, to prove that she’s not the monster her father was. A simple life of peace and service is all she needs.A man haunted by a past he can’t forget.Cain has buried his demons under layers of control and success. The only thing he needs is his company and his solitude... -
![My Friend the Billionaire by Maggie Cole, Wen Ross]()
My Friend the Billionaire by Maggie Cole, Wen Ross
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI’m keeping Chase Monroe in the friend zone.He’s doing everything possible to move me out of it.He's the living embodiment of the billionaire playboy—richer than God, sexy as sin, and charming as hell.With a full calendar of friends-with-benefits.His strict no-relationships policy means I’d be another notch on his bedpost.Not happening.But our friendship is hard to keep...Categorized as:
friends to lovers super rich hero angst dual-pov contemporary suspense multicultural -
![Boone by Sawyer Bennett]()
Boone by Sawyer Bennett
Boone Rivers uses his fame and fortune as a professional hockey player to his advantage, but not in the way most people would think. Volunteering as often as his busy schedule will allow, Boone meets one brave young boy who turns his world upside down.As a first-line right winger for the Pittsburgh Titans, I thrive on the thrill of the game... -
-
![The Destruction You Desire by Tracy Lorraine]()
The Destruction You Desire by Tracy Lorraine
After six years of living in denial, Luca is finally faced with the truth. A brutal discovery he refused to accept when I needed him most.Now the vengeance he so desperately craves isn’t directed at me, but the monster responsible for destroying all our lives.That might put us on the same side this time, but that doesn’t mean I can forgive him for not believing me... -
![Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.I feel like he’s falling for me, too.And then my ex shows up... -
![The Setup by Kristen Proby]()
The Setup by Kristen Proby
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’m a sucker for pretty things. Give me a roaring engine in a souped-up vintage muscle car with cherry red paint and brand-new leather interior, and that’s about as pretty as anything I could ask for. I’m a simple man, who doesn’t need or want the kind of wild celebrity that my father has. I restore one-of-a-kind vehicles and sell them to the highest bidder... -
![Unravel Me by Becka Mack]()
Unravel Me by Becka Mack
Golden boy. Notorious serial dater. The NHL’s most eligible bachelor. That’s what the headlines say about me, at least. I wish I could say they’re not accurate, but truthfully? I don’t even know who I am anymore. Between a soul-crushing ex-girlfriend and a never-ending queue of dates gone wrong, one thing has become glaringly I don’t want to be Adam Lockwood... -
![She Loves Me by Melissa Foster]()
She Loves Me by Melissa Foster
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhat are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance. Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves...Categorized as:
friends to lovers independent heroine sassy heroine humor contemporary strong heroine -
![A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann]()
A Cranberry Inn Christmas by Beth Ehemann
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsChristmas at the Murphy household has always been a big deal, but with her daughters getting older, Kacie Murphy is feeling a bit sentimental, so she decides to give her family the perfect Christmas. Plans of cookie baking, sleigh ride taking, and snowman making are quickly put in jeopardy when Kacie receives devastating news—her mom has sold the beloved Cranberry Inn... -
![Light It Up Red by Kylie Kent]()
Light It Up Red by Kylie Kent
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTravis: Red. You could say it’s my favorite color. There’s nothing like seeing the lights go red after I’ve scored a goal. The red she paints her lips, f***ing hypnotizing. That’s the image I choose to focus on now. It’s a hell of a lot better than the red of the blood currently staining my shirt. Or the red of the flashing lights surrounding me... -
![Only One Regret by Natasha Madison]()
Only One Regret by Natasha Madison
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWelcome to Dallas.....Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers sassy heroine hockey m-f contemporary rich heroine single-father -
![Ever Mine by Laura Pavlov]()
Ever Mine by Laura Pavlov
He’s hockey’s golden boy, my new client, and the man I’ve avoided for the last nine years. I was hired to fix him—but he’s not the only one who’s broken.Hawk Madden was my first love.I thought he would be my forever.But life wasn’t always fair.And grief could be a cruel beast.Fight or flight?I’d always run.But now he’s back in my life after all these years.With one look.One touch.One kiss... -
![The Score by Kristen Proby]()
The Score by Kristen Proby
An all-new meet-cute sports romance from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kristen Proby, featuring Sophie Montgomery!I have millions of followers on social media, and it has absolutely nothing to do with my last name. It’s because I’m good at what I do. I work hard, and it has paid off. I’m not a trainer who only talks the talk, either... -
-
![This Is Love by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Love by Natasha Madison
From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off series This is... Vivienne Never fall in love. That was my motto, and I was sticking to it. Having my heart broken once was enough, and I never wanted to do it again. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, the only thing I do. One rule shouldn’t be so hard to follow, but then I went back for seconds, then thirds...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey m-f anal sex sassy heroine independent heroine athletes -
![Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne]()
Tight Fit by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s okay to admit I’m scared.Outside forces are working hard to tear us apart, but we’ve teamed up against them. It’s the internal struggles we’re battling that could spell the ultimate end.When Ben makes a public show to prove how committed we are, I’m left confused as I struggle to figure out whether his feelings for me are real or if they’re part of the act...Categorized as:
age difference sports friends to lovers m-f forced proximity contemporary length-short -
