If you enjoyed “The Deal” by Elle Kennedy and are looking for similar books with engaging stories of romance and drama, this article is for you. We have compiled a list of books that match the appeal of “The Deal”, filled with strong characters, compelling storylines, and emotional depth. These books are designed to keep readers invested in the plot, offering a balance of romance and realism. They present relationships with their beautiful beginnings, challenges, and resolutions. So, if you’re searching for more books that provide captivating stories of love and life’s trials, our carefully selected list of books like The Deal is a great place to find your next read.
See also: Academic Rivals to Lovers Books.
Books Like The Deal
Hannah Grace
Icebreaker
"Anastasia Allen has dedicated her life to becoming a part of Team USA. She has been a competitive figure skater since she was a child and has earned a full college scholarship through her participation on the Maple Hills skating team. With a demanding schedule, Anastasia is determined to win at all costs. Nathan Hawkins, the captain of the Maple Hills Titans hockey team, has always been able to solve any problem that comes his way. He understands the responsibility of leading his team on the ice. However, when a misunderstanding leads to both teams sharing a rink, Anastasia's partner gets injured and Nathan finds himself in a surprising situation. He must trade his hockey stick for tights and face a strict coach.Now, Anastasia and Nathan are forced to work together and find themselves becoming closer in unexpected ways. Despite her initial dislike for hockey players, Anastasia begins to question her feelings. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find common ground?"
Ana Huang
Twisted Love
"Twisted Love" is a captivating book by Ana Huang, part of the Twisted Book Series. The story follows Alex Volkov, a man with a cold heart but a burning desire for the protagonist. Despite his troubled past, Alex is driven by his pursuit of success and revenge. However, when he is tasked with taking care of his best friend's sister, he begins to experience unfamiliar emotions. As his heart starts to thaw, a fire ignites within him, threatening to change his world forever.
Lauren Asher
The Fine Print
"The Fine Print" is the first book in the "Dreamland Billionaires" series by Lauren Asher. The story revolves around Rowan Kane, a man who is determined to renovate Dreamland and make it his own. He hires Zahra, who initially seems like a good choice, but things take a turn when they share a kiss and Rowan starts texting her under a fake name. As their relationship becomes more complicated, Zahra realizes that Rowan is not the easiest person to work for. However, when she discovers his secret, she decides to show him that money cannot solve all problems.
Elena Armas
The Spanish Love Deception
Catalina Martín is in a bind. She needs a date for her sister's wedding, and her lie about having an American boyfriend has gotten out of hand. With only four weeks to find someone to play the part, Catalina is feeling the pressure. Enter Aaron Blackford, her colleague who she can't stand. Surprisingly, he offers to help her out. Reluctantly, Catalina agrees, realizing that Aaron might not be as bad as she thought. As the wedding approaches, Catalina starts to see a different side of Aaron and wonders if there could be something more between them.
Penelope Douglas
Punk 57
"Punk 57" by Penelope Douglas is a captivating book about two pen pals, Misha and Ryen, who have been writing letters to each other for seven years. Despite their constant arguments about various topics, their connection grows stronger with each letter. They have three rules - no social media, no phone numbers, and no pictures - to maintain the purity of their relationship. However, when Misha stumbles upon a photo of a girl named Ryen online, he decides to meet her in person. Little does he know that he will end up hating what he discovers. On the other hand, Ryen becomes worried when Misha suddenly stops writing to her. She wonders if something terrible has happened to him or if he has simply disappeared from her life.
Lauren Asher
Throttled
"Throttled" is a captivating book in the Dirty Air Book Series by Lauren Asher. The story revolves around Noah Slade, a rising star in Formula 1 racing, who is known for his intense focus and ruthless nature both on and off the track. He becomes the new teammate of the protagonist's brother, leading to unexpected complications. Maya Alatorre, an ambitious post-grad, is a forbidden temptation that Noah cannot resist. Their relationship is like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode with one wrong move. Despite the risks, they are drawn to each other, craving a passionate connection.
