Books like 'Back to Center'
Readers who enjoyed Back to Center by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports single-father athletes friends to lovers hurt-comfort age difference queer hockey
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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... -
A Touch of Maple by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter being traded numerous times over the course of his pro hockey career, all Bellamy Jordan wants is a place where he belongs. Burlington, Vermont, home of the Vermont Trailblazers, his newest team, might just be that place. The bonus: he’s within spitting distance of the grandparents who raised him... -
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My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt. Does an old man with a bleak romantic history have what it takes to satisfy his hot, young partner? -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe seasons have shifted, and Shin and Seiji are starting their new life together. Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
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Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
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... -
Forbidden Hockey by S. Legend
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGRITTY. RAW. A LITTLE EDGIER THAN THE AVERAGE HOCKEY ROM-COM. Dirk Boulder. Travis leaves the cloth he was using to wipe down the bar where it is. He can’t get out of here fast enough. I should have gone to the game with my friends. My non-blood-related brothers. Though speaking of brothers, I consider calling Hunter. I wish I could talk to him about this, but he’d blow a gasket... -
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer m-m forced proximity contemporary length-medium -
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... -
Keeping Secrets by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe truth can cost you everything. Twenty-six-year-old Beck Medina is convinced of that. He’s been abandoned by so many people over the course of his life, including most of his adopted family. Now he’s created a new family for himself at the resort he manages on Catalina Island. But they don’t know the whole truth about him... -
Scoring Chance by A.J. Truman
A totally fake marriage… with very real feelings. I'm a carefree bachelor who never wanted kids. But it seems life has other plans. When my best friend and hockey teammate Tanner Chance finds himself jobless with four kids to support, I suggest a wild marriage. My health insurance can cover Tanner’s family, but to keep nosy coworkers from sniffing out the scheme, the whole Chance clan moves in... -
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... -
Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJackson Kincaid. When my best friend, Allison, died in a car accident, I suddenly became the parent of my ten-year-old godson. How was I supposed to play football for the Portland Pirates and be a full-time single dad? Adjusting is the name of the game. But thanks to my friends, and Simon, the team doctor, we'll heal and make it through...Categorized as:
sports age difference friends to lovers athletes single-father hurt-comfort queer contemporary -
The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sequel to A Christmas Promise… Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions... -
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Surrender Your Heart by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 ratings***Surrender Your Heart was originally published in 2015. This second edition has been completely re-edited but does not contain new material. ***. Secrets and fears—everyone has them. Some more than others. A heavy secret brought Liam Connelly to DC, but it isn’t the only reason he stays. Hired to tend bar at Bottoms Up, Liam finds himself drawn to his enigmatic boss like a moth to a flame...Categorized as:
queer age difference friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m contemporary military length-short -
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suit. As assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have...Categorized as:
sports hurt-comfort friends to lovers age difference queer m-m contemporary age play -
Save The Date by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEver since he first set foot in Harrisburg, Tennant’s life has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs too numerous to mention, hard knocks and championship rings. Through all of those monumental moments, one thing has been a constant for him, Jared Madsen. Now that their wedding day is drawing nearer, Ten is seriously considering eloping... -
Wrapped Up In You by Kate Meader
Get wrapped up in a Rebel this holiday season . .. The holidays are coming and hockey player, Cade “Alamo” Burnett knows exactly what he wants for Christmas: an assurance that his happily-ever-after with Chicago Rebels general manager, Dante Moretti, stays that way. But festive gremlins are conspiring to throw a wrench in the forever Cade and Dante fought so hard for... -
Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUnder the Christmas lights strung outside a snowy Minnesota cabin, Ryker and Jacob face a future where nothing will be the same again. Fortunate timing means that Ryker and Jacob can spend a few days together over Christmas in a cabin on the family farm. What's better is that Scott and Ben are coming as well, with Hayne and Ethan in tow... -
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsZeke Gulden is a ruthless Wall Street exec. His hard-edged, no-nonsense attitude has served him well in the cutthroat business world, but less so in his personal life. When he finds out his ex-boyfriend cheated on him with a coworker, Zeke can’t let go—not until he finds a way to get even. However, his meddlesome father has other ideas... -
No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour
Pining for your best friend sucks ass—and not the good kind of sucking. But I can’t back away, and I definitely can’t let go. Eddie Phelps is too damn important to me. He has my heart and soul. Well, he and his daughter, a ten-year-old who one day will run the world. It’s not like I can even blame Eddie for mixed signals or anything. He’s done everything right. He always does...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers sports athletes single-father queer contemporary m-m -
A Wedding in a Week by Con Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA second chance with his brother’s best friend also comes with a deadline. Three years after inheriting his family farm, an accident forces Stefan Luxton to rethink his future. Turning his farm into a five-star wedding venue is one goal. Another is to reconnect with Marc, who Stefan loved but let slip away to the city...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer m-m forced proximity contemporary found-family -
Seeking Freedom: Interlocking Fragments IV by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man? Jovany~. When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of... -
Drawn in by You by R.M. Neill
