Books like 'Sidelined'
Readers who enjoyed Sidelined by Mercy Celeste also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance athletes military from hate to love alpha male sports height-difference hurt-comfort queer
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Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
![Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer]()
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?SANTACharlie Heart is many things:An annoyingly good hockey player.The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.My rival.The only person I truly hate in the world.And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
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![Off the Ice by Tierney Rose]()
Off the Ice by Tierney Rose
How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years... -
![Shameless by Kelly Fox]()
Shameless by Kelly Fox
Two things I know for sure:1. Cheerleading absolutely prepared me to become a US Navy SEAL2. Heath Treadway hates my guts Let’s just say that this beautiful bear’s hatred for me involves a high school nickname and possibly a limerick. #badtwinkNow, he's back in my life. And all I wanna do is show him that I’ve changed...Categorized as:
military from hate to love height-difference queer m-m contemporary single-father length-short -
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![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
![Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey]()
Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn injury threatens to end Stan's career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy... -
![Play Dead by Avery Cockburn]()
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
![Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes]()
Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJory holiday ficlet from Mary Calmes...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort from hate to love m-m contemporary christmas humor length-novella -
![Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair]()
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
I thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort sports height-difference queer forced proximity friends to lovers exhibitionism m-m -
![A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDario Ramos thought he’d left the fighting behind in the war zone when a life-threatening injury sent him home. But a certain Irishman crossing his path everywhere he went convinced him that his biggest battle might be ahead. Tiernan Callahan is a bigoted jerk. Ramos finds himself constantly in the man’s orbit, even in a city as big as New York... -
![A Healing Man: The Men of Manhattan book 5 by Sandrine Gas-Dion]()
A Healing Man: The Men of Manhattan book 5 by Sandrine Gas-Dion
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis is a re release from Wilde City. Dario Ramos thought he’d left the fighting behind in the war zone when a life-threatening injury sent him home. But a certain Irishman crossing his path everywhere he went convinced him that his biggest battle might be ahead. Tiernan Callahan is a bigoted jerk. Ramos finds himself constantly in the man’s orbit, even in a city as big as New York... -
![Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
sports queer from hate to love m-m contemporary college queer-awakening length-novella -
![Would You Die With Me? by L.A. Cannon]()
Would You Die With Me? by L.A. Cannon
After eight years, Kaj Larsen did not expect to be here staring his past in the eye, much less having to work with him.Noah Sørensen, Artificial Suicide’s new vocalist, had once been everything for Kaj, but they fell apart in the most catastrophic way. Now they’re two scarred souls finding each other in the crux of all the secrets and resentment floating between them.He doesn’t need this...Categorized as:
from hate to love hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m friends to lovers contemporary length-long -
![Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden]()
Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLuca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness...Categorized as:
height-difference hurt-comfort queer grumpy sunshine m-m insta-love contemporary length-medium -
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![Next Season by Lane Hayes]()
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
![Into the Fall by R.J. Scott]()
Into the Fall by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIn small-town Wyoming, a tough sheriff and a former Navy SEAL are thrown together by circumstance. Their fiery chemistry leads to constant clashes, but as they work to solve a mystery, they can't ignore the growing feelings between them.Sheriff Neil Windham has one mission: to protect Whisper Ridge. But when human remains surface at the Lennox Ranch, the town’s past comes back to haunt it... -
![School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Colorado Penn finds an unexpected package on his front step, his life will be changed forever.Colorado Penn is living the dream. Starting goalie for the Arizona Raptors when in season, lead singer for a hard rock band when summer rolls around. He’s the quintessential free spirit who’s making sure he enjoys all the carnal blessings of his athleticism, and gritty singing voice... -
![Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell]()
Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI'm in over my head, failing in their power games I don't understand.One day I wasn't sure I could pay the water bill for my trailer; now I'm wearing red-soled heels and sipping champagne, acting like I belong. Everyone hates me. I'm alone in this hostile world until... him.Saving me from the burning limo intertwined our destinies, whether we like it or not.Secret Service Agent Trey Benson... -
