If The Deal found its way onto your favorites shelf… you're not alone.
Even if college sports romance isn't your usual genre, there's no denying Garrett and Hannah's connection made for an unexpectedly swoony read. Their fake dating arrangement—tutoring in exchange for making Hannah's crush jealous—turned into something much deeper, with emotional vulnerability and steamy chemistry that had readers staying up way past bedtime.
If flirty banter, grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamics, and emotionally guarded sports heroes are your thing, you've probably already fallen for their irresistible tension. And if you're hoping to find that same magic again—that perfect mix of smart writing, emotional pull, and heart-pounding romance—these titles are exactly what you need.
Why These Books Hit the Same Sweet Spot:
What made The Deal so addictive wasn't just the hockey setting or fake dating trope—it was the way Elle Kennedy balanced explosive chemistry with dynamic characters, emotional growth, and heartbreaking moments. Each of these recommendations captures that same irresistible combination of steam, heart, and characters you can't help but root for.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Anastasia is a driven figure skater with Olympic dreams, Nathan is the hockey team captain—and they're forced to share a rink when one gets damaged. What starts as mutual annoyance quickly turns into undeniable attraction. If you loved The Deal's perfect balance of ambition, banter, and heat, this #1 New York Times bestseller delivers all of that with a fresh enemies-to-lovers twist.
Perfect for fans of: forced proximity, dual POV, college setting, "he falls first" energy
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Roomies by Christina Lauren
A marriage of convenience between a subway musician and a bookish heroine becomes a tender, toe-curling slow burn. This big-city romance delivers roommate tension, awkward adorableness, and irresistible payoff.
Perfect for fans of: slow burn, roommates-to-lovers, found family, musical heroes
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Playing for Keeps by Kendall Ryan
This sexy, fast-paced hockey romance hits all the feel-good notes—charming player, forbidden crush, and a whole lot of steam. If *The Deal* made you swoon, this quick-read delivers more locker room heartthrobs to root for.
Perfect for fans of: hockey heroes, flirty banter, brother’s teammate, steamy scenes
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Off Sides by Sawyer Bennett
College hockey star meets rebellious outsider in this heartwarming underdog romance. With class differences, emotional depth, and a swoony hero, it channels everything readers adored in *The Deal*—with a twist of angst.
Perfect for fans of: opposites attract, sports romance, college setting, emotional pasts
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Shacking Up by Helena Hunting
When an impromptu kiss leads to a job offer (and a place to stay), sparks fly between a quirky aspiring actress and a wealthy businessman. This rom-com has the humor, slow burn, and tension-filled living situation that will absolutely remind readers of *The Deal*'s fun side.
Perfect for fans of: forced proximity, rich guy/working girl, banter, slow burn
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The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
When a viral moment forces secret best friends into a fake dating situation with a pro football player, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways. It captures The Deal's sweet, slow-burn chemistry with slightly less steam but all the heart-fluttering moments that made Garrett and Hannah so irresistible.
Perfect for fans of: fake dating, friends to lovers, sports heroes, closed-door romance
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Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Two former hockey teammates reunite at a summer coaching camp, and years of unresolved tension finally boil over. Co-authored by Elle Kennedy herself, this delivers the same emotional intensity and scorching chemistry as The Deal, but with a beautifully crafted M/M romance that explores second chances and finding the courage to love.
Perfect for fans of: second chance romance, M/M romance, hockey setting, dual POV, emotional depth
Buy on Amazon
The Score by Elle Kennedy
The third book in Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series follows Dean Di Laurentis and Allie Hayes in another addictive enemies-to-lovers romance. If you're not ready to leave the Off-Campus world, this delivers more of Elle Kennedy's signature wit, steam, and emotional depth that made The Deal so unforgettable.
Perfect for fans of: same author, Off-Campus series, enemies to lovers, hockey heroes
Buy on Amazon Buy on BookshopWhat Makes These Perfect Follow-Up Reads:
These titles bring the same addictive spark that made The Deal such a favorite—whether it's the playful banter, the emotional vulnerability, or the heart-pounding romance that keeps you turning pages until 2 AM. Each offers that perfect gateway into the fun, flirty world of sports romance, even if you're new to the genre.
The best part? Just like The Deal, these books prove you don't need to break new ground to create an engaging, unputdownable story—sometimes the magic is in the perfect execution of beloved tropes.
Have you read any of these already—or do you have a favorite I should add to the list? Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @foreverbklover with your recs!
And if you're craving even more romance recommendations, be sure to check out my Sports Romance section for more must-reads, or explore my Reading Pairings for the perfect snacks to fuel your next book binge.
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