Book picks similar to
Power Play by C.J. Cartwright


contemporary
sports-romance
second-chance
romance

False Start


Leigh Lennon - 2020
    As the lead reporter, assigned to this puff piece, he hasn't made it easy with all the drunken brawls and arrests. I'm told to do my job—to be objective, but how can I achieve this when we have a past he doesn't seem to remember.KierShe's sexy, mouthy, and judgmental. I'm in her domain now, and way out of my league. If anyone can portray the changed man I've become, it's her. But, there's something almost too familiar about her as our chemistry with one another continues to grow. I'm the best on the field, and in my game, now it's time to prove I'm the best for her too.

Coached


Hunter Rose - 2021
    Rugged. Playmaker. Casanova…All those names apply to Darren Walters. Yes, he’s cocky too.How can you not be when you look and play like him?The beginning of college should be the start of something new.Yet, here I am still stuck crushing on the star quarterback of the college team,and my older brother’s best friend - Darren.I’m sure he’s always seen me as the nerdy younger sister type.Oh, and did I forget to mention that I’m still a virgin and have no idea about guys?I know… I'm hopeless.Darren promised my brother that he’d look out for me and protect me.The best thing I can come up with is to have him coach me how to date.Coach me to say all the right things,kiss the right way,and when we’re alone…Sigh, if only our love story was that simple.

Reading Between the Lines (Between the Sheets Book 4)


Serenity Woods - 2021
    Darcy, life is never going to be simple… Tess Barker is having a rough time. She enjoys giving tours of the Northland of New Zealand, but her endometriosis makes the long days a challenge, and now she’s gone and insulted one of her best friends by mistake. She’s secretly liked Finn Brennan – the gorgeous Mr. Darcy lookalike – for years, but he’s never made a move on her, and now not only has she hurt his feelings, but they’re both interviewing for the same job – #awkward. Finn likes his position in the Education Department at Waitangi, but recent events have made him restless, and he’s ready for a change. The move to Exhibitions Director at a museum in Christchurch might be just what he’s looking for, but he’s up against the younger, dynamic, beautiful Tess. When she apologizes for upsetting him, a kiss is a natural way to prove there’s no hard feelings. They agree to work together on their presentations for the interview and to let the best man – or woman – win. Time spent together soon reveals a sizzling attraction that turns into deep passion. Things come to a head on their return to the bay, when Finn realizes he can’t escape his past troubles if he stays. But it’s only when Tess falls ill that he has to make the ultimate decision to fight or fly.

The Fake Girlfriend Rules


Penny Wylder - 2021
    I’ve known him forever.He’s always been able to ask me anything.I NEVER imagined he’d ask me to be his fake girlfriend.I’m terrified, but I want to help, so we make some rules.No kissing. No strings attached. It should be easy…Right?DouglasWe’ve been friends for years. Just friends.Sure, I thought she was hot, but I never looked at her as more than one of the guys.Asking her to be my fake girlfriend for a work event was a no-brainer.Until I saw her in that tight dress.Until we stumbled into a taxi together at the end of the night.Until we… well.I promised to follow her rules.Now, I’m going to break all of them.

Rescuing Jinx


Ellie Masters - 2021
    One expert cryptologist. One Navy SEAL. They'd rather die than work together, but can they put aside their differences in time to save six missing women?The Guardian Hostage Rescue series gets more intense with every book. With dangerous missions, heroic rescues, nail-biting suspense, and sizzling romance, it's an addictive adrenaline rush.JINXAs an expert cryptologist,I'm smart, savvy, and get the job done.I can crack any code, expose any secret, and ferret out the truth,Just as long as a certain Navy SEAL doesn't get in my way.He may be handsome, charming, and rugged,But I know the truth.He's a wolf in sheep's clothing,And I refuse to fall for his tricks.I did that once.I vowed never again.But my control is slipping.WOLFEShe's infuriating;And won't relent,Let me explain.She's the most stubbornAnd sexiest woman I've ever met,With a brain to match.Once we complete this mission,I'm going to show her this Wolfe,Isn't backing down.I know what I want, and I want herFor now, I'll play her game.I won't jinx my chances.But when it's time, she'll learnThis Wolfe always gets what he wants.And I want her.Grab your copy today and let the binge-reading begin!___________________________If you love Romantic Suspense with passionate and protective former Special Forces military heroes who like to take charge, steamy couples, and happily ever afters, Rescuing Jinx is for you.Rescuing Jinx is book 6 in the Guardian HRS series. All books are contemporary standalone military romances, with protective male heroes and the smart, feisty heroines who steal their hearts.Although the books in the series are standalone, much is gained by reading them in order as the story of the Guardians is ongoing throughout the series.If you're looking for gripping suspense and to discover the true resilience of the human soul, you're in the right place.

Billionaire Matchmaker


Summer Cooper - 2018
    Which Billionaire is your best match?Power, money, good looks—they have it all!Or so it seems.They have no problems making big bucks.They have no problems getting hot dates.But what they all need is more than that, they need a partner in life!Lucky for them, there’s someone who knows just how to find them the perfect match...

The Stone Family Treasure (South Port Beach Romances #6)


Taylor Hart - 2022
    

The Guardian Groom


Lucy McConnell - 2018
     Bree Phelts is shy, enjoys reading, and spends her free time helping her mom. Her biggest worry is figuring out a grand prize for the summer reading program. Her black and white life is splashed with color when Owen Mattox, a professional football player, asks her to step out from behind the refreshment table and dance. He’s wrong for her on so many levels but just what her heart needed to wake up. Devastated when he’s dumped by the only woman he ever imagined marrying, Owen Mattox pulls his heart in tight and doesn’t let go. He’s worked so hard to isolate himself from love—and the pain that comes when it’s lost—that he practically a recluse. He doesn’t even hang with the other Texas Titans players and builds his home outside of Dallas for privacy. The fewer people in his life, the fewer chances of getting hurt. But he can’t deny his interest in the quiet librarian and once they dance, he’s hooked. But Owen doesn’t open his heart easily which means Bree will have to overcome her shyness and be her own hero—instead of reading about one—in order to save the love that’s budding between them.

