Book picks similar to
Playing the Game by Stephanie Queen
romance
sports
contemporary
contemporary-romance
Breaking the Rules
Ember Leigh - 2018
As the successful owner of Holt Body Fitness, he was sure he would win his upcoming MMA fight… until his best friend’s little sister showed up.For Travis, there's only ever been one rule: stay away from his best friend's sister. But Amara Valenzuela has transformed from meek and sweet to a woman that Travis can’t keep his eyes—or hands—off of.Before long, however, Travis learns that being with Amara isn’t just breaking the rules. She’s a dangerous distraction.In a room full of hot, hard, sweaty bodies, these two have more than fitness on their minds. Will the undefeated MMA fighter be strong enough to resist the charms of his best friend's sexy and sweet little sister…or will trying to win her heart be the showdown of his life?Fans of Kennedy Ryan and Penelope Ward will love this emotional and steamy sports romance series starter.
Before CE"O": Includes the Complete CE"O" Trilogy
M.T. Stone - 2017
The first twenty one years of my existence consisted of one single minded obsession, to be an NFL quarterback. It was about to come true when I was blindsided in the most important game of my life. In an instant, the entire world as I knew it crumbled. When my therapist asked about my other talents or interests, the only thing that popped to mind was... women. I've always been good with women, but it's not like you can make a living with that skill set. Well, as it turns out you can make a damn good living in what they refer to as the world's oldest profession. I've definitely got the equipment for it. Maybe I'll give it a try. At this point, I feel as if I have nothing to lose. After all, what can go wrong when you're trying to keep a bunch of spoiled rich girls happy? * Before CE"O" is a 47,000 word prequel to CE"O" and CE"O" Baby. For a limited time this Trilogy edition includes all three stories. If you enjoy steamy stories with a healthy dose of humor and drama, you will enjoy the journey of Rex Hastings.
Deceived
Danielle Pays - 2019
Their current demand? A prominent local winery-and the land it sits on. No doubt it would only take one visit for him to charm the owners into selling.But his plan hits a snag the second he lays eyes on the alluring woman, dead-set on maintaining her family legacy. For the first time, he can see a forever with a woman. A forever that’s threatened when she discovers who he really is.Then the unthinkable happens: Declan is arrested for a catastrophic attack, threatening both their livelihoods and futures. And even though he maintains he’s innocent, Brooke’s trust is stretched so thin she doesn’t know what to believe.Or who’s really to blame. Who do you trust when everyone lies?This is a steamy, stand-alone, HEA romantic suspense.
Baby Stetson
Nikki Lynn Barrett - 2013
Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town. Some strangers come with secrets and liesLucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.
Entangled Past: Family Ties
Palmer Jones - 2021
Two years of being on her own means two years of avoiding any further disappointment from her failed marriage.Two years of only relying on herself.The reading of her estranged husband's Will is the final closure she needs to move on.Until the day finally arrives.Coming home to find her house burglarized and trashed was terrible enough. Suddenly having her husband's former bodyguard show up on her doorstep makes it worse.The bossy Englishman either doesn't understand her desire to be alone...or doesn't care. Even with muscles galore and an accent that definitely ramps her attraction up another notch, admiring him from a distance is where it ends.It's not that she doesn't want help. She just doesn't want his help.Until the bad guys return...or her.The first of Family Ties Series, Entangled Past is a romantic suspense story full of sarcastic humor and, of course, romance.
Muse: A dark romance
Julia Gabriel - 2015
This book is about Alaric White—my best friend, college roommate, partner in literary crime. Alaric writes kissing books. And by “kissing,” I mean … well, you know what I mean.He writes each book with a muse. (If the IRS asks, tell them she’s a “research assistant.”) Yeah, I’ve told him this reflects a certain lack of imagination on his part. But I help out with his books so far be it from me to complain too much.Usually it doesn’t take him long to find a “research assistant” for a new book. Women send him their “resumes.” Call. Email. Turn up at every stop on his book tours. (I know, it’s a rough life but someone has to live it.)But his current work-in-progress? Well, it’s different. So he needs a different muse. Someone innocent and untouched … but also brave enough to embark on a journey into her deepest, darkest desires.After a year, he’s still searching. His agent is getting antsy. (Okay, she’s on the verge of full-blown panic that he won’t finish the book on time.)Then he sees her, looking like an angel just arisen from a leisurely afternoon of amour. (His exact words.) She’s sitting in a suburban coffee shop … and being threatened by a goon with a pistol in his waistband.(Dear reader, he rescues her.)Then a plot twist no one saw coming.He knows he should let her go. But he’s a selfish bastard. (I am too, but that’s a different story.) He just needs to keep her long enough to finish the book …Muse is a melt-your-clothes-off scorching hot standalone billionaire (well, Alaric's not technically a billionaire but he acts like one half the time) boss romance with a sweet happy ever after. (If I might say so myself.) Find out why readers are saying, “Holy hotness!” … “the sexiest thing I have ever read” … “5 stars are not enough!” (Well, I’m one of the reasons why they say that.) Of course, everyone wants my story now, too. We’ll see. My story makes Alaric’s look like a damn fairy tale. A twisted sort of fairy tale, but … well, just read it. (Trust me, it’s worth it.)
