Books like 'The Baller'
Readers who enjoyed The Baller by August Jones also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports age difference queer-awakening queer hurt-comfort boss & employee other-man-woman breeding
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Patchwork by K.M. Neuhold
It's not a relationship, it's just a patchwork of tattoo sessions and sweaty secrets with a rock star. No big deal. I've been keeping this secret for four years, counting down the months in between visits from Onyx. To everyone else I'm “Hero” but he mostly just calls me “yes” and “more” while we trade heated kisses and wandering hands...Categorized as:
queer age difference secret-relationship anal sex m-m contemporary audiobook explicit-plentiful -
Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely
Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist. A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever. But how do I become the man I want to be. . -
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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...Categorized as:
sports age difference athletes bisexual secret-relationship queer queer-awakening angst -
All In With Him by Lauren Blakely
Once upon a time all I needed was baseball, friends and extracurricular activities. Then everything changed when Declan Steele stormed into my life and upended all my priorities with his heart, his love, his passion. So my next five-year plan will include this new ground rule—Love big... -
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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
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... -
A Matter of Time, Vol. 1 by Mary Calmes, Paul Morey
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJory Keyes leads a normal life as an architect’s assistant until he is witness to a brutal murder. Though initially saved by police Detective Sam Kage, Jory refuses protective custody - he has a life he loves that he won’t give up no matter who is after him. But Jory’s life is in real jeopardy, especially after he agrees to testify about what he saw... -
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... -
Common Ground by R.J. Moray
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhy can't you have your cake and eat it too? Channon belongs to Jack—that's just a fact. But they aren't an island, and if Channon's going to get the happy-ever-after he wants, Jack's going to have to bury the hatchet with (and not in) the one other person in Channon's life whose disapproval matters. -
Keeping Secrets by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe truth can cost you everything. Twenty-six-year-old Beck Medina is convinced of that. He’s been abandoned by so many people over the course of his life, including most of his adopted family. Now he’s created a new family for himself at the resort he manages on Catalina Island. But they don’t know the whole truth about him... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Five by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMackey is great at taking a leap of faith into a crowd—but taking one into a relationship and a future is a totally different animal. When he and Trav decide to take a risk that Mackey's healing can hold up to them together, they know it's going to be a long, difficult road... -
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... -
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Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well! Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out. You can't miss out on this tender, loving, and hot-as-sin m/m college hockey romance! Rookie:... -
The Sinner's Sanctuary (Doormen of the Upper East Side) by August Jones
PH24. This is my confession…. Cristian Doorman at Gramercy Place on the Upper East Side. My first love died in her sleep, and I ask forgiveness every day from a God I struggle to believe in. I write poems in a basement, keep my failures and secrets to myself, and live a life that feels like a lie. A life I owe to a man I barely know... -
Bent Backwards by Jesse H. Reign
A story retold - straight to gay erotic romance. One very average day, Ethan Quinn walks into a pub and in a split second, his entire life is turned upside down. A chance encounter with sexy, sweet Oliver, gives rise to an addiction that can't be ignored or overcome. If you've read Bent, you might have found yourself wondering about what enigmatic and at times, maddening, Ethan was thinking...Categorized as:
angst other-man-woman queer queer-awakening anal sex bondage bisexual secret-relationship -
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 suit. As 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...Categorized as:
sports hurt-comfort age difference queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers age play -
Northland by Cara Dee
Two years ago, Logan Ward got the surprise of his life when he discovered he was the father of a two-year-old boy. Professionally and romantically adrift, he devoted all his time and energy to caring for his son. But now he’s searching for something more, and he and Justin head north to Alaska to try out the life his best friend Quinn has been raving about...Categorized as:
alpha male bisexual queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary length-short explicit-open-door -
Unbreakable Stories: Lucas by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
A collection of six short stories following the romantic adventures and misadventures of millionaire Lucas Vallois and Romanian bodyguard Andrei Hadeon. This collection is more than 30,000 words long and contains stories such as:. The Meeting. Perfect. Te Iubesc. I Want More. Homecoming. Thanksgiving...Categorized as:
queer anal sex switch alpha male possessive hero super rich hero bisexual age difference -
The Sexy Suit by Lauren Blakely
Technically, he wasn’t my client the night I met him. But that’s hardly an excuse for flirting with the charming athlete at a hotel bar. Buying him a drink. Leading him on that I’d say yes if he asked me to spend the night. My only excuse? Some men are just irresistible. Now I might lose him as a client, and I can’t afford the hit to my reputation...Categorized as:
sports athletes boss & employee queer m-m from hate to love contemporary length-novella -
Xavier by Silvia Violet
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI thought I was straight. I thought protecting my identity mattered more than anything besides family. Then Emilio came to me for protection. It's my fault he’s in danger, and no one is going to touch him. No one besides me.Categorized as:
super rich hero age difference queer queer-awakening contemporary military m-m length-medium -
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... -
Breakout Year by K.D. Casey
