Book picks similar to
Gloves Dropped by Camellia Tate


sports
hockey-romance
contemporary-romance
sport-romance

Defending Dani


Kat Mizera - 2018
    Playing hockey and taking care of his son are all he has time for; getting traded was not on the agenda. Neither was a sexy, hockey-playing nanny to further complicate things. Star college athlete Danielle Cloutier may dominate the rink, but off the ice, she’s an amateur. She’s been trying to get rid of her virginity for years, but guys are always intimidated by her strength. That changes when she meets her new boss. Chemistry between them sizzles, hot enough to melt the most frozen of hearts, but Danielle can’t afford to get attached. Sergei doesn’t know what to do with the beautiful, stubborn woman, but watching her turn his new house into a home gives him a few ideas. Can he come to terms with his feelings before she skates out of his life for good?

Offside


Abbey Foxx - 2016
     Penny - Jasper Stone is massive in every respect. He’s a beast on the field, an animal off it, and just what we need to turn our season around. Medal winner, star athlete, one hundred percent alpha male at the top of his game. The trouble is, it’s the wrong one. That's not the only thing either. He's cocky, arrogant and constantly in trouble, and that's when he manages to keep that thing in his pants. I can’t stand him, but unfortunately that doesn't matter right now, because apparently we don’t have a choice. If we want to survive for another year, we need Jasper Stone to help us do it. It's a risk, but the potential reward is absolutely huge. After all, staying up isn't something Jasper Stone seems to have any trouble with. Nor is being big and strong. Bad boy Brit, banned athlete, and bigger all over than I’ve ever seen before, if there's one thing that Jasper knows how to do, it's win. He'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Girls, medals, millions of dollars - there's very little that can get in his way. With him on our team, there's no way that we can lose, and right now Jasper Stone is a free agent. I just didn't realize I was too. Jasper - Banned. No rugby for a whole f*cking year. I wouldn’t be here if I had the choice, but apparently, I don't. The owners want me out of the way, and if I want to continue getting paid, I've got to play ball. Literally. I don't even know how to play this game, but that doesn't seem to bother anyone. The Tigers get me for free, Corsham get rid of their trouble maker and I keep earning money. Everyone wins. All I've got to do is keep my head down, survive for a year and get the hell out of there when I'm finally done. Simple, right? It is until I meet Penny. *Offside is a 75,000+ word bad boy sports romance heavy on the steam and light on the sports!* **For a limited time only, OFFSIDE comes with a FREE bonus novel, DONKEY: A Stepbrother Sports Romance by Stephanie Brother.**

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.

Bury the Hatchet


Catherine Gayle - 2015
    Now he needs to prove to the watchful eyes that he’s changed for the better. But cozying up to Little-Miss-Perfect-Gone-Bad isn’t his idea of making amends.Agreeing to marry a hockey star to clear her “bad girl” reputation is the worst idea Oklahoma’s former sweetheart, Tallulah Belle Roth, has ever heard. With cameras constantly in their faces, Hunter and Tallie need to prove their sickeningly-sweet, do-good lives are the real deal—just to Bury the Hatchet once and for all.But when the cameras are off, desire burns hot. Can fake and just for show turn into something real and forever?

The Single Wife


Ella King - 2021
    but you can never really know anyone - can you?A group of college friends on the verge of summer graduation wonder about what the future holds - marriage and motherhood, world domination, or a better life elsewhere?One thing they do know is that they'll always be friends, but before life takes them in different directions, they make a pact to reunite in five years to see how their predictions turned out.But over time, it's pretty clear that life hasn't gone according to plan.And all too soon the women find themselves forced into a very different kind of reunion. Realising that sometimes, it's better not to tempt fate ...

