Books like 'The Jock'
Readers who enjoyed The Jock by Tal Bauer also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports college athletes angst insta-love cowboys secret-relationship new adult
-
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy... -
![The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen]()
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... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton]()
Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
![Manhandled by Lauren Blakely]()
Manhandled by Lauren Blakely
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely...My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare... -
-
![Alfie: Part II by Cara Dee]()
Alfie: Part II by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMM Romance • Part 2 of 2 • Second Chances • Irish Mafia • Family • Hurt/Comfort • Age Gap • Revenge • Opposites AttractWhen two broken hearts have reached their limits, it’s time for a mobster to play dirty in order to let the healing begin. Don’t worry, Alfie has a plan.That very second, the moment West said those words…I almost shattered. Again. I’d put myself out there... -
![Valentine's Hearts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Valentine's Hearts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWill broken hearts replace the wedding they dreamed of? Ryker's heart has space for three things—his family, hockey, and Jacob. As their wedding grows closer, it seems that nothing can stand in the way of an idyllic celebration, surrounded by friends and loved ones... -
![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 ratingsFamily 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 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]()
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 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... -
![The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sexy, emotionally-charged, rivals-to-lovers, second chance sports romance… Some men are just off-limits. Like, say, all the other football players in the league. But I’ve been crushing hard on one quarterback in particular for the last year. When Jason invites me to his place the night before my first pro football game, I say yes so fast...Categorized as:
sports queer football athletes secret-relationship second chances forced proximity forbidden love -
![Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAn emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series!I’m a rookie, in every sense of the word. But even though I have a wicked crush on the sexy shortstop on my baseball team, I won’t give in to my fantasies about him.I’m here in the majors for the first time to play ball. Not to experience my first time with a man...Categorized as:
sports queer athletes secret-relationship angst new adult forced proximity forbidden love -
![Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUnder the Christmas lights strung outside a snowy Minnesota cabin, Ryker and Jacob face a future where nothing will be the same again. Fortunate timing means that Ryker and Jacob can spend a few days together over Christmas in a cabin on the family farm. What's better is that Scott and Ben are coming as well, with Hayne and Ethan in tow... -
![Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden]()
Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEx-quarterback Davis Abernathy knows he’s on his last chance.If he strikes out as Paxton Kelly’s coach, nobody else is going to call him. Not to get back on the field, and not to stand on the sidelines.He’s got a lot to teach Pax, and as a second-year quarterback, Pax has a lot to learn. But Davis doesn’t anticipate the irresistible way they’ll be drawn together from their first meeting... -
-
![Winning the Season by Beth Bolden]()
Winning the Season by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCoach Asa Dawson has fallen wildly in love only twice in his life.First with football.Then with Scott Callaway.But Scott isn’t just the one who got away.He’s the one person—the one man—Asa hoped might finally show him how all-consuming passion could be.Instead, fate (and football) intervened and they never got the chance to explore their attraction...Categorized as:
sports athletes second chances secret-relationship angst hurt-comfort queer football -
![Scene Queen by Charlie Novak]()
Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort forced proximity sports queer m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary length-medium -
![The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond]()
The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old? Patrick Griffin I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would... -
![Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn]()
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat?Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
![Spinning to the Goal by Christie Gordon]()
Spinning to the Goal by Christie Gordon
As a hockey goalie, I don’t back down. When I meet my match in a figure skater, will my relentless pursuit win his heart?AceBeing in a dry spell sucks. Not my hockey game, my love life.My friends decide it’s time to fix it. So they drag me out, dressed to impress.Then I see him—exactly my type, all smoldering eyes and a slender body that’s got me forgetting how to breathe... -
![Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden]()
Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCan they fake it til Tate makes it?Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school... -
![Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella]()
Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThere was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down... -
![A Different Kind of Love by Nicola Haken]()
A Different Kind of Love by Nicola Haken
Love is simple. People are not. Despite growing up without it, William Walker knows all about love. He loves his wife. He loves his children. He loves the cat. He has the perfect family, and all he had to do to get it was push aside one pesky little feeling.Unfortunately, love doesn’t pay the bills...Categorized as:
angst forced proximity insta-love class difference secret-relationship hurt-comfort queer actors -
![Just Winging It by Crea Reitan]()
Just Winging It by Crea Reitan
One weekend can change everything. CaulderI’ve lived a very quiet life, keeping my deepest secrets close to my chest. I let no one in; not even my closest friends. When I’m invited to participate in the All-Star Games, I’m suddenly forced to share a hotel room, and a single bed, with a stranger. My carefully guarded world starts to come undone when he kisses me, and I can’t get enough...Categorized as:
sports queer forced proximity insta-love secret-relationship anal sex athletes virgin hero -
![Beautifully Devoted by Michele Lenard]()
Beautifully Devoted by Michele Lenard
Forgetting to knock changed everything.CamWhen I was ten, I made a promise. One that I’m still honoring a decade later, even though it means hiding a part of myself from the most important person in my life.My best friend, Jagger. And truthfully, burying that part of me is a small price to pay if it means nothing comes between us... -
-
![Black by Quin, Perin.]()
Black by Quin, Perin.
