Books like 'Head in the Game'
Readers who enjoyed Head in the Game by Rebecca Rathe also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance dark romance age difference sports queer-awakening football college athletes from hate to love
-
The Bridge of Silver Wings by John Wiltshire
The third book in the series More Heat Than the Sun Ben discovers the truth of the old adage 'be careful what you wish for'. Nikolas has exorcised his demons, but when they end up stranded in Russia, the monster inside needs to be let loose. Siberia in winter isn't a place for good men. There is nothing Nikolas won't do to keep Ben alive... -
![Wolves vs. Hearts by Anna Green]()
Wolves vs. Hearts by Anna Green
The second volume of The Heart Rate of a Mouse trilogy.A new band, a new city, and new lover - Ryan dusts himself off and starts again, but the god-like status that his former band's tragic end has given him isn't as easy to shake off. As he should be focusing on making a comeback with his new band, he runs into the one person he hasn't been able to forget... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![This Other Country by John Wiltshire]()
This Other Country by John Wiltshire
Nikolas is the sanest, straightest, person Ben knows, so can anyone tell him, why is he on a gay therapy course?Nikolas Mikkelsen could make a very long list of unpleasant things he's endured in his life. Then order it from 'nearly killed me' to 'extremely horrific and don't want to do again'...Categorized as:
age difference alpha male angst cheating bdsm hurt-comfort other-man-woman secret-relationship -
![LOT 62 by Nordika Night]()
LOT 62 by Nordika Night
Every fairytale had a villain, and this way of life was ours. Coming from nothing and gaining something is a lot to handle. Can they hang on to it? A year after moving in together on Lot 62, Devon and Maddox have a whole new dynamic to adjust to—cohabitation. Merging their personalities and energies into one tiny trailer is a lot to handle, but so is their relationship...Categorized as:
possessive hero working class hero angst forced proximity bad boys queer queer-awakening bisexual -
-
![The Scent of Winter by Tiffany Reisz]()
The Scent of Winter by Tiffany Reisz
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsThe 2016 Original Sinners Christmas story, free on December 20th.Kingsley Edge thought he was being driven to the airport. He never expected he'd be kidnapped and relocated to a cabin in the middle of nowhere, Maine to help Søren celebrate his birthday. But it's not quite the sexy party Kingsley hoped for... -
![Unbroken by Sloane Kennedy]()
Unbroken by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsEverything was supposed to go back to normal when I was rescued. It hasn't. And I'm starting to think it never will because I don't even know what normal is anymore... It's been two years since Aleks Silva was rescued by his older brother from the dark underworld of sex trafficking and every day since then has been a battle... -
![Garron Park by Nordika Night]()
Garron Park by Nordika Night
Garron Park, where hope dies and no one ever gets ahead. Until… When Devon Sawyer desperately searches for his brother in the middle of the night, beaten and broken, he finds Maddox Kane instead. With his dad on his trail, he has no choice but to stand on his enemy’s doorstep and let Maddox help. Maddox has never seen Devon this vulnerable... -
![Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology by Brighton Walsh, Kennedy Fox]()
Dissent: A Charity Romance Anthology by Brighton Walsh, Kennedy Fox
For National Read a Book day, DISSENT is available in eBook and paperback!DISSENT is a charity romance anthology with NEW, never before published content from over 150 authors of all romance genres. All proceeds from the eBook and paperbacks will be donated to organizations benefiting reproductive rights in the United States, particularly in areas where people need them more than ever... -
![Bitter When He Begs by Avery Collins]()
Bitter When He Begs by Avery Collins
LucaI’ve built my life on control. On the field, in my reputation, and in keeping my demons buried where no one can see.Sage Blackwell was never supposed to be a part of that. The nerdy prodigy overheard something that could ruin my entire career, so I do the only logical thing. I don’t threaten him. I don’t scare him off.I claim him.I tell myself it’s about survival, about keeping my secret safe...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love football hurt-comfort queer forced proximity new adult college -
![Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley]()
Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley
𝘖𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬, 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥... Taylor Only two things matter to me in this shitty freestyle motocross and my best friend.They’re my only escape from my father’s fists, but one slip in junior high almost changed everything. I confessed a secret to a beautiful boy, and I’ve been punishing him—and myself—ever since...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort from hate to love forced proximity sports angst college forbidden love queer -
