Books like 'The Underdog'
Readers who enjoyed The Underdog by Briar Prescott also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny sports friends to lovers from hate to love grumpy sunshine single-father queer forced proximity
-
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...Categorized as:
angst age difference new adult queer found-family friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m -
Heart by Jesse H. Reign
The first time I laid eyes on him my heart skipped a beat. My obsession began the way all obsessions do…with a spark. A small, seemingly insignificant flicker that quickly took root. He was pure, liquid light. A sunshine boy with a heart of gold. He turned my world up-side-down. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t let him out of my sight...Categorized as:
queer tortured hero sweet-hero new adult angst hurt-comfort slow burn friends to lovers -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
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... -
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... -
-
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:
age difference hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer m-m contemporary humor explicit-open-door -
Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon
Chef Luca Alessi’s life is barely recognizable these days. He used to spend his days in the kitchen creating cutting-edge cuisine. Now he’s trying to keep his family's restaurant and legacy alive. It doesn't help that his father was keeping secrets before he passed. On the relationship front, his ex, Colin, assured him that their divorce would be simple. And now? Not so much... -
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... -
The Sunny Side by Lily Morton
Jonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan. Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback and lighthearted and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed... -
The Complication by Jocelynn Drake
It was just a fling. A bit of fun on the weekends. Definitely not permanent. Not that I wouldn’t love to crack the ice around rich and sexy Declan Foster’s heart. And he was the last person I expected to ride to my rescue when I found myself suddenly homeless and a father. Now he’s spoiling my daughter and me at every turn, offering the perfect life on a silver platter...Categorized as:
queer found-family forced proximity single-father age difference hurt-comfort m-m office -
Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray
If this was your classic Cotswolds murder mystery (it’s not) and Ray was an amateur detective (he isn’t) then when he stumbles across something unexpected under his bedroom floor, he’d investigate the hell out of it. Hard pass. Ray’s just a thirtysomething graphic designer with a broken heart who doesn’t much like his life right now... -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes slow burn sweet-hero queer anal sex new adult grumpy sunshine -
Semantic Error, Vol. 3 by Angy, J. Soori
Sangwoo and Jaeyoung’s feelings come to a head as the two clash over their views on what it means to be in a homosexual relationship! And while the two finally settle on having a purely physical affair to satisfy their needs and curiosity, Sangwoo’s inexperience with romance leads to a rocky start... -
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... -
Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey
My life is good. I work from home, I answer to no one, and I pay my rent on time. In short, things are peaceful and solitary—exactly the way I like them. Yes, my apartment might be a dump with paper-thin walls and plumbing issues, but it’s mine all the same. And then he moves in...Categorized as:
from hate to love angst forced proximity hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer m-m contemporary -
-
Uncomplicated Choices by Cara Dee
When life gave you lemons, you learned who stayed and made lemonade with you. Or something to that effect. And the day Ellis Hayes kidnapped me—or, he borrowed a yacht and didn’t know I was on board—he'd definitely been handed too many lemons. We faced a dilemma when I woke up hungover in the middle of the ocean...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference single-father queer humor m-m contemporary queer-awakening -
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... -
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... -
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:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort found-family age difference queer m-m contemporary humor -
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... -
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey. Enter Sammy Rhodes. Famed DJ The Spin Doctor. Musical genius. Fits with the band like he's our sixth member. We hired him on the spot. So what's the problem? He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort age difference grumpy sunshine queer found-family m-m contemporary -
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... -
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 from hate to love m-m contemporary christmas humor length-novella -
Gemini Keeps Capricorn by Anyta Sunday
Sometimes, one stubborn Capricorn is all it takes… to drive Wesley Hidaka to crazy, flirtatious lengths. Wesley loves annoying his RA Lloyd Reynolds. He just can’t help it. Lloyd is focused, decisive, grounded. He has this amusing ability to follow rules . Of course Wesley wants Lloyd to break one… or three hundred... -
-
Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton
Sometimes love is a lot closer to home than you think. Charlie Burroughs can’t keep a man. All he wants is a good relationship like the ones he sees his friends having, but none of the men he picks ever work out. Despite him trying to be the perfect boyfriend, the men are either threatened by his looks or his epilepsy or a combination of the two... -
Spotlight Illustrated Edition by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRYDER. When I quit the biggest boy band on the planet, I was supposed to get my life back. It’s not that I wanted to leave the spotlight. I felt like I had to for my daughter. Her picture shouldn’t be splashed all over the tabloids. I thought I could do this parenting thing on my own, but it’s obvious I need help. I just didn’t expect to find it in the form of a gorgeous guy I meet by chance... -
By the Numbers by K.M. Neuhold
Two hot roommates, minus clothes, plus a drawer full of debauchery, and a WHOLE lot of tension. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out the sum of that equation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult age difference anal sex forced proximity queer contemporary m-m -
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Why in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed? I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men. Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband. Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine friends to lovers athletes queer m-m contemporary lgbtqia hate -
Pumped by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEverest. Owen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events. But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first... -
