Books like 'Rules of Play'
Readers who enjoyed Rules of Play by Lane Hayes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening siblings-bff baseball
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Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely
Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist. A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever. But how do I become the man I want to be.. -
![#Fate by Cambria Hebert]()
#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 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... -
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![All In With Him by Lauren Blakely]()
All In With Him by Lauren Blakely
Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion.So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big... -
![Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing...Categorized as:
baseball friends to lovers sports queer-awakening queer m-m found-family single-father -
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![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... -
![The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary office found-family length-short -
![Slow Pitch by Amy Lane]()
Slow Pitch by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTenner Gibson has a job he enjoys, a prickly ex-wife, and an adorable daughter he wouldn’t trade for the world. With no romance, no sex life, and no other hobbies, a rec league softball team is as close as he gets to hedonism. But life throws him a curveball when cocky Ross McTierney sets his sights on getting under Tenner’s skin... -
![Free Me by Mia Monroe]()
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis 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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening m-m age difference hurt-comfort contemporary -
![Fancy Free by Mia Monroe]()
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist?My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
![Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
queer-awakening sports queer m-m contemporary college from hate to love length-novella -
![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
![Breakaway by Kindle Alexander]()
Breakaway by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGreer Lockhart set out to save the world from itself when he organized his first beach cleanup at the age of twelve. Now, as a uber-successful venture capitalist for eco-friendly startups, he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals—whether personal or professional. When a new fitness app schedules a site-wide cycle race, Greer’s competitive side won’t let him back down...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer contemporary super rich hero m-m insta-love length-medium -
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![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Falling by Sierra Riley]()
Falling by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratings“You’re the best fake boyfriend I ever had.” “Love exists… in books, at least... -
![Crushing on Him by Lauren Blakely]()
Crushing on Him by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsForbidden. Off limits. Dangerous.This desire for my teammate was all of those things. For the last few years I crushed on him safely, from a distance.Then on the first day of spring training, I come face-to-face with him for the first time and when our eyes meet and linger, it’s a whole new ball game. A much bigger risk too, one that can threaten my brand new career... -
![Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott]()
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“How long have you been in love with your best friend?” Godric I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life. Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist. I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend... -
![The Jock by E.M. Denning]()
The Jock by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColby Bennett is straight.At twenty-five, he’s the middle of three boys raised by a single father. He’s always been a jock, so managing a gym feels like his calling. If only being a big brother were as easy. When Colby stumbles on his younger brother trying on feminine clothing, Taylor is angry and embarrassed... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
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... -
![War Torn by Andria Large]()
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
![The Right Way by May Archer]()
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m suspense contemporary length-medium audiobook -
![Break Down by Rebecca Norinne]()
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... -
![Alex by S.M. Shade]()
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... -
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![Extended Stay by Mia Monroe]()
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
![Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn]()
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
![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 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... -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin 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... -
![My Best Friend's Brother by K.C. Wells]()
My Best Friend's Brother by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy best friend’s younger brother is all grown up. And gorgeous.Casey’s off limits. Forbidden. But that just makes me want him more.RylanI’ve watched Casey grow up. I never imagined how the sweet, scrawny kid would turn into a hot muscular man. A hot guy who just came out.Casey torments my thoughts. And my dreams. I need to stay far, far away from my best friend’s kid brother...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer siblings-bff contemporary m-m age difference length-short audiobook -
![Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday]()
Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLiam Davis is a serious journalist, and he’s good at it. Or at least, he was...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary mystery m-m new adult length-short -
![Adam's Song by Spencer Spears]()
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening humor m-m contemporary length-long audiobook -
![Biscuit in the Basket by Kit Oliver]()
Biscuit in the Basket by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEvery love story needs its happily ever after - and then even more.Biscuit in the Basket follows Sebastian and Gil through the week after their first story ends in Light Up the Lamp.In this novella, they settle into their new lives, get their feet under themselves, and start to build their future...Categorized as:
sports queer friends to lovers hockey contemporary m-m second chances length-novella -
