Books like 'Close Knit'
Readers who enjoyed Close Knit by Kels Stone & Denise Stone also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny sports football grumpy sunshine soccer athletes
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Sweeper by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsComing November 4The cocky footballer next door has some serious balls…luckily, Daphney Clarke knows how to play. Zander Williams is the hot new American determined to take European football by storm. His head is so big, it barely fits under his backwards hat. And when he’s recruited to one of the biggest up and coming clubs in London, he’s certain to make his name known...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine football soccer humor contemporary friends to lovers forced proximity -
Now's The Time by Harlow James
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“Let me experience all of you tonight, Penelope…since this is all that we get.”That was the agreement between me and Maddox Taylor, the NFL’s most notorious playboy and mega-talented quarterback who happened to be out in California for one night—one night in which I broke all of my rules and gave in to the undeniable attraction I felt for the man...Categorized as:
sports athletes football contemporary humor forced proximity from hate to love friends-benefits -
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... -
The Legend by Shey Stahl
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn a lifestyle of speed, adrenaline and desire, one racer has sacrificed everything for the sport he loved. In turn, he will fight for his name, his family and now his life to be the legend he’s been portrayed to be. You can be everything you set out to be if you want it bad enough. You can be that record breaker you said you’d be. You can be that hero you always thought you would be... -
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My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh
A humiliating break-up leads to an impulsive New Year’s Kiss with a complete stranger. What could possibly go wrong?It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I'm all in.I have to be...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine sports contemporary office humor hockey length-medium glimpses-kisses -
Just One Look by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka Darkovic has some tackling skills. He hadn’t planned on using them to bring down a runaway dog the size of a Shetland pony, though, especially not when his neck is already buggered. At 33, a rugby forward protects his vertebrae.. He’s even less happy when the dog’s incompetent owner turns up in his hospital cubicle the next day with a plan to fix those vertebrae... -
Wishing on a Star by Mandy Baggot
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA single mum. A superstar athlete. A Christmas like no other.Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desperately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends' best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run... -
4th & Girl by Max Monroe
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFrom the New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of TAPPING THE BILLIONAIRE comes a hilarious and sexy standalone about fate, chance, and one heck of an epically awkward meet-cute. I’m Leo Landry, one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in the nation, and the New York Mavericks’ first round draft pick... -
Houston, We Have a Problem by Dana LeCheminant
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHouston Briggs is at a crossroads, facing the possible end of his career after a devastating injury. With an uncertain future ahead of him and his siblings finding their own happy endings, he’s desperately seeking peace and purpose.Enter Darcy Paxton, his refreshing new neighbor who is nothing like the women of his past relationships...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine sports mystery from hate to love contemporary humor dual-pov length-medium -
Home Run by Jordan Marie, Robin Harper
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsGreen Lucas doesn't know what's about to hit him. Complete Standalone Romance Wanted A woman with grit and fire who will help me get my son’s head out of his ass. You must be self-sufficient and not looking for a gravy train. Common sense is a plus, book smarts are optional. Cannot have red hair, as my son seems to go for that type and he needs something to shake him up... -
Strength by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe thought getting a second chance at life was difficult, but resisting the spark he feels with her will test all of his strength. Vi Harris comes with baggage most men can’t handle. A famous ex footballer for a father and four professional footballing brothers. Brothers she helped raise after their mother died... -
The Wild Card by Cassie-Ann L. Miller
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt was supposed to be harmless. One fake date with a football player.Except Harry Westbrook is the exact opposite of harmless. My first mistake? Underestimating that boyish smile, those playful eyes, the charming words on those perfect lips. He claims to have a crush on me. But, as hot as he is, I'd bet he's scheduling booty calls like a dentist booking teeth cleanings... -
Winning Mr. Wrong by C.W. Farnsworth
A reality television dating show was never part of my post-college plan. Nearly broke, unemployed, recently dumped me let my best friend Haley decide it should be.They say don’t make important decisions after five shots of tequila, and I now believe whoever coined that phrase...Categorized as:
sports athletes new adult humor from hate to love contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door -
Rules for Dating Your Ex by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIf your ex arrives in your hometown eighteen months after you walked out on him while you were eight months pregnant, follow this short list of rules before you give him a second chance.Rule #1 – Don’t stand in the way of your brothers who want to rough him up.Rule #2 – Don’t meet him for coffee and agree to allow him to meet your daughter...Categorized as:
sports soccer humor contemporary second chances new adult single-mother length-medium -
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Just Playin': Romantic Sports Comedy by Shandi Boyes
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPresley “Elvis” Carlton was at the top of his game. Number one draft pick, engaged to an up-and-coming model, and voted best player of the decade his first year on the field. Things were golden. . . until an accident saw everything important torn from his grasp...Categorized as:
