Books like 'The Pretty Boy Vs. The Bad Boy'
Readers who enjoyed The Pretty Boy Vs. The Bad Boy 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 athletes grumpy sunshine sports angst secret-relationship friends-benefits queer
-
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. . -
Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation. But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
Still Beating by Jessie Walker
THE END WAS JUST THE BEGINNING. .. I thought I was strong enough to say goodbye. I thought I was ready to leave him. It doesn't matter that I'll be seeing him in three days. I just have to get through three more nights. I'm dying now. Shattering. Breaking. I'm determined to show him I can manage on my own. What if he needs me? I need him. .. What if he doesn't? . .Categorized as:
angst from hate to love queer found-family m-m new adult friends to lovers contemporary -
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHave you met the Nice Guys? Available for a limited time! Here's your chance to get the complete Nice Guys collection with an additional 30,000 words of bonus material for the low price of $2. 99 for fourteen days only. Don't miss out on this special pricing! Double Full:... -
-
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. -
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... -
My Kind of Guy by Sarina Bowen
He’s a backup goalie with a broken game. The only thing he needs more than a win is the hot, grumpy bartender who pours his weekly beer. Becker James is having a spectacularly bad season. Once a top draft pick, he’s now riding the bench in the minors, one failed save away from being cut... -
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
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:
sports from hate to love queer new adult friends to lovers contemporary length-medium m-m -
Imprisoned in Eternal Night by Mai Xiang Ji Ne, 麦香鸡呢
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWen Ran is a beta. At the age of 7, the Wen family adopted Wen Ran from orphanage as a substitute for their deceased son.Categorized as:
angst from hate to love grumpy sunshine queer contemporary military pregnancy suspense -
MistleFoe by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago. It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine queer christmas m-m forced proximity second chances contemporary -
Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying for their country in the Winter Olympics is the highest of all honors, but when family members are pitted as rivals and a dark specter from the past turns up in Beijing, tensions run high, and abruptly, it’s not all about the hockey. Jared is torn—assistant coach for Team Canada, with Ryker on the team; he bleeds red and white and wears the maple leaf with pride... -
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... -
Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHank Beaufort's life is a mess. Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he's freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce... -
-
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
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 athletes queer angst grumpy sunshine secret-relationship m-m -
To Mend a Broken Wing by Fearne Hill
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“I think,” Lucien began, “that we accept the love we believe we deserve. And unfortunately, Noah doesn’t believe he deserves any. ”. For twenty-two-year-old Noah, the revelation that his biological father is an ex-professional footballer is like tearing the wrapper from a cheap chocolate bar and discovering he’s won the elusive golden ticket. Every homeless young man’s dream, right? Wrong... -
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... -
FOG[电竞] by Man Man He Qi Duo, 漫漫何其多
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings现代电竞+男神VS男神. 医疗师攻X突击手受. 【主角配角均无原型,谢谢大家】. ---. Yu Sui and Shi Luo met each other when they were much younger. One was a pro-gamer, a widely-renowned, best of the best, in-game medic. The other was an e-sports newcomer who was just starting out. The two originally played for the same team, during which their relationship became increasingly deep. But things did not go as expected... -
Nicked: Nordin by Nora Phoenix
The stupidest thing a con artist can ever do is fall for the man who’s trying to catch him…. Nordin likes to think of himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, redistributing the wealth from those who don’t deserve it to those who do. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it makes good use of his talents and gifts. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it like that, including FBI agent Tavin Donley...Categorized as:
from hate to love friends-benefits queer found-family m-m contemporary bad boys hurt-comfort -
Between the Teeth by Taylor Fitzpatrick
In the final installment of the Between the Teeth trilogy, David has the fresh start he’s always wanted. He’s on a better team, one that doesn’t depend on him for their wins and blame him for their losses. In a better room, with teammates David might even consider friends. It doesn’t make any sense for David to feel more out of his depth than ever... -
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 queer found-family m-m forced proximity friends to lovers -
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment. One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich...Categorized as:
secret-relationship angst queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers length-short audiobook -
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 -
-
