Books like 'Off Balance'
Readers who enjoyed Off Balance by Rebecca Rathe also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports mma-boxing queer queer-awakening age difference insta-love height-difference other-man-woman
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NautiCal by Lucy Lennox
I didn’t mean to stow away on the yacht, I swear. My first mistake was going home with the jerk at the bar, but in my defense, Prescott said he owned the Worthington—ninety feet of sleek, yachty perfection—and if I could get the chief mate’s job, I’d have an excuse to stay on board and keep avoiding my family and my future...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity sports height-difference queer contemporary humor m-m -
#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat’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... -
The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 6 by 945
건우가 종적을 감춘 후 더디게 흘러가는 시간을 버티듯 살아가는 의준. 어느덧 3년이 지나 스물여덟을 맞이한다. 건우를 떠올리게 했던 사람과 시작한 연애. 그리고 아르바이트를 전전하다 어렵사리 취업한 중소기업 영업부. 상처받은 마음으로 인한 것일까? 미세하게 불안하지만 남들과 비슷해 보이는 그런 삶을 살고 있다.의준은 직장 생활에서 막내, 신입이라는 이유로 상사의 사소한 심부름을 하게 되는데 그중 편의점에 가는 것이 가장 달갑지 않다. 그곳이 건우의 명함에서 보았던 그의 직장 CIK 그룹과 마주 보고 있다는 부분이 마음을 무겁게 만들기 때문이다. 함께했던 시간을 잊고자 하는 노력을 비웃듯 이렇게 추억들은 사소한 순간순간에 떠오른다... -
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
It’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
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Attraction by Carly Marie
An M/M Neighbors to lovers Romance. Could satin, lace, and sass be enough to break through the ice? Dexter has never hidden his sexuality, and doesn’t blend into the background. From his fiery red hair to the panties he likes to wear, everything about him is vibrant. He’s the complete opposite of his new neighbor, and shouldn’t care if the grouchy man likes him… but he does...Categorized as:
age difference queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m bdsm length-medium explicit-plentiful -
Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
A Little Christmas: Finn by A.W. Scott
Life has a way of bringing you things when you least expect it.Finn knows life isn’t fair. At just nineteen, he’s had to suffer through multiple foster placements, bullying from classmates, and constantly wondering where his next meal would come from. Kicked out of his home and with nowhere to go, he resorts to hiding in the local football stadium when the weather gets tough...Categorized as:
age difference height-difference sports forced proximity queer m-m super rich hero bdsm -
Love in Tuscany by Maya Jean, J.J. Mulder
Spend the summer in Italy for charity!Everyone deserves a second chance, including wedding photographers. They may even catch a picture of a doctor finding his opposite, yet somehow perfect, match. Fall in love in Tuscany, before hitting the road on an adventure with a stranger...Categorized as:
queer age difference height-difference forced proximity insta-love contemporary m-m football -
Penalty Zone by Heather Leighson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCaleb It’s fine. Everything’s fine. I can handle working with Leo Griffin—my idol, my secret obsession… and my best friend’s dad. No big deal.Except his amber eyes track me like prey, and every glance makes me want to drop to my knees and submit. I can resist. It’s the only option. He’d never want someone like me anyway… right?LeoThe complication of Caleb Benz blindsides me, rattling my core... -
The Parting Glass by Josh Lanyon
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTwo and a half years ago, travel writer Timothy McShay let NYPD Detective Luke O'Brien talk him into hiking into the New Jersey Pine Barrens to face down a monster. Now Tim and Luke meet again under very different circumstances. The old attraction is still there -- but so are some of Tim's monsters...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman queer contemporary men in uniform mystery m-m length-novella -
Pretend You're Mine (The Protectors) by Sloane Kennedy
Landscape architect Devon Rhodes doesn’t know what to think when he overhears a heated conversation in his new next-door neighbor’s back yard, but when he decides to intervene, he definitely isn’t expecting the encounter to change his life forever... -
Christmas Bubble by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Christmas snowstorm. Two opposites that most definitely attract. Only one bed.When the man of your absolute dreams slams their mouth into yours, there is only one course of action. Yours truly–that’s me–has broken it down into four easy steps for your convenience.You're welcome.Step one: make sure he really is attached to you. Lips to lips. You're a clam. Do not let go...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity sports height-difference queer queer-awakening christmas office -
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
I thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports height-difference queer hurt-comfort friends to lovers exhibitionism m-m -
Concealed Hearts by Nicky James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo closeted men in one rumor-hungry small town have no chance of keeping their love a secret.Chief of Police Windsor Elkhart is a master deceiver. Not a single person in Jasper has a clue he’s gay, which explains the endless suitors all vying for his attention. Happily married to his job, he’s convinced life is good enough... -
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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... -
All In by Eliza Lentzski
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook Four and the dénouement of the Winter Jacket Series. Hollywood had been a disaster. Elle Graft—Associate Professor of English and once-budding television screenwriter—could admit that much. Now back in Minnesota and back to her old life, Elle’s determined to get her relationship with Hunter back on track. It all started with a broken classroom heater and a blue winter coat... -
Seeking Freedom: Interlocking Fragments IV by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man? Jovany~When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of... -
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
