Book picks similar to
The Love Playbook by Jerica MacMillan
sports-romance
college
arcs
virgin-hero
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!
It Was All The Pie's Fault
Elizabeth SaFleur - 2022
One bite of her cherry pie and he’ll declare her “the one.”Jaded attorney Nick doesn't believe in magic OR Russell's intentions with Chloe. Pies making wishes come true? Pffft.But she's perfect for him--as a fake girlfriend to appease his family-friendly boss. She's in love with someone else, after all. And he doesn’t do love, especially not with someone so bubbly, so dewy-eyed, so committed to marching down a wedding aisle.Plus this girl needs help when it comes to men--a lot of it. He'll help her lure Russell into dreaded wedded bliss, and she'll pose as his date. Her pies are an added bonus.Except Chloe's wishes begin to go haywire -- starting with granting Nick's and turning all those fake kisses into smoking hot moments of passion. It turns out Chloe’s not as innocent as he first thought.A fake relationship, opposites attract, laugh out loud, sexy romantic comedy.
First Down Darling
Tabatha Kiss - 2022
Follow the syllabus.2. Don’t date the undergrads.Easy enough. I’m a science nerd with a Graduate thesis to write. My weekend plans don’t exactly include doing keg stands at the Alpha Delta Xi house.But when the fastest halfback in college football shows up in the front row of my chemistry class, the rules start to seem... a little more like guidelines to me.Hello, John Kirby.Farewell, my V-card.If anyone finds out about us, I could lose a lot more than my inhibitions.But John isn’t like any guy I’ve ever dated. He’s clever. And loyal. And ripped like a sheet.I can believe him when he says he’ll never hurt me. Right?We broke the rules.I never expected him to break my heart, too.First Down Darling is a steamy stand-alone sports romance guaranteed to tug your heartstrings. It was originally published as Johnny Deeper and In Too Deep. This new edition includes brand-new and extended scenes not available in the original version.Want more Chicago North University? Don’t miss the first book in the Kings of Chicago North series Touchdown Baby!
Where the Road Takes Me
Jay McLean - 2015
She’s made a promise to herself: don’t let anyone in, and don’t let anyone love her. She’s learned the hard way what happens if she breaks her rules. So she’s focused on being invisible and waiting until she can set out on the road—her dream of freedom, at least for a little while.Blake Hunter is a basketball star who has it all—everything about him looks perfect to those on the other side of his protective walls. He can’t let anyone see the shattered pieces behind the flawless facade or else all his hopes and dreams will disappear.One dark night throws Chloe and Blake together, changing everything for Blake. For Chloe, nothing changes: she has the road, and she’s focused on it. But when the so-called perfect boy starts to notice the invisible girl, they discover that sometimes with love, no one knows where the road may lead.
The Revenge Pact
Ilsa Madden-Mills - 2020
The king of football.A tattooed bad boy with gunmetal eyes that see right through you. The only chink in his armor is her, the girl he pretends doesn’t exist, the forbidden one with the shy smile and lavender hair. Anastasia Bailey is a nobody. The queen of nothing.An outsider with the face of an angel and a body made for sin. The only chink in her armor is him, her boyfriend’s frat brother, the football player who hates her. But when Anastasia’s life comes crashing down, River’s the one who sweeps in and picks up the pieces. Torn between loyalty, lies, and secrets, he battles the temptation to take everything from her when they make their revenge pact.He can’t tell her no.Because revenge (or love) is, sweet, and once you get a taste, the craving never ends.The Revenge Pact is first in a series about three college football players.
The Freshman
Monica Murphy - 2021
Now granted, he wasn’t just any guy. Tall. Dark. Hot. Mysterious. Can you blame me for wanting to talk to him? He’s in town visiting his parents. So am I. He goes to the same college as I do. Such a coincidence. Almost as if our meeting is destined...But I shouldn't believe in that sort of thing. I am single as a Pringle and always ready to mingle. Until I keep running into Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious everywhere I go. Tony Sorrento. Turns out he’s on the football team. I mean, I’m not one to chase after a sexy jock but, okay. I’m down. And did I mention he’s only a freshman?Our fathers are business rivals, and they forbid us from dating. We need to keep this on the low. Can we remain friendly? Sure. Maybe turn our friendship into friends with benefits? Most definitely. Here’s the thing though. I didn’t plan on catching feelings for him so quickly. Seems like he’s falling pretty hard for me too.Defying our fathers’ wishes is only asking for trouble, but is being with Tony worth the risk?
Draft Day
Toya King - 2016
A successful college football career means I’m about to sign with the NFL―and I have all the women I want. When Deja shows up at my football practice, I’m shocked at the changes in her. When we were in foster care as kids, I always protected her, and she needs me more than ever. I’m determined to take care of her―but will I be forced to choose between her and my career? Deja Tyler was the only real bright spot in my life growing up. Maybe I don’t deserve to be in his life anymore, but turning to him when I hit rock bottom is the only choice that makes sense. I can’t help wanting more from him than friendship. He has the brightest future imaginable, and if I’m not careful, I could drag him down with me. He’s like a beacon lighting my way to a better path… if I can find the strength to follow it. But will he be waiting for me when I get there?
Draft Day
is a steamy standalone interracial football sports romance novel. It's only recommended for audiences 18+. No cheating. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed HEA.
