Books like 'The Rest of the Story'
Readers who enjoyed The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny athletes sports angst friends to lovers bisexual forced proximity sweet-hero
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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 queer found-family friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m contemporary -
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
A merry and bright hockey romance about finding your place, finding your people and finding your way back to the one you love the most. For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers sunny hero sweet-hero forced proximity bisexual super rich hero -
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Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Colby. Once upon a time, playing for the NHL was my dream. Then Radimir Novicov skated circles around me and made it clear I’d never be good enough. He was smart, talented, and worst of all–sexy. Every closeted guy knows that you don’t hit on your teammate, even if his gaze lingers longer than it should...Categorized as:
queer hockey sports athletes grumpy sunshine secret-relationship found-family friends to lovers -
Broken Ice by Marina Vivancos
After being forced to take suppressants for a year by his coach, Beau’s body is a mess. He has a debilitatingly painful heat every two weeks, and there’s no medication available to help him. Being traded from the team that did that to him is a slap to the face. Being traded to their direct competitors, the Miami Manatees, is just the cherry on top of the sh*t sundae that has become his life... -
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On or Off, Volume 4 by A1
Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards. Published in English for the first time in full color and fully uncensored! Yiyoung and his college friends have formed a startup company together, and even managed to score a proposal meeting with the illustrious SJ corporation...Categorized as:
queer age difference secret-relationship bisexual anal sex cold hero sunny hero sweet-hero -
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 sunny hero angst bisexual hurt-comfort friends to lovers -
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...Categorized as:
sports age difference athletes friends to lovers bisexual secret-relationship queer angst -
On or Off, Volume 3 by A1
Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards. Published in English for the first time in full color and fully uncensored! Yiyoung and his college friends have formed a startup company together, and even managed to score a proposal meeting with the illustrious SJ corporation...Categorized as:
queer age difference grumpy sunshine office secret-relationship anal sex cold hero sunny hero -
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 -
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... -
Drilled by K.M. Neuhold
A month in a remote cabin with the last man I ever expected to see again? I can’t decide if I should punch him or drill him. It might end up being both. After more than a decade, the last person I expected to see walk into the Four Bears Construction offices as a new hire was Ridge. He was my first crush, and my first heartbreak when he started dating my sister... -
Seth by Carly Marie
Be yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes queer caretaking secret-relationship found-family hockey -
Holiday Heart Strings by N.R. Walker
Hartbridge Christmas Series - Book Four. Englishman Braithe Branson arrives in Hartbridge, Montana, to take on a brief substitute kindergarten teacher position. His introduction to the sleepy town is being pulled over for speeding. Not an ideal start, but at least the deputy was cute. Colson Price takes being a deputy very seriously. After all, his job is all he has... -
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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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers grumpy sunshine age difference forced proximity bisexual office angst queer -
Ranger by K.M. Neuhold, Nora Phoenix
I’ve been living under storm clouds since my honorable discharge, but Julian’s the sun. I’ve tried everything to deal with my PTSD from yoga to sunning my butthole, but nothing seemed to help. So when my brother suggests a therapy dog, I figure I don’t have anything to lose. The last thing I expect is for the dog to come with a cheerful, quirky trainer I can’t get out of my head…...Categorized as:
angst insta-love friends to lovers queer grumpy sunshine anal sex caretaking disabilities and marks -
You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan
There’s a wedding in the air at Auckland Med, but Reuben wonders if they’ll survive the stress long enough to say, ‘I do’. Cam is directing the entire operation with his combat eyeliner in place, whilst the wedding party is doing its best to ignore him. The pressure is mounting and the cracks are beginning to show. There’s a bachelor party to survive. The paparazzi to outrun... -
Gideon by Lily Morton
Gideon Ramsay is so far in the closet he should be a talking faun. A talented, mercurial, and often selfish man, Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards – he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years... -
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn