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“Meow!”There it was.The sound that made my knees buckle.He purred, neck stretched, eyes half-lidded.With those cat ears, in his hair.And the tail, that he flicked.A ray of sun in the drizzling rain. I’d been a traveler, floating adrift, while he’d stayed in one place. How was I supposed to know he’d become my anchor? My light. My everything... -
![Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsThe most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film—in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more... -
![Catching Chance by M.E. Parker]()
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
What happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more… Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
![Yesterday by Sarina Bowen]()
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... -
![In the Gray by Christina Lee]()
In the Gray by Christina Lee
FosterI moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit...Categorized as:
forced proximity hurt-comfort second chances new adult queer class difference anal sex contemporary -
![A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers]()
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
![Playing Deep by Beth Bolden]()
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... -
![Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart]()
Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTom; shy office clerk by day and drawer of foxes by night, wakes up one Monday knowing the most extraordinary week of his life is about to begin. In five days, a lifelong ‘secret’ will be made gloriously public—but will it mean losing the person he loves most?Getting married… It seems only yesterday Tom changed nappies and sang nursery rhymes to a laughing baby... -
![Unconditional Love by Andrew Grey]()
Unconditional Love by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"A Seven Days Story" Can a person's life change in just one day? How about seven? Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys' time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind... -
![Montana Sky by R.J. Scott]()
Montana Sky by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen they spend time alone on a Montana mountainside will Tyler ever convince Martin that like sapphires, love is worth searching for? Martin’s name was the very last on a kill list. The son of a murderer, he’s had no childhood; lost in a horrific holding pattern of death that turned his heart to stone... -
-
![Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon]()
Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpecial Edition Book Art - Paperback onlyTwo desperate encounters led to a dating arrangement. One for money. The other for sexual exploration.KelI tried to save Ohana Surfing Club, a surf shop my father and I owned... -
![Lovely Allergen by Zhichu, 稚楚]()
Lovely Allergen by Zhichu, 稚楚
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSong Yu has three requirements for Yue Zhishi:– You cannot call me gege in public.– We won’t do anything together in public.– You cannot let other people know you live with me.Yue Zhishi has always been obediently following these rules. They were practically strangers at school. At the opening ceremony, he suddenly collapsed due to an allergy-related asthma attack, sending everything into chaos... -
![It's Not You by Becca Seymour]()
It's Not You by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a protective ex-cop helps his gorgeous tenant through his recovery, their complicated history is asking for trouble. Will the fear of the past repeating itself destroy any possibility of happiness?Daredevil drifter Lawrence Crawford is hunting for a place to call home. After ten years of looking, he believes he’s found what he’s been searching for... -
![Because He's My Guy by Sasha Avice]()
Because He's My Guy by Sasha Avice
He’s been in an open relationship for twelve yearsHe’s never touched another guy…Until him.George Creed will soon debut as the youngest coach in Australian Football history.He’s excited, he’s nervous.He’s more obsessed with meeting his new rookie.Finnegan Flynn is finally joining the team after being sidelined with injury for two seasons. As the number one draft pick, he’s got a lot to prove...Categorized as:
sports athletes forbidden love queer hurt-comfort insta-love secret-relationship anal sex -
![The Way You Lie by Crea Reitan]()
The Way You Lie by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 4 ratingsSometimes a happy ending comes with heartbreak. Falling in love with my father’s best friend wasn’t on my to-do list. Yes, he’s hot. Sure, I’ve been flirting with him since I was sixteen. Of course I’d be down for a little fun.When Laiken begins returning my flirting, things get heated. It was supposed to be sexy fun and nothing more. We weren’t planning on making this a forever thing...Categorized as:
queer secret-relationship forced proximity forbidden love hurt-comfort angst age difference m-m -
![Tashiro-kun, Why're You Like This? Vol. 2 by Yamada, ヤマダ]()
Tashiro-kun, Why're You Like This? Vol. 2 by Yamada, ヤマダ
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFirst we're trapped at a rural bus stop during a thunderstorm. Then the storm of the century comes along when I'm trapped at your place. All these mf'ing storms sure are convenient for you.. -
![RIDE by Nellie Christine]()
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... -
![No Man's Land by Courtney W. Dixon]()
No Man's Land by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThere’s only one man I will allow to know me. My mind, heart, and soul are my gifts to Mr. Carter.LeviI used to joke with my found family that I had daddy issues as a deflection from my problems. I didn’t want anyone to know that side of me. I had a classic case of it, keeping me from relating to young men my age. All because of my abusive father... -
![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 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 forced proximity queer m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine from hate to love -
-
![Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David has known Jake Lourdes' name since he was fourteen years old... -
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 16 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 new adult secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers hockey -
![Naughty & Nice by DJ Jamison]()
Naughty & Nice by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhy can't I forget your kiss...Dear Quinn,Why must I have these feelings for you? You're my ex-stepbrother, and nothing will change that truth, no matter how many letters I write. I never expected to see you again--or to rescue you from the side of the road in a blizzard. I didn't think you would ever like me, much less kiss me in a steaming hot tub on a snowy night... -
![Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James]()
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James
ZaneFour years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.One, I was deeply closeted.And two, he was dating my best friend.Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on...Categorized as:
sports secret-relationship athletes sunny hero queer contemporary m-m friends to lovers -
![Beautifully Complicated: A Forbidden MM Romance by Michele Lenard]()
Beautifully Complicated: A Forbidden MM Romance by Michele Lenard
Timing is everything.You know the guy everyone loves in a strictly platonic manner? The one that people think is nice and funny and smart, but not in a romantic way?That’s me.What’s worse, not even my formerly straight best friend and current roommate, who I’ve had a crush on for years, saw me as anything other than his buddy.I blame myself, sort of...Categorized as:
insta-love queer college secret-relationship new adult m-m age difference boss & employee -
![Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver]()
Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver
What happens when I find the right guy at exactly the wrong time?I’m Alex Young. Star quarterback for the Denver Mountain Lions. Captain of the team. Son. Brother. Teammate.And I’m gay.No one can know. My secret could destroy everything. I lock myself up in the closet and throw away the key. It’s better this way. I can focus on football and being the best quarterback I can be.Until him...Categorized as:
sports angst insta-love athletes secret-relationship hurt-comfort queer contemporary
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