sports athletes new adult humor contemporary secret-relationship curvy heroine length-medium -
Knock Out by Jiffy Kate
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIn the blink of an eye, Willow Bernard goes from stocking shelves at the Piggly Wiggly to kicking butt at Viking MMA.Willow Bernard has taken a lot of hits in her twenty-two years but always manages to come back swinging. Hoping to fly under the radar for a change, she relocates to Green Valley...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine fighters contemporary humor friends to lovers forced proximity length-long -
Under Pressure by Bella Matthews
Is it possible to meet the right person at the wrong time?I had my friends. I had football. I had a future I was set on, until her.Eleanor Kingston was the girl. The one I’d choose if I could, but all I had to give wasone night. My life had been decided for me, my future predetermined. There’s no room left for football or love... -
Thrill Ride by Breezie Bennett
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Flirty, dirty, and downright irresistible! Breezie Bennett's books sizzle like a steamy Florida night." - Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Thrill Ride: South Florida Riders Book 4 NFL kicker Dylan Rivera and quirky yoga teacher Melody Hayes have absolutely nothing in common, except they both believe in "one true love... -
Shopping for a Turkey by Julia Kent
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t understand Americans. Or, as we say in Scotland, I dinna understand ye eedjits. And I definitely dinna understand the crazy mother-in-law of my cousin Declan... -
Off Limits by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsProfessional football has an actual rulebook, but it’s the unwritten rules that come with the harshest consequences.The biggest one of all: don’t date your teammate’s sister. And if you do, don’t you dare fall in love with her.I never meant to fall, but when it comes to Brenna Donald, I never stood a chance. She’s everything I’m not--a light-hearted wild child who shines brighter than the sun...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers forbidden love contemporary humor siblings-bff length-medium -
Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother by Abby Greyson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis is a kisses only, sweet romance.My best friend’s annoying brother, some spilled tea, and a crazy proposition.Josh Owen’s is the top receiver in the NFL, with a bad boy reputation. He’s click bait fodder for any, and all, gossip columns.A released video shows us “kissing”, and the news is spreading like wildfire.Now me, "good girl" Brie, is in the rumor mills with him... -
Endurance by Amy Daws
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsHe rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other. Tanner Harris has been busy shagging his way through the ladies of east London, but getting caught by the paparazzi buck-naked with his trouser snake in his hands means he's sowed his last wild oat. Dr... -
Incredible You: A Sexy Flirty Dirty Standalone by Lili Valente
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsFrom the USA Today Bestselling author of Magnificent Bastard comes a sexy, flirty, dirty standalone…on ice. They say Jake “The Dragon” Falcone earned his nickname by setting fire to the ice his first season in the NHL. But just between us ladies, I’m pretty sure he earned it for the dragon in his pants. From my first hug as his fake girlfriend, it’s clear he’s packing below the belt... -
Bachelor #10 by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsRemember that time you went to a bachelor charity auction and bid on the sexy Scottish bad boy of soccer for your supermodel boss from hell only for the press to get things wrong and think you’re the one who spent a ridiculous amount of money to go on a date with him? No? Right, that was me... -
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Breakaway (The Rule Book Collection) by A.M. Johnson
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game. Until he saw her. The one that got away. The one he thought he'd never see again. For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over... -
End Goal by Amy Daws
A Harris brother Scottish wedding! Only professional footballer Camden Harris is cocky enough to elope to Scotland with his fiancee and leave the Harris family behind. This short story was first published in the Cocktales anthology. It reads okay as a stand-alone but will be enjoyed better if you read Challenge first... -
JOCK by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen the dean of students asked me for a favor, I had no idea it would mean tutoring Owen Dawson. Me, forced to spend time with Boston University’s notorious quarterback? With his dark hair, chiseled body, and a promising future playing in the NFL, every guy on campus wants to be him. Every girl wants to be under him. Every girl, except me... -
Fighting For You by Layla Hagen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSexiest soccer player. Top-scoring athlete. America's favorite party boy. Jace Connor has received many titles in his career, and enjoyed them all. Although, he’s working on changing the last one. There’s more to Jace than the media portrays—a man who loves his tight-knit family, being his nieces’ and nephews’ favorite uncle... -
DRIVE by Jacob Chance
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKissing a complete stranger shouldn’t be a life altering experience, but with him it was. One look into his mischievous hazel eyes and our lips were colliding without a second thought. Now, months later, not only do I know his name, we’ve also become friends. Good friends. The kind of friends that kiss and cuddle together, all night long... -
Back in the Game by Meghan Quinn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSingle dad and hockey star, Calder Weiss has put his love life on the back burner for the past five years, raising his daughter and keeping up with the demands of his profession. But all that changes the minute Rachel Perry runs into him in the most unlikely of places, right outside the men's bathroom...Categorized as:
sports athletes humor anthologies contemporary single-father height-difference hockey -
Infraction by Rachel Van Dyken
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken proves that everyone scores to win. But off the field, a fumble can change the entire game. Pro footballer Miller Quinton would do anything for his best friend and teammate—including “fake dating” his friend’s sister. What no one knows is that seven months ago in Vegas, Miller and Kinsey did a whole lot more than just kiss... -
Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLandon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant... -
