Books like 'Playing Rough'

Readers who enjoyed Playing Rough by Heather Ashley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.

contemporary  gay romance  sports  new adult  from hate to love  dual-pov  forced proximity  queer

  • All In With Him by Lauren Blakely

    All In With Him by Lauren Blakely

    Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 25 ratings
    Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion.So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big...
  • #FinishLine by Cambria Hebert

    #FinishLine by Cambria Hebert

    Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    Every 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...
    Categorized as:
    new adult  sports  queer  m-m  contemporary  m-f  length-medium
  • Sponsored links
  • #Fate by Cambria Hebert

    #Fate by Cambria Hebert

    Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    What’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...
  • Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo

    Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 1 of 5
    Glimpses and kisses [?] · 20 ratings
    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...
  • Headstrong Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

    Headstrong Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie

    Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 5 of 5
    Explicit and plentiful [?] · 35 ratings
    You’re cordially invited to the wedding of Maximoff Hale & Farrow Keene, and according to Celebrity Crush—the ceremony for this American prince and his tattooed bodyguard is going to be the event of the century. There will be no wedding crashers. Including but not limited to: hateful people, rabid fans, nosy paparazzi, and other so-called media. There will be no drama...
  • Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡

    Secret XXX by Meguru Hinohara, 日ノ原 巡

    Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 27 ratings
    Shohei’s just trying to find love in a pet shop, so why are all these bunnies making it so difficult?Shohei loves bunnies! He loves them so much he’s even taken to volunteering at a local pet shop...
  • Boyfriend Goals: Special Edition by Riley Hart

    Boyfriend Goals: Special Edition by Riley Hart

    Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 5 of 5
    Explicit and plentiful [?] · 34 ratings
    MiloUnusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. Maybe not anyone.When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life.Turns out, I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store for his tattoo parlor but my apartment too...
  • Thieves' Honor by Kate King, Jessa Wilder

    Thieves' Honor by Kate King, Jessa Wilder

    Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 5 of 5
    Explicit and plentiful [?] · 19 ratings
    "Run, Rabbit, Run." After weeks in the Esposito Hotel, I now know three things: 1. The Gentlemen are liars. 2. The Trilogy took my sister. 3. My father is insane. I've been reminded of who I am and who my enemies are. Nico lied to me, and Beck and Rush backed him up. I'm on my own again—the spare to the heir, with nothing to lose and no one I can trust...
  • The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen

    The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen

    Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 40 ratings
    One cold December day, two men are blindsided by a hockey trade; one is the most decorated goalie in the league, while the other one is the youngest coach in the majors.Jethro Hale is the last player Coach Clay Powers wants to see on his roster, but the G.M. pulls a fast one. And it's not like he can even explain why. Nobody knows about their love affair fifteen years ago...
  • Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante

    Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante

    Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Have 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...
    Categorized as:
    sports  queer  m-m  contemporary  length-epic
  • On Circus Lane by Lily Morton

    On Circus Lane by Lily Morton

    Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars
    · 16 ratings
    The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee.Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland...
  • Call of the Alpha by A.E. Via

    Call of the Alpha by A.E. Via

    Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars
    · 15 ratings
    THIS IS THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN THIS SERIES and CAN STAND ALONE. The Story of ALPHA, CALL, OMEGA & LION ALONG WITH A COUPLE OTHER FAVORITES It’s been a couple years since Commander John Marion – the US Navy’s most decorated SEAL – hung up his dog tags, choosing his cherished Alpha over war...
  • Reckless by Becca Steele

    Reckless by Becca Steele

    Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 14 ratings
    From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Becca Steele comes a new standalone M/M enemies to lovers romance.Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa…An ultimatum from my football team manager landed me here on this far-flung tropical island, where I’m expected to work on my issues in a rehab centre for the elite.But I’m not the only one here to curb their reckless behaviour...
  • Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

    Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

    Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars
    · 17 ratings
    For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn...
  • Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Playing 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...
    Categorized as:
    sports  queer  contemporary  m-m  length-novella
  • Second Shot by Con Riley

    Second Shot by Con Riley

    Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Second 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...
  • Inked Temptation by Carrie Ann Ryan

    Inked Temptation by Carrie Ann Ryan

    Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars
    · 13 ratings
    This Montgomery finds his match in this touching second chance romance from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.I thought I was moving on from my divorce, but now my ex is marrying someone else. I shouldn’t be this broken up, but it’s hard to put on a brave face when my family is basically an inked up Hallmark movie...
  • BJ Alex 7 by Mingwa