Mia Sheridan
Archer’s Voice
"Archer's Voice" is a heartwarming book by Mia Sheridan, part of the Where Love Meets Destiny Book Series. The story follows Bree Prescott as she arrives in the peaceful town of Pelion, Maine, in search of inner peace. There, she meets Archer Hale, a mysterious and isolated man with his own painful past. As their lives intertwine, Bree becomes determined to help Archer find his voice and heal his wounds.
Becka Mack
Consider Me
"Consider Me" is the first book in the Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack. The story follows Carter Beckett, a notorious bad boy and star player in the NHL. He is known for his arrogance and womanizing ways. However, when he sets his sights on the protagonist, she is determined not to fall for his charm. She believes she has a simple solution to her sexual frustrations that doesn't involve getting involved with Carter. But as she starts to let her guard down, she discovers a different side to him. Despite the walls she has built, Carter finds himself begging for her time, trust, and a chance to be considered by her.
Mariana Zapata
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Vanessa Mazur is an assistant/housekeeper to a famous football player, Aiden Graves. She decides to quit her job, but is surprised when Aiden shows up at her door, asking her to come back. Aiden, who is known as The Wall of Winnipeg, has never shown much interest in Vanessa before. Now, he wants something from her. How will Vanessa respond to a man who always gets what he wants?
Mariana Zapata
From Lukov with Love
"From Lukov with Love" is a book by Mariana Zapata. The story follows Jasmine Santos, a figure skater who has faced many challenges in her life. She has endured numerous injuries and disappointments, and now she realizes that her time to compete is running out. However, everything changes when she receives an incredible opportunity from Ivan Lukov, someone she has despised for years. Jasmine must now reevaluate her feelings and decide if she is willing to take a chance on Ivan.
Elle Kennedy
The Chase
"The Chase" by Elle Kennedy is a book about two seemingly opposite people who are drawn to each other. Colin Fitzgerald, a tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jock, doesn't think highly of the protagonist, who he sees as flighty and superficial. However, they become roommates when she moves in with her brother, who is friends with Colin. Despite the sparks between them, Colin has made it clear that he's not interested. The protagonist, focused on her new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future, is not the type to chase after a man. If Colin realizes what he's missing, he knows where to find her.
Avery Keelan
Offside: Rules of the Game Book
"Offside: Rules of the Game Book" is part of the Rules of the Game Book Series by Avery Keelan. The story follows Bailey James, who, after being dumped on her 21st birthday, finds herself attracted to Chase Carter, her ex's biggest competition. Chase is known for being a troublemaker and a player, and he is already on thin ice with his teammates and coach. Despite the rivalry between their college teams, Bailey and Chase can't resist their attraction to each other. However, their relationship is complicated by the bitter rivalry between their teams and the pressure to succeed in their respective hockey careers.
Claire Contreras
Until I Get You
"Until I Get You" by Claire Contreras is a gripping story about a young man whose life was turned upside down by a girl three years ago. As the projected number-one pick in the NHL draft and a fan favorite, he was used to people adoring him. However, Lyla James Marichal was different. She didn't show any interest in him and even pushed him away. This made him obsessed with her. Eventually, he managed to win her over and felt like he was on top of the world. But suddenly, she disappeared without a trace. After three years of bitterness and anger, he finally finds her and is determined to make her pay for what she did to him.
Liz Tomforde
Mile High
"Mile High" is a book from the "Windy City Series" by Liz Tomforde. The story revolves around Evan Zanders, a notorious hockey player in Chicago who is loved to be hated by everyone. He enjoys spending his time in the penalty box and having a different girl on his arm every night. However, things change when a new flight attendant joins their team's private plane. Stevie, the flight attendant, finds Evan to be egotistical and self-righteous, but she can't deny her attraction to him. As they go on road trips together, the lines between them start to blur, and Stevie questions her promise of not getting involved with athletes again. Despite her dislike for Evan's image, she can't help but be drawn to him.