Dean (Morgan Brothers #1)


Margaret McHeyzer - 2021
    She’s tortured by her history. Will their timid bond flourish into a lifelong love? Dean Morgan is an everyday hero. A well-respected firefighter in a small community, he believes everyone deserves compassion. So when he daringly rescues an unconscious teen from a burning building, the boy’s troubled mother immediately sets his heart ablaze. Joanne Hamilton fears she’ll never escape her imprisoned husband’s abuse. But when the handsome ladder-man plucks her son from the jaws of death, she’s surprised when his presence stirs more than gratitude. And when she witnesses the gorgeous guy’s kind soul in action, she feels her shattered spirit might just have a chance to mend. As Dean forms a fatherly connection with the boy, his protective instincts naturally pull them all closer. But when Joanne’s toxic baggage rears its ugly head, she’s terrified her budding attraction isn’t the only thing in danger. Can they survive a dark past and fan the flames of happiness? Dean is the touching first tale in The Morgan Brothers contemporary romance series. If you like healing hearts, tender embraces, and relearning trust, then you’ll adore Margaret McHeyzer’s uplifting story.

Billionaire Hotshot—Levi: A Modern Cinderella Retelling


Scarlett Avery - 2021
    No names.I’ve never regretted anything more in my life because God knows I’d sell my soul to know his name...It all started with a ball…I never believed you could fall for someone at first sight until I locked eyes with him… a stranger who quickly becomes an addiction––a man I don’t want to walk away from.Just like Cinderella, my time with my prince is measured in breaths.Forced to return to the shipwreck that is my life, I escape in the shadows of the night, my heart bleeding, leaving behind the one man who ignited my body and my soul…Life is unfair. I should know.I don’t even know his name…

More Than Puppy Love (Watchdog Security #3)


Olivia Michaels - 2021
    Where my dog goes, I go.” Even straight into a pre-Christmas blizzard, and the only woman strong enough to face down his old demons.Kyle McGuire manages the canine training unit of Watchdog Security. He's put in to adopt the military dog Camo, who served beside him on their SEAL team. Too bad the dog went to a complete stranger instead. Braving a blizzard at night, Kyle heads to a remote Colorado ranch where he finds Camo along with a beautiful woman—and her shotgun, pointed straight at him.Arden Volker is settling in after a long day of single-handedly managing her animal therapy ranch when the banging at her door sends her new dog into a frenzy. Now she has no choice but to shelter the steaming hot SEAL who wants to take Camo away from her. While he has a legitimate claim, he has no idea what the dog means to her, and she's not ready to tell.When an unscrupulous land developer stirs up trouble of a deadly nature, Kyle, Arden, and Camo must work together to save a life. But will their Christmas dreams come true, or will all be lost in the storm?

Heathcliff Family Romances Books 1-4: A Sweet Billionaire Romance Boxset


Julia Keanini - 2019
    That is until she finds out their families are in an all-out war.His to MarryRafe needs a wife. Bailey's the perfect woman for the job ... except that she's in love with him. Faking a marriage with the man of her dreams isn't a bad idea, is it?His to ProtectEmma Heathcliff's life is in danger. Too bad the only person who can keep her safe is the one man she can't stand.Her Favorite RiskShe just needs a job. He needs her. But since they've both been burned by love is he a risk she's willing to take?

Take The Shot


Danica Flynn - 2020
    Why would the hunky hockey player want anything to do with me? I’m a stressed out writer with a lot of baggage. Any other man would say, “HARD PASS!” But Noah was the best man I’ve ever known, and if it wasn’t for him, I might not be alive. But am I ready to put my heart on the line again? NOAH I’ve pined for my best friend for so long, that my teammates issued an ultimatum.  “Make your move now or one of us will ask her out.” They are just trying to push me, besides none of those jerks would ever be good enough for her. Makes me wonder if I even stand a chance. Besides, what would a smart woman like her want with a dumb jock like me? Get ready to meet the Philadelphia Bulldogs hockey team, in this all new-standalone novel. If you love sexy sports romances and friends-to-lovers with a HEA, this book is for you! Content Warning: This book deals with miscarriage & infertility.

Prince Pucking Charming


Jillian Quinn - 2020
    And the team owner has given me two months to whip his broody butt into shape, or he’s trading Duke to another team.I can’t let that happen. Not when I can help Duke work through his anger issues.Except there’s one problem….As we grow closer, Duke thinks I’m the cure for thawing the ice around his heart.And he wants me.