The Rivals of Copper County by May Archer
My childhood friend. My biggest rival. The only man I’ve ever wanted. If there were a prize for the most contented man in Copper County, I’d win it every time. I’ve got my business. My son. My family. My friends… and no romantic prospects, sure, but only because I don’t need any. My life’s great as it is. Seriously. Could not be better. I’m practically bleeding serenity over here...Categorized as:
queer friends-benefits found-family from hate to love sports m-m contemporary second chances -
Pumped by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEverest. Owen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events. But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first...Categorized as:
from hate to love grumpy sunshine found-family angst sports queer forced proximity hurt-comfort -
Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a ray of sunshine. I’m a loner lumberjack. We don’t make sense……But my straight best friend keeps ending up in my bed. Sawyer Hendricks is the best friend I’ve ever had—the Goose to my Moose, and the shoulder I’ve cried on even though I’m not the crying type. The difference between us? Sawyer brightens any room in an instant, and I’m the gruff guy wearing flannel who’d rather be alone... -
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... -
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…. Tommy. Help! 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... -
Ask And You Will Receive by Niyama
A Casanova who loves one night stands and a beautiful, narcissistic "prince" - a seesaw love driven by irresistible instincts! Shinobu Urakawa is a dull office worker in the daytime, but at night, he turns into a playboy who can seduce any guy with a glance. He's a top enjoying his double life. .Categorized as:
queer from hate to love angst m-m contemporary explicit-open-door first-in-series standalone-first -
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... -
Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Kenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible. One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea. Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible... -
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... -
My Beautiful Man , Volume 1 by Yuu Nagira
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsKazunari Hira is not what you'd call popular. In fact, he's basically on the lowest rung of the social ladder, due largely to his stutter that tends to flare up when he's anxious. And then there's him: Sou Kiyoi, leader of the pack and the most beautiful man Hira has ever seen...Categorized as:
queer angst from hate to love contemporary m-m length-medium first-in-series standalone-first -
-
The Hotshot vs The Reporter by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoyal. I’m the hotshot—both on and off the track. I know how to work the crowd and show off. And I’m good at it. I’ve had to become very effective at putting on a show. But my agent is not a fan of my over-the-top antics. So she did something I still can’t believe . . . She called in the press—the media. Specifically, the reporter who hates everything I stand for... -
-
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... -
Love Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSix years after a panic attack on stage ended Nero Lombardi’s Broadway career, a comeback is in the wings. Everything’s coming up roses—and second chances—when he’s cast as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, the very role from that fateful night, but when a hotshot Hollywood star blows into town and steals his role, Nero wonders if he’ll ever have that encore he craves... -
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
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... -
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...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love athletes queer angst secret-relationship found-family hockey -
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... -
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 -
-
Butterfly by Michaela Grey, Tierney Rose
Felix Papillon is determined he'll never be hurt again. He may look like he has his life together from the outside-starting goalie for the Portland Seabirds, fancy car, adoring fans clamoring for his autograph-but he won't allow anyone to see the scars on his heart. When he meets Fisher Montgomery in the back of a dimly lit bar, the attraction is instant and mutual... -
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... -
Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver
What 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... -
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... -
Like I Pretended by Charlie Novak
Pretending to be in love never felt so real. Henry Lu hates being a superstar. Action movies have left a sour taste in his mouth and filming a queer period drama on the Yorkshire coast sounds like the perfect antidote. Meeting grumpy coffee shop owner, Alex, is the cherry on top... -
The Pro vs. The Fan by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMaverick. I’m the pro. Always professional, always mindful of the press, and always doing the right thing. My life is flashy and chaotic. I’ve spent the past few years doing everything I was supposed to, including smiling pretty for the cameras while standing next to the world’s favorite popstar. But now that’s over. I’m yearning for a simpler life...Categorized as:
sports queer found-family grumpy sunshine friends to lovers m-m contemporary dual-pov
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.