    BJ Alex 7 by Mingwa

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 29 ratings
    Every night at 10, Dong-gyun locks himself up in his room, grabs a box of tissues, and watches a live cam boy show hosted by Alex, a BJ (broadcast jockey). Timid Dong-gyun admires not only Alex’s ripped body, but his candor in sharing his sexual experiences with viewers. One night, Dong-gyun downs too many drinks at a school networking event and passes out...
  • Rough Trade by Sidney Bell

    Rough Trade by Sidney Bell

    Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 14 ratings
    Quick-witted hustler Ghost is no stranger to living dangerously; survival has always been the name of the game. He’s just always gone it alone. Now he’s got the wrong people breathing down his neck, and the only way out demands placing his trust in the unlikeliest of heroes: Duncan Rook, a gruff cop whose ethics are as solid as his body...
  • Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin

    Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin

    Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars
    · 15 ratings
    Hank 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...
    Categorized as:
    sports  queer  m-m  christmas  contemporary
  • BJ Alex 6 by Mingwa

    BJ Alex 6 by Mingwa

    Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 29 ratings
    Every night at 10, Dong-gyun locks himself up in his room, grabs a box of tissues, and watches a live cam boy show hosted by Alex, a BJ (broadcast jockey). Timid Dong-gyun admires not only Alex’s ripped body, but his candor in sharing his sexual experiences with viewers. One night, Dong-gyun downs too many drinks at a school networking event and passes out...
  • Lost And Found by Aiden Bates

    Lost And Found by Aiden Bates

    Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 13 ratings
    I’m going to die on this cliff with only a bobcat kitten for company. I’m sure of it until the hottest man I’ve ever seen swoops in and makes me leap.Eli’s made for danger, and he dedicates his life to finding desperately stranded hikers like me.He’s too perfect to be true.I’ve fallen hard before and ended up bruised and battered.I have to resist him...
  • There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin

    There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin

    Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Jamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself.Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change...
    Categorized as:
    new adult  queer  m-m  contemporary  found-family
  • Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey

    Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    An 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...
    Categorized as:
    sports  queer  m-m  contemporary
  • Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife

    Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife

    Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    It’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a...
  • Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey

    Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    An 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...
  • Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    Asher 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...
  • Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens

    Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    The other side of loathing might be lust ...Or love ...WolfDesire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college.Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer.Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever...
  • Rough by Reese Knightley

    Rough by Reese Knightley

    Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    After circling around each other for so long, are they ready to take it to the next level? Mason can admit that he’s had the hots for rough and gruff Gage Hillcrest for well over a year now. Only Gage is bossy and overbearing as all hell. Not to mention that Gage is a closed book and Mason doesn’t know anything about the man...
  • 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...
  • Play Dead by Avery Cockburn

    Play Dead by Avery Cockburn

    Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    The 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...
  • And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 3 of 5
    Open door [?] · 16 ratings
    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...
  • The Gentlemen: The Complete Series by Kate King, Jessa Wilder

    The Gentlemen: The Complete Series by Kate King, Jessa Wilder

    Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 5 of 5
    Explicit and plentiful [?] · 12 ratings
    A Complete, Binge-worthy Series filled with action, romance, and a healthy dose of sass. This set contains all three best-selling titles: RED HANDED THIEVES' HONOR DAMNED SOULS From Book One: Forced to live with my ENEMIES. They think they OWN ME. But I own their HEARTS. Nico, Rush, and Beck are the three leaders of The Gentlemen...
  • All Roads Lead to You Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon

    All Roads Lead to You Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon

    Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    A 1980s Stepbrother Road Trip RomanceA road trip that turned into a journey. LoganNicholas Theodoropoulos had been my stepbrother since I was fourteen. Mom died when I was twelve, and I resented Dad remarrying so soon. Even worse, my stepbrother had grown into a gorgeous man. I hated looking at him, reminding me every day of what I could never have. No one knew I was gay and never would...
  • Off the Ice by Tierney Rose

    Off the Ice by Tierney Rose

    Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 14 ratings
    How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years...
  • A Filthy Engagement by Jaxson Kidman

    A Filthy Engagement by Jaxson Kidman

    Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Barista by day.Engaged to the baddest rock star in the world by night.Well, fake engaged.I mean, what’s one more lie, right?To be fair, it was Dex’s idea.In trouble one too many times…Now he needs me to make him look tame.Trust me, there is no taming this wild hunk.He’s built from muscle, music, and a thirst for women.He can do whatever he wants.Just as long as holds up his end of this crazy lie...
  • All Roads Lead to You by Courtney W. Dixon