Not So Broken (Love Grows Series Book 1)


Renee Regent - 2019
    An independent woman. When they collide, love grows in a most unexpected way! A bitter divorce from my cheating ex-husband left me reeling, but I forged a new life on my own. Now on the verge of a promotion, everything I want is in reach—except a family. I’ve all but given up on ever having a child.So I decided I would adopt one on my own.Then one wild night changed everything. I was swept away by Gibson, a hot-looking handyman who was, well, pretty good with his hands. And then some.But there were unintended consequences from our tryst. Now he and I are forever connected, and it turns out Gibson was not at all what he seemed to be. We barely know each other, and now he is in my life forever. Maybe we can make this work if we stay platonic.That will be easy, right?The Love Grows Series- Strong, protective heroes. Feisty, independent heroines. When they meet, Love Grows in unexpected ways.

Playing to Win


Stacey Lynn
    Nothing more than a couple of college kids having some fun, but then I did the stupid thing and fell for Jude Taylor quicker than he can score a goal on the ice. And after one beautiful night together, he left for the pros before I could make my first cup of coffee. I thought I’d put him behind me. I thought I’d moved on. Then he hobbles into my physical therapy office and I realize how absolutely wrong I’ve been—there’s no getting over Jude Taylor. But now things are complicated. Jude lives half a country away and his career is in direct opposition to my need for stability. Most of all, getting involved with him could mean losing my job and everything I’ve worked so hard for. Jude doesn’t seem to mind one bit and he’s all in. He might be a patient in my office, but he’s no longer the patient guy I remember. This time, he’s playing to win, and the prize he’s looking to score is me.

Love & Other Chaos


Jackie Walker - 2020
    Brody’s my friend - just a friend. He’s also my autistic son’s favorite teacher.He’s as off limits as they come, no matter how drop dead gorgeous he is. Falling for him would be wrong. Resisting him though, is becoming pure torture. After being burned by men who can’t handle dating a single-mom of a special-needs child, I refuse to date anymore. Not until my son is grown. My plan is working fine until my trouble-making bestie presents me with a dare that I can’t resist. I’m a sucker for a good dare - especially when margaritas have been consumed. And she’s just dared me to plant a surprise kiss on Brody’s sexy lips, while she records it for a trending TikTok challenge video. But if I do this, it could change everything. My life is already pure chaos and maybe now is not the best time to shake things up even more. Is it worth risking our friendship and his important role in my son’s life for one kiss? What if he wants more? What if I do? Love & Other Chaos is a hilarious, steamy, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy featuring a drop dead gorgeous and seriously buff teacher with the hots for a single-mom of an autistic pre-teen son... who happens to be one of his students. This story also includes wise-cracking grandparents with zero respect for personal boundaries, swoon-worthy beach scenes, a jerky boss with no concept of personal space, nosey siblings and a foul-mouthed best friend who loves to instigate trouble. If you don't like sarcasm, steam, sexy-times, heroines who drink copious amounts of margaritas and laugh-a-minute dialogue, then this might not be the book for you. It’s a stand-alone novel with a happy ending, because cliffhangers will kill your margarita buzz.

Breakout


Stephanie Kay - 2017
    At least that’s the plan. Six months ago, her world imploded when she walked in on her fiancé with another woman. After calling off her wedding, she spent a week acting completely out of character in the Tuscan countryside with a scorchingly hot man. They didn’t even exchange last names. Ethan Hartnell has grudgingly returned home. He's got an image to fix after being traded to the San Francisco Strikers, due to some questionable behavior. He plans to keep his nose to the ice, focusing on the career he loves. Everything is going according to plan, until he walks into a friend’s bar and sees her. She’d left him in her bed in Italy, with a note, and run. Which is exactly what she does when they see each other again. It should be a sign. So why does he keep chasing her? This is an 83,000 novel with a HEA and NO cliffhanger! Only for readers 18+. This series is connected with the Love by the Bay series, but each book can be read as a standalone.