queer-awakening sports queer m-m contemporary college from hate to love length-novella -
Punk-In by Ava Olsen
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMy rock band has reached the pinnacle of success, but fame has its price. Sooner or later, people let you down or sell you out.Except Ivan Cross. My manager, my muse, my obsession.There’s nothing in this world that I want more than Van.And I always get what I want. Four years ago , I was selected to manage a hot new band called Wayward Lane... -
Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThere was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down... -
Ollie Always by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNamed after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers... -
A Different Kind of Love by Nicola Haken
Love is simple. People are not. Despite growing up without it, William Walker knows all about love. He loves his wife. He loves his children. He loves the cat. He has the perfect family, and all he had to do to get it was push aside one pesky little feeling.Unfortunately, love doesn’t pay the bills...Categorized as:
cheating forced proximity insta-love other-man-woman secret-relationship queer angst actors -
Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLuca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness...Categorized as:
height-difference insta-love queer grumpy sunshine m-m hurt-comfort contemporary length-medium -
The Jock by E.M. Denning
Colby Bennett is straight.At twenty-five, he’s the middle of three boys raised by a single father. He’s always been a jock, so managing a gym feels like his calling. If only being a big brother were as easy. When Colby stumbles on his younger brother trying on feminine clothing, Taylor is angry and embarrassed...Categorized as:
sports queer-awakening queer contemporary m-m length-short audiobook explicit-plentiful -
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Never a Saint by Lila Rose
Kylo Lee, prospect to the Diamond MC, makes a career shift to help better his future. He doesn’t know it will change him in more ways than one, and it’s all to do with a certain man who confuses and annoys him, while sending his emotions wild. Just when everything is falling into place, life takes a turn down a road where Kylo doesn’t want to go. His past comes back to bite him in the ass...Categorized as:
age difference secret-relationship queer queer-awakening m-m bikers alpha male contemporary -
Paper Snowflakes by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWho knew a white-out could bring two men clarity? Cameron - There’s something about an older man that drives me wild, but when he’s an amazing father too... swoon-worthy... -
Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre
Cor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…CorFrom the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look...Categorized as:
sports queer height-difference queer-awakening friends to lovers contemporary m-m bisexual -
Luka by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI'm not a good man. I'm not a bad man. But I've made some bad mistakes, made the wrong choices. Who hasn't? But the consequences are tearing us apart. I love two people. I love them differently. The world tells me I have to choose. Why? Why do I have to choose? Loving hurts. Dancing heals... -
Age Rules by Jacki James, Michelle Frost
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI was still too old for him, and he was still too far in the closet for me, but damn, if I didn’t crave him like a drug. After spending twenty years serving in the US Navy while Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in effect, Darren Davis is unapologetically out and proud. He knows exactly what he wants in a relationship, and up and coming MMA star Andre Harrison isn’t it... -
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
A Matter of Fact by Kate Hawthorne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsName – Rhys St. GeorgeAge – 37Relationship status – SingleLooking for – A way to make all of this rightBiggest regret – Callahan McMillianHobbies – Having money, making money, spending money, and wine... -
Montana Sky by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen they spend time alone on a Montana mountainside will Tyler ever convince Martin that like sapphires, love is worth searching for? Martin’s name was the very last on a kill list. The son of a murderer, he’s had no childhood; lost in a horrific holding pattern of death that turned his heart to stone... -
Roughing The Kicker by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDo you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friend’s older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys. “Can you share a room with Jesse tonight?”How could I say no? What Greg and Cooper didn’t know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports age difference insta-love queer m-m contemporary second chances -
Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsBeautiful. Sweet. Bratty. Aaron is a boy worth saving.Red had no idea what he was getting himself into when his boss, Diego, assigned him to watch the much younger Aaron. Keep him safe, keep him out of trouble. Those were his orders. It was supposed to be easy, but Aaron is as wild as he is beautiful. And Red finds himself protecting Aaron for more reasons than a paycheck... -
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Rescue by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I don't need you to rescue me." Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it... -
Music to His Ears by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSal and Haverford are forced to live together, but that doesn’t mean they have to like it. Sparks fly between them, but will it lead to love?Sal HenrikComing home from a world tour early to find out my roommate sublet my room sucks. But being forced to share my room with the most annoying attorney on the planet? I’d rather launch myself into the sun, thanks...Categorized as:
age difference insta-love forced proximity queer from hate to love new adult contemporary humor -
