Books like 'It Has to Be You'
Readers who enjoyed It Has to Be You by Hinsel Meyer also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance new adult sports friends to lovers queer anal sex first-person-pov dual-pov football
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Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox
Julian:I've been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindgergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became... nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him the two of us are meant to be together.And now there's no point. All is lost... -
Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely
An emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series! Falling for the rookie wasn't part of the plan. As a pro athlete, I have one unbreakable rule when it comes to men -- Don't date another baseball player. Good thing I haven't been tempted once in four years in the majors. Until the day a rising star walks into my locker room... -
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy... -
Royal Scoundrel by Saxon James
Royal Scoundrel is the prequel novella between Charles's dads. Even though it takes place twenty years before the Frat Wars books, it's best enjoyed last. DASHArchibald Levine the third is a pain in my ass. Rich, cocky and the closest thing to a prince that our school has. I hate everything about his entitled attitude and the stupid Kappa crown he wears... -
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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... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
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... -
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... -
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:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
Bad Pucking Roommate by Michele Lenard
Secrets threaten disaster in this bi-awakening, MM romance about two teammates who have chemistry that extends beyond the ice, an unconventional roommate agreement, and a not-safe-for-work pair of dice. Athletes are notoriously superstitious. Some don’t wash their gear. Others sleep with it. I’ve even heard of a guy that peed on the field to ward off evil spirits... -
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
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 college first-person-pov dual-pov anal sex queer contemporary -
Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder
Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend, Luke. He has no idea why Luke has actively avoided him for the past five years... -
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
The first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours.“I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool.“It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult athletes queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship -
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Angel by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was only supposed to be gay for pay. Angel I’ve never had sex before. And I've definitely never looked at a guy that way before. But with his brightly-colored hair and beautiful outfits, Rhys is hard to ignore--especially after I learn what he does for a living...Categorized as:
queer new adult friends to lovers anal sex first-person-pov dual-pov m-m length-medium -
Starting Over by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColt Matthews is trying to find his way in the world. His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference...Categorized as:
queer new adult first-person-pov dual-pov friends to lovers m-m age difference contemporary -
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEckieThere are ways to get ahead in college hockey, but having a meltdown, trying to get rid of your coach, and stalking his boyfriend isn’t one of them... -
For Today by B. Cranford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeventeen Years Ago . The first time Aaron Andrews saw Simon Foster smile, he knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen anything--or anyone--like the man who'd stolen his favorite seat in his favorite coffee shop. Six Weeks Ago . The late-night phone call that changed their lives forever was short... -
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDannyI'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... -
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K.M. Neuhold... -
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... -
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James
ZaneFour years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.One, I was deeply closeted.And two, he was dating my best friend.Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers dual-pov athletes queer contemporary m-m secret-relationship -
Boyfriend Freeze by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI've made a lot of mistakes, but you can't be one of them...Dear Graham,After crossing too many lines for my self-respect, I made a promise to myself: no hookups for sixty days.But I didn't count on meeting you.Who knew a smart, cardigan-wearing geek would be such temptation? You're all wrong for me, except you're also kind of exactly right... -
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
What happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more… Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
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Beautifully Devoted by Michele Lenard
Forgetting to knock changed everything.CamWhen I was ten, I made a promise. One that I’m still honoring a decade later, even though it means hiding a part of myself from the most important person in my life.My best friend, Jagger. And truthfully, burying that part of me is a small price to pay if it means nothing comes between us...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer new adult anal sex first-person-pov dual-pov college football -
For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOur fans get to see everything when we’re together on camera.But what’s between the two of us is strictly for the videos… right?I’ve been a socially awkward introvert for my whole life—and not a soul knows that I upload anonymous videos to an adult site. By day, I’m a shy office worker. At night, I have my hand, my phone camera, and a little secret.Chase is my polar opposite...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer new adult first-person-pov dual-pov anal sex m-m found-family -
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... -
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... -
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBillie Montgomery was always known as the sick kid with the therapy dog. Dylan Bowden never had two nickels to rub together, let alone a true home to call his own. The two have been best friends since high school. They’re always there for each other, so when Billie opens his own bakery called Montgomery’s Sweets no one supports him better than Dylan... -
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSeeing the truth and falling in love. Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man. At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family... -
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when a clueless hero believes in star-sign compatibility? What happens when there’s only one sign left to try? Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer... Caspian’s tried the lot, compatibility nil. Leo is his last hope for happiness. He just has to find one. Maybe his Virgo best friend will help? He should sneak over next door and see.. -
Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA New Adult Romantic Comedy. Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical. Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink. Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies. Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet... -
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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... -
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... -
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
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... -
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
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... -
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
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... -
The Game by Beth Bolden
Micah Rose is ready for a clean slate. He might’ve messed up his rookie year with the Miami Piranhas, but being traded to the Condors is the best way to put all that behind him.The Condors are rebuilding, too. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.But one rule hasn’t changed: don’t marry your ex-best friend in Vegas.Beckett West isn't looking forward to seeing Micah again... -
My Brother's Best Friend by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNico’s it for me, too bad he’s my brother’s best friend … Friends and brothers are off limits. That’s always been the rule in our house. In a big family it’s the only way to keep the peace. That doesn’t stop my heart from belonging to Nico, my older brother’s best friend... -
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Behind the Curtain by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsDawson Barnes recognizes his world is very small and very charmed. Running his community college theater like a petty god, he and his best friend, Benji know they'll succeed as stage techs after graduation. His father adores him, Benji would die for him, and Dawson never doubted the safety net of his family, even when life hit him below the belt... -
Out in the Offense by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsChristian Rafferty is a talented quarterback with a big secret. He’s determined to make the most of his final season on the football field, and if possible, avoid any confrontations with his conservative parents about his future. It shouldn’t be difficult; he’s become adept at keeping his public and private lives separate... -
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... -
Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David has known Jake Lourdes' name since he was fourteen years old... -
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
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...
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