The Gate to Everything by Ava Miles
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMillions of readers have fallen in love with Ava’s bestselling Dare series…come join the family. USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Miles presents a heartwarming and romantic second-chance story about love and family. Quarterback Jordan Dean thought he had everything until his long-time girlfriend broke up with him. His football rock star life had become too burdensome to her... -
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Going All In by Ali Parker, Weston Parker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeing the nice guy leaves me open to being a rebound romance.Which I’m not interested in. I’ve got better things to do.Like taking my spot on the NBA draft picks. It’s all that matters to me.Love has never been on the radar. I’m too focused for all that fluff.Then life slows me down. Way down.An injury at the end of the spring semester has me working my way back to full health all summer long... -
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhy in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine athletes m-m contemporary lgbtqia hate humor friends to lovers -
One Last Play: A Sporty Romantic Comedy by Annah Conwell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 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 humor friends to lovers age difference contemporary length-medium -
Grumpy Goalie by Delancey Stewart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy life was in order until a bikini-clad trespasser decided to take a dip in my hot tub in the middle of a cold winter night. So I asked her to be my fake girlfriend.She’s house-sitting next door, got locked out, and decided the best way to stay warm was to sit in my hot tub... -
The Art of Falling in Love with Your Fake Fiancé by Anne Kemp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAll’s fair in love and war…until you agree to be your best friend’s fake fiancé.Levi: Life as an NFL player has always been fast-paced, but nothing prepared me for becoming the guardian of my godson, Duncan. With his grandmother contesting custody, I need to prove that I’m a steadfast influence who’s not going anywhere and there’s one sure-fire way to show that: get engaged... -
Final Score by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCan one perfect night lead to more?Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother... -
Sexy Six by Ahren Sanders
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey call me Sexy Six Cocky? Absof*ckinglutely Sexy? That's what they say Unstoppable? You bet your ass NFL Golden boy, Super Bowl MVP, and the league's hottest player--on and off the field. To most, I'm a celebrity, with the records to prove it. Fame, fortune, family... I've got it all. Except Grace Monroe. Two years ago, Grace turned my world upside down with just one look... -
Day One by Lauren Runow
My thoughts of how I’m going to survive this indefinite amount of time alone are interrupted by a notification from my Tinder app.Yes, we’re on quarantine. Yes, I reactivated my account out of pure boredom. And, yes, Drew’s one profile photo is smoking hot.I hit Reply.Day by day, as the world tries to stay healthy, we find creative ways to pass the time together... -
Off the Record by Chelle Sloan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFans of the Nashville Fury come to me for all things regarding their favorite professional football team. Stats, rumors and even what the players like on their pizza. What they don’t turn to me for is information about how their offensive coordinator is in the bedroom. The answer? It’s too hot for print... -
Shut Up and Kiss Me (Midnight Kisses) by Kat Baxter
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis soccer star has one night to win it all…or risk losing everything.Ben PrescottBy most people’s standards, I’ve got it pretty good. I have a lucrative job playing my favorite game in the world: soccer. I get to live in my favorite city: Austin, Texas. I basically have it all. Except the woman I love. Why, you ask? Because she's my baby sister's best friend... -
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Bender by Colleen Charles
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy second chance is the biggest gamble of my life. I am Marco Rossi, once an Italian nobody, now living the dream as a Vegas Venom player. I thought I was swapping my lonely orphan past for a team-family. But I was wrong. I am on thin ice with everyone, but especially when it comes to Madison McKay...Categorized as:
sports athletes hockey friends to lovers curvy heroine contemporary humor length-medium -
Love So Perfect by Marquita Valentine
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLove So Perfect, Book 5 in Marquita’s contemporary romance series about the Lawson Brothers. Star quarterback Austin Lawson’s dating life is fair game to the myriad gossip bloggers. Thanks to his most recent screw up with a social media savvy super model, he’s forced to return home so that his PR team can do damage control...Categorized as:
athletes sports humor contemporary virgin heroine small town curvy heroine length-novella -
Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes the endgame is only the beginning. In the heated world of the Premier League, Earl Alex Beaufort, a charming Liverpool midfielder, collides on-pitch with Lee Taylor, Manchester United’s top striker. But when England’s World Cup dream brings them to sunny Spain, the real game sharing a room... -
Home Game by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsGetting fired and dumped in the same thirty seconds makes for a pretty bad Tuesday. But by Thursday, I’ll be in Vegas celebrating my brother’s wedding. Since I could use a fresh start, he offers me a place to stay with a buddy of his.At the bachelorette party, a raunchy game results in a quest to find me a one-night stand... -
Dear Roomie by Kate Meader
Reid Durand isn't here to make friends. Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel purely on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women. Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle... -
Changing Lanes by Katie Graykowski
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsProfessional Football Player, Devon Harding found his soul mate at the age of seventeen. Trouble is, he can’t remember her last name. For the last fourteen years, he’s been waiting for The Universe to send her back to him. When that day comes, he nearly falls all over himself to get to her. But he plays it cool and waits for her to come to him. And she walks right past him...
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