Books like 'Matched By My Rival'
Readers who enjoyed Matched By My Rival by DJ Jamison also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports from hate to love grumpy sunshine class difference secret-relationship queer queer-awakening found-family
-
An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James
Any other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself... -
#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful,. but never someone to taunt... -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
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 from hate to love queer friends to lovers contemporary length-medium m-m -
Red Lined by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMaybe you can order love online…. Julian. I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride. Then he shows up...Categorized as:
queer sports found-family bisexual queer-awakening athletes hockey friends to lovers -
-
Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa
A classmates-to-friends-to-lovers romance that's equal parts raunchy, heartfelt, queer, and Mexican-American, centered on college football (the REAL football)! Gabriel Piña knows who he is: a college goalkeeper, a future Liga MX or MLS star, and definitely straight. He’s starting his freshman year with a lot of eyes on him and even more potential, but he’s got this...Categorized as:
queer new adult sports college bisexual queer-awakening secret-relationship anal sex -
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... -
There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself. Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change... -
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... -
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... -
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:... -
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... -
Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was my forbidden craving. My biggest regret. And now, he’s my only weakness. Elio. Some mistakes you bury. Others crawl under your skin and never let go. Jaxon Mercer was supposed to be my past. The stolen kiss. The fist that followed. The silence after. But now? He’s here—cocky, dangerous, and looking at me like he already knows how this ends. I should shut him out... -
Quarterback Drill by Christie Gordon
Breaking down in front of a repair shop wasn’t what I needed. Neither was falling for the broody mechanic under the hood. Casey. Football is my future—my escape, my identity. But when my Beamer craps out in a sketchy part of town, I meet Ryker Hart, the grumpy mechanic who calls me a pretty boy and still makes my stomach flip...Categorized as:
sports found-family queer football bisexual class difference grumpy sunshine anal sex -
-
All Bats are Off by Kelly Reynolds
Friends with Benefits meets Ted Lasso in this one-night-stand to lovers, gay baseball romcom set in the Pacific Northwest. If there's one rule every pro-baller knows, it's to avoid the press like the plague... -
A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDario Ramos thought he’d left the fighting behind in the war zone when a life-threatening injury sent him home. But a certain Irishman crossing his path everywhere he went convinced him that his biggest battle might be ahead. Tiernan Callahan is a bigoted jerk. Ramos finds himself constantly in the man’s orbit, even in a city as big as New York... -
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 -
Every Saturday Night by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a young single dad, my life’s all about raising my sweet baby boy. But every Saturday night while my family babysits, I get to go out, cut loose, and act my age. Hey, we all need a break from time to time. And every Saturday night, I keep winding up in bed with a gorgeous, Cuban-American motorcycle mechanic named Lucky... -
After The Siren by Darcy Green
Theo Bestavros wasn’t supposed to be a footballer. He worked hard, got his game-winning moment and—failed. He’s determined to make the most of a second chance at the Brunswick Falcons. Jake Cunningham couldn’t have had a better start to his career. He’s the Falcons’ star small forward, a fan-favourite, and a constant headline... -
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScarred by the past. Terrified to love again. Savion. Once upon a time, my life was a fairytale. Engaged to a beautiful woman, we were planning our perfect future. Then, the sick act of an obsessed man ruined everything. Alone, disfigured, and betrayed, I fled to LA to focus on my work as a paleontologist. It was there I met Declan... -
Playing Offside by Jax Calder
Falling for the guy whose starting spot you're after? Never a good idea. Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires... -
Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a ray of sunshine. I’m a loner lumberjack. We don’t make sense……But my straight best friend keeps ending up in my bed. Sawyer Hendricks is the best friend I’ve ever had—the Goose to my Moose, and the shoulder I’ve cried on even though I’m not the crying type. The difference between us? Sawyer brightens any room in an instant, and I’m the gruff guy wearing flannel who’d rather be alone...Categorized as:
queer queer-awakening bisexual grumpy sunshine found-family friends to lovers m-m contemporary -
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
This fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend. I’m awful at following the rules. One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV... -
-
Cold as Ice by Beth Bolden
Malcolm’s all about checking off items in his Life Plan. He’s made it to the first line on his hockey team, the Portland Evergreens. He’s made the Dean’s List the last four semesters. He’s right in line to graduate on time, and head to the pros. All steps on the ultimate goal of becoming the best front office guy in the NHL. Elliott is the only fly in his ointment...Categorized as:
sports queer athletes from hate to love new adult grumpy sunshine secret-relationship anal sex -
Coaching the Nerd by Eli Easton, Tara Lain
Super-bod meets super-brain. What happens when marshmallow-bodied supernerd Sean volunteers to be on the jocks’ flag-football team? It screws Bubba’s fraternity’s chances at the coveted flag football title, that’s what. Bubba is drafted to be Sean’s personal trainer. He has to whip Sean into shape and make sure he doesn’t F up their team...Categorized as:
new adult sports athletes bisexual queer queer-awakening secret-relationship anal sex -
Love Sky by Mame
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLove Sky. The intensified situation got ‘Sky’ cornered and forced him to get laid in order to get out. Sky tries to make up his mind, thinking of it as just a one night stand and no string attached. However, what he doesn’t know is that ‘Phraphai’ won’t give up so easily... -
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... -
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend. He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet. But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right. No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
The Winger by Charlie Novak
Wanted: An Experienced Player To Teach Me The Rules. When I finally admit my attraction to men might be more than just curiosity, I start questioning everything about myself. I’d always been told I couldn’t be gay and play rugby, but my teammates are proof that isn’t true. Now I’m fixated on all the filthy things Ezra, the Knights’ hot, older Head of Marketing, might do to me... -
Skating to Him by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot? Tyler. Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions. Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston. He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible. When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity... -
-
Covert by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPart of the Wrecked universe. Takes place between book 2 and 3. A short story featuring Morris and his Maggie. (Where Maggie is short for Magnussen, a male, in case you care. ) It's sweet and informative. Helps explain Morris and his overall crankiness. -
Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should hate him. But after learning the truth, how could I not fall for him? Mason. My rookie season in the NHL started with a gut punch. There he was, standing in my locker room. Jett Jarvis, a player hated by his former teammates. He has an arrogant smirk, intense eyes, and a birthmark that looks…too familiar. I’m sure I saw it on the dude who dumped me in my hookup app...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer secret-relationship found-family college hockey -
Benched Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set by Misha Horne
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis Three Volume Bundle includes Parts 1-3 of the Benched series:. Benched #1: Rookie Mistake. Benched #2: Double Play. Benched #3: Out By A Mile. Approximately 40,000 words. ----------------------------... -
Poolside by Taylor E. Weston
Divorce left Tommy Littleton shaken. He thought he’d checked all the boxes in his marriage, but none of it mattered when “love” was left out. With nothing else to show for his life, Tommy will stop at nothing to get a promotion–even if it means participating in an open-water swim to impress his boss. Unfortunately, he looks like a drowning raccoon in the water...Categorized as:
sports found-family queer-awakening queer contemporary friends to lovers m-m length-medium -
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. . -
Touchdown, Tennessee by Raleigh Ruebins
The goal? Get close to the college football star. The assignment? Write an article for the college paper about him, just in time for homecoming. The problem? I slept with the egotistical jock on day one… and I hate how good he was. I’m a college senior with a darker past than most people will ever endure. I don’t like anybody. I don’t trust them, either...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football college queer grumpy sunshine new adult class difference -
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... -
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
Unraveling Josh by Edie Danford
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen the crown prince of bad boys hooks up with his former high school crush, he’s after just one kind of happy ending. Nick McQueen just scored the perfect hookup—Ellery College ski champion, Joshua Pahlke... -
Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote
When Wicksy falls for drag queen Charlie, they discover that both sexuality and gender can be fluid. Simon Wicks—Wicksy to his rugby teammates—has only ever been interested in women. But when he sets eyes on Lady Gogo, a drag queen who performs at Rainbow Place, he can’t stop thinking about her... -
-
Regular, Smegular! by Becca Seymour
A cheesy game of spin the bottle grabs my interest, but it’s the hot guy with sexy piercings and delectable ink who keeps it. Have I kissed a man before? That’ll be a no. But I’m definitely interested, and by the way Tiller can’t take his gaze off me, he’s hoping the bottle lands on him. Spoiler it does. And holy crap, it’s the hottest kiss I’ve shared with anyone. Now there’s one slight problem... -
Full Tilt by Becca Seymour
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCamden Crawford knows how to take a hit. As the thirtysomething captain of the Exeter Seagulls, he’s built a career on strength, silence, and shielding his emotions as ruthlessly as he does his teammates. But when an injury rocks his team—and a series of frustrating media storms threaten to unravel his legacy—Cam finds himself one mistake away from losing everything he’s worked for... -
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... -
Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey're setting fire to the sheets, but a romance between an out and proud hockey star and a reformed playboy prince could end up burning them both. Marquis Miller might be one of the NHL's best players, single, wealthy, and open about his sexuality, but he knows his future lies in taking over the reins of the family's multimillion-dollar company after retirement... -
Something About Us by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFalling in love was the easy part. Lucky and Saint are head-over-heels for each other. It doesn’t matter that they met only a few months ago. It also doesn’t matter that this is Saint’s first real relationship and Lucky’s first with a man. They’re infatuated, happy, and excited to start their life together in LA. It isn’t as easy as they thought... -
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 new adult secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers hockey
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.