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne has endured a life of loneliness. The other is content in his solitude. Can the draw of epic love intertwine their lives? Travis. When my grandfather died, I was swallowed by the system. Depression set in at a young age as I was bounced from foster home to youth shelter. For twelve years since, I’ve battled with my mental health issues, refusing to reveal to anyone how bad things truly are...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort age difference friends to lovers single-father m-m found-family contemporary -
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Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to. Huddle! Vol. 3. . If you're brand new here, Huddle zines are 18+ fan Service booklets that feature characters from the webcomic. Check Please. . And for a sketch zine that started on a goddamn whim, the Huddle series continues a strong legacy of spiciness and smut. How did we even get her, folks? .. -
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
ChrisMyths by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAfter courtship, cohabitation, and learning about love and each other, Andy and Eli face the ultimate test: being separated at Christmas. Eli’s seen the propaganda—the country boy goes home from the city and realizes his heart is back among the snow, trees, and chickens. A big happy family is something Eli, with his demanding job running a shelter for LGBTQ youth, can’t provide... -
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...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers queer single-father m-m contemporary queer-awakening -
Thin Ice by Lane Hayes
The hunky hockey dad, the bad boy coach, and a new start. .. Bryson. Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Sorry. I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town life, but I haven’t had a date, let alone a boyfriend in years. That’s fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus. Except now he’s grown and is rarely home. And it’s lonely... -
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... -
Paper Snowflakes by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho knew a white-out could bring two men clarity? Cameron - There’s something about an older man that drives me wild, but when he’s an amazing father too. .. swoon-worthy... -
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
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... -
Reawaken by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLosing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers's world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene... -
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Poke Check by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOne scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough. Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way... -
This Won't Hurt by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTHE EXTENDED EPILOGUE OF THIS WILL HURT II The honeymoon The kids The Congo The awards The podcast The vacation The food trucks The barbecue The love The condors . .. with Roe Finlay and Jake Denver. -
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes
The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic…. Court. Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan... -
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live…. Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpecial Edition Book Art - Paperback only. Two desperate encounters led to a dating arrangement. One for money. The other for sexual exploration. Kel. I tried to save Ohana Surfing Club, a surf shop my father and I owned... -
The Pro vs The Fan by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook 3.Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer hurt-comfort sports athletes age difference m-m contemporary -
The Outcast by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEthan Bennett is too old for Mickey. Ethan Bennett plays guitar, barbecues as often as possible, and owns a diner. He’s a widower whose life still revolves around his sons, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Mickey, a younger man his son Taylor had been helping shows up at the diner, cold to the bone, thin as a rail, Ethan knows he can’t send him away... -
It's Not You by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a protective ex-cop helps his gorgeous tenant through his recovery, their complicated history is asking for trouble. Will the fear of the past repeating itself destroy any possibility of happiness? Daredevil drifter Lawrence Crawford is hunting for a place to call home. After ten years of looking, he believes he’s found what he’s been searching for... -
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... -
Skating to Him by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot? Tyler. Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions. Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston. He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible. When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity... -
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Before I Fall by Joelle Lynne, Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWho’s going to catch me when I fall? Evan. Everything has been taken from me. My home, my family, and the love of my life. Raising a child on my own isn’t how I envisioned my young life full of hopes and dreams. Now, my youth is gone, too. I had been drowning with no way out until him. The one man I didn’t expect to hold my head above water...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort age difference friends to lovers single-father queer m-m bisexual angst -
Betting Brett by Joy Danvers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBrett is seriously clueless. He’s a great friend and a great father to his little girl, but how could he not realize after all this time that I’m gay? And I’m in love with him? I know I’ve never said anything, but I feel like I’m pretty obvious. Now I messed up and made a tipsy bet with him about a blow job that I really don’t want to take back. I’m not sure if it was a mistake though... -
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDanny. I'm not a guy who's looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It's clear Jonathan's past did a number on him, and he's locked up tight... -
Break Down by Rebecca Norinne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis heart says no, but his body says yes. Liam Donnelly's honed, athletic body craves something he can't have. Not when the last time ended in disaster. Now, the Dublin Rugby player is seeking redemption with a new team in Edinburgh. His fresh start is going strong, but one look at Chef Lachlan MacLeod's inked forearms and whiskey-colored eyes and he's tempted by far more than what's on the menu... -
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... -
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 friends to lovers queer hockey m-m contemporary new adult secret-relationship
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