Books like 'Even Strength (The Games We Play)'
Readers who enjoyed Even Strength (The Games We Play) by Cari Z. & Ann Gallagher also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports hurt-comfort queer from hate to love mma-boxing
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Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation.But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
![Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante]()
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHave you met the Nice Guys? Available for a limited time! Here's your chance to get the complete Nice Guys collection with an additional 30,000 words of bonus material for the low price of $2.99 for fourteen days only... -
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![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.71 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
![Get Frosted by Amy Aislin]()
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
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![Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying for their country in the Winter Olympics is the highest of all honors, but when family members are pitted as rivals and a dark specter from the past turns up in Beijing, tensions run high, and abruptly, it’s not all about the hockey.Jared is torn—assistant coach for Team Canada, with Ryker on the team; he bleeds red and white and wears the maple leaf with pride... -
![Alone On the Water by MadLori]()
Alone On the Water by MadLori
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSherlock Holmes never expected to live a long life, but he never imagined that it would end like this. - 7725 WordsSorrow’s my body on the wavesSorrow’s a girl inside my caveI live in a city sorrow builtIt’s in my honey, it’s in my milkDon’t leave my half a heart alone on the waterCover me in rag and bone sympathyCause I don’t want to get over you... -
![Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin]()
Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHank Beaufort's life is a mess.Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he's freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce... -
![Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
![Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey]()
Family First by RJ Scott, VL 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... -
![Rough by Reese Knightley]()
Rough by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter circling around each other for so long, are they ready to take it to the next level? Mason can admit that he’s had the hots for rough and gruff Gage Hillcrest for well over a year now. Only Gage is bossy and overbearing as all hell. Not to mention that Gage is a closed book and Mason doesn’t know anything about the man... -
![Candy Color Paradox, Vol. 1 by Isaku Natsume, Adrienne Beck]()
Candy Color Paradox, Vol. 1 by Isaku Natsume, Adrienne Beck
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsReporter Onoe and photographer Kaburagi constantly bicker and argue on their stakeouts, but will their antagonistic behavior paradoxically evolve into something sweeter?Satoshi Onoe, a reporter for a weekly magazine, has a new stakeout partner, and he’s anything but thrilled about it... -
![Performance in a Leading Role by MadLori]()
Performance in a Leading Role by MadLori
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSherlock/Watson FanficSherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto... -
![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...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort from hate to love m-m contemporary christmas humor length-novella -
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![Assisted by Carly Marie]()
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suitAs assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy... -
![Spring Rains by R.J. Scott]()
Spring Rains by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen love is on the line, the only way to move forward is to challenge ghosts of the past and find a place to belong.High School Teacher Chris, an amputee since his teens, has wrestled with darkness and emerged victorious. He’s a pillar of strength in the classroom, deflecting his overbearing family by day and yearning for love by night... -
![Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUnder the Christmas lights strung outside a snowy Minnesota cabin, Ryker and Jacob face a future where nothing will be the same again. Fortunate timing means that Ryker and Jacob can spend a few days together over Christmas in a cabin on the family farm. What's better is that Scott and Ben are coming as well, with Hayne and Ethan in tow... -
![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... -
![Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDocumentary producer Simon and ex-footballer Declan are taking some big steps toward a lasting life together. They’ve bought a house, and they’ll need it for the family they plan to start. Their friend, Nyssa, has made the generous offer to be their surrogate, and Declan couldn’t be more excited about the idea of a baby... -
![Masterpiece by H.J. Welch]()
Masterpiece by H.J. Welch
“I want to trust you.” Koby Duvall always knew his place at school. Art nerds like him were just target practice for guys on the football team. NFL star Vince Russo may never have bullied him, but the two men are still nothing alike. Except when Koby is asked to create a sculpture of Russo, they find themselves stuck together... -
![I'm Not Your Enemy by Cara Dee]()
I'm Not Your Enemy by Cara Dee
Family | Book 2 of 2 | Lovers to Enemies | Enemies to… The line between love and hate has never been so thin, and Blake and Sebastianreturn in this sequel with bottled-up hurt that somehow just brings them evencloser. Sebastian was right. I was a coward. I ran my closeted tail all the way back toGeorgia. Once I got there, I had no place left to hide. My life imploded... -
![Game On by Amy Aislin]()