![Just One Wish by Carly Phillips]()
Just One Wish by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips returns to her sexy Kingston—Dare world of rich billionaire heroes in her new Kingston Family series.He was her first love. She was his.They broke up to follow their dreams.Axel Forrester became a world famous drummer.Tara Stillman became a veterinarian.Years later, he’s scrolling social media and sees they’re both in East Hampton, NY... -
![Captive by Brenda Rothert]()
Captive by Brenda Rothert
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTwo years ago, Jason and Kate Ryker were brought together by grief and bound to one another by love. Now married, they’re confronting their fears together. But heartbreak finds them again, and the ties that bind Kate and Ryke are tested as she struggles against fear and sadness. As a grief counselor, Kate understands all too well the pain of her clients... -
![Tacker by Sawyer Bennett]()
Tacker by Sawyer Bennett
I am not okay. Fifteen months ago, my life was turned upside down when the plane I was piloting went down. Injured and trapped in the wreckage, I had to watch my fiancée die a painfully slow death, which is something that can really mess with your head. Since that day, I’ve had little desire to do much of anything. Except play hockey, that is... -
![Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen]()
Hold Me Forever by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsTyler Maxwell's story will be released on January 18th.As the leagues’ top goalie for the Chicago Blades, I stay disciplined and follow three principles:1. Keep a pristine image.2. Play smart and hard on the ice.3. Stay out of relationships... -
![Just Another Spark by Carly Phillips]()
Just Another Spark by Carly Phillips
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a rock star wanted by millions.She’s a wife willing to fight for their love. Rock star Dash Kingston is finishing the last leg of his band’s U.S. tour. Exhausted and ready to be home, he can’t wait to see his girl. Time zones, show times, and the demands of his career have made married life harder than expected. Even knowing the rock star life wouldn’t make their relationship easy... -
![When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren]()
When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHawaii was the last place Grace Christiansen ever imagined she’d vacation, much less fall in love. But when her family surprises her with a cooking retreat in paradise, she is pulled—or maybe yanked—away from her predictable, safe life and thrown headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime. Max Sharpe may make his living on the ice as a pro hockey player, but he feels most at home in the kitchen... -
![The Hardest Route by A.S. Teague]()
The Hardest Route by A.S. Teague
My friends used to tell me ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ Clearly, they lied because a few months later, I found out my one-night stand was pregnant. I couldn’t handle a baby. I was Griffin Rockwell, the best wide receiver the league had ever seen. But what choice did I have? My baby girl was coming whether I was ready for her or not... -
![Catching Feelings by Maren Moore]()
Catching Feelings by Maren Moore
I accidentally hooked up with the guy I despise. A mistake I’d love to forget…except now he’s my new roommate. Reese Landry is Orleans University’s arrogant, All-Star catcher. And I’m the one girl he can’t seem to catch. If anything, it only makes him want me more. He’s disgustingly rich, stupidly charming, and everyone loves him. Except me... -
-
![Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi]()
Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.Being Harper's fake date is easy... -
![Never in My Wildest Dreams by Erika Kelly]()
Never in My Wildest Dreams by Erika Kelly
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA blizzard strands two strangers in a cabin on Christmas Eve, and there's only one bed. Neither of them expects the surprise that comes nine months later.Lorelei Calloway was on top of the world. A world-famous pop star, she relied on her inner circle to keep her grounded— until she found out the truth. They’d been betraying her all along...Categorized as:
sports second chances sassy heroine friends to lovers hockey dual-pov insta-love m-f -
![This Is Wild by Natasha Madison]()
This Is Wild by Natasha Madison
From the best selling series, Something So comes the spin-off Series This is... Zoe When you grow up surrounded by hockey players you know one thing for sure, I was never going to settle down with one. Heck, I didn’t even know what icing was. I was too busy climbing the corporate ladder, becoming one of the most successful realtors in New York City...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers hockey m-f sassy heroine contemporary length-medium -
![Forbidden Game by Susan Renee]()
Forbidden Game by Susan Renee
I think I’m screwed. Seriously. Why, you ask? Because when one of the first warnings you get after joining the Chicago Red Tails hockey team is to never even think about touching Dex Foster’s sister, you abide by your teammate’s wishes. You do not find her adorably attractive.You do not befriend her.You certainly do not kiss her,And for the love of hockey, you Do. Not. Sleep. With. Her... -
![Just Say Yes by Rosalind James]()
Just Say Yes by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSome fires warm you up. And some burn you down. Kevin McNicholl may be a brutal force on the rugby field, but off the field, the star New Zealand All Black is a famously nice guy. His new tenant, though, arouses more than his protective side. She sets him on fire. Pity he’s evicting her. Every woman deserves her dreams. Chloe Donaldson can’t afford dreams, so she's given them up... -
![Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan]()
Off the Mark by Kathryn Nolan
Fake dating my hottest friend was not my smartest move… The cocky ex-baseball player—and flirty playboy—is the one man I’d never fall for. Which is why I stupidly thought he’d make the perfect fake boyfriend. As the reigning queen of the dirt bike racing circuit, my only goal is to win this next championship race. Except I’ve got a bit of a…reputation problem...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers dual-pov sassy heroine m-f contemporary baseball length-medium
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