![There For You by Anyta Sunday]()
There For You by Anyta Sunday
Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . . Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary age difference open-door length-medium -
![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLoving 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... -
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![The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow]()
The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"It's not even really a first kiss if you're practicing on a friend." Trapped in a conservative prairie town, Alfie Alder has spent his whole life enduring bullying from his classmates and indifference from his teachers. Only one person has ever seen past Alfie's sarcastic, standoffish exterior—his best friend and the love of his life, Wynn... -
![Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer]()
Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDrewA wedding planner moves to Las Vegas to start a new business…Does that sound like the start of a bad joke? Well it’s my life... -
![Two Weeks and a Day by R.G. Alexander]()
Two Weeks and a Day by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s either the beginning of a great porno or a disaster waiting to happen. That feeling when you’re a thirty-year-old gay virgin with a little OCD, nosy neighbors and a lot of awkward, secret fantasies revolving around your straight best friend? Yeah, that’s me right now... -
![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... -
![Strawberries and Thunderstorms by L. Luther]()
Strawberries and Thunderstorms by L. Luther
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsChadHonestly, I never would have come back to this shithole if Pop hadn’t made it clear I wouldn’t get a dime otherwise. And it really isn’t about the money for me. No, I know it’s all about that little girl he adopted and her need for a proper home...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary single-father length-medium -
![Hard Count: by Emerson Beckett]()
Hard Count: by Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time I met Hudson Gatlin, the governor was a hot mess. The last thing the widowed, straight, single father needed was a public relationship with a man. He wasn't going to win re-election with the tight end of the Storm on his arm. Can we keep this new relationship under wraps, or will I need to pull him offside with a hard count?...Categorized as:
sports queer-awakening queer m-m age difference contemporary length-medium audiobook -
![It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife]()
It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratings“Don’t remember there being a rule that only women could bid,” Scratch says. “Maybe you’ll meet a nice boy.” “Oh, fuck off, Scratch,” Joey says when he waggles his eyebrows... -
![Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre]()
Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…CorFrom the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening contemporary height-difference m-m bisexual -
![Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson]()
Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJason 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... -
![Catch My Breath by M.J. O'Shea]()
Catch My Breath by M.J. O'Shea
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsDanny Bright knows he was born to entertain people, he just needs his big break. So when he hears that Blue Horizon records is holding auditions looking for the next big thing, Danny jumps at the chance. It doesn’t turn out exactly as he’d imagined though. Instead of getting a solo contract, Danny is put with four other guys — into a boyband. Elliot Price thinks he’s headed for college...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary rockstars musicians length-medium -
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![Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp]()
Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTeammates, roommates, friends with benefits. What could go wrong? Boys of Summer is a book about finding the perfect person to ride shotgun with on the crazy road trip called life. It contains a Dolly Parton lookalike, an unfortunate deer versus car incident, and poorly-timed epiphanies. Everybody leaves. That was the first lesson Thunder goalie James McVicker ever learned... -
![Accidentally August by E.M. Denning]()
Accidentally August by E.M. Denning
AugustI’m not supposed to have a crush on Crispin Tate. He’s my brother’s best friend, and he’s also gorgeous and perfect in every way... except for his horrible taste in men. And the fact he’s ten years too old for me. Falling for Crispin at sixteen was a surefire way to break my own heart, but I convinced myself one day I’ll get over my unrequited crush. Only, I don’t...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer siblings-bff m-m age difference contemporary new adult angst -
![The Redemption of River by Eli Easton]()
The Redemption of River by Eli Easton
River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer. He’s a master of loving all—and no one. Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment. When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it’s a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they’ll both enjoy and move on from like two ships passing in the stream of life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m age difference bisexual explicit-open-door -
![Checked Out by Sean Ashcroft]()
Checked Out by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLibrarian Charlie Jules really needs to stop falling for straight guys. Every man he’s been attracted to over the past year has turned out to be straight—including Scott, a cute new library patron who comes complete with an adorable puppy. Charlie was almost ready to give up on ever finding love in Hope Springs, but when Scott kisses him… .. -
![The Cook by Sasha Avice]()
The Cook by Sasha Avice
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTim had three rules:Never compromise the quality of the cook. It might be meth, but it was still his name on the product: The Cook.Never use his own gear. Not even to be sure it’s good. Use the tester.And never let Jake—his straight best friend and roommate—find out he’s in love with him and has been since high school.Tim liked his rules. They gave him a feeling of structure and order... -
![Happy for You by Anyta Sunday]()
Happy for You by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMort wants his de facto family back. . . . He knows he doesn’t deserve them. Not yet, anyway. Not without making up for leaving them in their time of need. But it’s not easy to make amends. Mort must show how much he wants the Rochester family back in his life...
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