Fake Bride


Cassandra Bloom - 2017
    Anaconda,’ they call me. I don’t chase women, they chase me. I’ve made my fortune, I’ve built my empire. I play to win and live by my own set of rules. My darkest secret? There's something I’m missing. Something all my billions can’t buy. Till she came into my life. Every inch of her curvy form makes my mouth water. But she’s heard of my womanizing reputation. Now she needs a job. And I have the perfect assignment for her. $50’000 for her to be my Mrs. for two weeks. She is mine now. Now the game is on. And I play Dirty… I won’t let anybody f*ck with my plans. But to really fall for a girl. To make her completely and utterly mine. Claim her for my own. My wildest dream and my darkest nightmare all in one… Which one will it be? If I toy with my desires, will she steal my heart? Fake Bride is a steamy fake marriage romance story with no cheating, no cliffhanger and, as always, a happy ever after ending. Includes bonus content for your reading pleasure! Enjoy.

Distracted


Michelle Fernandez - 2021
    Our childhood was carefree and full of daring adventures. Then we grew up, pursued our careers, and moved on with our lives. She's the girl I've loved since I was fifteen. The thing is, she doesn't know it, and I never plan on telling her.The death of her parents brought us back to our hometown of Sunnyville six years ago. We reminisced and I was her shoulder to cry on. One thing led to another, giving each other a night I will never forget, and the bond that ended our friendship.Now, another funeral brings me back home, and there she is, with her daughter. Sabrina is everything I want but can't have. I want to talk to her about our awkward night and rectify what we once had.But just when things get right with us, complications arise, and outside forces threaten our lives.Distracted will be written within K. Bromberg’s bestselling Everyday Hero world and the sexy Malone Brothers will definitely make their appearance. It’s an epic crossover from The Broken Hero Series that you’re sure to enjoy!

Wild Nights


Dantessa Stone - 2017
    So what? I’m a cocky, rich hockey player with more pucks than sense. A Game-player, a heart-breaker. I take what I want and never look back. I hadn’t expected in a million years to be back in this town. But hey, shit happens, especially when you got a temper like mine. My plan was to spend a season padding my stats and breaking in my mattress. I’d be out of here before the Zamboni finishes resurfacing the rink. Then one night Sasha fell into my arms. She’s been running through my mind ever since. She's changed something in me, that’s for sure. But will these changes last? Sasha Good girls shouldn’t fall for bad boys like Troy. I knew better. But I fell all the same. After losing my husband to the war I thought I’d never love again. My life revolves around family and running my own business. But life has a way of throwing a curve ball when you least expect it. Bumping into Troy was a chance encounter, two strangers passing in the night. A warm body to stave off the loneliness. I should have left it at that. But a one night stand turned into a string of secret, steamy rendezvous and I found my world spinning upside down. I want to believe he's the one, but I don't know. Am I making a big mistake? WILD NIGHTS is a Steamy Standalone Romance Novel with a Happy Ending (HEA)

First Pitch Swinging


Linda Fausnet - 2021
    I grew up idolizing those players, and I ached to wear the orange and black, representing my hometown and playing the game I love.But the team doesn’t want me.I’m one of the hottest players in Major League Baseball, but the Baltimore owner thinks I’m too much of a risk. All because I drink too much and might have trashed a hotel room or two in my day.Everybody thinks getting married means you’ve “settled down.”I figure I need a wife if I’m ever gonna have a chance at playing for the Bay Birds.I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that woman who poured hot coffee on me the day we met. Sweet, beautiful, and stable medical school student, Lyric Rivers. Future doctor.Also known as the future Mrs. Brady Keaton.First Pitch Swinging is the first book in a new, steamy sports romance series. No cliffhangers, lots of humor and heart, and a sexy HEA.

Soldier


Jenna Gunn - 2021
    Soldier is a standalone and the first book in my new series, Agile Security and Rescue. This is Cole Strong and Sierra's story. You'll recognize the other Strong family members and some other familiar faces from the Eden Mountain Firefighters. No cheating and no cliffhangers, I promise.

Bringing Down the House


A.R. Casella - 2022
    Good thing they don’t believe in words like “should.”NicolePeople think I’m crazy…especially my ex-boyfriends. I prefer the term misunderstood. Still, there’s no denying I have a stunning ability to make bad decisions…like seducing the lead actor of the theater company where I just accepted a job.An HR job.In my defense, Damien Mitchell is the most gorgeous man alive, and worse, he’s interesting. Besides, I’m ninety percent sure my new boss is up to something shady. Why should I behave if she won’t? I fully intend to find out what she’s doing, but in the meantime I’m reeled in by Damien. The thing is, it turns out he isn’t just a fantastic actor at a crappy theater. He's—Well, it’s his secret. But I promise it's a good one. I’m going to help him with that and with saving the theater. Whether he wants me to or not.***DamienI’m the only child of two rich narcissists. I’m used to being alone. I like it.But Nicole’s not the kind of woman who can be kept at a distance, and to my surprise, I don’t want to stay away. She sets my blood on fire and pisses me off…and makes me feel alive in a way I’d previously only experienced onstage.I tell her my secrets. I show her my scars. I let her in.We’re both screwed up, so there’s every chance we’ll destroy each other, but she’s not the only one who’s prone to bad decisions.A full-length standalone prequel to the Bad Luck Club series!

Darling Little Things in Pretty Beach


Polly Babbington - 2021