The last thing Connor O’Shea needs is more complications …. After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change...Categorized as:
hockey age difference forced proximity grumpy sunshine sports queer found-family athletes -
HEA: Happily Ever After by Lucy Lennox, Molly Maddox
Have you heard the expression “twelve times a groomsman, never a groom”? Neither had I… until it suddenly became clear that every man I dated found their One True Love in the person they dated after me. Now I’m writing Best Man speeches for my former boyfriends twice a month, the “After Oscar” thing has become a legend, and I have finally accepted that Oscar Overton is nobody’s Happily Ever After... -
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:
office queer found-family forced proximity age difference hurt-comfort super rich hero m-m -
Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox, May Archer
One New Year’s masquerade. One anonymous hookup. One billionaire-sized mistake. Once upon a time, someone looked at my scrawny, impetuous eight-year-old self and nicknamed me Mr. Important… and I believed them. That was my first mistake. Two decades, a dozen failed careers, and a thousand meaningless hookups later, I’ve made more mistakes than I can count... -
Limited Edition Husband by Lauren Blakely
One weekend with no strings was supposed to be the plan. After barely escaping my last train wreck of a romance, I’ve got a new dating goal—play it cool. I stick to that strategy when I meet a hunky Brit at a fundraiser and ask him to grab a drink... -
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Ruari Byrne may not have had an easy life, but now he’s determined to live in the present, not his past. Trouble is, it’s hard to be independent when you’ve no money and no qualifications. All Ru knows is horses, and when he finds out that his beloved Joni and Cookie are off to auction, his heart is in his throat...Categorized as:
sports age difference queer angst caretaking hurt-comfort secret-relationship anal sex -
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The Remarkable Lover by Maya Jean
Jackson. Dreams collapse in the blink of an eye, I know that better than anyone after losing my career as an athlete. Now I spend my days giving people pleasure for pay and playing with stocks. Most of my friends have settled in Clay Springs, Florida. A sleepy little town that moves slower than molasses... -
The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning
One goal to make a career. One kiss to derail a life. Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight. Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after... -
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... -
Flirt by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsSassy-mouthed Stevie Devore has always had a crush on the local fire chief. Gorgeous silver fox, Evan Paige, is way out of Stevie's league, however, not to mention the chief has always been a ladies' man, but when Stevie turns twenty-one, he decides he's tired of only daydreaming about Evan...Categorized as:
queer age difference hurt-comfort friends to lovers insta-love bisexual m-m contemporary -
On or Off, Volume 1 by A1
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here. Winner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards! Available unabridged and uncensored for the first time in English. They say all's fair in love. .Categorized as:
queer age difference grumpy sunshine office anal sex cold hero sunny hero sweet-hero -
Against the Grain by Jay Hogan
I don’t like labels and I’m happy that way, but it’s taken a long time to get here. A jerk of a father, too many bullies to name, and a string of dipshit boyfriends whose interest in me rarely made it past the skirts I sometimes wear. Suffice to say, my faith in men runs a little thin. The last thing I need is a gruff, opinionated, fiery, closeted, Paralympian jock messing with my hard-won peace...Categorized as:
sports queer disabilities and marks sweet-hero cold hero athletes hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine -
Virgin Skin by K.M. Neuhold
I know I have to keep my hands off of my best friend’s son, but it’s hard… really, really hard…. I didn’t know the guy I picked up in the bar last night was Hero’s son. To be fair, he didn’t even know he had a son until today. I guess we’re all just scrambling to put on our poker faces. Keeping my hands off of Milo is hard enough thanks to his lickable dimple, flirty smiles, and virgin skin...Categorized as:
age difference found-family office queer hurt-comfort forced proximity parents-bff m-m -
Empty Net by Avon Gale
A Scoring Chances Novel. Spartanburg Spitfires’ goalie and captain, Isaac Drake, ended last season with an unexpected trip to the playoffs. He’s found a home and a family with his coach and mentor, Misha Samarin, and he’s looking forward to making a serious run for the Kelly Cup. But things take an interesting turn when Isaac’s archnemesis, Laurent St. Savoy, is traded to the Spitfires... -
Spotlight by Eden Finley
Ryder. 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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office secret-relationship queer cold hero super rich hero bisexual angst -
Power Forward by Jodi Oliver
