Books like 'The Next Competitor'
Readers who enjoyed The Next Competitor by Keira Andrews also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
gay romance sports friends to lovers athletes from hate to love queer ice-skating new adult caretaking height-difference
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Escapade by dolce_piccante
In the grand scheme of things, finding a date for a wedding should be no problem for Louis Tomlinson. He's rich. He's handsome. He's reasonably well behaved. But when the wedding is for his lifelong best friend (and former boyfriend), and is happening in under a month, finding a date for the ceremony and accompanying festivities becomes more of an adventure than he ever could have planned for. -
Boarded by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCourage is following your heart when your brain says run “Boarding, two minutes. ” Collin Harringford has delivered the penalty countless times as an enforcer with the Nashville Grizzlies. When life delivers the boarding, he’s forced home to sort out his grandpa’s estate... -
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Semantic Error, Vol. 3 by Angy, J. Soori
Sangwoo and Jaeyoung’s feelings come to a head as the two clash over their views on what it means to be in a homosexual relationship! And while the two finally settle on having a purely physical affair to satisfy their needs and curiosity, Sangwoo’s inexperience with romance leads to a rocky start... -
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? SANTA. Charlie 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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Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey weren't kidding when they say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, I think I have it all. My men. Happiness. Friends. Family. And the next, my whole life comes crashing down around me. Betrayal like I’ve never felt before consumes me. A heartbreak so gut-wrenching it hurts to breathe...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers from hate to love queer contemporary length-medium m-m -
MistleFoe by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago. It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine queer christmas m-m second chances contemporary -
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort length-medium -
Tigers on the Run by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYoung Australian Micah Johnson is the first AFL player to be out at the beginning of his career. Retired professional football player Declan Tyler mentors Micah, but he finds it difficult, as Micah is prone to making poor life choices that land him in trouble. Nothing Dec can’t handle. He’s been there, done that, more times than he’d like to admit... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
Snowed In: An MM Romance Charity Anthology by Kiki Clark, E.M. Lindsey
Snowed In is an MM Romance Charity Anthology from some of your favorite authors! These Christmas-themed stories all feature the swoon-inducing trope of being snowed-in together! You can find new, exclusive novellas from Kiki Clark, Nora Phoenix, EM Lindsey, Nicole Dykes, Crea Reitan, A. M... -
All We Are by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPride. Will and Waylon have been through hell and back—more than once. But they’re still standing, still loving each other, still embracing their found family. And that’s something Will is stupidly proud of. He’s happier than he’s ever been, and more in love than he ever thought possible. He just hopes he can find a way to make Waylon believe in them as much as he does. Pride... -
All the White Lies We Tell by Garry Michael
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter missing out on the chance to represent the United States in the last winter games, Isaac McAllister’s focus was second to none. He spent the past few years away from his family training for this moment. He had a dream, a dream that only came every four years and he would do anything he could to make it happen. Even if it meant breaking hearts along the way... -
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... -
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Wedlocked by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s no secret that, over the past couple years, Elite has been through it. For real, when I look around, I think, Two billion years of evolution for this? But even with the heaping pile of crazy tossed at us on the regular, we still have each other’s backs and are stronger than ever. With Westbrook’s winter break coming up, it’s time Elite got their relax on...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine friends to lovers new adult forced proximity queer alpha male m-m -
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. You can't miss out on this tender, loving, and hot-as-sin m/m college hockey romance! Rookie:... -
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsJeremiah—or Jem, as his friends like to call him—Knight is stuck at a crossroads. Injured and unsure if he’ll be spending another season on the football field, he returns home for the holidays, hoping to lick his wounds in private. Only to be roped into being the mascot and grand marshal of the annual Christmas Falls festival and parade... -
Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe other side of loathing might be lust . .. Or love . .. Wolf. Desire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college. Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer. Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever... -
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
I thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love. Tyler. I 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:
