Books like 'The Linebacker'
Readers who enjoyed The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny football found-family friends to lovers sports athletes angst hurt-comfort
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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...Categorized as:
angst queer found-family friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m contemporary age difference -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
JeremySeeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning... -
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![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely
A red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex.But my agent tells me I have no choice since I’m ridiculously overdue with turning in the next big blockbuster love story to my publisher...Categorized as:
second chances angst queer friends to lovers m-m contemporary humor forced proximity -
![How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune]()
How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune
Sequel to How to Be a Normal PersonA How to Be Novel Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m contemporary humor sunny hero forced proximity -
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![Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox]()
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... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future?Masamune Takano is the boss—and first love—of rookie shojo manga editor Ritsu Onodera... -
![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
queer second chances angst friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love forced proximity -
![Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon]()
Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon
Chef Luca Alessi’s life is barely recognizable these days. He used to spend his days in the kitchen creating cutting-edge cuisine. Now he’s trying to keep his family's restaurant and legacy alive. It doesn't help that his father was keeping secrets before he passed. On the relationship front, his ex, Colin, assured him that their divorce would be simple. And now? Not so much... -
![Not a Day Goes By by E. Lynn Harris]()
Not a Day Goes By by E. Lynn Harris
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJohn "Basil" Henderson has always played the field, both as a professional football player and as an equal opportunity lover. After retiring his jersey for a career as a sports agent, the dashing playboy is surprising everyone--including himself--by deciding to settle down and commit to his new love, Yancey Harrington Braxton... -
![Limited Edition Husband by Lauren Blakely]()
Limited Edition Husband by Lauren Blakely
One weekend with no strings was supposed to be the plan.After barely escaping my last train wreck of a romance, I’ve got a new dating goal—play it cool.I stick to that strategy when I meet a hunky Brit at a fundraiser and ask him to grab a drink... -
![Firecracker by Lucy Lennox, May Archer]()
Firecracker by Lucy Lennox, May Archer
There are three kinds of people in Honeybridge, Maine: The Honeycutts, who know a lot about love and loyalty; The Wellbridges, who think they’re the epitome of wealth and refinement; and the rest of the Honeybridgers, who know better than to get in the way of the centuries-old rivalry between the two. There wasn’t a time when I didn't know Flynn “Firecracker” Honeycutt...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst second chances queer contemporary m-m from hate to love humor -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama
Resigned, Shin has to settle for seeing Seiji when they run into each other about town or when Shin makes a point of stopping at his store. Shin believes he's content with that, but one night Seiji changes everything by bemoaning his lack of romantic prospects and mentioning he might as well try his luck with guys... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
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![Dealing Him In by Charlie Cochet]()
Dealing Him In by Charlie Cochet
Play with fire, and you’ll get burned. Santos “Saint” Cavallero had his life all figured out when he married his high school sweetheart, joined the Navy, and became a SEAL. After years of being deployed, Saint comes home for good, only to discover his wife has fallen for another man. Now divorced and a bodyguard for Four Kings Security, Saint loves his job and his found family... -
![Declination by Gregory Ashe]()
Declination by Gregory Ashe
Shaw and North are together. Finally. After eight years of knowing each other and loving each other and slipping past each other, they’ve finally told each other how they feel. Borealis Investigations is growing, and they have a major prospective client on the line. Everything is finally moving the way it should... -
![In Step by Jay Hogan]()
In Step by Jay Hogan
Karma. You reap what you sow, and KANE MARTIN isn’t looking for forgiveness. But the arrival of ABE TYLER in Painted Bay has Kane dreaming of the impossible. The sexy, silver fox choreographer is determined to pull Kane out from the shadows, but Kane’s life is in neat little boxes for a reason.A past he isn’t proud of.A family he’s walked away from.A job he doesn’t deserve... -
![Milo by Lily Morton]()
Milo by Lily Morton
Once upon a time a brave knight rescued a young man. Unfortunately, he then spent the next few years bossing the young man around and treating him like a child. Milo has been burying himself at Chi an Mor, hiding from the wreckage of his once promising career and running from a bad relationship that destroyed what little confidence he had...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort friends to lovers queer found-family m-m humor contemporary age difference -
![Blitzed by S.E. Harmon]()
Blitzed by S.E. Harmon
NFL tight end Andrew McAdams isn’t thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. He’s even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so...yeah. That’s a no-brainer. It's not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there's no rule saying he can't do his hours and have a little fun...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m age difference -
![Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee]()
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]()
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 queer m-m age difference contemporary humor -
![Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. 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... -
![Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz]()
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey.Enter Sammy Rhodes.Famed DJ The Spin Doctor.Musical genius.Fits with the band like he's our sixth member.We hired him on the spot.So what's the problem?He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
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![Football Royalty by Eden Finley]()
Football Royalty by Eden Finley
If you never fooled around with someone of the same gender, did you even go to high school?PEYTONMy whole life I’ve had the pressure of being Marcus Talon and Shane Miller’s football prodigy. I’ve been destined to follow in my NFL-playing fathers’ footsteps since the day I was born. I usually thrive under pressure, but as senior year looms, it all gets too much, and I need an outlet... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely, Shane East]()
Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely, Shane East
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsListening Length 8 hours and 37 minutesAn irresistibly sexy, emotionally charged, forbidden MM romance between a broody American and a charming Brit! My first day in London feels ripped from the pages of a rom com when I meet a charming, witty guy in a quaint bookshop. We vibe like crazy, and our chemistry is almost too good to be true because...It is. Turns out he’s my new roommate... -