Game On by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen he broke off his engagement to his team captain's brother the day before their wedding, Jamie Jamieson swore he'd never get involved with anyone associated with a teammate again. Getting traded to the Orcas is a chance at a fresh start, but one glance at his new housemate, and Jamie knows he's in way over his head. Dorian is his new coach's cousin. And his team's social media coordinator... -
![10 DANCE, vol. 4 by Satoh Inoue, 井上 佐藤]()
10 DANCE, vol. 4 by Satoh Inoue, 井上 佐藤
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYaoi fans, dip into your new obsession! The beautifully-detailed, lithe bodies of the two “kings of the ballroom” fly across the dance floor as rivals build a volatile bond in this red-hot romance!IT TAKES TWOShinya Sugiki, the dashing lord of Standard Ballroom, and Shinya Suzuki, passionate king of Latin Dance: The two share more than just a first name and a love of the sport... -
![Summer Kisses by Charlie Novak]()
Summer Kisses by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTwo chefs. Two summers. One shot at a second chance.Aaron’s PlanThen:1. Get a better job2. Learn more skills3. Get money for restaurant4. Don’t fall in love with JoshNow:1. Finesse menu2. Stop being angry at Josh3. Swear less (Ben’s idea)4. Stop wanting to kiss Josh5. Get Michelin stars6. Stop being in love with JoshJosh’s PlanThen:1. Start new job2. Try not to burn out3... -
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![Perfect by Jenny Wood]()
Perfect by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAdoption is hard. Paperwork and more paperwork, lawyers and more lawyers and it seems like begging and choosing....all to get your heart broken when the expectant mother backs out. Not wanting to go through that again, or put Morgan through it again; they opted out. Unfortunately, the new guy didn't get the memo and they were chosen by expectant young mother, Haley... -
![Scene Queen by Charlie Novak]()
Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort sports queer m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary forced proximity length-medium -
![Cherry on Top by Beth Bolden]()
Cherry on Top by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Enzo Moretti's mom lures him home to paint one of his famous murals in Indigo Bay, he expects an awkward family reunion.Not an awkward matchmaking attempt.And not Will Johnson, the new owner of Cherry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and it turns out, also who she’s been boasting to about all Enzo's perfect qualities.He's perfectly embarrassed, all right... -
![Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James]()
Frat Wars Presidential Chaos Bonus Scene by Saxon James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings...Categorized as:
sports queer from hate to love m-m contemporary college queer-awakening length-novella -
![Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu]()
Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Huddle! Vol. 3 . If you're brand new here, Huddle zines are 18+ fan Service booklets that feature characters from the webcomic Check Please .And for a sketch zine that started on a goddamn whim, the Huddle series continues a strong legacy of spiciness and smut. How did we even get her, folks?.. -
![Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden]()
Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCan they fake it til Tate makes it?Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school... -
![Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen danger stalks their new home, it’s only their strength as a couple that keeps them safe.Ryker misses Jacob every day he’s away. At the start of a new Raptors season with everything to play for, Jacob, the desert ranch, and their small menagerie of animals have become an oasis of peace in a turbulent world... -
![Rebound by V.L. Locey]()
Rebound by V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIf there’s one thing that’s a certainty in life, it’s change. It’s taken Victor Kalinski years to settle into the kind of happiness that he thought he’d never find. The small town of Cayuga, New York, has welcomed him warmly. It’s given him a championship team to coach, a tightly-knit group of friends, a father who he has reconciled with, and a safe place to raise the son he adores... -
![Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella]()
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... -
![Savage Grace by Spencer Spears]()
Savage Grace by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMy ex in my bed is a bad idea. But consequences are for when the sun comes up…Connor: If there’s such a thing as a soul, Julian Jackson owns mine.But that doesn’t mean I want to see him.I left Summersea Island 10 years ago, nursing wounds from a past I’d rather forget.Julian was my first love and my first heart-break...Categorized as:
queer from hate to love hurt-comfort m-m second chances contemporary lgbtqia hate angst -
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![Crushing on Him by Lauren Blakely]()
Crushing on Him by Lauren Blakely
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsForbidden. Off limits. Dangerous.This desire for my teammate was all of those things. For the last few years I crushed on him safely, from a distance.Then on the first day of spring training, I come face-to-face with him for the first time and when our eyes meet and linger, it’s a whole new ball game. A much bigger risk too, one that can threaten my brand new career... -
![Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart]()
Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTom; shy office clerk by day and drawer of foxes by night, wakes up one Monday knowing the most extraordinary week of his life is about to begin. In five days, a lifelong ‘secret’ will be made gloriously public—but will it mean losing the person he loves most?Getting married… It seems only yesterday Tom changed nappies and sang nursery rhymes to a laughing baby... -
![Perfect Buddy Vol. 2 by daki, Lash]()
Perfect Buddy Vol. 2 by daki, Lash
