Book picks similar to
Down By Contact by Jessica Ruddick


sports-romance
sports
contemporary
new-adult

Montana Blaze


Lori Wilde - 2021
    But her elderly boss thinks it's high time Ann starts living large and issues her a challenge—being daring or she will sell out to the land developer bent on bringing a big box store to River Falls. What's a woman to do but put on a short skirt and hit the Rusty Rail Saloon to save her town? The last thing on Mitchell Black's mind is an adventuresome sex-capade, especially with a preacher's daughter who's trying too hard to be a badass. He's got two younger brothers to raise and a ranch to run. But one look at Ann and he's rethinking his priorities. Problem is, will Ann's newfound badassery have her hankering to leave Montana for good?

Heartless Boy


Jenna Rose - 2021
    She’s rich, I’m poor. We come from two different worlds and her parents would never let a princess like her get with a bad boy like me. Which is probably best, seeing as how I lost my ability to love a long time ago. Good girls stay away from me. They know better than to get close.But Maddie wants out of her life. She thinks I can save her from the path that’s been chosen from her. But I’ve seen this plenty of times before. Rich girls like her aren’t serious about guys like me. If she wants to me mine, she’s going to have to prove she can live in my world. But if she’s smart, she’ll stay as far away from me as she can, because this heartless boy will be her ruin…

What Happens in the Castle (What Happens series, #3)


Kelsey McKnight - 2020
    Now that she’s kicked her cheating ex to the curb, she’s transforming her long-forgotten dream into a thriving business. Amid her new patients, she manages to travel to Scotland to be a bridesmaid in her college friend’s wedding only to meet the cousin of the groom, a tall shot of whisky in a tartan glass.Rhys Mackinnon has grown restless and is eager to find his next role in life, whatever that may be. When he meets Savannah, he’s all too happy to make that role her personal tour guide. He ends up playing boyfriend too after her ex shows up unannounced.When the fictional relationship begins to feel real, Savannah’s torn between the fire she feels for Rhys and the passion she has for her career. No matter what she decides, someone will end up hurt, because what happens in the castle doesn’t always stay there.

Dirty Saint


Vesper Vaughn - 2016
     He has this whole university fooled. Not me. I've seen a whole other sinful side to Mr. Touchdown. I've witnessed his swagger. Heard his filthy mouth and lost count how often he says the Lord's name in vain. I can’t stand that man. So why is he starring in my dreams? Why do I have a carnal highlight reel in my mind, looping with images that have nothing to do with the game of football? Now I’m the first-ever water girl for the university football team. My plan? I need to stay far, far away from temptation. I’m here for the thrill of the game. Not to worship the sexy-as-sin Quarterback. But from the first day of practice Saint's sultry gaze makes it perfectly clear that he intends to score. SAINT: They call me Saint. That’s because I’m a miracle on the football field. I’ve taken this cloistered, religious university and launched it into the national spotlight. All I want is to play ball and get to know some of my lovely and devoted female fans. They flock to my games. They can't wait to offer me anything I want after the final play. But all that changes when I catch sight of Esther. The water girl is the only girl on campus who doesn't want me. That's okay because I like a challenge, I like strategy and I really like the idea of finally claiming Esther's heavenly body. This standalone, full-length novel contains cursing, steamy sex scenes, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Caught Off Guard


Kira Blakely - 2016
    

An Unexpected Baby For Christmas (Christmas With The Billionaire)


Holly Rayner - 2021
    

Let's Play


Jennifer M. MillerJennifer Sucevic - 2021
    With contributions from:TL HamiltonAmy StephensJennifer SucevicLynn StevensAndi BurnsK.D. CroftSamantha LongTB MannMaci DillonRosie EastTina GallagherJennifer MillerMarissa AnnMelissa Ivers

Memoirs of a King


Danielle Bourdon - 2018
    Approximately 21,000 words. From the secret journals of a ruling king comes an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the most tumultuous time of his life. Discover his thoughts on love, betrayal and the path to power in Memoirs of a King, a companion novella to the Latvala Royals series.

