Books like 'Playing to Win'
Readers who enjoyed Playing to Win by Avery Cockburn also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance athletes sports royalty from hate to love new adult class difference dual-pov queer
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Semantic Error, Vol.1 (Semantic Error (Novel) #1) by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation.But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery 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
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat’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... -
Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox
Felix Things I expect to find at Gadleigh Castle: - Rare stained glass, the subject of my dissertation. - Peace and quiet, to finish said dissertation. - An escape from the paparazzi swarming around my starlet mother’s latest blockbuster release. Things I don’t expect to find: - A hidden door leading to a secret room. - The most gorgeous man I’ve ever set eyes on. - Love...Categorized as:
royalty class difference dual-pov queer m-m contemporary insta-love secret-relationship -
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On Circus Lane by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee.Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland... -
The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen
One cold December day, two men are blindsided by a hockey trade; one is the most decorated goalie in the league, while the other one is the youngest coach in the majors.Jethro Hale is the last player Coach Clay Powers wants to see on his roster, but the G.M. pulls a fast one. And it's not like he can even explain why. Nobody knows about their love affair fifteen years ago... -
Reckless by Becca Steele
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new standalone M/M enemies to lovers romance.Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa…An ultimatum from my football team manager landed me here on this far-flung tropical island, where I’m expected to work on my issues in a rehab centre for the elite.But I’m not the only one here to curb their reckless behaviour... -
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
Final Play by Eden Finley
It’s a vacation none of them will forget. Before their futures become the present, Noah convinces his friends they need a group vacation—a final play before they’re all tied down by responsibility and unyielding schedules. Everything is changing. Marriage. Kids. Careers. A trip to Fiji is the last hurrah to end all hurrahs... -
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... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher 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
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
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... -
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Bad Pucking Roommate by Michele Lenard
Secrets threaten disaster in this bi-awakening, MM romance about two teammates who have chemistry that extends beyond the ice, an unconventional roommate agreement, and a not-safe-for-work pair of dice. Athletes are notoriously superstitious. Some don’t wash their gear. Others sleep with it. I’ve even heard of a guy that peed on the field to ward off evil spirits... -
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRuari Byrne may not have had an easy life, but now he’s determined to live in the present, not his past. Trouble is, it’s hard to be independent when you’ve no money and no qualifications. All Ru knows is horses, and when he finds out that his beloved Joni and Cookie are off to auction, his heart is in his throat... -
Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder
Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend, Luke. He has no idea why Luke has actively avoided him for the past five years... -
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... -
A Filthy Engagement by Jaxson Kidman
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBarista by day.Engaged to the baddest rock star in the world by night.Well, fake engaged.I mean, what’s one more lie, right?To be fair, it was Dex’s idea.In trouble one too many times…Now he needs me to make him look tame.Trust me, there is no taming this wild hunk.He’s built from muscle, music, and a thirst for women.He can do whatever he wants.Just as long as holds up his end of this crazy lie... -
Kiss My Axe by R.M. Neill
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPerryYou know that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, whoever said that never had the misfortune of meeting Roman Auclair.Sure, he’s sexy and wears a corset like nobody’s business, but he’s arrogant, entitled and so damn judgemental he should sit on the Supreme Court.I’d rather sleep with a porcupine than bunk with him... -
Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSometimes the endgame is only the beginning. In the heated world of the Premier League, Earl Alex Beaufort, a charming Liverpool midfielder, collides on-pitch with Lee Taylor, Manchester United’s top striker. But when England’s World Cup dream brings them to sunny Spain, the real game sharing a room... -
Head to Head by Eli Easton, Tara Lain
If these two don't kill each other, they might fall in love.Rand hates Jax because he’s the laid-back, vegan-eating, tree-hugging, total-Zen-until-I-get-a-chance-to-screw-you president of Sigma Mu Tau, the nerdy fraternity that’s the sworn enemy of Rand’s house, Alpha Lambda Alpha... -
Playing Offside by Jax Calder
Falling for the guy whose starting spot you're after? Never a good idea.Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires... -
