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.
If you liked The Graham Effect, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Shenanigans' in the 'Brooklyn' series by Sarina Bowen follows the unexpected marriage between co-workers and friends, Charli and Neil, after a drunken night in Vegas. As they navigate the aftermath of their spontaneous decision, they find themselves falling in love amidst a backdrop of supportive friends and humorous escapades. Charli, a fierce and independent professional hockey player, struggles with vulnerability due to past hurts, while Neil, a charming billionaire heir living with Type 1 diabetes, proves to be a soft and understanding partner. Their journey is filled with banter, laughter, and steamy moments, ultimately leading to a heartwarming happily ever after.
The story of 'Shenanigans' is characterized by its engaging plot, relatable characters, and Sarina Bowen's skillful writing style that blends humor, romance, and emotional depth seamlessly. The Brooklyn Bruisers and Bombshells, along with other series characters, provide a supportive and entertaining backdrop to Charli and Neil's love story, making it a delightful and engaging read that touches on themes of vulnerability, trust, and second chances.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brooklyn ) - #2
The Chase by Elle Kennedy is a college romance novel that follows the story of Summer and Fitzy at Briar University. The book explores their unlikely relationship, Summer's struggles with a learning disability, Fitzy's introverted nature, and their journey towards understanding and supporting each other. The writing style is described as easy, breezy, and engaging, with snappy dialogue, humorous moments, and a perfect balance of important issues and light-hearted romance.
“Is this a joke?” I gape at the five girls who are holding me in judgment. They have various hair, skin, and eye colors, and yet I can’t tell them apart because their expressions are identical. There’... - #3
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.
- #4
'The Enforcer' in the series 'Lakeside University Hockey' by Avery Keelan follows the second chance romance between Nash and Violet. After meeting during freshman year and falling deeply in love, their relationship ends due to past traumas and baggage. Three years later, they are forced to work together, leading to a rocky restart of their relationship. As they navigate their rekindled love, both Nash and Violet must confront their demons and grow as individuals to make their relationship work. skillfully portrays real-life struggles and anxieties while delivering a sweet, spicy, and emotional storyline that keeps readers engaged and invested.
Avery Keelan's writing style in 'The Enforcer' is praised for its depth, character development, and ability to handle difficult subjects with gentleness and tact. offers a blend of sweet and spicy moments, slow and fast burn romance, and a mix of good and bad experiences that resonate with readers. The characters, especially Nash and Violet, are relatable and undergo significant growth throughout the story, making their second chance at love both heartwarming and realistic.
- #5
'First Flight, Final Fall' is a contemporary romance that centers around a talented female college soccer player who attends a prestigious summer training camp in Germany. Here, she encounters a professional male soccer player, leading to an intense connection between two athletes who are both passionate about the sport. The narrative unfolds with a mix of physical attraction and a slow emotional burn, as they navigate their budding relationship amidst the competitive dynamics of soccer. The writing captures the excitement of soccer, the challenges of ambition, and the complexities of personal growth, all while weaving a romance that feels both fresh and relatable.
The book features a strong female lead who is confident and respected by her peers, contrasting with the male protagonist, a renowned soccer star. Their relationship is characterized by a unique introduction that involves a playful competition, showcasing their competitive spirits. The author’s portrayal of both characters is engaging, particularly in how the female character exhibits traits typically reserved for male protagonists in romance novels, such as emotional resilience and ambition. This intriguing dynamic, alongside a well-crafted plot, makes for a compelling read that resonates with fans of sports romance.
- #6
'The Rivalry' by Nikki Sloane is a sports romance novel that revolves around Kayla, a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and Jay, a star tight end player for Michigan Wolverines. The book explores the intense rivalry between the two universities, as well as the unexpected romance that blossoms between Kayla and Jay. Nikki Sloane's writing style captures the sizzle and banter between the characters, delivering a story filled with wit, humor, and steamy moments.
The plot follows Kayla's internal struggle as she navigates her loyalty to Ohio State while falling for Jay, the rival team's player. The book delves into themes of love, family, and sportsmanship, creating a delightful and engaging story that hooks readers from start to finish.
This was the fourth wedding I was attending dateless this summer, and not from a lack of trying, either. The rehearsal dinner last night had been a bust. Every time I tried to meet someone new, it col... - #7
"Brutal Obsession" in the series "Hockey Gods" by S. Massery is a dark and twisted sports romance that follows Greyson, a hockey star, and Violet, a ballet dancer. Despite their initial clashes and dark pasts, their interactions evolve from hatred to obsessive love, with both characters gaining strength from each other. The plotline delves into themes of obsession, toxic relationships, and character growth, creating a gripping and emotionally intense story. The writing style of the author is described as masterful, with the ability to evoke strong emotions and create complex, morally ambiguous characters.
- #8
In He's Not My Type, Halsey Holmes, a star center for the Vancouver Agitators, finds himself drawn to Blakely White, VIP Relations and Marketing for the same team. Halsey, who is quiet and closed off due to the loss of his twin brother, starts to open up to Blakely as they become roommates. Their journey is filled with tension, chemistry, and emotional depth as they navigate their feelings for each other amidst personal struggles and past traumas. The book delves into themes of love, loss, family, and friendship, all while balancing humor, steamy romance, and heartfelt moments that keep readers engaged and invested in the characters' lives.
The author, Meghan Quinn, weaves a perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance, emotional depth, and hilarious banter between the characters, creating a story that is both heartwarming and entertaining. Through the interactions of Halsey, Blakely, and their friends, Quinn explores the complexities of relationships, the healing power of love, and the importance of finding happiness amidst life's challenges, making He's Not My Type a captivating read that resonates with readers on multiple levels.
(Also, see 74 recommendations for the series The Vancouver Agitators ) - #9
'The Setup' in the series 'The Brentwood Boys' by author Meghan Quinn follows the story of Lincoln and Indie, two individuals who share a strong connection and friendship that develops into something more. The plot revolves around their journey from friends to lovers, navigating through misunderstandings, fears of commitment, and past pains. The writing style captures the emotional intimacy, witty banter, and deep connection between the characters, drawing readers into a story filled with laughter, tears, and heartwarming moments.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Brentwood Boys ) - #10
'Breakaway' by Grace Reilly is a hockey romance novel that follows the story of Penny, a former figure skater and daughter of a hockey coach, who is determined to break free from her past and explore her sexuality. When she meets Cooper Callahan, a talented college hockey player with his own struggles, they enter into a secret friends with benefits arrangement to help each other achieve their goals. As their relationship develops, they confront their inner demons and past traumas, finding support and love in each other. The book is filled with spicy scenes, character growth, and a heartwarming romance that keeps readers engaged till the end.