Things Liars Say
Sara Ney - 2015
Greyson Keller didn't intend to lie; it just came out that way. So when the object of that lie shows up on her doorstep, she is confused, shocked, and embarrassed. Calvin Thompson is an Ivy Leaguer, attending University over an hour away, playing rugby and basically not giving a crap. So imagine his surprise when some guy named Greyson begins rumors online that they're dating -- the only logical solution is to drive an hour and confront him... Be there when Greyson and Cal finally meet face-to-face because. Sparks. Will. Fly. Yes, sparks fly. That's why this book is intended for those 17+ Foul language, and sexual content.
Wilder Games
Ali Dean - 2021
Nothing, that is, except the sight of Jude Wilder sitting in the stands with his little sister on his lap. He’s never watched me play. Never even noticed me before. And yet his eyes are on me now. I know what he must be thinking. I’m not just an outcast, I’m a social pariah thanks to my family being the town’s most notorious con artists. Jude is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Not only is he accepted, he’s worshipped. I’m nobody to him, and yet I’ve got this chance to impress him.As it turns out, he isn’t at all impressed when I win the match, and I’m worse than a nobody to him. Jude thinks I’m a threat to his family. This should alarm me. It should scare me. Jude in protective mode is hot, all right, but I can’t afford to be on his radar. I’ve got one year to secure a college scholarship. It’s hard enough keeping a low profile with my tennis success, and the last thing I need is Jude Wilder of all people drawing more attention my way. Especially if it’s hostile. Even if I like it.
Risky Business (Wrecked Roommates)
Kelsie Rae - 2022
Yes, I climbed into Jake Jensen’s lap and kissed the crap out of him in a crowded bar to make my ex jealous.Yes, I lied to my family and told them I’m in a relationship with the guy, even though he doesn’t know my name or my family’s connection to one of the hottest software companies in the US.Yes, I’m now on my way to convince him to be my fake boyfriend for my father’s company retreat in exchange for...whatever the heck he wants if it’ll get me out of this mess.And no, I’m most definitely not interested in his smoldering eyes or the way his hands feel against my body.Because whatever’s burning between us?It isn’t real.We’re both a means to an end.And there’s no convincing me otherwise.
Tight Spot
Lisa Suzanne - 2022
I want nothing to do with the ones who play on the same team as my brothers, and I certainly avoid the ones who spend more time in strip clubs than kids’ clubs.So why do I suddenly find myself faking a relationship with Ben Olson, the bad boy tight end who fits every descriptor on my naughty list?He’s in a tight spot, and I’m intrigued by the illicit under the dinner table action that proved to me he’s nothing but trouble. He’s hot and I’m bored. He doesn’t do relationships, and I’m just looking for some fun.Except fun is taking a quick turn into real feelings, and now I’m in a tight spot of my own.
Getting Lucky Number Seven
Cindi Madsen - 2015
While every other college student is out having fun, Lyla is studying. With her cat. Well, she's played it "safe" quite enough, thank you. So she creates a "College Bucket List"―with item #7 being a night of uninhibited, mind-blowing sex...But she needs some help from her man-whore best friend.Hockey player Beck Davenport thought Lyla's transformation would be subtle. Man, was he wrong. With every item she ticks off, Beck finds himself growing seriously hot for his sweet, brainiac best friend. And if he's not careful, he'll end up risking their friendship in order to convince Lyla that he might just be her lucky #7...
The Matchmaker's Playbook
Rachel Van Dyken - 2016
As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule.…
Alpha's Secret Baby: A Fake Relationship Romance (Swoon Worthy Billionaires Book 4)
J.P. Comeau - 2022
Lacrosse team captain. Ripped muscles from head to toe.In high school, he was only a jock with a pretty face.Nothing more, nothing less. Ok?Then why did I volunteer to pose as Dune’s fake fiancé?I convinced myself it was just to help an old acquaintance.He needed to sell a story to the judge.Keeping his niece safe was Dune’s first priority.And he promised to save me from my creepy biological father.So, I agreed to move into his mansion.Only for the sake of our story and my protection, right?Well, maybe, that’s not all.The fake fiancé shtick had benefits, too.Every.Single.Night.Now, I’m haunted by the band around my finger,And the secret fantasies I had of Dune and me back in high school.But my father’s drama won’t leave us alone.All I want is my reality to be as perfect as my fantasies.Is that too much to hope for?If you love a sexy fake relationship romance with a secret baby twist, don’t miss this satisfying alpha protector read. Best-selling Amazon author J.P. Comeau’s Alpha’s Secret Baby is a full-length novel with no cliffhangers.
This Sky
Autumn Doughton - 2014
She’s no stranger to disappointment but nothing could have prepared her for the chaos that unfolded when her celebrity boyfriend publicly humiliated her. Now the fairytale is officially over and Gemma is determined to put the past behind her and strike out to find a new dream. Just a few teeny-tiny details to work out: she’s currently broke, homeless and unemployed. Landon Young has his own worries. Surfer by day and bartender by night, he doesn’t have the interest or the time to be anyone’s happily-ever-after. Weighed down by the memory of what happened two years ago, Landon can barely keep his head above water. This Sky is the thoughtful and often funny story about broken trust, an unexpected love and the hopes we keep sewn in the linings of our pockets.