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 -
![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 queer angst friends to lovers audiobook m-m contemporary from hate to love -
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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 End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
Jeremy. Seeing 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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![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... -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 19 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... -
![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: 4.39 of 5 stars · 22 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... -
![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... -
![Try Again Later by Jemma Croft]()
Try Again Later by Jemma Croft
If hooking up with straight married men was a business, Orlando Oakham-Goodwin would be the CEO. Nepo baby and all round spoilt brat, Lando lives a life most can only dream of. But when his father cuts off his finances and his best friend reveals she’s moving away, Lando must find a way to pull himself up by his designer bootstraps... -
![The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese]()
The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsListening Length: 9 hours and 55 minutes. Daniel: I suck at relationships and don't trust anyone, but there are reasons for that. For one thing, every person I've ever cared about has let me down. The only recent exception: O'Leary's town veterinarian. .. my new best friend. I came to O'Leary for a fresh start. To pare things down to essentials. To forget about the failures in my past...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary queer-awakening humor length-medium audiobook -
![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... -
![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 -
![Scoring Chance by A.J. Truman]()
Scoring Chance by A.J. Truman
A totally fake marriage… with very real feelings. I'm a carefree bachelor who never wanted kids. But it seems life has other plans. When my best friend and hockey teammate Tanner Chance finds himself jobless with four kids to support, I suggest a wild marriage. My health insurance can cover Tanner’s family, but to keep nosy coworkers from sniffing out the scheme, the whole Chance clan moves in... -
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![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: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 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... -
![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 -
![Manhandled by Lauren Blakely]()
Manhandled by Lauren Blakely
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely. .. My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare... -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving Ficlet. -
![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... -
!['Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford]()
'Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Sinners Gin Anthology. For Crossroads Gin rock stars Miki, Damien, Rafe, and Forest, life is a Möbius strip of music, mayhem, and murder. Through it all, the sweet, hot moments between tours with lovers, friends, and family keep them sane, healthy, and happy. This Sinners collection features short stories spanning the entire series, from before the first note to after the lights go out. -
![Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft]()
Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft
Deke Jamison has been waiting for his hot neighbor to fall madly in love with him for years. The day Marshall moved in next door, Deke instantly knew for sure that it was love at first sight. Well, okay… maybe just lust. But since Marshall turned out to be not just be hot, but also super kind and fifty shades of wonderful, the falling-in-love part happened pretty quickly, too...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m contemporary height-difference spanking -
![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: 4.28 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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![Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes]()
Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJory holiday ficlet from Mary Calmes. __________. Status: Complete. Word count: 5,801.Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort m-m contemporary christmas humor from hate to love length-novella -
![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: 4.27 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... -
![Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand]()
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
![Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling]()
Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAfter a steady diet of big city trouble Chef Drew Allison has relocated to the tiny island town of Orca’s Slough to get a taste of the laid-back artisanal lifestyle. But when he discovers his bartender dead in his basement, he faces a far greater challenge than whipping up a spectacular lunch special. He’s the local law enforcement officer’s Grade-A suspect... -
![Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle]()
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElias Forthwright. Horoscopes 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 -
![Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden]()
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Why 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... -
![Pumped by Linden Bell]()
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:
hurt-comfort found-family angst sports queer forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine -
![Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee]()
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Jonathan 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... -
![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... -
![Final Score by Charlie Novak]()
Final Score by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCan one perfect night lead to more? Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother... -
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![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... -
![Saving Mr. Bell by H.L. Day]()
Saving Mr. Bell by H.L. Day
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen is a kidnap not a kidnap? When it's a rescue. Rudolf Bell does NOT need saving. But after the worst performance of his life, there are those who disagree. All he wants is to have a good time and forget everything for a while. Easier said than done when the media have done a hatchet job on him. His career's not over, though. Not until he says so... -
![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: 4.25 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
![The Long Game by Samantha Wayland]()
The Long Game by Samantha Wayland
You 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...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... -
![Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead? To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
![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... -
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![Breakfast Included (Snowed Inn) by L.C. Chase]()
Breakfast Included (Snowed Inn) by L.C. Chase
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat’s worse than being stranded at a mountain resort by an avalanche three days before Christmas? Being trapped with your teenage crush—who kissed you and ran away. Reno Pierce spends all his time creating music in his studio, quite happily alone, but at the insistence of his rom-com-loving dad, he finds himself at a Colorado mountain resort speed dating event...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances queer forced proximity contemporary m-m christmas humor -
![He's The One by Barbara Elsborg]()
He's The One by Barbara Elsborg
Col’s world is falling apart. His relationship has been exposed as a sham, he’s lost his home, and been fired from his job as a stonemason. Who says bad luck doesn’t come in threes? With no option but to move back in with his parents, and with his efforts to find a new job hitting a brick wall, Col’s life is going nowhere... -
![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.Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary humor age difference first-in-series standalone-first -
![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 -
![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... -
![It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife]()
It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Don’t remember there being a rule that only women could bid,” Scratch says. “Maybe you’ll meet a nice boy. ”. “Oh, fuck off, Scratch,” Joey says when he waggles his eyebrows. Words: 72,532.
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