![Wild at Heart by Christina Lee, Riley Hart]()
Wild at Heart by Christina Lee, Riley Hart
BISHOP SULLIVANI’ve always known what my future had in store: inheriting the family ranch and having myself a wife and kids to carry on the Sullivan name. Porter Dixon never factored into those plans. We may have spent our teenage years sneaking away to lose ourselves in each other, but he always held me at arm’s length…until the day he up and left without so much as a goodbye... -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving... -
![Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle]()
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElias ForthwrightHoroscopes always seemed a bit woo-woo to me, but I don't know how else to explain why it feels like the cosmic universe is pushing me in the direction of the mysterious North Easton, who miraculously comes into my life at just the right time. We’re nothing alike, but for the first time since my mom passed away, life is finally fun again thanks to him...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort friends to lovers m-m contemporary insta-love queer-awakening humor -
![Just for Me: A Rugby Romance by Rosalind James]()
Just for Me: A Rugby Romance by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuke Armstrong doesn’t want to be a pioneer or an inspiration. He just wants to be a prop.What’s it like to be the first All Black to come out while he’s still playing rugby? Luke has spent over thirty years not wanting to find out, but hiding has become so hard. He’s a man who doesn’t get tired, but now, he’s soul-weary... -
![Pumped by Linden Bell]()
Pumped by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEverestOwen 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:
hurt-comfort found-family angst sports queer forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine -
![Harder They Fall by J.D. Light]()
Harder They Fall by J.D. Light
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen his dad makes it obvious he isn't going to kick the good-for-nothing thief and liar of a son and Branson's brother to the curb, Branson decides he can't sit and watch his father shower undeserved praise on a man who will undoubtedly just steal from him again and leave him swinging in the breeze... -
![Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand]()
Be My Endgame by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSometimes the endgame is only the beginning. In the heated world of the Premier League, Earl Alex Beaufort, a charming Liverpool midfielder, collides on-pitch with Lee Taylor, Manchester United’s top striker. But when England’s World Cup dream brings them to sunny Spain, the real game sharing a room... -
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![Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins]()
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... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 10 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #10) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 10 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #10) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand]()
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHollywood heartthrob meets med school dropout in this contemporary British MM romance.When your key credential is looking good in spandex, your first serious role matters. Too bad that Gabe Duke can’t seem to get a proper handle on the molecular biologist he’s meant to portray... -
![The Long Game by Samantha Wayland]()
The Long Game by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYou can't change the past but you can choose your future.Jack Chevalier is determined not to let his past define him. He keeps his head down and works hard. He’s not sure how he’s ended up with such great friends, but he’s grateful. Especially for the one man who’s always defied his expectations.Grady McDonnough has been on his own his entire adult life... -
![Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsThe most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film—in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more... -
![Blindside by N.R. Walker]()
Blindside by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsMark Gattison has avoided love and commitment his entire adult life. Not interested in more than a one night stand or a brief encounter in a bathroom stall, he is the epitome of a good time.Will Parkinson is the guy who defends him, the guy who puts up with him, the guy Mark calls his best friend.When Will becomes unsettled and a little distant, Mark takes it upon himself to find Will a boyfriend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer angst hurt-comfort m-m contemporary humor disabilities and marks -
![Delicious by Stella Starling]()
Delicious by Stella Starling
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Where We Left Off by Romeo Alexander]()
Where We Left Off by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTyler: Well, I’m back in Port Dale for the summer, staying with Elliot and Clay. Not my original plan, but that got busted. I never expected to run into him. He looked good, even better than before. Nate had been more than just my best friend, he was my ‘almost’ first boyfriend. Then he was suddenly removed from my life... -
![Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden]()
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhy in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning... -
![North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe]()
North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNorth and Shaw: Out of Office is a collection of short stories. It includes the following: “Bad Boys at the Radio Girls” Radio Girls is a lesbian bar. A group of straight guys thinks it’s funny to crash. North and Shaw are hired to take care of this problem (and they try not to fulfill the white savior stereotype while doing so). This story takes place before Orientation... -
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![Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka]()
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare... -
![Love Match by Pandora Pine]()
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...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort second chances queer friends to lovers found-family angst m-m contemporary -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 13 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #13) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 13 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #13) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Forever Finn by Vawn Cassidy]()
Forever Finn by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFinn Gallagher has it all, a beautiful girlfriend, a successful Hollywood career, a condo in Malibu and more money than he knows what to do with. He should be happy, but there’s just one problem, he’s gay and he’s been lying to the entire world... -
![Jonathon, After All by K. Sterling]()
Jonathon, After All by K. Sterling
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhat do you say to the man who took your virginity, broke your heart, and ruined your life?For ten years, Jonathon hid his pain, acting out in ridiculous ways in hopes that one day, his prince would rescue him. But when the day finally came, it was too little, too late after being pushed at and rejected by every eligible bachelor in Manhattan...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort found-family second chances age difference grumpy sunshine m-m contemporary -
![Puppy Patrol by Gregory Ashe]()
Puppy Patrol by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsShaw and North are going to spend a peaceful weekend at a lakeside cabin. Until, that is, a dog starts barking.This story takes place before Declination...
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