Recommendations based on "The Surprise Play"
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By Loren Leigh
ShawEver since we met two years ago, Eden Burkehammer has made everything better.The big defenseman sets me at ease. He's a beast on the ice-brutal and physical-but when it's the two of us, he turns to me with these unexpectedly soft brown eyes. This gravelly laugh that makes my whole body smile. And yeah, I might have thrown a glance his way a time or two in the steamed-up locker room showers-you know, just curious.But he's my best friend. My teammate. Roommate.I don't want to mess with that. Just the thought of losing him sends a cold zap the full length of my spine. Besides, I've never gone there with a guy, and he's never given a single hint he has either.Until one morning when I sign for his delivery. An envelope that contains something I never-in my life-would have guessed.And, suddenly, I'm thinking about him in a whole new way.BurkI can't look at Shaw Keenan for too long. When he leans across my truck console, with that whip-quick smile, I get this catch in my throat and focus on the road. Or when he tips his goalie mask up onto his head, hair askew and a flush of adrenaline on his cheeks, I skate back toward the blue line.I don't know why. My head's confused about a lot of stuff. Always has been. But what I do know is that I've never thought about anyone the way I think about him.Especially when he steps through my doorway-in nothing but a pair of thin running shorts and that backwards pink ballcap he always wears-holding a package I ordered on a whim.And he's looking at me in a way he never has before.It's game over after that.Let's Do This is a steamy, low-angst, friends-to-lovers college hockey m/m romance with double first times, a flirty goalie, and a gruff defenseman willing to risk it all for a chance with his best friend. It's a spin-off from Indigo Falls College Series and a standalone.
By Kt Hoffman
'Tenacious, sexy, effervescent, doggedly hopeful, and endlessly charming, with characters to root hard for and an irresistible voice - I completely adored it' Casey McQuiston, author of Red, White & Royal Blue 'Endearing and tender' New York Times __________ Enemies. Rivals. Teammates. It's going to be a hell of a season. Gene Ionescu is content to play in the minor leagues. He's seen teammates get their big breaks, but as the first openly trans man in the world of competitive baseball, he has nearly everything he's ever let himself dream of. When his former teammate and long-time rival, Luis Estrada, is unexpectedly drafted onto the team, the careful equilibrium of Gene's life is destroyed. Luis is standoffish, talented and inconveniently gorgeous, and the two men can barely get through a game together. This is war, and the team pays the price. So when Luis surprises Gene with a softer side to his haughty demeanour, Gene offers an olive branch - for the sake of his teammates. Soon they discover that their chemistry on the pitch might lead them all the way to the playoffs. And their chemistry off the pitch . . . well, that could be enough to change the game for ever. 'I can't even express how much I adore this beautiful, joyful book' Alicia Thompson, author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers 'This book is optimism and grit, dedication and unbridled joy . . . An absolute delight' Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of The Ex Talk 'A heart-stealing romance . . . My favourite book - of this and any year' Anita Kelly, author of Something Wild & Wonderful __________ Five-star reader reviews of The Prospects: 'The romance between Gene and Luis is fire but also achingly tender and sweet. It gave me all the feels' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Funny and sexy and filled with such an incredible amount of hope, optimism, queer and trans joy, and queer found family' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I absolutely loved so much of this book, and it gave me many moments of reading on the couch, feet kicking, and giggling wildly. It was beautiful' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The steam and build of the relationship sucked me in . . . All I want to do is hug these two and live in this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Stunning, joyful, and romantic as hell' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'It's got boys, it's got baseball, it's got everything you could possibly want. Five stars isn't enough' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Kelly Jamieson
Harrison Wynn Even though I’m the oldest player on the farm team, I’m playing my heart out this year to prove that I have what it takes to play in the NHL. Everyone expects me to live up to my dying hockey hero dad’s legacy, but my chances are receding every season. What I need is to focus, but the team’s new yoga instructor is a major distraction; I’ve had my eye on her from the first time we met. Except she’s not interested—okay, maybe actively disinterested—since I accidentally dumped her into the ocean during our paddleboard yoga class. How can I prove to her—and to the NHL—that I’m worth taking a chance on? Arya Ross Men are the last thing I need in my life. Yoga is my priority; it helps me center myself and heal my soul. But I can’t turn down the once-in-a-lifetime offer to be the personal yoga instructor for the local hockey team. Sure, there are some cute players—including Harrison Wynn, who seemingly won’t take no for an answer, and whose boyish smile and sexy charm are hard to resist. He seems genuine, and I wonder . . . Can I put my past behind me to start a future with him?