forced proximity sports friends to lovers height-difference queer hurt-comfort exhibitionism m-m -
Love and History by Lane Hayes
The sporty roommate, the professor, and a history lesson…. Holden-. Ezra might be the most annoying roommate ever. He’s loud, obnoxious, and full of himself. So what if he’s a tall, muscular, tattooed jock? His tendency to strip to his boxers in the kitchen while helping himself to my food isn’t endearing in the slightest. Nope. Ezra has to go...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity friends to lovers from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary -
Price of Victory by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was my forbidden enemy. My darkest temptation. And the one person who could destroy everything I've built. Rhett. Some rivalries run deeper than blood. Ours runs deeper than hate. Aiden Whitmore was never supposed to be on my team. Not after what his family did to mine. Not after the hostile takeover that nearly destroyed us... -
The Roommate Game by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThe hockey player, the figure skater, and the roommate situation…. Gus. No one throws a party quite like I do. Technically, I could have graduated three years ago, but I love Smithton, I love hockey, and the team needs a good captain with a positive outlook. That’s me. I love this town, and it loves me. Well, except for my roommate. Rafe doesn’t like me at all—total mystery. I’m a nice guy... -
Zero Pucks Given by Hayden Hall
Seth is the cutest enemy I’ve ever had to conquer. Enemy might be the wrong word, but he’s the younger brother of my high school nemesis, and now he’s transferring to Northwood U. A biology student with an adorable smile, Seth has never been easy to forget. We’ve had our share of summer flings. And we burned too fast to last... -
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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The Christmas Summons by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Kelly Fox comes a Wild Heart Ranch Christmas novella. I’ve loved Gael Hernandez from the moment I laid eyes on him. We had a moment back in the summer, but he needed time to recover from the traumatic events that reshaped his family. It’s now Christmas, and I think my talented shoemaker is finally ready to let me love him for the rest of his life... -
Shaken & Stirred by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“Of course I had to get stranded with the one man who hates me…”. Rob. Working for Mateo Rojas had its perks. I was always paid well and on time. I had my pick of any man or woman I wanted. And I gained a group of friends that were quickly turning out to be some of the best I’d ever had. The only downside to this place is the lack of an experienced bartender... -
Shattered Hate by P.S. Black
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHawksview University Series is written as an interconnected character series. This series must be read in order. You must read Shattered Ice first to understand Shattered Hate. What happens when enemies collide? As their pasts clash and their hearts war, can they find forgiveness, or will they fall apart? Will their secrets and betrayals shatter them, or can hate turn into healing? Or worse. . -
Neutral Zone by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTennant Rowe has it all, a boyfriend he adores, a loving family, and a career on the rise. He’s sure of his place in the world, and the future can only get brighter. Then one night, in a flash of skates and sticks, life changes forever. Getting back on the ice is Ten’s priority, and experts tell him that it’s just a matter of time... -
For a Song by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsEarly is on the prowl for the perfect alpha man to give him a night of fun. His life changes forever when he runs into Duke. Where will their night of passion lead them? In the pulsating heart of a dance club, I stumble upon him: the epitome of tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome. Duke’s muscles were made for pinning me to the bed for a night of fun... -
A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon
A year ago, Kelly Cannon couldn’t imagine he’d end up with his formerly straight best friend. It’s hard to believe he can finally kiss Blue anytime he wants…as long as they’re in private. And there’s the rub. Despite Kelly’s promise to wait until Blue is ready to come out, he’s tired of sneaking around...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers queer m-m secret-relationship audiobook explicit-open-door -
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…. Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K. M. Neuhold. **All of these novellas have been previously published either as part of the Heart2Heart Charity Anthology collection or as stand alone free shorts. Always You... -
Takers by Casey Cox
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI don't date or do relationships. Love just isn't my thing. But sex? Oh, I'm so into sex, I named my hugely successful podcast Intosexual. Get it? One man I never expected to be a listener is gorgeous billionaire CEO, Bremmer Palmer. The guy who never cracks a smile, is super uptight, and gives off total control freak alpha boss vibes...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine friends to lovers forced proximity queer super rich hero m-m humor length-medium -
Queried Sick by Dallas Smith
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFor fans of Casey McQuiston and Always Only You, Queried Sick is a slow-burn romance about two bisexual disasters finding love while working at a publishing company during the pandemic—complete with grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and an attention-seeking cat. Social distance makes the heart grow fonder…...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult grumpy sunshine queer contemporary m-m office length-medium -