Taste for Trouble
Susan Sey - 2013
Off the field? He’s pure trouble. When his fondness for fast women and bar brawls lands him a suspension from the game, he’s prepared to take his punishment like a man. But since when does a suspension come with a live-in nanny?TV baking maven Belinda West is the epitome of home-made hospitality, on-screen and off. The personal is the professional when you’re selling the good life, after all. But when her wedding day implodes in front of a live studio audience, Bel’s career goes into a death spiral. She’ll do anything to save it, even take charge of soccer’s most famous bad boy. To hell with the morals clause in his contract; James isn’t about to shape up for some knock-off Mary Poppins. But since when does Mary Poppins laugh like a naughty angel and smell like sugar cookies? He’s not looking for love but that kiss of hers is practically perfect in every way. And James has a powerful taste for trouble.
It Was You
Anna Cruise - 2013
A chance to create her own life, separate from her conniving, deceptive twin.Surprising both her family and friends, Abby ditches her plans for college and enrolls at a new school instead. There, she encounters West Montgomery, a sexy fellow student who immediately disarms her with his good looks and charm. West takes a liking to Abby and she suddenly finds herself walking a thin line, fabricating a fictional life created not by lies but by omission. She soon discovers West has secrets of his own, secrets that he's not altogether interested in sharing.Out from under the shadow of her twin, Abby's life—and her relationship with West—blossoms. When Abby leaves town one weekend, something unthinkable happens and her relationship with West is shattered. Reeling from the discovery, Abby fears all of her plans have backfired and she's created a mess for both of them, a mess that no one can clean up.But West isn't willing to let her go that easily. When he forces her to confront secrets they've both been hiding, Abby must decide more than if she's willing to forgive and forget. She must also decide just what kind of life she wants...and who she wants to live it with.
The Lost Art of Reverie: (Aveline Book 1)
Rae Walsh - 2019
A long-forgotten dream. A new life in a spacious place.Corporate life has not been treating Katie Grace well. Suffering from extreme anxiety due to a recent incident at work, she learns that she has inherited her late grandmother's Victorian house in the lake town of Aveline, in the rolling hills of the Los Padres National Forest. Maybe a new start will be exactly what she needs.Hardware store owner Sam Grant remembers Katie from when they spent summers together, years before. Sam has determined never to get involved in a relationship again, but working on Katie's house renovations might put that resolve to the test.In Aveline, Katie allows herself to dream again, finding solace in creating food and a space for her new friends to gather. As members of the town welcome Katie, her heart begins to find safety, but will the events of the past repeat themselves?The Lost Art of Reverie is the first book in the Aveline Series, a collection of inspirational romantic stories with quirky, lovable characters, set in a fictional lake town in California. Perfect for fans of Jan Karon, Katherine Center, or Elizabeth Berg.
Naughty Vegas Nights
Tawny Weber - 2014
But now she’s at a convention in Vegas, with a chance to make her dream of becoming a celebrated Lingerie Designer come true. But then she runs into Drew--and suddenly, her dreams take an X-rated turn! Drew used to be the ultimate bad boy—a wild and reckless pool shark. So what happened to him? Family responsibilities, that’s what. Heck, even in Sin City, he’s stuck at a lingerie convention helping out his kid sister. But when he sets eyes on Tasha, he sees his chance to recapture the best part of his misspent youth. Leaving Natasha was his one regret. But it won’t be for long… A good girl gone wild, a bad boy tempting her every step of the way. It’s the ultimate naked and naughty weekend where nothing is off-limits. Vegas will never be the same again!Previously included in the Lucky 7 Bad Boys boxed set!
Layover
Becca Jameson - 2020
A chance to experience the forbidden. Her parents would never approve. Her mother’s heart is set on her marrying a Guatemalan. But he rocked her world, and she can’t get him out of her mind months later. The chemistry… The way he made her feel… The control…When he steps into her path again, she can’t resist the temptation. She won’t. JasonNo way was he going after a woman who snuck out on him. No matter how good the sex was or how well they connected. He needed to focus on his last few months in the Army. But she was never far from his mind, and now he’s moved to her town. He’s not about to let her slip through his hands a second time, but is she using him? He’s been screwed over before. He won’t make the same mistake twice.
