Books like 'The Rookie vs The Ace'
Readers who enjoyed The Rookie vs The Ace by Nicole Dykes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance from hate to love age difference queer sports bisexual angst office grumpy sunshine
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Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知
When Hokkaido-born Haruki meets animal photographer Akihito and finds out his accommodations have fallen through, he offers his home as a shelter for the winter. A city slicker, Akihito is smart, charming, and a smooth conversationalist; the polar opposite of country boy Haruki. Despite their differences, Akihito wants to close the gap between the two of them, before the snow thaws in the spring. -
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 World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 4 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #4) by Shungiku Nakamura
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. 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? -
On or Off, Volume 3 (On or Off (Paperback Ed.) #3) by A1
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsWinner of the Ridibooks 2019 BL Awards. Ahn Yiyoung is hard at work building a startup with his college friends, knowing that a successful product could change all of their lives... -
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Beneath the Stain - Part Seven by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe one lesson that Trav's learned with the band's return to Tyson is that it should be hard to say good-bye. Mackey, Kell, Jefferson, and Stevie have to say good-bye to the person who helped make them and break them. They have to say good-bye to their bitterness and anger, and they have to say good-bye to lingering hope that one of the best parts of their childhood can be with them always... -
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back? SANTA. Charlie Heart is many things:. An annoyingly good hockey player. The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers. My rival. The only person I truly hate in the world. And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey weren't kidding when they say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, I think I have it all. My men. Happiness. Friends. Family. And the next, my whole life comes crashing down around me. Betrayal like I’ve never felt before consumes me. A heartbreak so gut-wrenching it hurts to breathe...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love queer new adult friends to lovers contemporary length-medium m-m -
Fairy Cakes in Winter by Lane Hayes
A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for forever…. Scott. So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I don’t like talking and I don’t like strangers. But Theo’s sweet, smart, and sexy—the perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries. Okay, things got overly friendly, but we’re adults and we know the score...Categorized as:
age difference grumpy sunshine bisexual queer m-m contemporary length-short explicit-plentiful -
MistleFoe by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cookies, joy, and a little sprinkle of mom guilt on the side. Did I say little? I mean an entire sleigh full. Which is exactly why I’m on my way home to Winterbury for the holidays, something my parents have been pleading for since I left the small-town life for a view of the city nearly ten years ago. It’s not that I don’t come home to visit. I do...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love grumpy sunshine queer christmas m-m second chances contemporary -
Second Shot by Con Riley
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecond Shot (Second Chance School #2). Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls. Passion always leads to heartbreak for Hayden Novac. Nice guys always get picked last. That’s what my coach at a soccer academy once promised... -
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... -
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... -
My Kind of Guy by Sarina Bowen
He’s a backup goalie with a broken game. The only thing he needs more than a win is the hot, grumpy bartender who pours his weekly beer. Becker James is having a spectacularly bad season. Once a top draft pick, he’s now riding the bench in the minors, one failed save away from being cut... -
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... -
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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
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... -
Forgiven: Con by Sloane Kennedy
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsCon. I have everything I’ve ever wanted… so why do I still feel like the kid who came from nothing? Please help him …. Three little words that have haunted me for years. Three little words that I know I’ll take to my grave. It was supposed to be just another fight... -
Love and History by Lane Hayes
The sporty roommate, the professor, and a history lesson…. Holden-. Ezra might be the most annoying roommate ever. He’s loud, obnoxious, and full of himself. So what if he’s a tall, muscular, tattooed jock? His tendency to strip to his boxers in the kitchen while helping himself to my food isn’t endearing in the slightest. Nope. Ezra has to go...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity from hate to love athletes bisexual queer m-m friends to lovers -
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 from hate to love athletes queer m-m contemporary boss & employee length-novella -
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... -
