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  queer  soccer

  • #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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  • Off the Ice by Tierney Rose

    Off the Ice by Tierney Rose

    Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 15 ratings
    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...
  • Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey

    Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    An 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

    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...
  • Playing Offside by Jax Calder

    Playing Offside by Jax Calder

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 27 ratings
    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...
  • Final Score by Charlie Novak

    Final Score by Charlie Novak

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Can one perfect night lead to more?Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell

    Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell

    Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars
    · 11 ratings
    I'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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud

    Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    Matthias 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...
  • 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’re My Beat by Zarah Detand

    You’re My Beat by Zarah Detand

    Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 10 ratings
    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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • In His Court by Max Rowan

    In His Court by Max Rowan

    Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    A 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

    The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely

    Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 9 ratings
    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...
  • 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
  • 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...
  • Six Years by Joelina Falk

    Six Years by Joelina Falk

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Luan 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...
    Categorized as:
    sports  new adult  queer  soccer  m-m  contemporary  abuse  hockey
  • 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...
  • The Rookie vs. The Ace by Nicole Dykes, Liam DiCosimo

    The Rookie vs. The Ace by Nicole Dykes, Liam DiCosimo

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    CarsonI’m the Rookie. That’s how they want to label me. The new guy.But I’m damn good at what I do. I don’t have anything to prove.Except maybe to him.I’ve watched his career for years. So yeah, maybe I want to impress him a tiny bit. But I also can’t help riling him up and ruffling his feathers.He wants me to do things his way, but I don’t work like that...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Blank Slate by Louisa Keller

    Blank Slate by Louisa Keller

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    "Glad you found time in your very busy schedule to join us." Colby: I only agreed to model nude for a community art class because I needed the money. I figured it would be easy, fun even. But that was before I came sprinting into the studio on the first day, late and viciously hungover, and found myself face-to-face with Axel Hawthorne...
  • 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...
  • Taking the Body by V.L. Locey

    Taking the Body by V.L. Locey

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    One’s from Flushing, New York, the other from Ambroise, France. Worlds, wit, and passions are about to collide!Phil Greco is that player that every opponent and their fanbase hates but secretly wishes played for their team. Greck is a mouthy guy, high-spirited, and able to tweak nerves with relative ease...
  • Duelo en las Highlands by Nisa Arce

    Duelo en las Highlands by Nisa Arce

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Buenas, permitid que me presente. Soy Greg. Greg McKenzie. El más zanahorio de todos los habitantes de Stonehaven, un pueblo donde nunca pasa nada, o al menos eso creía aquel verano, cuando tuve que regresar tras haber fracasado estrepitosamente en la uni. Pero nada más estar de vuelta, la vida se encargó de meterme una buena colleja para que espabilase...
  • 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...
  • 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
  • Even Strength (The Games We Play) by Cari Z., Ann Gallagher

    Even Strength (The Games We Play) by Cari Z., Ann Gallagher

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    Marek Stetina is so close to getting called up to majors, he can taste it. Maybe he wasn’t a number one draft pick like his brother, and maybe he’ll never be a Hall of Famer like his father, but he’s almost made it.Right up until a serious injury puts his hockey dreams—major league or otherwise—on ice...
  • 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...
  • Better Have Heart by Andy Gallo, Anyta Sunday

    Better Have Heart by Andy Gallo, Anyta Sunday

    Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    They hate everything about each other, so why do they harmonize so well? Isaiah Nettles wants a chance. A chance to help his family.The prestigious Gage Scholarship will secure his future. He needs this. The competition might be hot, but Darren Gage is a golden child. No way will Isaiah let an entitled rich kid be handed the award...
  • 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...
  • Brick Walls by L.A. Witt

    Brick Walls by L.A. Witt

    Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 11 ratings
    Cary “Sol” Solomon isn’t just in a slump—he’s a mess. His stats have plummeted. Fans hate him. After he caps off two awful seasons with a catastrophic playoff flop, his team is done with him. Worse, thanks to his downward spiral, the addiction that’s nearly cost him his career before is rearing its ugly head.As luck would have it, though, the Seattle Sasquatches are desperate for goalies...
  • Clashing Hearts by Nicky James

    Clashing Hearts by Nicky James

    Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars
    · 15 ratings
    EASTONThere 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...
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