Books like 'Against the Grain'
Readers who enjoyed Against the Grain by Jay Hogan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny sports queer disabilities and marks cold hero athletes grumpy sunshine sweet-hero
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The Long and Winding Road by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Art of Breathing. Family is not always defined by blood. It’s defined by those who make us whole—those who make us who we are. And here, at the end, Bear and Otter will be tested like they’ve never been before. There’s a knock at the door from a little girl who has nowhere else to go. There’s a phone ringing, bringing news they do not expect... -
![Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian]()
Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian
Cat Sebastian’s long-awaited foray into contemporary romance! A witty, emotional, and deliciously slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance between two costars on a popular sci-fi television series. Simon and Charlie, actors on a long-running sci-fi show, can’t stand one another... -
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![Until You by Briar Prescott]()
Until You by Briar Prescott
I’m the first one to tell you I have issues. Trust issues. Family issues. Probably a few others I haven’t discovered yet. Which is why I prefer to keep my life as simple and uncomplicated as possible. Until him. Blake McAdams barrels into my life and refuses to leave...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine sweet-hero queer hurt-comfort grovel cold hero found-family caretaking -
![Broken Ice by Marina Vivancos]()
Broken Ice by Marina Vivancos
After being forced to take suppressants for a year by his coach, Beau’s body is a mess. He has a debilitatingly painful heat every two weeks, and there’s no medication available to help him. Being traded from the team that did that to him is a slap to the face. Being traded to their direct competitors, the Miami Manatees, is just the cherry on top of the sh*t sundae that has become his life...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine caretaking athletes hurt-comfort queer cold hero found-family -
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![The Prospects by K.T. Hoffman]()
The Prospects by K.T. Hoffman
The pressure cooker of minor league baseball leads to major chemistry in this exhilarating, sexy, and triumphant rivals to lovers debut romance. Hope is familiar territory for Gene Ionescu. He has always loved baseball, a sport made for underdogs and optimists like him. He also loves his team, the minor league Beaverton Beavers, and, for the most part, he loves the career he’s built...Categorized as:
sports queer found-family athletes disabilities and marks sweet-hero height-difference caretaking -
![On or Off, Volume 3 by A1]()
On or Off, Volume 3 by A1
Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards. Published in English for the first time in full color and fully uncensored! Yiyoung and his college friends have formed a startup company together, and even managed to score a proposal meeting with the illustrious SJ corporation...Categorized as:
queer grumpy sunshine height-difference cold hero sweet-hero contemporary m-m age difference -
![Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox]()
Hot as Heller by Lucy Lennox
The man asked me to valet his damn car. Look, I left LA for a reason. I’ve had my fill of big Hollywood stars and their even bigger egos. I want something genuine. Something real. And it doesn’t get any realer than being the new sheriff of Aster Valley, Colorado. That is, until entitled Finn Heller appears on the scene, handing me the keys to his convertible like I’m his personal servant...Categorized as:
height-difference queer found-family contemporary humor m-m age difference from hate to love -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
Jeremy. Seeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning... -
![Until You by T.J. Klune]()
Until You by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Queen & the Homo Jock King. Together with their families and friends, Paul Auster and Vincent Taylor request the honor of your company at the celebration of their marriage. Paul Auster and Vince Taylor just want to have a simple wedding. Really, is that too much to ask? As the big day approaches, they struggle to keep everything from spiraling out of control... -
![Vow Maker by Lily Morton]()
Vow Maker by Lily Morton
Dylan Mitchell wants to get married. However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit. Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer m-m contemporary humor age difference explicit-open-door -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsWhen Devan, Best Boyfriend in the Entire World, books them a trip to Russia in February, Jonty’s excitement knows no bounds. There’s packing to do, plans to be made, and places to see. Armed with his smile and a handful of dubious Russian Phrases, Jonty is ready for the delights Vladivostok has to offer—the famous glass beach he’s dreamed about, ice skating on a frozen sea, and snow... -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
Seth by Carly Marie
Be yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening... -
![Handy by K.M. Neuhold]()
Handy by K.M. Neuhold