By Piper Shelly
Play With Me & Ryan Hunter (boxed set)Ryan Hunter's parties are legend. And tonight she's going to be there.Liza Matthews anticipates the return of her best friend and only love since kindergarten from soccer camp. But when Tony finally shows up, his mind is more focused on another girl. And worse, she's a soccer player. Fighting for the attention Liza craves, she's just a hairbreadth away from making a very stupid decision. But when extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, she's prepared to play ball to get her man.The tryouts are hell, the first match ends bloody, and the morning after the selection party she wakes up in the worst place possible-in the arms of the school's infamous playboy...Ryan Hunter.He's the captain of the soccer team and he has met his match. Now all he has to do is convince the girl of his dreams that he's the one...Watching Liza Matthews' obsession with Tony Mitchell is a torture Ryan conceals from everyone. Until after a five-week soccer camp, where Tony gets involved with someone else, things suddenly take a different turn. Ryan knows if he doesn't make a move now and grab his chance, he might never get another.Asked by Tony to distract Liza, Ryan is only too happy. He subtly seduces her first into his soccer team and later on to his party. He does all in his power to make her see that he's not just an insufferable playboy but a guy who cares about her. Some one-on-one soccer training, a passionate kiss-everything seems to be going the way he wants. Except Ryan didn't reckon on his best friend showing up at the worst possible moment and destroying everything...
By Bianca Sommerland
Silver Delgado never gave a damn about the family business. Her sister knows more about hockey anyway—makes more sense for her to take over when their father's health declines. But for some crazy reason, he thrusts responsibility for the team he owns straight into Silver’s hands.Forcing her to face off against the general manager, Dean Richter.The fact that their 'business relationship' started with her over his lap at his BDSM club shouldn't be too much of a problem.Dean drew her in front of a large, throne-like chair and folded his arms over his chest. “Now strip.”“Strip?” She rubbed her arms and nodded. Fine, there was a crowd, but she had nothing to hide. All those women giggling and pointing could eat their fucking hearts out. She peeled off her top and shorts and faced Dean before letting out a flippant, “So what are you going to use?”“My hand.”Aw, fuck.One night doesn’t change who’s really in charge...right?Except he’s way too good at bringing out her inner submissive. When Silver pushes him away, she ends up lost and alone, until Landon Bower, the Cobras new Goalie, becomes her best—and only—friend. The time they spend together makes everything else bearable, but before long she begins to feel more than friendship.And so does he.Which could ruin everything.All settled in, Silver gave him a sideways once over. “I’d do you.”Landon groaned, covered his eyes with his hand, and muttered, “Brat.”“Yes, Sir.” Two Dominant men who can break past her pretty mask and the shallow image she portrayed to the flashing cameras. A gentle attack from both sides that she can't hope to block unless she learns how to play. But she's getting the hang of the game.
