Role Model

Based on your book

Role Model

by Reid, Rachel

Troy Barrett is a mess, and he knows it. After a series of public gaffes leaves his reputation in tatters, the hockey star decides he needs a total life overhaul. Enter Harris, a calm, patient social media manager who is the polar opposite of Troy’s chaotic, defensive energy. This is a quiet, deeply internal story about a man learning how to be a person instead of just a brand. The pacing is deliberate, favoring long, intimate conversations over flashy drama, which makes the eventual romance feel earned and incredibly sweet. It is funny, sure, but it hits hard on themes of loneliness and the fear of being truly known. If you enjoy character studies where the protagonists have to dismantle their own toxic habits to find love, this book will stick with you long after the final page.

10 Books similar to 'Role Model'

Since you enjoyed the specific blend of introspection and sports-world pressure in Role Model, these selections focus on the same intersection of high-stakes athletics and vulnerable personal growth. We chose these titles because they prioritize the slow, sometimes messy process of two people finding safety in one another while navigating the public eye. Whether you are looking for that same grumpy-sunshine dynamic or a deeper dive into the mental health challenges of professional athletes, these stories capture the specific found-family warmth and emotional payoff that make Troy and Harris’s journey so memorable.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry

by Rachel Reid

As the predecessor in the Game Changers series, this book shares the same high-stakes hockey world and expertly crafted character dynamics found in Role Model. Fans will appreciate the intense emotional connection and the exploration of balancing professional athletic careers with a developing, secret romance.

The Long Game
The Long Game

by Rachel Reid

This is the direct sequel to the events of Heated Rivalry and features the same masterful writing style and focus on the complexities of fame that define Role Model. Readers who loved Troy's journey of self-discovery will find a similar depth in seeing these established characters navigate long-term commitment and public scrutiny.

Gravity
Gravity

by Tal Bauer

Like Role Model, this book centers on a professional hockey player grappling with his identity and the isolation that comes with fame. It delivers a deeply emotional, character-driven story that balances the grit of professional sports with a tender, slow-burn romance.

Him
Him

by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

This classic sports romance captures the same 'friends-to-lovers' tension and the struggle of maintaining a relationship while in the public eye. Fans of Reid's writing will enjoy the blend of humor, authentic dialogue, and the high-stakes pressure of professional athletics.

Amazon Gift Card

Not sure what they've already read?

Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.

Shop Gift Cards

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

The Understatement of the Year
The Understatement of the Year

by Sarina Bowen

This novel explores the complexities of reconciliation and the weight of past secrets, much like the internal journey Troy undergoes in Role Model. It provides a grounded, realistic look at how two men navigate their changing relationship within the rigid structures of a college hockey team.

Common Goal
Common Goal

by Rachel Reid

Another entry in the Game Changers universe, this book perfectly mirrors the tone and structure of Role Model by focusing on the intersection of professional pressure and personal vulnerability. It features the same witty banter and deep character development that fans of Reid's work have come to expect.

Icebreaker
Icebreaker

by A.L. Graziadei

This story delves into the mental health struggles of a high-profile athlete, mirroring the introspective and often difficult journey Troy takes in Role Model. It is a compelling look at the intersection of ambition, anxiety, and the necessity of finding support in a competitive environment.

Blindsided
Blindsided

by Eden Finley

Fans who enjoyed the 'grumpy/sunshine' dynamic and the exploration of public personas in Role Model will find a similar appeal here. It balances the high-pressure world of professional sports with a sweet, character-focused romance that feels both earned and authentic.

Out of Bounds

by Lauren Blakely

This book captures the specific tension of a public figure trying to keep their private life private, a central conflict in Role Model. The narrative voice is engaging and witty, providing a satisfying blend of professional stakes and romantic development.

Puck Drills & Quick Thrills
Puck Drills & Quick Thrills

by Eden Finley and Saxon James

This novel offers a lighter, yet still emotionally resonant take on the hockey romance genre that fans of Role Model will find accessible and enjoyable. It focuses on the importance of friendship and finding one's place in the world, echoing the themes of belonging found in Reid's work.