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPOINT OF NO RETURNAfter seeing firsthand how well-endowed his coworker Baek Youngchan is, Seo Hyunsoo finds himself plagued with the filthiest thoughts imaginable. Clearly the way to rid himself of his insane fantasies is to avoid Youngchan entirely, but Youngchan doesn’t appear to have gotten the memo. No matter where Hyunsoo turns, Youngchan is there, being his annoyingly perky self... -
![Cort—Unbreakable by Felice Stevens]()
Cort—Unbreakable by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCort I spent years waiting for someone who never put me first. He took my love, took me for granted. Took my heart. Now I’m on my own. Living life my way. The crowd only sees my smile. Never my loneliness and pain. I need someone to need me. When I meet another lost soul my friends try to warn me. He’s a liar. A user. Homeless. Heartbroken. He’s all that and more... -
![All for Wesley by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
All for Wesley by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA B&B owner takes on a posh hotel developer in this enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of South Florida heat. The grudge match is set to get nasty. Wesley and Nathan are willing to pull out all the stops to achieve their dreams. They just never expected the heat between them to carry over to the bedroom... -
![Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon]()
Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpecial Edition Book Art - Paperback onlyTwo desperate encounters led to a dating arrangement. One for money. The other for sexual exploration.KelI tried to save Ohana Surfing Club, a surf shop my father and I owned... -
![My Beautiful Man , Volume 1 by Yuu Nagira]()
My Beautiful Man , Volume 1 by Yuu Nagira
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKazunari Hira is not what you'd call popular. In fact, he's basically on the lowest rung of the social ladder, due largely to his stutter that tends to flare up when he's anxious. And then there's him: Sou Kiyoi, leader of the pack and the most beautiful man Hira has ever seen... -
![Unstable by Charity Parkerson]()
Unstable by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“A bottle of liquor a day keeps the demons at bay.” After a childhood so horrific a book was published about it, Jimmy understandably didn’t become the most well-adjusted adult. He’s made it his business to blend into the background while drinking himself into an early grave. That is, until he pulls a homeless teen from the dumpster. Living on the streets hasn’t been easy for Eli... -
![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... -
![Flare by Posy Roberts]()
Flare by Posy Roberts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSequel to "Fusion". Hugo Thorson and Kevin Magnus are learning to live again after the death of Kevin's wife, Erin. They're doing everything they can to make a stable home for Kevin’s kids, but that stability is threatened when Kevin is served legal documents: Erin's parents want custody of Brooke and Finn... -
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![Break Down by Rebecca Norinne]()
Break Down by Rebecca Norinne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis heart says no, but his body says yes Liam Donnelly's honed, athletic body craves something he can't have. Not when the last time ended in disaster. Now, the Dublin Rugby player is seeking redemption with a new team in Edinburgh. His fresh start is going strong, but one look at Chef Lachlan MacLeod's inked forearms and whiskey-colored eyes and he's tempted by far more than what's on the menu... -
![Hard Justice by Tibby Armstrong]()
Hard Justice by Tibby Armstrong
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScandalous headlines threaten to turn Jamie Kent from a pop star to a pariah on the regular, but this latest one is a little too close for comfort. The Asylum Fight Club seems like a good place to hide out...until he has to prove he belongs—deep in a lifestyle with a contract and rules he breaks within the first five minutes... -
![Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis]()
Two Weeks in Paradise by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBen Stephens adores his daughter, loves making furniture, and is slowly but surely healing from a traumatic past. He’s even almost positive he’s okay with his only child getting married. The tropical destination wedding is outside of his comfort zone, but he can deal with it. After all, it’s for his baby girl, and it’s only two weeks...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort from hate to love queer single-father m-m forced proximity contemporary length-short -
![The Right One by Felice Stevens]()
The Right One by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratings"Wrong never felt so right."Morgan Cantrell is a survivor. After running away from an abusive husband, he’s finally divorced and starting over, but it’s hard. Of course he doesn’t mean to set off the smoke detectors in the building or short out the electricity in his apartment. Mistakes happen. The last thing he wants is to draw the attention of his growly, moody-ass super... -
![Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud]()
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMatthias Brandl always knew he wouldn’t spend his entire career with the same team. He does have two tiny problems with getting traded to Las Vegas, though. Number one: Matthias hooked up with their starting goalie Casey Wallace last summer. Number two: Casey totally hates his guts.Now that Matthias has to be Casey’s backup whether he likes it or not, they have to find a way to work together...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love queer m-m contemporary athletes grumpy sunshine forced proximity -
![Luca by L.A. Witt]()
Luca by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEthanHockey season is over, and that means one thing—returning home to my empty condo. With nothing to distract me from this loneliness, it’s going to be a miserable summer.Then I hire Luca for one night.At least, it was supposed to be one night.LucaEthan isn’t like my other clients (not that I have many these days). He’s nice. He’s genuine. He doesn’t treat me like I’m here to earn my pay...
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