Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by Felice Stevens also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance athletes sports from hate to love angst queer baseball
-
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.. -
![The Queen & the Homo Jock King by T.J. Klune]()
The Queen & the Homo Jock King by T.J. Klune
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsDo you believe in love at first sight?Sanford Stewart sure doesn't. In fact, he pretty much believes in the exact opposite, thanks to the Homo Jock King. It seems Darren Mayne lives for nothing more than to create chaos in Sandy's perfectly ordered life, just for the hell of it. Sandy despises him, and nothing will ever change his mind.Or so he tells himself... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![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... -
![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... -
-
![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... -
![Get Frosted by Amy Aislin]()
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
![Forgiven: Con by Sloane Kennedy]()
Forgiven: Con by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsCon I have everything I’ve ever wanted… so why do I still feel like the kid who came from nothing?Please help him …Three little words that have haunted me for years.Three little words that I know I’ll take to my grave.It was supposed to be just another fight... -
![Final Play by Eden Finley]()
Final Play by Eden Finley
It’s a vacation none of them will forget. Before their futures become the present, Noah convinces his friends they need a group vacation—a final play before they’re all tied down by responsibility and unyielding schedules. Everything is changing. Marriage. Kids. Careers. A trip to Fiji is the last hurrah to end all hurrahs... -
![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
![Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey]()
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... -
![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... -
![And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
![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... -
![Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart]()
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsLincoln I’ve done a good job getting over my past. I’m not only proud of who I am, but revel in it. Still, I don’t let myself get too close to people. With closeness comes questions and those pesky feelings, and I’m having none of that. I’ve got a great job, friends, I’m cute and twinky, and my bed’s never empty. What more do I need? Except I can’t stop sleeping with Rush Alexander...Categorized as:
athletes sports queer m-m friends to lovers contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
-
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Off the Ice by Tierney Rose]()
Off the Ice by Tierney Rose
How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend]()
Breakneck Hockey by S. Legend
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI don’t want Casey Alderchuck, but I don’t want anyone else to have him either.My hook-up for the night wasn’t supposed to be my long-time hockey rival, but here he is. I’m too worked up to let him go home without having a taste. One little bite of that smart mouth is mine for the taking after how many times he’s broken my nose... -
![Lethal by Reese Knightley]()
Lethal by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA traitor with stolen information.Adam Campbell, 33, blacklisted CIA agent, needs to get covert information into the right hands. Alone and on the run, his world suddenly stops when he discovers the identity of the Pegasus operative who is on his tail. Arranging a meeting just to gaze into the eyes of the man he’s always loved, Adam is set up and almost killed... -
![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... -
![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... -
![School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Colorado Penn finds an unexpected package on his front step, his life will be changed forever.Colorado Penn is living the dream. Starting goalie for the Arizona Raptors when in season, lead singer for a hard rock band when summer rolls around. He’s the quintessential free spirit who’s making sure he enjoys all the carnal blessings of his athleticism, and gritty singing voice... -
-
![Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell]()
Power Play by Kennedy L. Mitchell
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI'm in over my head, failing in their power games I don't understand.One day I wasn't sure I could pay the water bill for my trailer; now I'm wearing red-soled heels and sipping champagne, acting like I belong. Everyone hates me. I'm alone in this hostile world until... him.Saving me from the burning limo intertwined our destinies, whether we like it or not.Secret Service Agent Trey Benson... -
![Double Play by E.M. Lindsey]()
Double Play by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIf self-destruction is an artform, then Hervé is a master artist.After all, he’s perfected self-sabotage since he was young and full of promise.He’s spent his life running from his past and pushing away anyone who might break down his walls, but it wasn’t until his body betrayed him that he realized just how lonely his present had become... -
![Call It Home by Catherine Cloud]()
Call It Home by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOn the worst day of his life, Ryan Harris, formerly a rising star, gets traded to the Connecticut Cardinals. On the best day of his life, Louie Hathaway, struggling hockey royalty, gets called up from the Cardinals’ farm team. When they decide to move in together for convenience’s sake, worlds collide... -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
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... -
![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... -
![Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings...Categorized as:
sports queer from hate to love m-m contemporary college queer-awakening length-novella -
![Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden]()
Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.Or at least he was.Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary age difference men in uniform -
![Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver]()
Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat 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... -
![Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo]()
Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty Sawyer Bennett A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
![Catching Kalen by Maya Nicole, Britt Andrews]()
Catching Kalen by Maya Nicole, Britt Andrews
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe call never came.So, I did what any major league hopeful reject would do: I went to the bar to escape my reality.When I locked gazes with a pair of gorgeous blue eyes, I knew the night was going to be anything but normal.Especially since I’d never been with a man.One night of passion left me questioning everything... -
-
![The Back-up Plan by Eden Finley]()
The Back-up Plan by Eden Finley
ThadFailing to make it in pro ball left me absolutely devastated. Baseball has been my life, my dream, but it’s time to move on.Becoming a sports agent was always my back-up plan, and now that I’m interning at the biggest queer-focused firm in the country, I’m doing my best not to let my bitterness toward baseball affect my future... -
![Triple Play: An M/M/M Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Triple Play: An M/M/M Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Eric is unable to help his friend recover, he has to put his feelings aside for a second time. He never imagined the man who could help would be the glue that bound them together.Drew Jackson had it all: a family who loves him, a tight circle of friends, and he’s a rising star with the Milwaukee Mavericks... -
![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... -
![You, Again by Lane Hayes]()
You, Again by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...VinnieHockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.So I'm going home to Elmwood...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers second chances -
![Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland]()
Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTravis Campbell has been at this hockey thing for a while. He knows his days on the ice are numbered, but he’s happy with the Moncton Ice Cats and he’s still got some time to figure out what comes next. He’s been taking college classes online and thought he knew what he was doing, but then he made the ultimate rookie mistake... -
![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 from hate to love queer m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine forced proximity -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Summer Lessons by Amy Lane]()
Summer Lessons by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsa Winter Ball novel Mason Hayes’s love life has a long history of losers who don’t see that Mason’s heart is as deep and tender as his mouth is awkward. He wants kindness, he wants love—and he wants someone who thinks sex is as fantastic as he does... -
-
![Clip by Charity Parkerson]()
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways... -
![The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely]()
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 -
![Rival by M.A. Gray]()
Rival by M.A. Gray
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe last time I saw Grant Sullivan, I told him to leave Winter Harbor and never return.And now he's back.For good? I doubt that. Doesn't matter if he's the new coach of a rival football team. Doesn't matter if looking at him makes my blood heat, my pulse throb in longing. He's dead to me.Grant Sullivan is the first man I ever fell in love with.The man who stomped my heart into pieces...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers alpha male length-medium -
![Puck Around and Find Out by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory]()
Puck Around and Find Out by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEx-Figure Skater – Speed Demon Hockey PlayerWystan Finch is killing it as a hockey player after leaving Olympic figure skating due to a breakdown. A scholarship leads him to New Gothenburg University, where he joins the Polar Storms, but his arrival isn’t all fun and games. One of his teammates, Atlas, hates him from the moment he arrives... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![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...
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.
