Books like 'Guarded'
Readers who enjoyed Guarded by Nicole Dykes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance from hate to love high-school sports new adult secret-relationship athletes football grumpy sunshine
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#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... -
![#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert]()
#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsEvery race has a finish line. Where you go after you cross it is what matters most. And sometimes, that's the most intriguing. Here at GearShark, we've featured lots of drivers. All of them are well acquainted with the finish line. And as race fans, we're well acquainted with cheering as they cross it. What we aren't privy to is riding shotgun, seeing where they drive once the race is over... -
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![Fake, Volume 07 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 07 by Sanami Matoh
Meet Ryo and Dee, two New York City cops with an attraction for action-- and each other! In this, the final volume of the series, events heat up on the streets. .. and between the sheets! The two cops are assigned to serve as bodyguards for a mob-boss's daughter. . -
![Fake, Volume 06 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 06 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA psychopath is on the loose, killing kids and cutting off their hands. As if that weren't enough, Ryo gets an in-depth look at Dee's parentless childhood and the man who inspired Dee to become a cop. But when a little too much information about Dee's de facto dad comes to light, it could destroy Dee's two greatest police work and Ryo! -
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![Semantic Error, Vol. 3 by Angy, J. Soori]()
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... -
![Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer]()
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back? SANTA. Charlie Heart is many things:. An annoyingly good hockey player. The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers. My rival. The only person I truly hate in the world. And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
![Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole]()
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 -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
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]()
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... -
![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.Categorized as:
sports from hate to love new adult athletes queer grumpy sunshine secret-relationship m-m -
![Fake, Volume 05 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 05 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsRyo is on the biggest case of his life! He and Dee are on the trail of a cold-blooded killer named Leo. They're certain he killed Ryo's parents, but don't have enough evidence to prove it. With a little help from Diana Spacey, FBI agent extraordinare, Ryo soon cracks the case when he witnesses Leo murdering a man. When Ryo threatens to shoot him, Leo tells him he did indeed kill his parents... -
![Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand]()
Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSometimes the endgame is only the beginning. In the heated world of the Premier League, Earl Alex Beaufort, a charming Liverpool midfielder, collides on-pitch with Lee Taylor, Manchester United’s top striker. But when England’s World Cup dream brings them to sunny Spain, the real game sharing a room... -
![Fake, Volume 04 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 04 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsRyo and Dee, two of New York City's finest, are called in to investigate the activities of some two-bit street punk. The operation goes south rather quickly when Dee is kidnapped and Ryo must put all of his skill and training to the test to get his partner back in one piece. Their partnership is on the line as electrified emotions raise feelings between the two guys that are hard to ignore. -
![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
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![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... -
![Rookie by Eddie Cleveland]()
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]()
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...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes bisexual queer m-m forced proximity friends to lovers -
![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 -
![Breakout Year by K.D. Casey]()
Breakout Year by K.D. Casey
A newly traded, newly out third baseman on the cusp of his first major contract hires a fake boyfriend—not expecting him to be the former player who ghosted him years before. But as their star ascends in public, their feelings burn hot in private. .. threatening to expose what’s for the cameras—and what’s for real. Eitan Rivkin is used to being first... -
![Faithful by N.N. Britt]()
Faithful by N.N. Britt
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSome secrets aren’t meant to remain secret forever. Ever since Iodine’s debut album propelled Kai to stardom, his every move is scrutinized on social media and in the tabloids. And after the recent scandal Kai has been dragged into, Dylan’s worst fears come true–Kai suggests putting their affair on pause. With Dylan closeted and Kai being the talk of the town, it's the smart thing to do...Categorized as:
from hate to love new adult secret-relationship queer m-m rockstars mental illness abuse -
![Playing Offside by Jax Calder]()
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...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love queer secret-relationship new adult athletes m-m contemporary -
![Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn]()
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
![Queried Sick by Dallas Smith]()
Queried Sick by Dallas Smith
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFor fans of Casey McQuiston and Always Only You, Queried Sick is a slow-burn romance about two bisexual disasters finding love while working at a publishing company during the pandemic—complete with grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and an attention-seeking cat. Social distance makes the heart grow fonder…...Categorized as:
new adult grumpy sunshine queer contemporary friends to lovers m-m office length-medium -
![After The Siren by Darcy Green]()
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... -
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![All Bats are Off by Kelly Reynolds]()
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... -
![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... -
![Love Sky by Mame]()
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]()
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. -
![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... -
![Playing the Player by Beth Bolden]()
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... -
![The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes]()
The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCarson. I’m the Rookie. That’s how they want to label me. The new guy. But I’m damn good at what I do. I don’t have anything to prove. Except maybe to him. I’ve watched his career for years. So yeah, maybe I want to impress him a tiny bit. But I also can’t help riling him up and ruffling his feathers. He wants me to do things his way, but I don’t work like that... -
![Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste]()
Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJudah Brody meets William Slater and it's loathe at first sight. Jude had spent his whole life in his famous brother’s shadow. Returning to New Orleans seemed like a good idea now that Levi was back home. But Jude couldn’t turn around without something of Levi’s getting in his way...Categorized as:
from hate to love athletes sports friends-benefits queer contemporary friends to lovers alpha male -
![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... -
![Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon]()
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... -
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![Benched Volumes 1-3 Boxed Set by Misha Horne]()
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. ----------------------------... -
![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... -
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
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 -
![Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud]()
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 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 grumpy sunshine from hate to love queer m-m contemporary forced proximity -
![Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart]()
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 20 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 friends-benefits queer m-m friends to lovers contemporary praise-kink -
![Regular, Smegular! by Becca Seymour]()
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... -
![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... -
![Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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]()
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... -
![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... -
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![Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Ford, stay with me. ”. Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself... -
![Summer Catch by Beth Bolden]()
Summer Catch by Beth Bolden
Newly hired Charleston Condors’ coach Jonathan Kelley is very aware of all the uphill battles he’s got to climb. There’s a new owner he’s got to please. New culture to implement. New players to train. New rules to follow. But one rule hasn't don't spend so much time flirting with the cute bartender via text that you start to wonder if you're straight, after all...Categorized as:
sports bisexual football secret-relationship queer m-m friends to lovers contemporary -
![Icing the Kicker by Ajay Daniel]()
Icing the Kicker by Ajay Daniel
Lake I've worked my entire life to succeed in a sport I don't particularly enjoy. I've faced homophobic teammates, hostile locker rooms, and coaches who couldn't care less about me as a person, but nothing could have prepared me for this. It's my first year - my fresh start - with a Professional League football team and teammates who are blissfully unaware of my sexuality... -
![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... -
![Set Fire to This Cardhouse by Zarah Detand]()
Set Fire to This Cardhouse by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThey're just your average coworkers who got off on the wrong foot. Except with guns. Agent Toby Brown—not his real name—is a damn good agent who knows his way around any IT system. Why, then, is he partnered with Agent Mike Redding—not his real name either—who is impulsive, contradictory, and hot as hell? Toby didn't think they'd combine well, but somehow, they do...Categorized as:
from hate to love bisexual queer m-m contemporary military other-man-woman length-short -
![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...
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