My new neighbor may be grumpy but he's also hot, and. very. good with his hands…. I definitely overestimated my own handyman skills when I bought this fixer-upper. I have to say, the view from my new place is worth it though. Especially around seven o'clock every morning when my big, furry bear of a neighbor drinks his coffee shirtless on his back porch. He's dedicated to the bear thing too...Categorized as:
queer grumpy sunshine cold hero hurt-comfort found-family sweet-hero m-m contemporary -
![Holiday Heart Strings by N.R. Walker]()
Holiday Heart Strings by N.R. Walker
Hartbridge Christmas Series - Book Four. Englishman Braithe Branson arrives in Hartbridge, Montana, to take on a brief substitute kindergarten teacher position. His introduction to the sleepy town is being pulled over for speeding. Not an ideal start, but at least the deputy was cute. Colson Price takes being a deputy very seriously. After all, his job is all he has...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer height-difference caretaking found-family sweet-hero christmas m-m -
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![You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan]()
You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan
There’s a wedding in the air at Auckland Med, but Reuben wonders if they’ll survive the stress long enough to say, ‘I do’. Cam is directing the entire operation with his combat eyeliner in place, whilst the wedding party is doing its best to ignore him. The pressure is mounting and the cracks are beginning to show. There’s a bachelor party to survive. The paparazzi to outrun...Categorized as:
sports queer height-difference sweet-hero athletes found-family hurt-comfort caretaking -
![Not a Day Goes By by E. Lynn Harris]()
Not a Day Goes By by E. Lynn Harris
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJohn "Basil" Henderson has always played the field, both as a professional football player and as an equal opportunity lover. After retiring his jersey for a career as a sports agent, the dashing playboy is surprising everyone--including himself--by deciding to settle down and commit to his new love, Yancey Harrington Braxton... -
![I've Been Careless With a Delicate Thing by Marina Vivancos]()
I've Been Careless With a Delicate Thing by Marina Vivancos
Silas meets gorgeous, grumpy-looking Oscar at a bar. He’s never had sex with a guy, and what better place is there to find someone to pop that particular cherry? He knows what he’s getting with the broad-shouldered, I-can-pummel-you-with-one-look Oscar: getting bent over a hard surface and satisfied until he’s blaspheming. Turns out, though, there’s a lot more to Oscar that meets the eyes...Categorized as:
queer caretaking height-difference cold hero grumpy sunshine m-m bdsm friends-benefits -
![Playing With Spencer by Izaia Winter]()
Playing With Spencer by Izaia Winter
Spencer desperately wants to love a little, but it’s not in the cards for him. Spencer Howell knows what it’s like to get burned, and once was enough for him. Littles are strictly off limits. It doesn’t matter how cute they are, or how much their innocent smiles warm his heart. He knows to keep his distance. And he’s fine with that… most of the time... -
![The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker]()
The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of. He joins a gym. Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again... -
![The Hitman's Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses by Alice Winters]()
The Hitman's Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses by Alice Winters
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLeland. Life is normal… suspiciously normal. During my long, lonely years as a hitman, I never realized that one day, I would have a family to call my own... -
![Missed Steps by L. Sherleen]()
Missed Steps by L. Sherleen
Kyle lost part of his leg during the summer, and with it, the rivalry with his college-long crush Mark ends in a loss. Except. .Categorized as:
sports queer caretaking sweet-hero hurt-comfort athletes height-difference disabilities and marks -
![Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg]()
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Ruari 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...Categorized as:
sports queer height-difference caretaking hurt-comfort found-family sweet-hero athletes -
![On or Off, Volume 1 by A1]()
On or Off, Volume 1 by A1
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here. Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards! Available unabridged and uncensored for the first time in English. They say all's fair in love. .Categorized as:
queer grumpy sunshine height-difference grovel cold hero sweet-hero contemporary age difference -
![Reinventing Cato by Barbara Elsborg]()
Reinventing Cato by Barbara Elsborg
Fate is not always written in the stars…. Being headhunted by NASA might be his ultimate dream, but Cato’s life still sucks. He’s tired of anonymous one-night stands. He’s tired of being lonely. And, frankly, he’s tired of himself. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, he realises the only thing to do if he wants to be happy is to reinvent himself... -
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![The Remarkable Lover by Maya Jean]()
The Remarkable Lover by Maya Jean
Jackson. Dreams collapse in the blink of an eye, I know that better than anyone after losing my career as an athlete. Now I spend my days giving people pleasure for pay and playing with stocks. Most of my friends have settled in Clay Springs, Florida. A sleepy little town that moves slower than molasses...Categorized as:
