Books Like...
If you liked Playing It Cool, here are the top 24 books to read next:
- #1
'Under the Apple Blossoms' is a heartwarming and romantic story set in Lake Harriet, where readers get to witness the blossoming friendship between Debbie and Marc as they navigate through a new community filled with beautiful women. The plot unfolds with a chance encounter between Debbie and Marc in the park, leading to a sweet love story with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. The writing style is described as magical, romantic, and body-positive, with realistic characters and important roles played by pet dogs throughout the story.
February 2020•262 pages - #2
A flirty, feel-good sports romance with just the right mix of heat and heart. Great for fans of fake-dating and team banter, but might not satisfy if you want something deeper or more unexpected.
'Hit and Run' in the 'Dallas Longhorns' series by Tara Wyatt follows the story of Beau, a shortstop with a successful career but personal life struggles, and Piper, a fitness business owner facing financial challenges. When Beau's agent suggests a fake relationship to boost his public image, he turns to Piper, with whom he already has a connection. As they navigate this arrangement, their chemistry grows, leading to a journey of self-discovery, sacrifices, and ultimately finding love. The writing style is engaging, with dual points of view, humor, and emotional depth that make the characters and their struggles relatable and endearing.
September 2021•209 pages
(Also, see 26 recommendations for the series Dallas Longhorns ) - #3
Set on You is a charming, trope-filled romcom with a lovable, body-positive heroine and lots of gym shenanigans. Go for it if you want a sweet, timely story with heart, laughs, and a touch of steam - just steer clear if drama and social media themes aren’t your thing.
'Set on You' by Amy Lea follows the story of Crystal, a Biracial curvy fitness influencer who preaches self-love and body positivity on her platform. When a series of encounters with a man at the gym leads to a feud over a squat rack, Crystal discovers that he is actually the grandson of her grandmother's fiancé. Forced to spend more time together, their interactions evolve from rivalry to romance, exploring themes of love, self-acceptance, and family bonds. features strong friendship dynamics, humorous banter, and a sweet romance between Crystal and Scott, a firefighter with a grumpy exterior and a gentle heart.
The writing style of 'Set on You' combines lighthearted fun with deeper themes of body positivity and self-love, offering a feel-good contemporary romance that touches on important issues like online bullying and societal expectations. The characters, especially Crystal, undergo inspirational growth throughout the story, navigating challenges and overcoming obstacles while finding love and acceptance in themselves and each other.
THE GYM IS supposed to be my safe place. The place I de-stress, reenergize, and ponder random wonders and mysteries, like: how was I delusional enough to think I could rock a middle hair part circa 20...May 2022•383 pages - #4
'Break the Ice' by L.A. Cotton is a part of the Lakeshore U series and follows the story of Noah Holden, a reformed bad boy hockey player, and Aurora Hart, his teammate's younger sister. The plot revolves around their forbidden romance as they navigate their insecurities, family dynamics, and the challenges of pursuing a relationship while dealing with their past traumas. The writing style is described as engaging, filled with angst, relatable characters, and a slow-burn romance that keeps the readers hooked until the end.
2023•478 pages - #5
'Spin The Bottle' in the 'Campus Games' series by Stephanie Alves is a heartwarming story that follows the journey of Leila and Aiden. The book beautifully explores themes of self-love, body positivity, and overcoming insecurities. The characters are relatable, with Leila being depicted as a strong and brave woman who doesn't let her insecurities hold her back, while Aiden is portrayed as a supportive and loving partner. The plot is filled with drama, spice, and unexpected twists, making it a captivating read that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The writing style of Stephanie Alves in 'Spin The Bottle' is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions in readers. The author delves deep into complex issues such as body dysmorphia, fatphobia, and childhood abuse, while also highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. The book is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and personal growth, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.
August 2023•386 pages - #6
Fake-dating, but make it fresh, steamy, and with all the sports romance feels - Jock Wanted is an extra-juicy Rookie Rebels entry, perfect for fans of found families, prickly heroines, and big-hearted alpha heroes.