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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. Or is it? Can Rikker survive a visit with his parents? And can Graham let him do it alone? (Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas. -
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFree-spirited ballet dancer Quinn is sure he made a terrible mistake by agreeing to be Duke’s roommate. The big cop is the most uptight person Quinn’s ever met, and both men begin driving each other crazy from day one. Before long though, an undeniable spark of attraction ignites between them...Categorized as:
height-difference queer cold hero sunny hero m-m contemporary length-medium men in uniform -
Beautiful Temptation by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBlair Anderson only thinks of Caden Bell as his best friend’s younger brother, a straight-laced jock still dating his high-school sweetheart. They are as different as night and day. Caden has always considered Blair an enigma, the way he lights up every room with his self-confidence and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. But since childhood they’ve drifted worlds apart...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity height-difference queer m-m christmas contemporary siblings-bff -
Line Drive by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPJ Nolan just has to get through this year. He’d been hoping for a trade to Milwaukee, where he wouldn’t have to hide the fact that he was gay, but that didn’t pan out. He’s close enough to achieving his goal that he can’t walk away, no matter how hostile the Miami clubhouse had become... -
Breaking Free by Isabel Lucero
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt a party on a rival college campus, I drunkenly stumble into a bathroom just as a tall, muscular man steps out of the shower. .. naked. Instead of fleeing, I stay put and end up having the hottest bathroom hookup with someone whose name I don’t know. Because I’m still in the closet, I don’t talk about what happened that night, glad that it was with a guy who doesn’t live in the same town... -
Bouquets & Belonging by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMarley is a hopeless romantic who loves his job. Flowers make him happy, and he gets great joy out of the delight they bring to others. He has a standing flower shop as well as a regular booth at the Heartcraft Market. Derek is an overworked businessman. His work consumes his life, both in the office and at home... -
One Touch by Linden Rowe, Kris Butler
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsOne touch changed one man's life, and doomed another. Miller. Being on a winning team should feel better than this. But when you barely step onto the ice, feel like a stranger in the city you live in, and only have teammates, not friends, not even the Stanley Cup can make you feel like you belong. So I recklessly ask for a trade...Categorized as:
sports queer from hate to love grumpy sunshine forced proximity m-m hockey length-medium -
In Love's Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSweet Home Hokkaido wins over a conductor for whom home is anything but sweet. A burnt-out, curmudgeonly conductor finds love in a humble grocer determined to unfreeze the maestro’s heart. -
RIDE by Nellie Christine
Bentley Williams never thought he’d hit rock bottom at 19-years-old. From top-rated college running back to homeless, girlfriend-less, UCLA dropout, Bentley can’t help but wonder if he’s making the right decision. Pursuing a career as a BMX rider likely means a life of struggling to afford groceries, but he can’t imagine doing anything else. The sport’s in his blood... -
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Break Down by Rebecca Norinne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis heart says no, but his body says yes. Liam Donnelly's honed, athletic body craves something he can't have. Not when the last time ended in disaster. Now, the Dublin Rugby player is seeking redemption with a new team in Edinburgh. His fresh start is going strong, but one look at Chef Lachlan MacLeod's inked forearms and whiskey-colored eyes and he's tempted by far more than what's on the menu... -
Rules of Play by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was supposed to be my study subject, not my obsession. Shane. I study elite athletes: their focus, their flaws, their fire. But Patrick Callahan? He’s a category of his own. Too loud, too confident, and way too hot to be safe for science. He’s all swagger and sweat and reckless charm. Tracking his heartbeat was easy. Keeping mine under control? Impossible... -
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar. A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship hockey -
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 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 grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity queer m-m contemporary -
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsLincoln. I’ve done a good job getting over my past. I’m not only proud of who I am, but revel in it. Still, I don’t let myself get too close to people. With closeness comes questions and those pesky feelings, and I’m having none of that. I’ve got a great job, friends, I’m cute and twinky, and my bed’s never empty. What more do I need? Except I can’t stop sleeping with Rush Alexander...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
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...
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