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Jonathan watched all of his friends fall in love, get married, and grow their families. All he’s ever wanted is a relationship as wonderful as the one his parents have always had...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers age difference hurt-comfort queer slow burn found-family single-father -
Final Score by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCan one perfect night lead to more? Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother... -
The Birthday Manny by Sammi Cee
Here’s the deal, not everyone understands why an almost twenty-eight-year-old man is happy taking care of other people’s children, but I am. Do I love being single? No, but what’s a guy to do? Then I met Kevin Wadsworth. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. He’s older than me, smaller than me, and needs a little bit of care...Categorized as:
single-father age difference forced proximity queer m-m boss & employee humor contemporary -
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... -
Kiss My Axe by R.M. Neill
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPerry. You know that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, whoever said that never had the misfortune of meeting Roman Auclair. Sure, he’s sexy and wears a corset like nobody’s business, but he’s arrogant, entitled and so damn judgemental he should sit on the Supreme Court. I’d rather sleep with a porcupine than bunk with him...Categorized as:
queer new adult from hate to love forced proximity contemporary m-m humor length-medium -
-
Buckeye by Casey Morales
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom international bestselling author, Casey Morales . . . A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds. Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most. When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame... -
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... -
Will & Patrick Wake up Married Serial, Episodes 1-3 by Leta Blake, Alice Griffiths
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsJoin the fun in this romantic comedy serial by best-selling author Leta Blake and newcomer Alice Griffiths! Episode One: Will & Patrick Wake Up Married. After a drunken night of hot sex in Vegas, strangers Will Patterson and Dr. Patrick McCloud wake up married...Categorized as:
queer age difference angst forced proximity grumpy sunshine from hate to love hurt-comfort m-m -
The Long Game by Samantha Wayland
You can't change the past but you can choose your future. Jack Chevalier is determined not to let his past define him. He keeps his head down and works hard. He’s not sure how he’s ended up with such great friends, but he’s grateful. Especially for the one man who’s always defied his expectations. Grady McDonnough has been on his own his entire adult life... -
Marc Jillson & The Gazebo by Anyta Sunday
Want true, heart-throbbing romance? Put down the Cheetos, and stop being a jackass. The question is, can I do it? I’ve been an epic dick to my friends, my uncle. Him. Travis Hunter. Photographer, econ-student, paraplegic. Can I redeem myself? Apologize? Make a fresh start? Hunter seems to think so. Even roped me into saving his favorite gazebo from the bulldozers...Categorized as:
new adult from hate to love disabilities and marks friends to lovers queer m-m humor contemporary -
The Misfits of Copper County by May Archer
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen you burn down your contractor’s home… and kind of, accidentally invite him to move into yours. First things first, that fire was a fluke. A tragic, completely unintentional byproduct of high emotions, an ill-timed backyard grilling… and one very shirtless man...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love queer m-m contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
Top Shelf by E.M. Lindsey
No one ever explained to me what to do when the man who took your virginity turns out to be the one in charge of your physical therapy. NHL veteran Quinn Rhodes was supposed to be a one-time thing: just a hookup who kisses like a dream and screws like a god. Then, three weeks later, a freak accident threatens to destroy my debut NHL career before it begins... -
Wood & Wonders by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTheo is widowed and lives a reclusive life in the mountains. Twice a month he goes to Heartcraft Market where he sells his wood carvings. Onyx is a pop star who has skyrocketed into fame. After a whirlwind tour, they are ready for a break and book a cabin in the mountains for some down time...Categorized as:
forced proximity age difference hurt-comfort queer grumpy sunshine m-m contemporary humor -
Blindside by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsMark Gattison has avoided love and commitment his entire adult life. Not interested in more than a one night stand or a brief encounter in a bathroom stall, he is the epitome of a good time. Will Parkinson is the guy who defends him, the guy who puts up with him, the guy Mark calls his best friend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer angst disabilities and marks hurt-comfort m-m contemporary humor -
Bone to Pick by May Archer
Never fall for your professor…. Especially when that professor is Theo Hancock, the man who failed you in your final semester, causing you to have to repeat a class in your millionth year of college when you’re already twenty-freaking-six years old…. Especially when the professor is the most stunning, eye-popping piece of perfection who ever walked on campus...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love age difference grumpy sunshine new adult queer m-m humor -
-
Tough Love by Dianna Roman
A little learning is a dangerous thing – Alexander Pope. Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love new adult angst queer office -
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead? To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny by K. Sterling
Sometimes, a simple field trip to the planetarium can be an act of bravery. In Giles Ashby’s case, it could also be a second chance with his lifelong crush. Unbearably awkward and strangled by his anxiety disorder, Giles used surly snarls and abrupt remarks to keep everyone at a distance...Categorized as:
single-father angst grumpy sunshine from hate to love hurt-comfort queer sweet-hero humor -
Side Character by Emma Alcott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSawyer Jonathan Aston has an extremely suckable… ahem. We’re talking eight inches of girthy perfection. Two-thirds of a foot of succulent man-meat. A true cornucopia of carnal delights. And tonight, that ahem is going to make my mouth feel like a Tokyo subway car at rush hour. We’re talking crowded. Crammed. Absolutely stuffed... -
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare.Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary humor first-in-series standalone-first -
Love Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSix years after a panic attack on stage ended Nero Lombardi’s Broadway career, a comeback is in the wings. Everything’s coming up roses—and second chances—when he’s cast as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the very role from that fateful night, but when a hotshot Hollywood star blows into town and steals his role, Nero wonders if he’ll ever have that encore he craves...Categorized as:
from hate to love hurt-comfort queer friends to lovers found-family angst m-m contemporary
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.