By Emily Rath
DISCOVER THE THIRD BOOK IN THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING JACKSON RAYS SERIESThe lines between work and play get blurred in this super sexy, inclusive ‘why choose’ hockey romance from the TikTok sensation---My name is Poppy St. James and I’ve just landed my dream job as the Director of Public Relations for the NHL’s hottest new team, the Jacksonville Rays.But if I want to stay beyond my one-year contract, I'll have to prove myself.Easy. PR is in my blood. What’s not so easy are the hockey players.They’re a real handful – especially party boy defenseman Lukas Novikov.I don't care how well Lucas plays hockey. Off the ice, he's a PR nightmare. The players can all call me PR Barbie all they want, but I'm getting the job done.I am poised, powerful, and always professional . . . until the fateful night my phone rings.One little phone call from home that leads to one drunken mistake, and my carefully balanced life is knocked off-kilter. Now I'm staring down at a little blue plus sign and I have no strategy, no idea what’s next.All I know is that nothing will ever be the same.Tropes/Themes:- Sports romance- Reverse Harem- LGBT- Spicy---READERS ARE LOVING PUCKING SWEET ‘I DEVOURED it in less than 24 hours!’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘This was everything I’d hoped for and more. These characters have my heart! Their love story is beautiful and I fell for each of them’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘This will be the easiest 5 star read I give for the whole year’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘I love the way each spicy scene flowed organically with the story. It’s never spice just for spice. Each encounter shows you more of their relationship, dynamic, and emotional development. It was beautifully done’ 5 ***** Reader Review‘I absolutely loved it, I bawled my eyes out, laughed out loud, and at one point screamed at the pages’ 5 ***** Reader ReviewEmily Rath, USA Today bestseller, July 2024
By Victoria Denault
He had total control of his game--until she changed all the rules . . . As one of the best players in the NHL and the "golden boy" of the league, Avery Westwood knows he has to keep his cool--on and off the ice. His whole life is a carefully constructed image of perfection for the media and his brand sponsors. Of course, that means he can never let his true feelings show. But when it comes to the sexy sister of his former teammate, Avery might be willing to make an exception . . . even if it means breaking all his own rules. As far as Stephanie Deveau is concerned, having a thing for Avery is the equivalent of psychological napalm. Très bad idea. Then he moves in next door, all sexy smiles and a deliciously hot body that she can't resist. Something's happening between them--it's intense, a little (a lot) out of control, and real. Only Avery doesn't know everything about Stephanie's past. And the one exception to his rule might just be the one girl who could destroy his career. MORE IN THE HOMETOWN PLAYERS SERIES: One More Shot Making a Play The Final Move Winning It All
By Victoria Denault
He'll do whatever it takes to win--on and off the ice. Luc Richard is the hottest player in the NHL--and it has nothing to do with hockey. His racy relationship with his supermodel ex set the tabloids on fire but nearly put his career on ice. To avoid being traded, Luc agrees to take a break from the spotlight--and from women--and spend the off-season at home in Silver Bay, Maine. It's the perfect plan... until he reconnects with Rose. Rose Caplan is tired of being shy, sweet, and safe. She's ready for passion, romance--and Luc. Having loved him longer than she can remember, she's finally ready to prove she's not the same innocent little girl he once knew. Off the ice Luc doesn't do games, but this new Rose makes him feel like playing a little dirty. If he's really got a shot at her heart then he's not just playing to win. He's playing for keeps.
By Meghan Quinn
They're faking it for the cameras. But what if the sparks are real?Graydon St. John doesn't do drama―or public appearances. The brooding defensive end for football team the San Francisco Foghorns prefers silence, solitude, and avoiding headlines. But when a league-wide PR scandal forces him into a media stunt at the city zoo, he's suddenly face-to-face with squawking birds, nosy fans, and the zookeeper who seems to hate his guts on sight.Maple Baker loves her flamingos. Loud, pink, messy? Sure. But they're hers. And the last thing she needs is a grumpy football player stomping into her sanctuary with a bad attitude and a bigger ego. Unfortunately, they've been paired for the zoo's new public outreach program, and the cameras are already rolling.The banter is sharp. The tension is electric. And the more they pretend to play nice for the press, the more their fake flirtation starts to feel like something dangerously real.But when family secrets, viral fame, and a PR romance gone off-script threaten everything Maple's worked for, Graydon must decide if he's willing to fight for love―or let it slip away to protect her. From New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a sizzling sports romance full of flamingo feathers, slow-burn heat, and one grump-meets-sunshine love story that's anything but fake.READERS ARE ALREADY HOT UNDER THE COLLAR FOR MEGHAN QUINN'S BOOKS...'Outrageously laugh-out-loud funny' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The way I completely obsessed about this book was not okay!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Perfect combination of sweet, sassy, funny and spicy' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The banter was top tier! The spice was amazing!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'All the brother's-best-friend, fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers goodness packaged together in an adventure full of second-hand embarrassment and swoon-worthy moments' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'OH MY!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By V.K. Sykes