Grace Reilly
Breakaway: A Coach’s Daughter College Sports Romance
"Breakaway" is a college sports romance novel from the Beyond the Play Book Series by Grace Reilly. The story revolves around Cooper, a pro-bound college athlete, who is going through a dry spell that is affecting his game. Enter Penny Ryder, his coach's daughter, who proposes a secret friends-with-benefits arrangement. Cooper agrees, hoping it will help him relax on the ice. However, if Penny's dad finds out, Cooper's chances of becoming team captain and earning his father's approval will be jeopardized. Penny, on the other hand, is looking to reclaim her agency and experience new things after a bad breakup. She sees Cooper as the perfect casual partner, but keeping their arrangement a secret from her father becomes a challenge. As their connection deepens, they begin to trust each other more, and saying goodbye becomes harder.
Roxie Noir
Enemies With Benefits: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
"Enemies With Benefits" is a captivating romance novel by Roxie Noir, part of the Loveless Brothers Romance Book Series. The story follows the tumultuous relationship between childhood enemies, Eli Loveless and the protagonist. After years of rivalry, Eli returns to town as a grown man, and the once annoying kid has transformed into a sexy and irresistible individual. Despite their history, the protagonist finds herself drawn to Eli's charm and undeniable attraction. They embark on a friends-with-benefits arrangement, leading to passionate encounters and intense desire. However, the question remains: can they keep their emotions at bay, or will their fiery connection lead to something more?
Emily Rath
Pucking Around
Rachel Price walked away from the perfect man two months ago, never expecting to see him again. But now, she finds herself working as the physical therapist for the Jacksonville Rays, where Mr. Perfect is the playboy grinder. To make matters worse, he doesn't even recognize her. With the longest ten months of her life ahead, Rachel must navigate the advances of Mr. Perfect and his surly best friend, as well as an uncooperative goalie hiding an injury. This is Rachel's chance to prove herself, but with one unexpected night and a secret revealed, she finds herself falling for not just one, but three players. Love may be a game, but these guys are playing to win.
Elle Kennedy
Heart Breaker
"Heart Breaker" is a standalone novel in the Out of Uniform Book Series by Elle Kennedy. The story follows Navy SEAL Cash McCoy, who is determined to end his celibacy streak after returning from deployment. However, his plans are interrupted when he has a brief encounter with a hot blonde who disappears without a way for him to contact her. Cash is then asked to protect his commanding officer's sister, Jen Scott, from a psycho-stalker ex. Despite initially being reluctant, Cash is surprised to find out that Jen is his new roommate. As they spend time together, Jen realizes that Cash is the one man who can help her explore her wild side. She is even willing to break her own rule of not dating military men to be with him. However, Cash wants more than just a physical relationship, and Jen must decide if she is willing to give him her heart.
Elle Kennedy
One Night of Sin
In the book "One Night of Sin" by Elle Kennedy, part of the After Hours Book Series, Skyler Thompson is a good girl who always plays it safe when it comes to sex. However, when she meets the irresistibly sexy Gage Holt, she's tempted to break her own rules. Gage, a former MMA fighter, is haunted by danger, making him hesitant to get involved with someone as sweet as Skyler. Despite their reservations, their connection is too strong to resist. Although Gage believes they have no future together, Skyler is determined to fight for their relationship.
Sarina Bowen
Him
In the book "Him" by Sarina Bowen, Jamie Canning is confused about why his close friend cut him off four years ago. Despite a drunken incident during hockey camp, Jamie believes it was just a silly mistake. Ryan Wesley, feeling guilty for pushing the boundaries of their friendship, wants to apologize. However, when they reunite, Jamie's feelings for Ryan resurface. Jamie wonders if one night of sex can ruin their friendship, or if they can explore their feelings further. As they work together at summer camp, Jamie begins to uncover new things about Ryan and himself.