Jock Wanted by Kate Meader is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Fitz and Tara. Their romance unfolds amidst a fake relationship with a player, showcasing the journey of two older individuals who navigate misunderstandings and hurdles to find an unexpected connection leading to a happy ever after. The book delves into the dynamics within the Chicago Rebels team, highlighting the strong bonds between players, partners, and management, creating a sense of family among them.
Hale Fitzpatrick, the broody GM of the Rebels, is portrayed as an alpha male with a heart of gold. His character development throughout the story, along with the interactions with Tara, reveals a complex yet endearing personality. Tara, initially depicted as a gold digger, surprises readers with her depth and complexity, allowing for a deeper understanding of her motivations and struggles. The plot unfolds with tension and chemistry between the characters, ultimately leading to a satisfying and heartwarming happily ever after.
June 2022•355 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rookie Rebels ) - #7
Sexy, sizzling, and surprisingly heartfelt - this is a must-read for anyone craving body-positive romance with plenty of heat. Come for the representation, stay for the spice and emotional journey!
The "Misadventures of a Curvy Girl" by Sierra Simone is a story that delves into the journey of Ireland, a plus-sized woman who struggles with body image issues and societal expectations. Sent to a small town in Kansas for work, Ireland meets Caleb and Ben, two men who are attracted to her for who she is, not just her appearance. The book explores themes of body confidence, unconventional love, and fighting prejudice, all while delving into the complexities of relationships and self-acceptance. With a mix of humor, emotion, and steamy scenes, the author Sierra Simone weaves a tale that resonates with readers, challenging stereotypes and celebrating body positivity.
With a low curse—and a glare back at the judgmental cows—I fumble for my phone, thinking I’ll call someone. Anyone. A friend. A tow truck. An Uber. But when the screen lights up, I realize there’s no...2019•240 pages - #8
A deliciously steamy, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers sports romance packed with feels, fire, and found family. Fans of angsty slow burns and strong female leads won’t want to miss this final touchdown in the Red Zone Rivals series!
'Hail Mary' in the 'Red Zone Rivals' series by Kandi Steiner follows the story of Mary and Leo, two characters with a complicated past and a shared history. Despite their initial animosity, their forced proximity leads to a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and undeniable chemistry. The book is a mix of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance, and roommates trope, filled with steamy scenes, witty banter, and emotional depth. The writing style captures inner thoughts, realness, and emotions in a unique and addictive way, making it a captivating read for fans of sports romance.
The plot revolves around Mary and Leo navigating their feelings, past misunderstandings, and building a new connection while surrounded by a tight-knit group of characters. The story unfolds with intense chemistry, character growth, and a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a satisfying resolution that leaves readers invested in the characters' journey and relationships. Kandi Steiner's storytelling shines through in this book, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
- #9
A fluffy, body-positive romcom that’s big on charm, family feels, and quirky humor - perfect for when you need a fast, uplifting escape, but may miss the mark for readers seeking deeper plots or more nuanced representation.
"The C*ck Down the Block" in the series "The Cocky Kingmans" by Amy Award is a heartwarming and fun romantic comedy that follows the story of Chris and his best friend Trixie. The plot revolves around their evolving relationship, filled with humor, romance, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as light-hearted, easy to read, and engaging, with a mix of spice, humor, and a touch of drama that keeps readers entertained throughout the book.
September 2023•346 pages - #10
Light, fluffy, and fun - a snappy mystery for those seeking an easy read with a side of sass, but can feel repetitive or shallow if you’re not in the mood for chick lit with murder.
Former teen pop star, Heather Wells, now a size 12 and working as an assistant dorm manager, finds herself in the midst of mysterious deaths in the college dorm she oversees. With a mix of humor, romance, and mystery, Heather sets out to prove that these incidents are not accidents, leading to an unexpected turn of events. The book combines light-hearted storytelling with elements of suspense as Heather navigates through love, self-esteem, and her career while trying to unravel the mystery behind the tragic incidents.
“Because size twelve is the size of the average American woman,” I point out to him. I know this because I just read it inPeople magazine. “Are you saying that instead of being average, we’re all fat?...December 2005•368 pages











