Books Like...

In 'The Graham Effect', Gigi Graham, daughter of NHL legend Garrett Graham, is determined to follow in her father's footsteps and achieve her dream of an Olympic gold medal. To improve her skills, she enlists the help of Luke Ryder, a hockey player on the men's team aiming to impress her father. Their relationship evolves from hockey assistance to a deeper connection, blending elements of found family, ambition, and overcoming obstacles in the world of college sports.

Elle Kennedy's writing style shines in this second-generation novel, combining authentic male points of view, witty banter, and strong character development. The book navigates the merger of rival hockey teams, the dynamics of a budding romance, and the pursuit of dreams with a mix of humor, heart, and relatable struggles.

In 'Fair Catch' by Kandi Steiner, the story revolves around Riley Nova, a strong female character who joins the college football team to fulfill her twin brother's dream after he is paralyzed in an accident. The book explores the enemies-to-lovers trope between Riley and Zeke Collins, her brother's best friend whom she blames for the accident. The tension and chemistry between Riley and Zeke are palpable, leading to explosive moments in the story. The writing style captures the raw and real connection between the characters, especially Riley's journey of learning to trust again and Zeke's unwavering support for her.

'Kiss Hard' in the Hard Play series by Nalini Singh follows the story of Daniel and Catie, who have a frenemies relationship that evolves into something more when they agree to a fake relationship to protect Daniel's reputation. As they spend more time together, unexpected emotions arise, leading to a journey of self-discovery, trust, and love. The plot is characterized by mature communication, character growth, and realistic relationship dynamics. Nalini Singh's writing style is praised for its sensitivity in handling complex issues such as disability, while also weaving in heartwarming family dynamics and a feel-good romance.

"Truly Madly Deeply (Forbidden Love)" by L.J. Shen is a small-town romance featuring Calla and Row, who have a rich history filled with personal struggles and growth. While the story lacks the usual angst found in Shen's previous works, it shines with quirky characters and delightful banter that keeps readers entertained. Calla, described as a dorky mess, is relatable and endearing, while Row, the tall, gruff love interest, embodies the perfect book boyfriend with his love, strength, and affectionate support for Calla.

The writing style is engaging and humorous, capturing the chemistry and emotional journey of the couple effectively. Readers found the interactions between Calla and Row both fun and genuine, leading to a satisfying slow-burn romance. While some long-time fans may miss the darker themes often present in Shen's novels, this book creates a sweet and heartwarming experience, filled with moments that will make readers laugh and cry.

Bombshells is a romance novel that revolves around the complicated yet passionate relationship between Sylvie, a player for the newly formed Brooklyn Bombshells women's pro hockey team, and Anton Bayer, a Brooklyn Bruisers player. The book explores their deep connection, personal struggles, and the challenges they face as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst complicated circumstances involving teammates and personal histories. The story is set against the backdrop of the world of professional hockey, with a focus on gender inequality in sports, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships.

Melody, fresh from a toxic relationship, moves back to her small town where she reconnects with her brother's best friend, Zac, with whom she has unresolved history. Stranded in the woods during a storm, they confront their past and work towards a second chance at love. The book beautifully portrays Melody's journey of finding herself again and Zac's unwavering devotion to winning her back after years of missed opportunities.

'Shucked' by Kate Canterbary is a delightful small-town romance set in Friendship, Rhode Island. The story follows the dynamic between Sunny, who is running a vegan cafe, and Beckett, the owner of an oyster company, as they navigate their complex relationship filled with tension and banter. The plot unfolds with Beckett returning to Friendship to handle family issues, leading to unexpected encounters and a slow-burn romance between the grumpy Beckett and the sunshine-like Sunny. The book is filled with quirky characters, small-town shenanigans, and moments of humor and steamy chemistry, making it a captivating read with a unique voice in romance writing.

The author, Kate Canterbary, skillfully crafts a vivid and colorful world in Friendship, Rhode Island, bringing to life a diverse cast of characters with unique personalities and experiences. The book's plot is engaging, blending elements of humor, romance, and drama seamlessly to create a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and personal growth. Canterbary's writing style shines through in the witty banter between the characters, the well-developed relationships, and the charming small-town setting, making 'Shucked' a compelling and enjoyable read for fans of the genre.

'From the Start' by Katie Duggan is a heartwarming romance novel that follows the journey of Nic, an autistic woman, and Josh, a man with PTSD, as they navigate their relationship from enemies to lovers. The book beautifully explores themes of communication, growth, and self-discovery, showcasing the characters' development and the support they receive from friends and family. The writing style is described as engaging, humorous, and emotionally impactful, with detailed conversations about intimacy and consent that add depth to the story.

'Caught Looking' by Tara Wyatt revolves around the forbidden romance between Abby Gossman, the first female coach in the MLB, and Jake Landon, a veteran catcher. The story delves into their secret relationship that becomes complicated when Jake is traded to Abby's team, the Dallas Longhorns. As they navigate the challenges of their romance being against the rules, they are forced to make tough decisions between love and career. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, steamy romance, and the inclusion of baseball details that add depth to the storyline.

The plot of 'Caught Looking' is filled with tension, passion, and emotional depth as Abby and Jake struggle to balance their love for each other with their professional responsibilities. The writing style is engaging, keeping readers hooked with the push and pull dynamic between the main characters. The book also highlights themes of sacrifice, respect, and the pursuit of dreams in the backdrop of a forbidden romance in the world of professional baseball.