A brand new book in the USA Today Bestselling PHILADELPHIA PATRIOTS series of sexy sports romances! Big, tough, sexy…and trouble. As far as sports agent Kate Berlin is concerned, that describes Nick Rome perfectly. Landing the hard-charging, talented catcher as her new client is a huge coup, and Nick could catapult her small agency into the big leagues—or destroy her reputation if she screws up. Since Nick has a habit of butting heads with Patriots management, the chance for disaster is high. Nick’s had serious agent troubles, so he’s willing to give smart and sexy Kate Berlin a try at negotiating his new and much-needed contract. The hardworking single mom is determined to manage Nick both on and off the field, clamping down on the attraction blazing between them. But nobody keeps Nick Rome under control—either on the field or in the bedroom. Can Kate handle Nick as both her lover and her client, or will succumbing to passion destroy the professional life she’s worked so hard to achieve? The Philadelphia Patriots Series Fastball: A Prequel Novel Book One: Hardball Book Two: Bigger Than Beckham Book Three: Curveball Book Four: Payoff Pitch Praise for The Philadelphia Patriots: “This series is excellent and the 4th instalment does not disappoint. The Sykes tell a great story and for those of us that enjoy the sports aspect and the romance aspect it’s the best of both worlds…Curveball gets a GRAND SLAM – 5 Stars from SYMFB!” ~ Save Your Money for Books “Spicy new sports romance that knocks it out of the park!” The Kindle Romance Review on Payoff Pitch "PAYOFF PITCH delights with likable characters and loads of realism." ~4 stars, Single Title Reviews EXCERPT: Kate was glad she hadn’t yet taken a drink of the Scotch since she likely would have done a spit-take. Nick Rome was nothing if not blunt. And a little intimidating, especially when he pulled his chair so close that she could feel the heat radiating off his wickedly muscular body. She’d never seen him in anything other than a baseball uniform, and then only from seats high in the ballpark stands or in photographs. But even at a distance, he was clearly one seriously hot dude. Every female in Philadelphia—maybe the whole country—knew that. But sitting this close, Kate could even see the grain of bristle on his hard jaw and the knowing glitter in his dark gaze. In fact, he was so damn masculine and sexy he was practically giving her heart palpitations. Nick Rome might not be tall as professional athletes go—about six-one or so—but he was built like a human Freightliner. There was nothing trim or tapered or elegant about the guy. He didn’t even look super-athletic. He just looked powerful. Dominant, robust, hard as nails—those were the descriptions that slid easily into her head. From his massive shoulders through his deep chest to big, muscular thighs, Nick Rome looked more like a middle linebacker or even a military commando than a ballplayer. His hands—callused and rough catcher’s hands—were huge. Kate couldn’t wait to find out whether his dominating physique was matched by an equally tough, take-charge personality. From his reputation, she suspected it was. “Am I coming on too strong, too close? Do you want me to back off?” Nick asked when she didn’t respond right away. Yeah, but no way would she admit that. “Not at all.” She gave him a sugary-sweet smile. “Are you hard of hearing? I could speak louder if you like.” Nick laughed, a deep bass rumble that vibrated through her in all the right places. “This is just the sort of gamesmanship our jackass general manager tries to pull off on agents and players. Consider it a test you just passed.” Kate raised her brows. “You’re saying Dembinski invades your personal space?” When he scooted back a foot, she could finally breathe again. “No, but he might try to invade yours. The man likes his women, and you’re smoking hot, Kate, in case you haven’t noticed.” He relaxed his awesome body into the uncomfortable looking chair, sipping his Scotch as if he’d just made a comment on the slightly chilly weather outside on this early May evening. As far as Kate was concerned, it might be a case of the pot calling the kettle black when it came to the Patriots general manager, given what she knew about Nick Rome’s rakish reputation. “I’ll try not to wear something quite as sexy as this wild outfit for negotiations,” she said dryly. “Maybe a plastic trash bag or grubby sweats would do the trick.” “Nah, even then you’d still look sexy.” His voice held a low, growly note that almost made her shiver. Well, it did make her shiver, which was a bit annoying. Fun was fun, but it was time to get down to business.