At this point, it should be pretty clear that I love books. And lists.
I really love making lists of books.
And I really, really love being asked for book recommendations. Whenever I am asked for a recommendation, I like to start with their favorite book or a book they’ve really enjoyed lately. Then I will suggest what I like to call a “read-a-like.”
A “Read-A-Like” will give the reader the same feels, the same vibes as a book they already know they love. It’s my favorite way to break a reading slump or to fly through my Goodreads goal.
Today’s Read-A-Like is The Deal by Elle Kennedy.
So, If you loved The Deal , may I suggest…
1. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Over 1 million copies sold!
A TikTok sensation! Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink.
Anastasia Allen has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. It looks like everything is going according to plan when she gets a full scholarship to the University of California, Maple Hills and lands a place on their competitive figure skating team.
Nothing will stand in her way, not even the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins.
Nate’s focus as team captain is on keeping his team on the ice. Which is tricky when a facilities mishap means they are forced to share a rink with the figure skating team—including Anastasia, who clearly can’t stand him.
But when Anastasia’s skating partner faces an uncertain future, she may have to look to Nate to take her shot.
Sparks fly, but Anastasia isn’t worried…because she could never like a hockey player, right?
2. Shutout by Avery Keelan
An Unputdownable College Hockey Brother’s Teammate Romance.
He’s the tall, tattooed stranger I hooked up with on Halloween… and now he’s my new roommate.
After a sudden cross-country move, I’m stuck crashing with my older brother and two of his hockey teammates for sophomore year. I’m not thrilled about shacking up with three athletes and their stinky gear, rotating door of hookups, and tendency to inhale every snack in the house. Just one reason of many that hockey players aren’t my type.
When I walk in the front door with an armload of boxes, however, I’m faced with another problem.
My anonymous fling from two months ago is Tyler Donahue, the superstar goalie for my brother’s team.
We both agree to pretend it never happened, but it quickly becomes clear neither of us can forget. Before I know it, we’re exchanging heated glances from across the room, sending spicy texts at all hours of the night, and stealing kisses behind closed doors.
Since my overprotective brother would freak out, we decide to keep things between us a secret. There’s no point in rocking the boat when I don’t want a boyfriend, and Tyler doesn’t have time for a girlfriend with his grueling hockey schedule. But as our no-strings arrangement turns into something deeper and more meaningful, I begin to see a softer side of the broody, closed-off goalie. He’s gentle, protective, and giving in every sense of the word. Despite what I told myself going in, I’m falling hard and falling fast.
We said we’d keep things casual, but hearts have a way of breaking all the rules.
Shutout is a college hockey romance with lots of spice, swoon, and a happily ever after. It’s the second book in the Rules of the Game series and can be read as a standalone.
Tropes:
forced proximity / roommates
broody tattooed goalie hero
sunshine party girl heroine
sneaking around
ADHD and anxiety rep
dual POV
3. Catching Feelings by Maren Moore
I accidentally hooked up with the guy I despise. A mistake I’d love to forget…except now he’s my new roommate.
Reese Landry is Orleans University’s arrogant, All-Star catcher.
And I’m the one girl he can’t seem to catch.
If anything, it only makes him want me more.
He’s disgustingly rich, stupidly charming, and everyone loves him.
Except me.
But then life throws me the ultimate curveball: He’s my new temporary roomie.
I thought it was going to be easy, keeping him at a distance.
Turns out, I was wrong.
He’s nothing like the cocky, rich playboy that I thought he was.
I told myself one more time wouldn’t hurt.
We promised to keep things casual, no strings attached.
But soon lines blur, and he somehow becomes my only safe space to land.
And now, we’re catching feelings.
Catching Feelings is book 2 in the Orleans University series and can be read as a complete standalone.
4. Lost Boy by Hanna Gray
I was four when my parents gave me my first pair of skates. By six, I was hooked on hockey and couldn’t get enough. At twelve, I had made a name for myself on the ice. And when I was fifteen, colleges were starting to take notice.
Life was great—until it wasn’t. Because when I was seventeen, my best friend died in my arms. And nothing made sense after that. Drinking turned to smoking. And smoking turned to pills. But no matter how high I got, I couldn’t erase that night. Or the guilt I felt.
Because that night had been my fault. And my friend was dead … because of me.
As my best friend’s baby sister, an actual angel sent from above, Haley Thompson is forbidden fruit, and I should stay away from her. Because everything I touch turns to crap. But like all things I’m not supposed to do, chasing her is another temptation I’m not strong enough to avoid. But when I spiral down, hitting my lowest point, I know I can’t take her with me. Because innocent, sweet souls like her, they don’t belong at the bottom.
The trouble is, she refuses to let go of me. Even if it will ruin her.
Even if I will ruin her.
A Brother’s Best Friend, Hockey Romance.
5. The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
The first book in the delicious, icy-hot Campus Diaries series, a spinoff of BookTok sensations Off-Campus and Briar U, by New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy.
Gigi Graham has exactly three goals: qualify for the women’s national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and step out of her famous father’s shadow. So far, so good, except for two little things. Fine–a little thing and a big, grumpy thing. She needs to improve her game behind the net, and she needs help from Luke Ryder.
Ryder is six-foot five, built, opinionated, rude…and sexy as hell. But he’s still the enemy.Briar’s new hockey co-captain has his reasons, though. The men’s team just merged with a rival program, leaving Ryder with an angry roster where everyone hates one another’s guts. To make matters worse, the summer coaching spot he’s angling for with the legendary Garrett Graham is out of reach after he makes the worst possible first impression on his hero. So, really, this compromise with Gigi is win-win. He helps her make the national team, she puts in a good wordwith her dad.
The only potential snag? This bone-deep, body-numbing, mind-spinning chemistry they’re trying to ignore. It’s a dangerous game they’re playing, but the risks just might be worth it.
Read-A-Likes for Emily Henry fans
Do you want read-a-likes for your favorite book? Are you feeling a specific genre right now?
Drop the book in the comments and I might give you a personalized list of recommendations and a quick feature of your socials! Spread the love and support.
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