Books like 'The Boxer'
Readers who enjoyed The Boxer by Courtney W. Dixon also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports angst age difference hurt-comfort friends to lovers bad boys queer found-family
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And All Their Stars by Riley Nash
We’re complete opposites, the sun and the moon, things that were never meant to touch.Everything changed the day this brooding, high-powered lawyer found his forever in a scrappy farm boy from Iowa. Jonah’s my sun, the center of my orbit. Separately, we’re lost souls. Together, we make something unforgettable...Categorized as:
age difference angst queer found-family dual-pov first-person-pov m-m grumpy sunshine -
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... -
Still Beating by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTHE 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?...but I want to be better for him... -
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... -
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Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up!At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
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 contemporary m-m humor length-medium -
All Is Bright (Water, Air, Earth, Fire) by Riley Nash
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA 10,000 word mini-novella featuring everyone's favorite couples from the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series as they celebrate Christmas. When six very different men and their families meet at a Wyoming lodge to celebrate the holidays, things are bound to get sweet, steamy, chaotic, and a little bit heartwarming... -
Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson
Meet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me.Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain.Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you... -
Second Shot by Con Riley
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecond Shot (Second Chance School #2)Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls.Passion always leads to heartbreak for Hayden Novac. Nice guys always get picked last. That’s what my coach at a soccer academy once promised... -
Raze by Roan Parrish
Sometimes the walls we build to save ourselves have to come tumbling down. For the last ten years, Huey has built his life around his sobriety. If that means he doesn't give a damn about finding love or companionship for himself, well, it's probably better that way. After all, the last thing he wants is to hurt anyone else... -
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5) Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference sports queer m-m contemporary explicit-open-door queer-awakening -
Wicked by E.M. Lindsey
Hawke doesn’t talk about his past—and it’s not because he has a stutter that rarely lets him speak more than three words at a time. The shadows of what was haunt his every waking hour, but the Broken Chains MC have been a sanctuary he never expected.And Hawke is the sort of man who knows better than to cross lines, especially when it comes the safety of his brothers... -
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... -
Damage Control by Lynn Van Dorn
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEverything to lose. Tyler’s worked hard to kick the dust of the Chicago suburbs off his heels and move on with his life as Hollywood’s newest up-and-comer, burying his demons and hiding his scars from the world. Just as everything seems to be going his way, a scandal from his past threatens everything he’s worked for... -
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Whiskey Neat by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI want a commitment like I want a rash so why can’t I get the bossy twink with pretty lips and plenty of snark out of my head? Anyone who spends time with me knows two things. 1. If I want something I get it, which is how I end up back in my old college haunts, buying a dilapidated bar with my five best friends and staring down the barrel of an unknown future. 2...Categorized as:
queer age difference found-family hurt-comfort m-m office contemporary length-medium -
A Daddy In Cameron by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIndie’s determined to navigate this world alone, but he’s never come up against a determined Daddy before. Normally, everyone likes Cameron. As the General Manager of The Tap Tavern, he’s protective, empathetic, and considerate of his employees and their needs. Especially those who’ve come in through the Takoda Career Center. Indie knows betrayal. He’s lived with the consequences and survived...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m age play boss & employee -
Final Play by Eden Finley
It’s a vacation none of them will forget. Before their futures become the present, Noah convinces his friends they need a group vacation—a final play before they’re all tied down by responsibility and unyielding schedules. Everything is changing. Marriage. Kids. Careers. A trip to Fiji is the last hurrah to end all hurrahs... -
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
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... -
Perfect Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrando Lombardi has successfully matched all three of his brothers with their soulmates, gifting them each with a lifetime of love and happiness. The problem is, Brando himself is always the bridesmaid and never the bride… er, groom. But then he meets a broken-hearted man in uniform who takes his breath away and changes everything... -
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJonathan watched all of his friends fall in love, get married, and grow their families. All he’s ever wanted is a relationship as wonderful as the one his parents have always had... -
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 -
Alfie: Part II by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMM Romance • Part 2 of 2 • Second Chances • Irish Mafia • Family • Hurt/Comfort • Age Gap • Revenge • Opposites AttractWhen two broken hearts have reached their limits, it’s time for a mobster to play dirty in order to let the healing begin. Don’t worry, Alfie has a plan.That very second, the moment West said those words…I almost shattered. Again. I’d put myself out there... -
Strut by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNew Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model. Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed.A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe... -
Heartstring by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMikIf I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.TylerFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…Mik broke a promise a long time ago...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer second chances m-m contemporary single-father -
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... -
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men.When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.He saved me.Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.I can’t ask for more of my friend.Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help... -
Luke by Con Riley
Luke Lawson is committed to one thing—saving his boarding school before a cash crisis sinks it. He’ll do anything to keep it afloat while vulnerable children rely on him, even if that means accepting help from the man who let him down at uni.Nathan’s offer to teach for free could be a blessing as long as Luke can guard his soft heart... -
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 dual-pov hurt-comfort queer found-family contemporary -
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 suitAs 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. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy...Categorized as:
sports hurt-comfort friends to lovers age difference queer m-m contemporary age play -
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... -
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! 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... -
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Made for You by Anyta Sunday
Ben wants to find a new home. Twenty-four-year-old Ben McCormick is the primary caregiver for his brother Milo after their parents’ death. A year into the job, he’s totally got the hang of it. Mostly. Sort of...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference dual-pov queer found-family m-m contemporary single-father -
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRuari 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... -
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 22 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... -
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
Sanctuary by Kelly Fox
What's the first rule of running a gym for combat vets? Enjoy the scorching hot scenery, but get your kicks somewhere else. Never mind that my cousin-slash-business partner ignores that rule every chance he gets. I don't ignore it. Ever. And frankly, between Grindr and living in one of the gayest cities in America, it's not exactly a hardship. Hell, it's so easy, I can do it on one leg... -
Saints Like Him by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFrom ex-con to self-made millionaire, there’s no challenge too tough for Cash Sweeney to conquer. So why has he spent twelve years pining for his best friend instead of doing something about it? Because losing Nick would be like existing with half of his heart...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference hurt-comfort queer found-family angst m-m contemporary -
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference hurt-comfort sports queer m-m contemporary athletes -
A Not So Typical Love by Tristen Rowen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsJordan and Jamie’s love is anything but typical. Jordan Cameron is not like most nineteen year olds. He’s never been on a date, he’s never left New England, and he’s never fallen in love. He lives in his own world, or so that's what it seems to the average person. No one, not even his thirty-one year old brother, Tim, has ever given him the chance to break free... -
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 found-family m-m forced proximity contemporary -
Never Enough by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTommy Parker has everything under control. He's made it through almost four years of University without revealing the secrets of his tumultuous home life. He has his eye on the prize but he can't turn down a party invitation from his friend Shawn. Even though it's not his scene Tommy finds he doesn't mind being the subject of Vince Barnett's attention. Vince Barnett is ready to move on... -
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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:
age difference queer first-person-pov dual-pov friends to lovers m-m contemporary new adult -
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... -
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating... -
Game On by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen he broke off his engagement to his team captain's brother the day before their wedding, Jamie Jamieson swore he'd never get involved with anyone associated with a teammate again. Getting traded to the Orcas is a chance at a fresh start, but one glance at his new housemate, and Jamie knows he's in way over his head.Dorian is his new coach's cousin. And his team's social media coordinator... -
The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old? Patrick Griffin I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would... -
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat?Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold...
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