Books like 'Canning the Center'

Readers who enjoyed Canning the Center by Tara Lain also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.

contemporary  gay romance  athletes  bisexual  new adult  multicultural  queer  sports  black-mc

  • #FinishLine by Cambria Hebert

    #FinishLine by Cambria Hebert

    Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    Every race has a finish line. Where you go after you cross it is what matters most. And sometimes, that's the most intriguing. Here at GearShark, we've featured lots of drivers. All of them are well acquainted with the finish line. And as race fans, we're well acquainted with cheering as they cross it. What we aren't privy to is riding shotgun, seeing where they drive once the race is over...
  • #Fate by Cambria Hebert

    #Fate by Cambria Hebert

    Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    What’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful, but never someone to taunt...
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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 ratings
    Family 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...
  • Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Asher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help...
  • Rookie by Eddie Cleveland

    Rookie by Eddie Cleveland

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    * Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well!Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out...
  • Play Dead by Avery Cockburn

    Play Dead by Avery Cockburn

    Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    The 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...
  • Paint the Stars by Christina Lee, Nyrae Dawn

    Paint the Stars by Christina Lee, Nyrae Dawn

    Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 14 ratings
    Ezra Greene has made a pretty decent life for himself. He has a nice apartment and spends his days doing the one thing he’s always loved—creating art. Despite being somewhat of a grumpy recluse, he’s even made a few loyal friends...
  • For Today by B. Cranford

    For Today by B. Cranford

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Seventeen Years Ago . The first time Aaron Andrews saw Simon Foster smile, he knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen anything--or anyone--like the man who'd stolen his favorite seat in his favorite coffee shop. Six Weeks Ago . The late-night phone call that changed their lives forever was short...
    Categorized as:
    new adult  multicultural  queer  m-m  humor  contemporary
  • The BAHs by Saxon James

    The BAHs by Saxon James

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    A short featuring Kole and Asher from Line Mates & Study Dates book four of the CU Hockey by Saxon James & Eden...
  • Andre by L.A. Witt

    Andre by L.A. Witt

    Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    MattThere’s nothing quite like a night with one of the Gentlemen of the Emerald City. No strings. No complications. I’ve been burned by love, and I’m not going there again.Unlike my teammates who fell for their Gentlemen, I know how to keep emotions from coming into play.At least… I used to.AndreI used to love this job. The money doesn’t matter—just the thrill. But that thrill is gone now...
  • 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 ratings
    When 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...
  • Yesterday by Sarina Bowen

    Yesterday by Sarina Bowen

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    It’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there...
  • Enforce by Charity Parkerson

    Enforce by Charity Parkerson

    Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    They 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...
  • Playing the Player by Beth Bolden

    Playing the Player by Beth Bolden

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Center Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend.He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet.But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets...
  • Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward

    Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward

    Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars
    · 13 ratings
    Four 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...
  • Breakaway by Taylor McNiff

    Breakaway by Taylor McNiff

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 8 ratings
    ETHAN POPEHockey and secrets have been my life since I can remember.I don’t know when the secrets got out of hand. Maybe when I stopped recognizing myself in the mirror. Maybe when I nearly lost hockey. Maybe when I almost died.Now my secrets and I are trapped on a PHL team, biding time as I prove that I’m worthy of my original spot in the Big Show...
  • Benched Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set by Misha Horne

    Benched Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set by Misha Horne

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    This Three Volume Bundle includes Parts 1-3 of the Benched series: Benched #1: Rookie Mistake Benched #2: Double Play Benched #3: Out By A Mile Approximately 40,000 words...
  • 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 ratings
    Summer 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...
  • Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn

    Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn

    Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars
    · 15 ratings
    “I don’t want options. I just want you.” Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste.” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self...
  • 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 ratings
    No 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...
  • Change Up by Sloan Johnson

    Change Up by Sloan Johnson

    Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Kevin 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...
  • You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 28 ratings
    The first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours.“I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool.“It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching...
  • Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote

    Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote

    Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    When Wicksy falls for drag queen Charlie, they discover that both sexuality and gender can be fluid. Simon Wicks—Wicksy to his rugby teammates—has only ever been interested in women. But when he sets eyes on Lady Gogo, a drag queen who performs at Rainbow Place, he can’t stop thinking about her...
  • 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...
  • Summer Lessons by Amy Lane

    Summer Lessons by Amy Lane

    Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    a Winter Ball novel Mason Hayes’s love life has a long history of losers who don’t see that Mason’s heart is as deep and tender as his mouth is awkward. He wants kindness, he wants love—and he wants someone who thinks sex is as fantastic as he does...
  • 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 ratings
    Is 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 ratings
    Luka 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...
  • Ryker by RJ Scott, V.L. Locey

    Ryker by RJ Scott, V.L. Locey

    Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Meet the men of Owatonna University's hockey team in this captivating romance! Hockey is in wealthy Ryker's blood — while country boy Jacob is just trying to make it through college. Yet these polar opposites soon have a hard time thinking about anything but each other… Ryker is hockey royalty, Jacob is a poor country boy...
  • Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson

    Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson

    Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Four 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...
    Categorized as:
    athletes  sports  queer  m-m  contemporary
  • Love Is Heartless by Kim Fielding

    Love Is Heartless by Kim Fielding

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    A Love Can't Novel Small but mighty—that could be Detective Nevin Ng’s motto. Now a dedicated member of the Portland Police Bureau, he didn’t let a tough start in life stop him from protecting those in need. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he doesn’t do relationships. Until he responds to the severe beating of a senior citizen and meets the victim’s wealthy, bow-tied landlord...
  • Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye

    Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Loving 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...
  • Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来,他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康

    Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来,他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    You Liangxing would never open the speech function in game.That was because his voice was…Particularly! Kittenish!But there was one day, he queued up with a teammate who had so much to say that they may as well explode. Vexed to the point of no return, he contributed a voice that was capable of splitting heaven and earth, “Don’t BB.”The other party who was being scolded stilled...
  • Country Boy by A.E. Wasp

    Country Boy by A.E. Wasp

    Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars
    · 7 ratings
    Sometimes 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...
  • Pole Position by Charlie Novak

    Pole Position by Charlie Novak

    Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars
    · 7 ratings
    Pole position gives a driver the best chance at winning, but can there be a winner when a long-term relationship is on the line? Mateo Llorente was born to be Formula 1 World Champion. Charming, handsome, and incredibly talented, Mateo is everything a champion should be...
  • Out in the Field by Lane Hayes

    Out in the Field by Lane Hayes

    Rated: 3.89 of 5 stars
    · 11 ratings
    Max Maldonado loves baseball. He knows playing first base at a private college probably won’t get him to the big leagues, but he doesn’t mind. He loves the game and his teammates. If he has to stay in the closet until he graduates, that’s okay. Baseball comes first. Relationships are complicated anyway. And after his recent messy breakup, Max prefers to keep things simple...
  • Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow

    Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    "The weirdest part about kissing my best friend is that it isn't weird at all." Drew Riordan is excellent at compartmentalization. It's the only way he's managed to survive three years at Bellamy university—and on the crew team—and how he's made peace with staying in the closet for the foreseeable future...
  • Me Against the QB by Billie Bloom

    Me Against the QB by Billie Bloom

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Bodie thought his homework was done when he graduated from college, but no such luck. His new assignment: prove to his dad he can handle clients by babysitting a wild NFL player in the off season.Colby is a handful for any agent and he can’t stay out of the press, for all the wrong reasons...
  • Out on the Ice by Lane Hayes

    Out on the Ice by Lane Hayes

    Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars
    · 15 ratings
    Colby Fischer is a bad boy with attitude and a chip on his shoulder. As a senior at a Southern California college, he knows this may be his last shot. He doubts he’ll ever become the hockey legend he dreamed of being as a kid, but he definitely doesn’t want to be an accountant...
  • The Back-up Plan by Eden Finley