![Home by Cara Dee]()
Home by Cara Dee
For as long as I can remember, I've only had one goal: survival. It's what I know. There is no future beyond making it through another night and getting my hands on as much money as possible, by any means necessary. Pride and dignity are things I can't afford. It's been the worst year yet—and not because I live on the streets. That's nothing compared to being separated from my little girl...Categorized as:
angst new adult age difference tortured hero anal sex hurt-comfort queer teacher-hero -
![17 Black and 29 Red by Richard Rider]()
17 Black and 29 Red by Richard Rider
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSecond part in the Stockholm Syndrome trilogy:Some mistakes are too enormous and some people are too stubborn for anything to work except running away, but the world is never as big as you need it to be and eventually you can't help circling back to where you started... -
![The Air That I Breathe by Cara Dee]()
The Air That I Breathe by Cara Dee
The Game Series, Book 3.5 “In that moment, I stopped caring about right and wrong.” The only thing that stood between us were the boundaries set by others, by society, by our parents. But together we could knock them down. Together, we could find freedom and live life on our own terms. Screw the rest of the world. He was all that mattered. He was the air that I breathed... -
![All We Are by Jessie Walker]()
All We Are by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsPride.Will and Waylon have been through hell and back—more than once. But they’re still standing, still loving each other, still embracing their found family. And that’s something Will is stupidly proud of. He’s happier than he’s ever been, and more in love than he ever thought possible. He just hopes he can find a way to make Waylon believe in them as much as he does.Pride... -
-
![Finder, Vol. 1: Target in the Finder by Ayano Yamane]()
Finder, Vol. 1: Target in the Finder by Ayano Yamane
During a routine journalism assignment, Akihito Takara is captured by the mysterious Asami, a powerful leader in Japan's underworld society... -
![The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 5 by 945]()
The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 5 by 945
THE LONG GOODBYEIt’s been three years since Eui-joon last saw Gunwoo and there have been a lot of changes. Eui-joon no longer works his punishing graveyard shift at the convenience store, but instead works in sales at a small company where, as the newest employee, he’s constantly running errands for his boss... -
![Whiskey Nights and Neon Dreams by Ashley James]()
Whiskey Nights and Neon Dreams by Ashley James
The memory of Josiah DeMille has haunted me for close to a decade.The way he looked.The way he smelled.The way his lips felt pressed against mine, even when they shouldn’t have been.The one person I’ve never been able to get over.The one singular part of my past I’ve never been able to move on from...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer queer-awakening cheating age difference angst bisexual other-man-woman -
![The Sin Eater by Onley James]()
The Sin Eater by Onley James
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWaylon Boone is no stranger to danger. As the headmaster of the Watch, an elite school hidden in the desert where the wealthy send their psychopathic children to become the perfect covert operatives, he's trained killers, spies, and manipulators... -
![Hide and Seek by Willow Dixon]()
Hide and Seek by Willow Dixon
JaxIt was supposed to be an easy keep an eye on Myles until I’m sure he’s not a threat to us, then forget he exists and go back to living my life.But there’s something different about him. Something that speaks to my dark side and turns an easy job into an obsession. I want things from him I’ve never wanted before, and the more I watch him, the more I’m sure he wants them too...Categorized as:
queer exhibitionism hurt-comfort college new adult bdsm forced proximity possessive hero -
![The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 5 by 945]()
The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 5 by 945
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsTHE LONG GOODBYEIt's been three years since Eui-joon last saw Gunwoo and there have been a lot of changes. Eui-joon no longer works his punishing graveyard shift at the convenience store, but instead works in sales at a small company where, as the newest employee, he's constantly running errands for his boss... -
![Strays by Garrett Leigh]()
Strays by Garrett Leigh