My Brother's Enemy by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never planned on falling for my brother’s mortal enemyWhen I first met Marcus, I had no idea he was the gangster who’d been waging a turf war with my older brother. He was just this gorgeous, sexy guy who was there for me when I needed a friend. By the time I found out the truth, it was too late—I’d already fallen for him... -
Payback by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you do when your ex-boyfriend breaks your heart? You get revenge, of course.It wasn’t just that my ex cheated on me. He also humiliated me and treated me like dirt. But I know how to get back at him.All I have to do is catch the eye of Malcolm Sterling—my ex’s dad, who happens to be a sexy, single silver fox. Since we’ve never met, he’ll have no idea who I am when I make my move... -
The Choice by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratings***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS STORY WAS INCLUDED IN THE H2H ANTHOLOGY WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN UNPUBLISHED. THERE IS NO NEW CONTENT SO YOU MAY WANT TO CONFIRM YOU DON'T ALREADY HAVE THIS STORY AS PART OF THAT ANTHOLOGY*** If you could go back in time and make one different choice, what would that be?It was the question that started it all...Categorized as:
age difference queer height-difference secret-relationship m-m cowboys contemporary dual-pov -
Seth by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsBodyguard Seth Dorgan wanted a quick hook-up before attending his friend’s wedding.What he got was a bone-melting night of pleasure with Liam, the sexiest man he’s ever met.It was a shame they couldn’t have more time.Seth’s wish turns into a nightmare at the wedding when he discovers Liam is his friend’s older brother.But they can avoid each other, right?Nope...Categorized as:
age difference height-difference queer m-m contemporary suspense silver-fox length-novella -
Play by Heart by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIason’s known worldwide for his romantic lyrics, but he never thought he’d fall in love. Will his luck change when the stars align to bring Orion into his life?Iason LeylandMy love songs may have made me famous, but they were beautifully written lies that hid the fact I’ve never loved anyone. I had almost given up hope of finding true love, but then I meet him... -
Summer Makeover by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGregory: Maybe it’s odd that an astrophysicist would spend his weekend before a big conference cutting hair, but it's my creative outlet. Frankly, it's closer to community outreach with all of these pandemic styles.Speaking of which, a weird guy with a huge beard and crazy salt-and-pepper hair just walked in. He's got pretty eyes, I'll give him that. But sir, I'm a scientist, not a miracle worker... -
Stronger With You by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"Give it a try. Let yourself be happy. Believe you deserve it." "A summer adventure is just what I need." Eddie Damron needs a break from the stress of nursing school and everyday life. When an opportunity arises to work for a kayak tour company on a picturesque island in the Pacific Northwest, he jumps in with both feet... -
A Kiss for the Holidays by C.S. Autumn
AsherI can still remember the very first day I met Dalton McKenzie and the day I fell in love with him, too. But after an awful party game, I realize that no matter how often he kisses my cheek or holds my hand, he will never love me the same way. Putting space between us seems like the best idea, but when we wind up trapped together in a tiny cabin with only one bed, space is not an option... -
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There For You by Anyta Sunday
Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . . Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends...Categorized as:
age difference sports queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers open-door length-medium -
The Rookie vs. The Ace by Nicole Dykes, Liam DiCosimo
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCarsonI’m the Rookie. That’s how they want to label me. The new guy.But I’m damn good at what I do. I don’t have anything to prove.Except maybe to him.I’ve watched his career for years. So yeah, maybe I want to impress him a tiny bit. But I also can’t help riling him up and ruffling his feathers.He wants me to do things his way, but I don’t work like that...Categorized as:
sports queer forced proximity age difference insta-love m-m from hate to love contemporary -
Please Remember Me by Jacob Z. Flores
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSuccessful lawyer Santi Herrera couldn’t be happier with the direction his life is taking. Not only is he on track to becoming a partner in his law firm, but he’s planning his wedding to Hank Burton, a south Texas contractor who has made a name for himself despite his humble beginnings. The introverted, lone wolf Santi and the friendly, outgoing Hank complement each other perfectly... -
Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure… WinnieSomeone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, you should brush yourself off…and go to Paris.Okay, maybe that was me. I said it and I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and cosmetic guru in LA... -
Carry and Drag by Michelle Frost
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLift. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. Qualifying to compete on a national level is all that’s on power lifter Dagen Rourke’s mind. After an injury sidelined him the previous year, his only goal has been to overcome the physical challenges and mental demons to get back in the game. Falling into bed with the new artist at his brother’s tattoo shop was never part of his training schedule... -
Cherry Picking (The Games We Play) by Rikki Leighton
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsRILEY My last relationship couldn't survive the secrecy of being queer in the PHL. Sure, the league isn't outright hostile to out players anymore, but you never know if a bad apple runs in your circle. From town to town and then team to team, you learn to hold those cards close to your chest...
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