found-family hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer disabilities and marks caretaking contemporary m-m -
![Try Again Later by Jemma Croft]()
Try Again Later by Jemma Croft
If hooking up with straight married men was a business, Orlando Oakham-Goodwin would be the CEO. Nepo baby and all round spoilt brat, Lando lives a life most can only dream of. But when his father cuts off his finances and his best friend reveals she’s moving away, Lando must find a way to pull himself up by his designer bootstraps... -
![The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning]()
The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning
One goal to make a career. One kiss to derail a life. Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight. Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after... -
![Blitzed by S.E. Harmon]()
Blitzed by S.E. Harmon
NFL tight end Andrew McAdams isn’t thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. He’s even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so. .. yeah. That’s a no-brainer. It's not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there's no rule saying he can't do his hours and have a little fun... -
![Flirt by Lucy Lennox]()
Flirt by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsSassy-mouthed Stevie Devore has always had a crush on the local fire chief. Gorgeous silver fox, Evan Paige, is way out of Stevie's league, however, not to mention the chief has always been a ladies' man, but when Stevie turns twenty-one, he decides he's tired of only daydreaming about Evan...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort height-difference m-m contemporary humor age difference men in uniform -
![Scoring Chance by A.J. Truman]()
Scoring Chance by A.J. Truman
A totally fake marriage… with very real feelings. I'm a carefree bachelor who never wanted kids. But it seems life has other plans. When my best friend and hockey teammate Tanner Chance finds himself jobless with four kids to support, I suggest a wild marriage. My health insurance can cover Tanner’s family, but to keep nosy coworkers from sniffing out the scheme, the whole Chance clan moves in... -
![Milo by Lily Morton]()
Milo by Lily Morton
Once upon a time a brave knight rescued a young man. Unfortunately, he then spent the next few years bossing the young man around and treating him like a child. Milo has been burying himself at Chi an Mor, hiding from the wreckage of his once promising career and running from a bad relationship that destroyed what little confidence he had...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort height-difference queer found-family m-m humor contemporary age difference -
![Empty Net by Avon Gale]()
Empty Net by Avon Gale
A Scoring Chances Novel. Spartanburg Spitfires’ goalie and captain, Isaac Drake, ended last season with an unexpected trip to the playoffs. He’s found a home and a family with his coach and mentor, Misha Samarin, and he’s looking forward to making a serious run for the Kelly Cup. But things take an interesting turn when Isaac’s archnemesis, Laurent St. Savoy, is traded to the Spitfires...Categorized as:
athletes sports queer hurt-comfort found-family disabilities and marks caretaking cold hero -
![Unrivaled by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James]()
Unrivaled by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James
People say there’s a fine line between love and hate. If you ask Grady Armstrong, the line’s as obvious as the one across the middle of a hockey rink. So he can’t explain why he doesn’t walk away when his Grindr hookup—a guy who accused him of impersonating himself—turns out to be Max Lockhart, a rival player Grady once punched in the face... -
![Off Balance by Jay Hogan]()
Off Balance by Jay Hogan
When JUDAH MADDEN flees his tiny suffocating home-town in New Zealand, for the dream of international ballet stardom, he never intends coming back. Not to Painted Bay. Not to his family’s struggling mussel farm. Not to his jerk of a brother. Not with his entire life plan in shreds...Categorized as:
sports athletes disabilities and marks hurt-comfort queer cold hero caretaking sweet-hero -
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![Not Dating Material by Saxon James]()
Not Dating Material by Saxon James
MOLLY. Moving to Seattle is supposed to be all about getting a fresh start and leaving the bitter man I was becoming behind. I have new roommates–quirky, sometimes strange, roommates–a nosy, next door neighbor and a grumpy kitty for company, but even surrounded by people, I still don’t feel like I belong...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort height-difference caretaking queer found-family grovel sweet-hero -
![The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn
Fisher Cats Defenseman Rushed to Hospital After In-Game Fall—Mystery Beau Revealed? The Fisher Cats defenseman is conscious and in stable condition following a seizure that occurred during the recent game against Buffalo. Updates indicate that while still hospitalized, he’s hopeful for a quick return to the ice...Categorized as:
sports hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine athletes queer disabilities and marks sweet-hero cold hero -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving Ficlet. -
![Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe best way to get over a cheating jerk is to get under someone new. Dominic isn’t looking for love or salvation at the Thirsty Cowboy. He needs a temporary escape from the drudgery his life has become, and the universe provides him with the sexiest distraction he’s ever seen. Sven is a sucker for sad eyes, thick thighs, and a Royal Cosmopolitan...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort found-family queer m-m friends to lovers age difference contemporary humor -
![Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. 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... -
![Merry Christmas Scott & Kip by Rachel Reid]()
Merry Christmas Scott & Kip by Rachel Reid
I have written a little festive epilogue to Game Changer! And guess what? It’s free! It’s my holiday gift to you! Join Scott and Kip as they spend their first Christmas together at Kip’s parents’ house in Brooklyn. -
!['Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford]()
'Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Sinners Gin Anthology. For Crossroads Gin rock stars Miki, Damien, Rafe, and Forest, life is a Möbius strip of music, mayhem, and murder. Through it all, the sweet, hot moments between tours with lovers, friends, and family keep them sane, healthy, and happy. This Sinners collection features short stories spanning the entire series, from before the first note to after the lights go out. -
![Kiss-Fist by Cora Rose, E.M. Lindsey]()
Kiss-Fist by Cora Rose, E.M. Lindsey
Whoever convinced me to join the gym needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Or, at the very least, suffer with a pillow hot on both sides every night, because this? This is terrible. Running? No thank you. Lifting? Who needs biceps anyway. Now, I will say the eye-candy is nice. Especially my new personal trainer with the tattoos and dimples. But that’s all he can ever be: eye candy... -
![Composed at Randy's by Zile Elliven]()
Composed at Randy's by Zile Elliven
"How do I tell the guy I like that I’m not homeless, just a dumbass? ". Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's Diner. Composed at Randy’s is a 'dumbasses in love', cis male/trans male pairing with a smooth-brained (not remotely smart) genius, a goth himbo, and all the help they can get to achieve their happily ever after. -
![Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft]()
Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft
Deke Jamison has been waiting for his hot neighbor to fall madly in love with him for years. The day Marshall moved in next door, Deke instantly knew for sure that it was love at first sight. Well, okay… maybe just lust. But since Marshall turned out to be not just be hot, but also super kind and fifty shades of wonderful, the falling-in-love part happened pretty quickly, too... -
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![Everything for You by Chloe Liese]()
Everything for You by Chloe Liese
Enemies become lovers in this sizzling sports romance about taking a chance on love when life’s taught you it’s a losing game. Oliver Bergman is a beloved rising soccer star, all sunshine smiles and the heart of their team’s spirit. To make matters worse, he’s obscenely attractive. In he’s genetically designed to get under misanthropic, miserable Gavin’s aggravated skin...Categorized as:
queer sports grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort found-family athletes cold hero sweet-hero -
![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. __________. Status: Complete. Word count: 5,801.Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort m-m contemporary christmas humor from hate to love length-novella -
![Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Snow is a collection of short stories and a novelette set after the events of Shatter, book 2 of the Unbreakable Bonds series and before Torch, book 3. Follow the continuing, passionate and heartfelt romance between Dr. Ashton "Snow" Frost and Jude Torres as they merge their lives together as a couple... -
![Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling]()
Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAfter a steady diet of big city trouble Chef Drew Allison has relocated to the tiny island town of Orca’s Slough to get a taste of the laid-back artisanal lifestyle. But when he discovers his bartender dead in his basement, he faces a far greater challenge than whipping up a spectacular lunch special. He’s the local law enforcement officer’s Grade-A suspect... -
![TYLER by N. Boeyer]()
TYLER by N. Boeyer
Tyler. I’d found my heart—my everything—but then he got one shot to follow his dream. So he left… and took my heart with him. I love Jace. So freaking much. But hiding our relationship from the public to boost his career is harder than I expected. I get it. He’s following his dreams... -
![Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Ian is a collection of short stories following the ups and downs of Ian Pierce and Hollis Banner has they navigate their new relationship and the unique complications of dating with a brunch of overprotective “brothers” determined to guard Ian’s heart. This collection is more than 38,000 words and contains short stories such as:. Midnight Perp. No Boyfriends Allowed...Categorized as:
queer height-difference caretaking found-family sweet-hero m-m contemporary length-novella
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