!! SECOND EDITION WITH EXTENDED CONTENT !!Award winning MM romance. A grumpy hero with the sweetest heart as forced proximity and found family give two damaged men the HEA they deserve.Work, sleep, work, repeat. Nero’s lonely life suits him just fine until his best friend, Cass, asks him to take on a new apprentice—a beautiful young man who’s never set foot in a professional kitchen...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort angst bad boys bisexual tortured hero forced proximity age difference queer -
![Anti-Valentine by T. Ashleigh, Ashlyn Drewek]()
Anti-Valentine by T. Ashleigh, Ashlyn Drewek
This Valentine’s Day…the bad boys come out to play…Get ready for an anti-Valentine to remember in this limited release M/M romance anthology. Sixteen authors have come together to bring you a collection of brand-new short stories with a combination of dark, enemies to lovers, and bully themes...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports age difference secret-relationship bdsm forced proximity angst new adult -
![WTF by Cambria Hebert]()
WTF by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsI don’t do commitment. And though I swing both ways, I don’t do men either.It’s too messy, too stressful, and just asking for trouble.I’d rather shine bright like the sun than drown in the rain, so I adopt a pounce-and-bounce lifestyle for which my sparkling charm keeps me from being hated.When I show up in Sweden for a semester abroad, I expect a roomie. What I don’t expect is Lars... -
![My Dark Jock: The Complete Series by Arden Long]()
My Dark Jock: The Complete Series by Arden Long
“You hide it so well from everyone else. Your friends, the guys on the team. But you can’t hide it from me. I can see how much you need to be dominated. I own you, and I can do whatever I want with you, and you’ll love every second of it. Isn’t that right?”Meet Malcolm Blackwood—tall, dark, brooding, and undeniably hot. The problem? He hates my guts... -
-
![Garron Park: Special Edition by Nordika Night]()
Garron Park: Special Edition by Nordika Night
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 35 ratings*This is the same book with the same content as Garron Park [the original] but with special edition formatting and illustrated cover.*Garron Park, where hope dies and no one ever gets ahead. Until… When Devon Sawyer desperately searches for his brother in the middle of the night, beaten and broken, he finds Maddox Kane instead...Categorized as:
bisexual from hate to love bad boys angst hurt-comfort sports forced proximity new adult -
![Crashing Hearts by K.A. Knight]()
Crashing Hearts by K.A. Knight
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPine Valley is a school that’s both rich in history and legacy, and it’s once more opening its doors to another year of students.Skylar Warren owns the streets of Pine Valley and everybody in it. From cars to people, there is nothing he wants that he can’t get—until now...Categorized as:
from hate to love sports new adult queer possessive hero grumpy sunshine dark mystery -
![Kiss Your Scars by Avril Ashton]()
Kiss Your Scars by Avril Ashton
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBeing the king of Atlanta’s underworld used to have its perks, but lately all undercover agent Renzo Vega has seen is the downside. Someone is auctioning off women in his city, and he’s damn sure not about to let that offense stand. Just as he’s set to make a move, Renzo’s club is ambushed and he’s shot. Unsure of who to trust, he turns to the one man he definitely knows wants him dead... -
![Matchstick Men by Adira August]()
Matchstick Men by Adira August
Sometimes it's the cop who needs to hit the floor... Haunted by the worst case of my career, I knew only one way to exorcise the images from my mind, the victim from my soul ... Inside the club, I scanned the room. He was here—Camden Snow—a sex god in the guise of unpretentious youth... -
![Happy Krampus Xmas & The Meet Not Cute: Two Xmas Novellas by Paulina Ian-Kane]()
Happy Krampus Xmas & The Meet Not Cute: Two Xmas Novellas by Paulina Ian-Kane
-Happy Krampus XmasHappy Krampus Day!Krampus who? Santa’s evil brother, duh.The horned demon sort of cursed me, and I need to find a way to appease him.Otherwise, I won’t be able to proceed with my donor initiation: blood, torture, death, screams—not in that order.All I need is to follow my three-step groveling plan... -
![Surviving the Merge by C.P. Harris]()
Surviving the Merge by C.P. Harris
My name is Justin, and when I was seventeen, I fell in love with a boy named Damon.Damon was sick, only I didn’t know it at the time. And like any disease left untreated, it festered and burrowed into the unaffected areas of us, until we were both so far from healthy, we were killing one another. Then a tragedy sparked our implosion... -
![Surrender by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf]()
Surrender by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf
FoxWhen I was hired to kill Cristiano Fiore, I thought I'd get in, take the shot, and get out. I didn't count on the explosion. I didn't count on him rescuing me.I didn't count on him taking care of me, dominating me, and giving me the best sex of my life. I didn't expect the word "Daddy" to make me feel so safe. He's making it harder and harder for me to go back to my old life... -
![Demon by Joel Abernathy]()
Demon by Joel Abernathy
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsFalling in love with an obsessive serial killer was the last thing on my to-do list.I was born into a world of villains, so it came as no great surprise when my brothers fell for the most twisted monsters of all. A sociopathic fixer. A psycho sadistic cop whose name belongs in the dictionary next to corruption.Maybe I’m the one who’s crazy, thinking I could have any semblance of a normal life...Categorized as:
bdsm from hate to love forced proximity age difference queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary -
![Enticed by the Enemy by Leighton Greene]()
Enticed by the Enemy by Leighton Greene
He’s an FBI profiler who’s half my age. Contact between us is forbidden. But I can’t stay away from him.As the Morelli Underboss, I'm the Family problem-solver. So when a task force blames the Morellis for a series of murders in Central Park, it's up to me to restore our reputation...Categorized as:
queer age difference from hate to love forbidden love forced proximity anal sex alpha male bad boys -
![Summer of Seduction: a Redwood Chronicles Story by Alex E. Sinclair]()
Summer of Seduction: a Redwood Chronicles Story by Alex E. Sinclair
Guillermo had it all figured out—or so he thought. As a star athlete and one of the most popular guys at his high school, his future seemed set. But the summer after graduation brings unexpected challenges, and a secret he’s kept even from himself begins to unravel.Enter Derek, a commanding and rugged older friend of his brother’s, who awakens desires Guillermo can no longer ignore... -
-
![Pretty When He Bleeds by Avery Collins]()
Pretty When He Bleeds by Avery Collins
Roman Bishop hides his pain behind bruises and penalties, using the ice to escape the ghosts of his past. But when Damon Ward, the brooding, tattooed art major with a grudge and a sharp tongue, returns to campus, Roman’s carefully constructed world begins to crack.Damon is Caleb’s brother—the boy Roman loved and lost in the most devastating way possible... -
![Unmask You by Avril Ashton]()
Unmask You by Avril Ashton
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsTheirs is a perfect marriage. Until a home invasion exposes secrets, lies, and shatters everything Elias and Lucky hold dear. Too many bodies. Rivers of blood. Elias Kote sees them all in his sleep. Only the love of his husband and daughter keeps him alive and fighting. This contract killer is exhausted and weighed down by all the lies he tells every day. Who he is. What he does... -
![The Fishermen by C.P. Harris]()
The Fishermen by C.P. Harris
At the age of twenty-five, Leland Meadows has his whole life mapped out in front of him, with four rules to live by: No new friends.No dreams or aspirations.No repeat hookups.And definitely no committed relationships.Leland’s looking for safety, not heartbreak and disappointment. Then one day he receives an offer he can’t turn down...Categorized as:
age difference other-man-woman cheating hurt-comfort angst queer bdsm forced proximity -
![Resist by K.A. Knight]()
Resist by K.A. Knight
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSanctuary is more than a band—it’s a home for the lost and broken.No one knows that better than Ryker, the lead singer of the newly rising rock band. It seems he is unable to go even one day without being in the spotlight, and not always for good reasons. From run-ins with his label to arrests and a long line of broken hearts, it seems this rock god is determined to enjoy fame... -
![One for Sorrow by Louise Collins]()
One for Sorrow by Louise Collins
The press nickname him “The Countdown Killer”, branding his victims with a number, but Chad knows him as Romeo. Captured by the killer he’s hunting, Chad’s situation seems dire, but Romeo doesn’t want to kill him because Chad doesn’t fit his pattern. Instead, he’s keeping Chad for two months, hiding him away where no one will find him, making sure Chad can’t reveal who he is...Categorized as:
from hate to love forbidden love forced proximity bad boys anal sex slow burn tortured hero queer -
![Save Me by Ariana Nash]()
Save Me by Ariana Nash
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe third and final book in the outstanding mafia/priest MM Forgive Me series. Vitari Angelini knows selling a cache of Battaglia guns to a drug lord is not what Francis would call legal, but he’ll never find out. Besides, it’s for a good cause: Francis’s happy ever after...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort forced proximity from hate to love m-m dark dual-pov contemporary -
![If the Seas Catch Fire by L.A. Witt]()