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Romeo vs Romeo by Hayden Hall
The sexy newcomer at Neon Nights hates me. I’m not too thrilled about him, either, except that those hungry eyes full of hateful desire do wild things to me.I know I shouldn’t meddle with a closet case. Good Catholic boys are nothing but trouble and heartbreak.Except that this Catholic boy is a foot taller and a foot wider, with dusty blond hair and piercing blue eyes...Categorized as:
from hate to love class difference dual-pov new adult queer hurt-comfort found-family contemporary -
Yesterday by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’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
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... -
Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsKenyon 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... -
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... -
Benched Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set by Misha Horne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis 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... -
Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSebastian 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 -
Finding Lord Landry by Lucy Lennox
When a secret enemies-with-benefits situation turns into the world’s most public fake marriage…The world knows me as Landry Davis, supermodel. A beautiful face and killer abs that have spawned a hundred fantasies. To my friends, I’m simply Landry, the snarkiest (read: most fun) member of our billionaire brotherhood... -
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsParty planner Colin Brightman doesn’t drink or dance, preferring to go to bed early with his spreadsheets and lists. All he wants is to forget the singles weekend his friends sent him on, but he’s stuck with a suitcase filled with condoms and skimpy Speedos that don’t belong to him.He doesn’t expect his luggage thief to be ex-baseball superstar Walker “Walk-Off” Scanlon... -
Final Boy at Randy's by Loren Leigh
I don’t like him. Reed Chambers reminds me of every guy who was ever a jerk to me. With his drop dead good looks and overly confident stroll. A smile that seems like it always has two meanings. But since we’re stuck together working on an indie horror movie that is my brother’s entire life's passion, not to mention that the guy is my best friend’s new fling, I guess I should give him a chance... -
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Catching Kalen by Maya Nicole, Britt Andrews
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe call never came.So, I did what any major league hopeful reject would do: I went to the bar to escape my reality.When I locked gazes with a pair of gorgeous blue eyes, I knew the night was going to be anything but normal.Especially since I’d never been with a man.One night of passion left me questioning everything... -
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... -
You, Again by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...VinnieHockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.So I'm going home to Elmwood... -
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
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
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... -
Clashing Hearts by Nicky James
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEASTONThere is nothing I hate more than when some big-city outsider stirs trouble in my peaceful little town. When Mr. Arrogance himself waltzes in and thinks he can slap a price tag on my land, he doesn’t know what he has coming. I’m not just a hick cowboy who’s going to bend to his good looks and charmless personality. No, sir... -
Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David has known Jake Lourdes' name since he was fourteen years old... -
Summer Lessons by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsa 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... -
The Swap Masquerade by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“A night of passion and pleasure awaits you. No names, no faces, just the chance to live out your wildest fantasies. Leave your keys in the bowl and let fate decide who you’ll end up with.” After years of hiding his sexuality from his family and teammates, Elliott Stone is tired of living a lie... -
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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... -
In His Court by Max Rowan
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA spy prince needs: a man who sees through his disguise.Prince Benedict is not what he seems. His image as a lazy playboy is carefully constructed to hide the truth. Trained since childhood to become Rosavia's top spy, he spends his life in disguise—and danger—to protect his country. Nobody sees the loneliness in his heart... -
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 -
You’re My Beat by Zarah Detand
All the world's a stage for this pas-de-deux.Lucas Clarke is fine. Sure, he isn’t exactly dancing on world-renowned stages as he once planned, but he made his choice, and there are far worse places than his hometown of Brighton... -
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... -
Six Years by Joelina Falk
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLuan Hayes is charming, caring, determined, and talks a lot. He knows how to never leave space for awkward silence.Looking at him, he almost seems like a perfect human, but everyone has their demons in some ways, even those who shine as bright as the sun with their positivity.Grey Davis keeps to himself...
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