Jackson. When I attended my teammate’s wedding, I wasn’t expecting to come face to face with the man who broke my heart fourteen years ago. He was my teammate. My first love. But when I got traded, he threw what we had away. Now he’s back in my life and he wants to give things another go. If I agree to try again, and it all goes wrong, it’s not just my heart that’s at risk of breaking... -
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Irresponsible Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Tripp. The worst part of being in love with my straight best friend is the fact he’s too oblivious to see it. Years of pining have left me exhausted, and I need a break from Dex. I need space to get over my feelings. But when his relationship falls apart and he turns to me for comfort, I cave immediately. If there’s one thing I hate more than being hurt, it’s seeing Dex struggle... -
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...Categorized as:
athletes sports angst friends to lovers forced proximity queer secret-relationship anal sex -
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... -
Stroker by K.M. Neuhold
Is there an easy way to tell your lifelong best friend that you secretly married his brother eight years ago? Asking for a friend…. When Gates shows up needing a place to crash, I offer him my spare room. Whatever happened between us nearly two decades ago is water under the bridge. I don’t lie awake at night wondering what could have been. Nope, definitely not... -
Muscle Cub by Slade James
He’s a little too young and way too hot for me. Austin Fox is a twentysomething beefcake living his best life working at a clothing-optional campground. He’s the reigning Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he radiates body positivity and self-esteem. He could have anyone he wants...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine queer found-family insta-love sweet-hero sunny hero m-m -
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... -
Merry Christmas Scott & Kip by Rachel Reid
I have written a little festive epilogue to Game Changer! And guess what? It’s free! It’s my holiday gift to you! Join Scott and Kip as they spend their first Christmas together at Kip’s parents’ house in Brooklyn. -
Stud by K.M. Neuhold
Stud: A boss, knob, or nail head. .. or, you know, the hot guy who’s way too young to keep asking me out with that adorably earnest smile …. It’s been three years since West walked into my bar and asked me out for the first time. I was relieved he stopped asking after the first few “no”s and a way-too-good-to-be-real kiss. He’s fifteen years younger than I am; it can only lead to trouble...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer found-family bisexual anal sex sunny hero sweet-hero -
Road Rules (Rules of the Game) by Brigham Vaughn
Rule #1: Hockey Comes First. As NHL team captain, Zane Murphy’s goal for the upcoming season is simple: take the Evanston River Otters all the way to the Stanley Cup. Rule #2: Only On the Road. But an unexpectedly hot night with his best friend and teammate Ryan Hartinger throws Zane’s carefully laid plans and his sexuality into disarray. Rule #3: Don’t Fall in Love with Your Best Friend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports secret-relationship queer bisexual anal sex athletes hockey -
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Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Snow is a collection of short stories and a novelette set after the events of Shatter, book 2 of the Unbreakable Bonds series and before Torch, book 3. Follow the continuing, passionate and heartfelt romance between Dr. Ashton "Snow" Frost and Jude Torres as they merge their lives together as a couple...Categorized as:
queer age difference anal sex found-family grumpy sunshine caretaking sunny hero cold hero -
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...Categorized as:
queer sports age difference grumpy sunshine forced proximity office hurt-comfort found-family -
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHollywood heartthrob meets med school dropout in this contemporary British MM romance. When your key credential is looking good in spandex, your first serious role matters. Too bad that Gabe Duke can’t seem to get a proper handle on the molecular biologist he’s meant to portray... -
The Grumpy Vet by Casey Cox
The third (and final) book in the VET SHOP BOYS DOWN UNDER series. -
Headstrong by Eden Finley
A straight guy gives gay hookup tips to a virgin. What could go wrong? When I first met Whit, I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. He’s a hockey player, and I hate everything to do with the sport that once broke my heart. But I can’t help feeling sorry for the guy. He’s newly out and desperate to meet someone, but his eagerness seems to scare potential hook-ups away...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes bisexual grumpy sunshine cold hero anal sex sunny hero -
Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Ian is a collection of short stories following the ups and downs of Ian Pierce and Hollis Banner has they navigate their new relationship and the unique complications of dating with a brunch of overprotective “brothers” determined to guard Ian’s heart. This collection is more than 38,000 words and contains short stories such as:. Midnight Perp. No Boyfriends Allowed...
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