If the Seas Catch Fire by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsSergei Andronikov was a child when the Mafia wiped out his family, leaving him with nothing but a hunger for revenge. Years later, through ruthless strategy and tireless patience, he’s a contract killer working for the three families ruling Cape Swan… and he’s nearly in position to bring them all down from the inside.Domenico “Dom” Maisano is Mafia royalty, a made man… and a hitman...Categorized as:
from hate to love queer angst age difference hurt-comfort forbidden love m-m contemporary -
![Tell No One by Barbara Elsborg]()
Tell No One by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s not every day that a total stranger asks Tag if he’s…ahem…well endowed. Of course he’s not going to say no. When he’s offered a life-changing amount of money to go to a party, he’s not going to say no to that either, even though he suspects sex will be involved. But sense prevails and Tag decides to stick to his principles and not go, except things take an alarming turn... -
![Damaged by Hayden Hall]()
Damaged by Hayden Hall
Welcome to Black Diamond Resort & Spa… I’m left on this strip of sand after my second round of rehab. Father says I should rest and build my strength back, but I know better. I’m a toxic asset. Father is launching his campaign of hate and bigotry in a presidential bid and I am the black hole for his reputation. And not because I’m an addict. Oh no...Categorized as:
new adult hurt-comfort forced proximity angst from hate to love bdsm queer contemporary -
![Dark Soul Vol. 4 by Aleksandr Voinov]()
Dark Soul Vol. 4 by Aleksandr Voinov
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsIn "Dark Rival I," the noose tightens around Stefano Marino's neck. While Silvio and Franco are off taking care of the Russian problem, mutiny brews in Stefano's crime family. It soon becomes clear he can trust only one man in his life, but whether he can hold on to Silvio-and what it might cost his marriage-are questions for which he has no answers... -
-
![You Always You by M.E. .]()
You Always You by M.E. .
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhatever happened in your past, did not happen. And I am your only future.I am obsessed with you; you're obsessed with me.You hurt me to comfort me.You break me to put me back together.And I do the same to you.I am addicted to you; you're addicted to me.You told me this would be a bad idea.You warned me of the heartache.And I did it anyway.I like you; you like me.When I see you, my sun rises... -
![Dirty Daddies by Maren Smith, Maggie Ryan]()
Dirty Daddies by Maren Smith, Maggie Ryan
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsStrong, sexy and dirty-as-hell! Twelve, panty-melting romances starring Daddy Doms who command total surrender and the women who don’t stand a chance of resisting. Penned by some of the best authors in the genre, this deliciously naughty collection of all-new stories is bursting with HOT, raw, Daddy Dom action that’s sure to leave you breathless. Surrender now...Categorized as:
bdsm age difference forbidden love queer daddy-kink age play insta-love contemporary -
![Stockholm Syndrome by Richard Rider]()
Stockholm Syndrome by Richard Rider
During a botched jewel robbery, a teenage Lottery heir unhappy with his home life becomes a willing hostage for the gang of thieves. Pip Valentine craves excitement, drama, anything that'll get him away from his family, especially because the ransom is going to hit them where it hurts - right in the bank account... -
![Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen]()
Signs of Life by Melanie Hansen
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSuccessful lawyer Jeremy Speer has it all—a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a cherished dream that’s about to become reality. He’s learned not to take happiness for granted, meeting the challenges of life and love head-on with unwavering commitment and fierce devotion. A series of tragic events leave Jeremy shattered, adrift on a sea of unimaginable pain... -
![Sin and Supplication by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory]()
Sin and Supplication by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Murderous PastFather Gian Sabbatini is a priest who can’t outrun his sins, but he tries to avoid his family and their mob ties. He does all the good he can for the people of St. Loren, Louisiana, to make up for the criminal life he once led. Gian’s family loves to remind him that no matter how many people he helps, there is still blood on his hands, and on the money in the church coffers... -
![throw up your fists, throw out your wits by Youcouldmakealife, Imogenedisease]()
throw up your fists, throw out your wits by Youcouldmakealife, Imogenedisease
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLuke doesn’t think he’s ever looked better than he does, right then, bleeding from wounds Luke gave him...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.