    All Roads Lead to You by Courtney W. Dixon

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    A 1980s Stepbrother Road Trip RomanceA road trip that turned into a journey. LoganNicholas Theodoropoulos had been my stepbrother since I was fourteen. Mom died when I was twelve, and I resented Dad remarrying so soon. Even worse, my stepbrother had grown into a gorgeous man. I hated looking at him, reminding me every day of what I could never have. No one knew I was gay and never would...
  • Scene Queen by Charlie Novak

    Scene Queen by Charlie Novak

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Note to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste...
  • Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn

    Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    A 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...
  • Kiss My Axe by R.M. Neill

    Kiss My Axe by R.M. Neill

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    PerryYou know that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, whoever said that never had the misfortune of meeting Roman Auclair.Sure, he’s sexy and wears a corset like nobody’s business, but he’s arrogant, entitled and so damn judgemental he should sit on the Supreme Court.I’d rather sleep with a porcupine than bunk with him...
  • Buckeye: An MM Romance by Casey Morales

    Buckeye: An MM Romance by Casey Morales

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    From international bestselling author, Casey Morales . . . A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds. Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most. When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame...
  • Forever by E. Davies

    Forever by E. Davies

    Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    Jake Gray always wanted a real family. He left his own behind when he began his transition, but if he wants a baby he'll need to come off testosterone and get his life in order. The tips he makes as a waiter are barely enough to pay L.A. rent, let alone raise a child. But he’s made his own way for so long that he doesn’t want to rely on others now...
  • Suited For You by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda

    Suited For You by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda

    Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    He’s smug, conceited … and hot as hell … Becoming a partner at Caldwell and Holton will be the crowning achievement in my hard fought career. There’s just one problem. One arrogant, materialistic, flashy problem: Saint Caldwell. Unlike me, he’s never had to struggle for anything a day in his life … or so I think. But there’s more to the man than a showy Porsche and killer smile...
  • Head to Head by Eli Easton, Tara Lain

    Head to Head by Eli Easton, Tara Lain

    Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 5 of 5
    Explicit and plentiful [?] · 14 ratings
    If these two don't kill each other, they might fall in love.Rand hates Jax because he’s the laid-back, vegan-eating, tree-hugging, total-Zen-until-I-get-a-chance-to-screw-you president of Sigma Mu Tau, the nerdy fraternity that’s the sworn enemy of Rand’s house, Alpha Lambda Alpha...
  • Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack

    Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 15 ratings
    CARTER Relationships--who needs 'em? As a personal-assistant-extraordinaire to one of the top PR firms in Los Angeles, I've dedicated most of my life to errand-running and people-pleasing. But when it comes to men, as much as I love to please them in the bedroom, I'm way too busy to give more than that. Fortunately, as far as my options go..
  • Fly Away Home by Felice Stevens

    Fly Away Home by Felice Stevens

    Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Maybe Colson Delacourt teasing those nosy ladies in the coffeeshop with the plot of his next murder mystery was a bad idea. But does that mean he deserves to be arrested for attempting to kill his elderly neighbor? Why won’t the police believe he has nothing to do with her getting hurt? That detective Harper Rose won’t listen to him—he’s so annoying and arrogant. And sexy and gorgeous...
  • Playing Offside by Jax Calder

    Playing Offside by Jax Calder

    Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars
    · Steam rating: 4 of 5
    Explicit open door [?] · 25 ratings
    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...
  • Into the Fall by R.J. Scott

    Into the Fall by R.J. Scott

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    In small-town Wyoming, a tough sheriff and a former Navy SEAL are thrown together by circumstance. Their fiery chemistry leads to constant clashes, but as they work to solve a mystery, they can't ignore the growing feelings between them.Sheriff Neil Windham has one mission: to protect Whisper Ridge. But when human remains surface at the Lennox Ranch, the town’s past comes back to haunt it...
  • The BAHs by Saxon James

    The BAHs by Saxon James

    Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars
    · 9 ratings
    A short featuring Kole and Asher from Line Mates & Study Dates book four of the CU Hockey by Saxon James & Eden...
  • The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes

    The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Book...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
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

romance book finder

Looking for more inspiration? Enter another book title to get more suggestions on what to read next.


Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.