Another Roommate (Life in the Brohouse #4)


Carmen Black - 2021
    

Shiv (Wicked Kings New York 5)


Autumn Summers - 2021
    She was half my age. And if we got caught together… well, it’d be my balls on the chopping block. And yet I couldn’t get her out of my head – couldn’t keep my hands off of her. But the question remained – did she want me as much as I wanted her? Was I worth it to her when it meant walking away from the life she used to have? Tara When I came back to New York, I wasn’t looking for a man. I was running away from one. But sometimes things just… happen. And sometimes they happen for a reason. I could have done without the parental disapproval or the death threats but when someone’s worth fighting for, you just have to go against all logic and just make that leap of faith. But the question remained – would he catch me or let me fall?This Age-Gap Motorcycle Romance is the fifth book in the Wicked Kings New York series. One-Click NOW to come along for this fast, twisted action-packed ride, that will leave you breathless.

When Bae...


Monica Murphy - 2022
    I have too. I’m actually living that crush right now. And while I’ve been friends with Beck Callahan for a long time, I don’t think he sees me beyond friendship.Okay fine, we had a minor—thing for each other in middle school, but that doesn’t count. We’ve changed a lot over the years. He’s become so popular. What am I saying? He’s been popular forever. Back in the day, twelve-year-old me hoped he would eventually be my boyfriend.Alas, that was never meant to be, which is probably best. Middle school relationships crash and burn quick. He’s truly one of my favorite people, but I know now we could never make it as a couple. He’s him while I’m just…Me.So he’s my secret bae. The idealized boy who can do no wrong and proves himself time and time again that he’s absolutely, undoubtedly perfect. Dreamy.The ultimate bae.This is a compilation of short snippets from Beck Callahan and Addison Douglas' junior year in high school when they were seriously crushing on each other, before their story in MAKING HER MINE. Originally featured in my newsletter, I brought them all together in one place!

Smooches


Susan Renee - 2021
    You know, the kind that are made with pictures ripped from magazines with special notes about your life goals or biggest wishes. (Mine of course, is covered in glitter!) As a single mom, it’s hard to put my dreams and goals first, but I made my list. 1. Finally finish my degree 2. Learn how to cook new recipes. 3. Travel outside of Washington state. 4. Buy myself something that makes me feel desirable. 5. Find real, honest-to-goodness-rip-your-heart-out-and-hand-it-to-someone-love. The realist in me knows that last one is a bit far-fetched, but when an old college friend shows up in my driveway offering me something I can’t refuse, my mind starts wondering if maybe that last goal could be attainable after all.He’s kind, compassionate, strong, helpful, and attractive. All positive attributes of a great man. There’s just one problem. He’s my Ex’s best friend.

Keeping the Playboy's Baby


Ava Storm - 2021
    

Not So Fake (The Billionaire's Secret #7)


R.S. Elliot - 2021
    

The Player and the Bet


Liv Reid - 2021
    (Doesn’t it always?)The star quarterback. The school loser. You know the rest… But our story is anything but typical.Mace Law is the bad boy football player all the girls want—except me.I’ve hated him since the day we met, all those years ago.Now, we are both at Winterford University, and the school is forcing me to keep him out of trouble if I don’t want to get expelled.It’s an almost impossible task, and I’m about to learn he has secrets darker than I could have ever imagined.But I’m not going to let some obnoxious, hard-partying player destroy everything I’ve worked so hard for. I’m not going to let him bully me.Sorry—not sorry—Mace, this is one game you aren’t going to win.The Player and the Bet is an enemies-to-lovers college sports romance. It’s a standalone story with a HEA. It’s filled with smoking-hot bad boys, sarcastic heroines, twists, and banter for days. It contains scenes that may be offensive or triggering for some readers.