Come October
Patricia Kay - 2005
They believed their love could withstand anything. But life can change in an instant and Claire is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice and disappear. For years afterward Tucker mourns her loss. Can these two star-crossed lovers ever find each other again? Patricia Kay delivers the kind of complex, emotional, deeply satisfying story she is known for in this heartbreaking tale of love and loss. PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PATRICIA KAY: "A stunning book from a master storyteller. Patricia Kay writes from the heart about matters that touch us all." -- Susan Wiggs, NY Times bestselling author "A beautifully written compelling story you won't be able to put down." --- Georgia Bockoven, USA Today bestselling author "If you love LaVyrle Spencer, you'll love Patricia Kay." --- Deborah Smith "Wonderful . . . (a) sparkling romance." --- Eileen Goudge "Kay's writing is solid, and her narrative swiftly reaches a satisfying finish." -- Publisher's Weekly "Patricia Kay writes from the heart about people we come to love." --- Christina Dodd, NY Times bestselling author "Heartrending and touching . . . Ms. Kay never fails to deliver this kind of story." -- Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews "This marvelous story is full to bursting with winning characters, special moments, and most of all, hope, faith, and the rejuvenating power of love." --- Romantic Times Magazine "An intriguing story of love at first sight." --- Houston Tempo Magazine "There are deep questions about relationships and serious character growth evident in this story, which is also warm, sensuous, and excellent entertainment." --- Rendezvous magazine "A warm, tender, beautifully written love story with an emotional punch that only Patricia Kay can deliver." --- Amanda Stevens, USA Today bestselling author PATRICIA KAY is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels of romance and women's fiction. Her 2000 novel THE WRONG CHILD was nominated for a Rita, the most prestigious award given to authors of romance and women's fiction by the Romance Writers of America. She and her two cats make their home in Houston, Texas. To learn more about her and her books, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.
Bad To The Bones
Layla Wolfe - 2014
He's just drifted through life, living it large and performing in their Triple Exposure films, recovering from a divorce he never wanted. Suddenly Knox has a reason to live and to Prospect for the outlaw motorcycle club.He'll need their help to rescue the lovely Bellamy Jager from the jaws of the warped, cutthroat cult leader who has been holding her hostage for all her adult life. To the neglected, abused teenaged Bellamy, living in the desert canyons off stolen food and time, the sanctity of the ashram looked like a safe zone. But her haven turned to hell and she was drugged and abused, ignorant of any other way of life.Knoxie will need every one of his Bare Bones brothers and every ounce of bravery he can muster. To save Bellamy and her white slave sisters from the twisted Swami, he’ll need to pull off the most daring heist of his life to prove to the club and the world that he’s…BAD TO THE BONES
Renegades and Rodeos
Bobby Hutchinson - 2015
Western romance at its best!
1. GRADY'S KIDS
THE TRIALS OF A MODERN DAY COWBOY ARE YOU A FAN OF OLD WESTERNS, WHERE THE HERO HOLDS UP A TRAIN? Grady Hughes, single parent at the end of his tether, loves those old movies, and when a train threatens—for the second time—to kill one of his valuable steers, he goes temporarily insane, stops the train at gunpoint, and lands himself in a world of trouble.Fiona is the parole officer assigned to Grady's case. She's never met anyone like him. He irritates her, but it's his three little kids who really get under her skin. What's she to do with a modern day renegade and a trio of kids who capture her heart?
2. LOVE OF A RODEO MAN
THEY'LL NEVER STAY HOME, AND THEY'RE ALWAYS ALONE Sara Wingate has just graduated as a vet, and she's landed a job in the small town of Plains, Montana, where her family live. They're overjoyed that she's come home at last.Mitch Carter has given up his life as a top notch rodeo cowboy, and he's also come home to be his father's right-hand man on the Carter Ranch. But his heart's still back at the rodeo—until he and Sara meet in a pen full of pigs.
3. FOLLOW A WILD HEART
A CITY GUY, A COUNTRY GAL, AND A MOOSE A different kind of Western romantic adventure. Sex in the City, it's not!Log scaler Karena Carlson lives off the grid in the Minnesota back woods with her son, Danny, and his mischievous pet moose calf, Mortimer. Logan Baxter spots her winning the log rolling competition at the timber show and is instantly smitten. Logan is single, social, and fond of things like electricity, indoor plumbing and gas heat. Karena dislikes cities, crowds, and strangers. Her mantra is chop wood, carry water. Can she afford to let Logan into her heart, and her life? And how can a stubborn 12-year-old boy and a capricious moose calf addicted to exhaust fumes help love find a way?Danny adores Mortimer, but to call the moose calf a mischief would be the understatement of the century. And Mortimer is growing, which for a moose, means huge. And when moose hormones kick in, it could also mean danger; moose have been known to attack trains when the love bug bites. She loves her son, she loves his moose, she loves her way of life. But none of them will easily transport to the city if she falls in love with Logan. What's Karena to do?