A newly traded, newly out third baseman on the cusp of his first major contract hires a fake boyfriend—not expecting him to be the former player who ghosted him years before. But as their star ascends in public, their feelings burn hot in private. .. threatening to expose what’s for the cameras—and what’s for real. Eitan Rivkin is used to being first... -
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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... -
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating...Categorized as:
age difference angst hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary length-long first-in-series -
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat? Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
In His Secret Life by Mel Bossa
When Allan's boyfriend leaves him for a younger man, Allan lets him go without a grudge. When his sister, Elsie, gets pregnant and ditched, he becomes her support system and father figure to his niece. Then Elsie becomes engaged to Dayton, and Allan meets Dayton's older brother, Davinder—a fierce and exceptionally gifted artist with a thousand secrets breathing in his eyes...Categorized as:
bisexual age difference angst other-man-woman queer secret-relationship cold hero contemporary -
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScarred by the past. Terrified to love again. Savion. Once upon a time, my life was a fairytale. Engaged to a beautiful woman, we were planning our perfect future. Then, the sick act of an obsessed man ruined everything. Alone, disfigured, and betrayed, I fled to LA to focus on my work as a paleontologist. It was there I met Declan... -
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R. G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
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... -
Thin Ice by Lane Hayes
The hunky hockey dad, the bad boy coach, and a new start. .. Bryson. Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Sorry. I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town life, but I haven’t had a date, let alone a boyfriend in years. That’s fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus. Except now he’s grown and is rarely home. And it’s lonely... -
Never Enough by E.M. Denning
Tommy Parker has everything under control. He's made it through almost four years of University without revealing the secrets of his tumultuous home life. He has his eye on the prize but he can't turn down a party invitation from his friend Shawn. Even though it's not his scene Tommy finds he doesn't mind being the subject of Vince Barnett's attention. Vince Barnett is ready to move on...Categorized as:
age difference hurt-comfort angst queer anal sex super rich hero possessive hero m-m -
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... -
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All Bats are Off by Kelly Reynolds
Friends with Benefits meets Ted Lasso in this one-night-stand to lovers, gay baseball romcom set in the Pacific Northwest. If there's one rule every pro-baller knows, it's to avoid the press like the plague... -
Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Kenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible. One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea. Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible... -
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
Promise by Sierra Riley, Aubrey Cullens
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“I like it when you tell me what to do. ”. “Do you know how many artists would kill for reviews like yours? ”. Once, becoming a model child was how Jared Logan learned to cope with his father’s perfectionism. Painting was his one escape; the only time he felt free from always having to do what everyone else thought he should... -
Unconditional Love by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"A Seven Days Story". Can a person's life change in just one day? How about seven? Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys' time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind... -
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... -
Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend. He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet. But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
Impact Zone Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpecial Edition Book Art - Paperback only. Two desperate encounters led to a dating arrangement. One for money. The other for sexual exploration. Kel. I tried to save Ohana Surfing Club, a surf shop my father and I owned... -
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The Outcast by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEthan Bennett is too old for Mickey. Ethan Bennett plays guitar, barbecues as often as possible, and owns a diner. He’s a widower whose life still revolves around his sons, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Mickey, a younger man his son Taylor had been helping shows up at the diner, cold to the bone, thin as a rail, Ethan knows he can’t send him away... -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right. No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
The Winger by Charlie Novak
Wanted: An Experienced Player To Teach Me The Rules. When I finally admit my attraction to men might be more than just curiosity, I start questioning everything about myself. I’d always been told I couldn’t be gay and play rugby, but my teammates are proof that isn’t true. Now I’m fixated on all the filthy things Ezra, the Knights’ hot, older Head of Marketing, might do to me... -
Before I Fall by Joelle Lynne, Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWho’s going to catch me when I fall? Evan. Everything has been taken from me. My home, my family, and the love of my life. Raising a child on my own isn’t how I envisioned my young life full of hopes and dreams. Now, my youth is gone, too. I had been drowning with no way out until him. The one man I didn’t expect to hold my head above water... -
Covert by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPart of the Wrecked universe. Takes place between book 2 and 3. A short story featuring Morris and his Maggie. (Where Maggie is short for Magnussen, a male, in case you care. ) It's sweet and informative. Helps explain Morris and his overall crankiness. -
Ice Rivals by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should hate him. But after learning the truth, how could I not fall for him? Mason. My rookie season in the NHL started with a gut punch. There he was, standing in my locker room. Jett Jarvis, a player hated by his former teammates. He has an arrogant smirk, intense eyes, and a birthmark that looks…too familiar. I’m sure I saw it on the dude who dumped me in my hookup app...
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