![After the Fire by Felice Stevens]()
After the Fire by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA single bullet destroyed the dreams of Dr. Jordan Peterson. With his lover dead, Jordan descends into an endless spiral of self-destruction that nearly costs him his friends, his career and his life...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort height-difference from hate to love m-m tortured hero abuse angst -
![The Only Thing I Need by Jenny Wood]()
The Only Thing I Need by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJordan is a new member of "The House"; the transitional housing unit where our previous hero's, Alvin and Josh work. Once a housemate and now an employee; Jordan still suffers from PTSD, nightmares and flashbacks from being held captive and tortured oversea's. He thinks he's beating them back and getting better, until one thing after another proves they're getting worse... -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
![Age Rules by Jacki James, Michelle Frost]()
Age Rules by Jacki James, Michelle Frost
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was still too old for him, and he was still too far in the closet for me, but damn, if I didn’t crave him like a drug. After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it... -
![Playing Deep by Beth Bolden]()
Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Kenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible.One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea.Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible... -
![Keeper by Charity Parkerson]()
Keeper by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDuncan owns a lifestyle club, catering to the wickedest of men. Asia kills people for a living. Neither of them looks like a keeper on paper.When Asia chases after his best friend’s ex, hoping to convince him to give his friend a second chance, he never expects to end up inside a club for the slightly twisted. He definitely doesn’t expect to meet the man of his dreams... -
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![Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste]()
Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJudah Brody meets William Slater and it's loathe at first sight. Jude had spent his whole life in his famous brother’s shadow. Returning to New Orleans seemed like a good idea now that Levi was back home. But Jude couldn’t turn around without something of Levi’s getting in his way...Categorized as:
alpha male from hate to love athletes sports military queer contemporary friends to lovers -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
![Forever Finn by Vawn Cassidy]()
Forever Finn by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFinn Gallagher has it all, a beautiful girlfriend, a successful Hollywood career, a condo in Malibu and more money than he knows what to do with. He should be happy, but there’s just one problem, he’s gay and he’s been lying to the entire world... -
![Rescue by Alison Hendricks]()
Rescue by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I don't need you to rescue me." Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it... -
![Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden]()
Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden
Sebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.Or at least he was.Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary age difference men in uniform -
![Bad Joey by Rhys Everly]()
Bad Joey by Rhys Everly
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoeyThe whole world is against me.Everyone's turned their back on bad, evil Joey.They all believe the lies.Until him. Santiago.The man I can't stop thinking of.He believes me and in me.He doesn't care a damn what the world thinks.And when he finds himself in danger the only one that can protect him is me.SantiagoHe's what nightmares are made of. He's the stuff crime documentaries warn you about... -
![Broken by Reese Knightley]()
Broken by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe craved him liked he'd never craved anyone before.-IceThey'd kissed. And spent a brief and wild time together.He fell.But Echo disappeared on him.And now the chase was on.He was going to find Echo, catch him, and make him his.Even if it killed him.-EchoHe should have never screwed the blue-eyed blond...But he had.He couldn’t say why, but Ice got on his last nerve...Categorized as:
from hate to love military alpha male queer second chances contemporary m-m length-short -
![Lost Boy by Jodi Payne, B.A. Tortuga]()
Lost Boy by Jodi Payne, B.A. Tortuga
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLost Boy is an opposites attract, smaller top, size difference romance featuring a strong but gentle veterinarian and a police dog trainer with a fiery temper. Veterinarian Leo Aetos adores animals, has a great apartment in Brooklyn, and even has a favorite bar. The only thing he doesn’t have is someone to share it all with...Categorized as:
height-difference hurt-comfort queer bdsm m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary length-short -
![A Christmas Wedding by A.E. Ryecart]()
A Christmas Wedding by A.E. Ryecart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsChristmas. A Wedding. Family.It’s the Perfect Storm…For Rory Kincaid marrying Jack, the youngest son of the aristocratic De Lacy family, on Christmas Eve, is a dream come true. Handing over the wedding planning to Jack’s mother, the strong-willed Lady Diana, is turning out to be more of a nightmare.As their big day approaches, the pressure’s on and the strain is beginning to show... -
![Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis]()
Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBen Stephens adores his daughter, loves making furniture, and is slowly but surely healing from a traumatic past. He’s even almost positive he’s okay with his only child getting married. The tropical destination wedding is outside of his comfort zone, but he can deal with it. After all, it’s for his baby girl, and it’s only two weeks...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort from hate to love queer single-father m-m forced proximity contemporary length-short -
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![For Real by R.A. Frick]()
For Real by R.A. Frick
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLiving outside of the cis-het box makes life more challenging, but also more fabulous.Ash is a high-powered San Francisco real estate agent by day, Professional Dom by night. They live their life gender-queer and proud, but sex-work has gotten old... -
![Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo]()
Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty Sawyer Bennett A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
![Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud]()
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMatthias Brandl always knew he wouldn’t spend his entire career with the same team. He does have two tiny problems with getting traded to Las Vegas, though. Number one: Matthias hooked up with their starting goalie Casey Wallace last summer. Number two: Casey totally hates his guts.Now that Matthias has to be Casey’s backup whether he likes it or not, they have to find a way to work together...Categorized as:
sports athletes from hate to love queer m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine forced proximity -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
![Billion Dollar Sugar Baby by E.M. Denning]()
Billion Dollar Sugar Baby by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsBachelor. Billionaire. Unlucky in love. Alex Schaffer is tired of rich playboys with ulterior motives.Broke. Tired. Trying to get by. Wren Collins just wants to look after his found family.Wren's life is about to go from rags to riches when Alex decides he wants Wren all to himself, and he's willing to pay any price...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort from hate to love m-m contemporary super rich hero forced proximity length-short -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
![Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Ford, stay with me.”Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself.As they both try to find their way, they can’t deny the bond they share... -
![Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIs it easier to fall into the shadows than hold onto the light? Injured in a horrific car accident by a man who made him feel like nothing, Henry was left with life threatening injuries, crippling self doubt, and his career as a hockey player destroyed... -
![Clip by Charity Parkerson]()
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways... -
![The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely]()
The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely
Technically, he wasn’t my client the night I met him. But that’s hardly an excuse for flirting with the charming athlete at a hotel bar. Buying him a drink. Leading him on that I’d say yes if he asked me to spend the night. My only excuse? Some men are just irresistible. Now I might lose him as a client, and I can’t afford the hit to my reputation...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary boss & employee length-novella -
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![Missing in Action by Kate Canterbary]()
Missing in Action by Kate Canterbary
Former Navy SEAL turned covert agent Wes Halsted spent his days—and weeks and months—being someone else. But with his cover blown and his injuries requiring months of recuperation, he must learn how to be himself again. Only…he'd rather save his issues for another day and get to know a stressed-out, suited-up businessman instead. Tom Esbeck has everything under control... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLoving You: Book Four Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
![Set Fire to This Cardhouse by Zarah Detand]()
Set Fire to This Cardhouse by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey're just your average coworkers who got off on the wrong foot. Except with guns. Agent Toby Brown—not his real name—is a damn good agent who knows his way around any IT system. Why, then, is he partnered with Agent Mike Redding—not his real name either—who is impulsive, contradictory, and hot as hell? Toby didn't think they'd combine well, but somehow, they do...Categorized as:
from hate to love military queer m-m contemporary bisexual other-man-woman length-short -
![Impact Zone by Courtney W. Dixon]()
Impact Zone by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo desperate encounters led to a dating arrangement. One for money. The other for sexual exploration.KelI tried to save Ohana Surfing Club, a surf shop my father and I owned. Caring for young adults from battered homes, dealing with financial losses because of my father’s soaring medical costs, and being crushed by loans I could never repay, I was desperate...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort from hate to love sports queer m-m contemporary bisexual age difference -
![Country Boy by A.E. Wasp]()
Country Boy by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSometimes the toughest thing to have faith in is yourself. The first time Paul Dyson met Robbie Rhodes, they ended up naked in Robbie’s bed. The last time they met, on the ice the morning after, Paul punched Robbie in the face and called him something he’d rather not repeat. Two years later, they’re teammates on the Seattle Thunder hockey team...
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