    The Back-up Plan by Eden Finley

    Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 32 ratings
    ThadFailing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.Becoming a sports agent was always my back-up plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future...
  • Fool's Gold by Sarah Madison

    Fool's Gold by Sarah Madison

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    Eight years ago, Jake Stanford had it all: a spot on the U.S. Olympic Equestrian Team and the love of his life, Rich Evans. A tragic accident wipes out everything in the blink of an eye. Hard work and sacrifice get him another shot at Olympic Gold, but only if he puts his past behind him and agrees to work with Rich again...
    Categorized as:
    sports  athletes  queer  m-m  contemporary  length-short
  • Wrecked Rose by Leila James

    Wrecked Rose by Leila James

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    Max SuttonConfident, witty charmer. Out and proud.I never expected him to cross my mind.One kiss wrecked me for anyone else.And now he consumes all my thoughts.If people find out, my world explodes.He doesn’t want to hide us.And I want him … but I might have to choose her.Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy...
    Categorized as:
    new adult  sports  queer  contemporary  m-m  length-short
  • Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson

    Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson

    Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    Jason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he knew was the right one at the time. He never told anyone about the love of his life, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat. Now, his heart has had time to heal, but he’s not sure he’s ready to let himself move on...
  • Out in the Field by Kate McMurray

    Out in the Field by Kate McMurray

    Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    Ignacio Rodriquez, Iggy to his friends, has been dreaming about playing baseball for the Brooklyn Eagles ever since he was a boy. His dream comes true and then some; he finds himself playing alongside his idol, first baseman Matt Blanco, who is everything he dreamed of and more...
  • Our Reunion by Harper Logan

    Our Reunion by Harper Logan

    Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars
    · 11 ratings
    “I just want someone to spend my life with” Taylor Lyle. Everyone on the planet knows the CEO of BluTech’s name. Taylor is rich, successful and famous—but that means nothing to him. He aches to start a family, but he’s had his heart bashed to pieces once again by a commitment-phobic guy. “I’ve been pretending so long, I’ve almost forgotten who I am...
  • The Right Time by Lane Hayes

    The Right Time by Lane Hayes

    Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    A Right and Wrong Story Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore...
  • Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward

    Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward

    Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars
    · 17 ratings
    The last man he loved without anyone knowing he existed. Now, there’s a younger man tempting him to give life a second chance.Jason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he swore was right at the time. He couldn't tell anyone he was in love, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat...
  • Challenging Chance by Anyta Sunday

    Challenging Chance by Anyta Sunday

    Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    C is for Chance Roosevelt-Sutton . C hiseled jaw. Smug attitude. Wild ways. C hained to his ego—or so everyone thinks. Except his personal assistant, Brook. He knows better. C hance is challenged to make his father happy for once, but he needs Brook’s help. C hoosing honesty is too risky, so instead they choose secrecy. C hoked by their pasts, they dream of a better life . .
  • Just Like Florence Nightingale by Sean Kennedy

    Just Like Florence Nightingale by Sean Kennedy

    Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars
    · 11 ratings
    Simon Murray is preparing to spend his first Christmas together with Declan Tyler, but he has to play nurse as Dec is recovering from a knee operation. With best friends Fran and Roger holidaying in Italy, how will Simon manage to become a modern day Florence Nightingale?NB: Short story, approx. 2000 words...
  • Last Defense by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Last Defense by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Two men afraid to feel, have to make choices that could end up breaking down their defenses and leading them back to love. Every time Max Van Hellren steps on the ice he knows it could be his last time. At thirty he’s past his hockey prime but he’s also hiding a life-threatening injury that private doctors warn could kill him...
  • Try Me by Lauren Blakely

    Try Me by Lauren Blakely

    Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    The TURN ME ON bonus short...
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