Thawed Out by Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThawed Out is an opposites attract, second chance romance featuring an established couple on the edge of divorce, a ferocious snow storm, precocious children and a healthy dose of holiday magic. Kiren knows there is a storm coming when he goes to the cabin to deliver divorce papers to his husband Flynn, but he doesn’t plan to stay long... -
Suited For You by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s smug, conceited … and hot as hell …. Becoming a partner at Caldwell and Holton will be the crowning achievement in my hard fought career. There’s just one problem. One arrogant, materialistic, flashy problem: Saint Caldwell. Unlike me, he’s never had to struggle for anything a day in his life … or so I think. But there’s more to the man than a showy Porsche and killer smile... -
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... -
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“I don’t want options. I just want you. ”. Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste. ” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self... -
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The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…. Tommy. Help! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
The Dating Experiment by Briar Prescott
Jamie:. Three years ago, I sold my soul to the devil. Also known as my boss. Same thing. Here’s the deal. Connor Quinn is arrogant, impossible to please, cold as ice, and prone to find flaws in everything. Since that fatal day three years ago, many a murder plan have been made and many a weapon considered. Until…...Categorized as:
age difference from hate to love grumpy sunshine office queer m-m humor 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... -
Love Sky by Mame
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLove Sky. The intensified situation got ‘Sky’ cornered and forced him to get laid in order to get out. Sky tries to make up his mind, thinking of it as just a one night stand and no string attached. However, what he doesn’t know is that ‘Phraphai’ won’t give up so easily... -
Bone to Pick by May Archer
Never fall for your professor…. Especially when that professor is Theo Hancock, the man who failed you in your final semester, causing you to have to repeat a class in your millionth year of college when you’re already twenty-freaking-six years old…. Especially when the professor is the most stunning, eye-popping piece of perfection who ever walked on campus...Categorized as:
forced proximity from hate to love age difference grumpy sunshine queer m-m humor contemporary -
Tough Love by Dianna Roman
A little learning is a dangerous thing – Alexander Pope. Damiano’s parents have never had any faith in him, so it’s no surprise when his new boss doesn’t either. He’s determined to prove Graham Brandt wrong though, if only he could stop pushing the man’s buttons and dreaming about tearing them off...Categorized as:
age difference office grumpy sunshine forced proximity from hate to love angst queer contemporary -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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The Hotshot vs The Reporter by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoyal. I’m the hotshot—both on and off the track. I know how to work the crowd and show off. And I’m good at it. I’ve had to become very effective at putting on a show. But my agent is not a fan of my over-the-top antics. So she did something I still can’t believe . . . She called in the press—the media. Specifically, the reporter who hates everything I stand for...Categorized as:
sports from hate to love forced proximity age difference angst grumpy sunshine athletes queer -
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Knox by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing with Crew is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even better than getting called up to the majors. We may have started as a fling, but he’s my end game now, the part of everything I want beyond baseball. There’s another guy in his life now, though, and he’s making up for lost time with his son Grady. I’ve been trying to find my place with them, and most days I think I have... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
In Love's Key, Reprised by Guri Nojiro
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSweet Home Hokkaido wins over a conductor for whom home is anything but sweet. A burnt-out, curmudgeonly conductor finds love in a humble grocer determined to unfreeze the maestro’s heart. -
No Man's Land by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThere’s only one man I will allow to know me. My mind, heart, and soul are my gifts to Mr. Carter. Levi. I used to joke with my found family that I had daddy issues as a deflection from my problems. I didn’t want anyone to know that side of me. I had a classic case of it, keeping me from relating to young men my age. All because of my abusive father...Categorized as:
age difference angst sports forced proximity grumpy sunshine queer contemporary new adult -
Caught off Guard by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 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 athletes grumpy sunshine from hate to love forced proximity queer m-m contemporary -
Leaning Into the Fall by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNick Jorgensen is a quirky genius. He's made a fortune in the competitive high tech field with his quick mind and attention to detail. He believes in hard work and trusting his gut. And he believes in karma. It’s the only thing that makes sense. People are difficult, but numbers never lie... -
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Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly. Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
Hot Streak by Beth Bolden
Young phenom pitcher Connor Clark doesn't want or need help anyone's help making it to the majors. He's got a hot arm, and an even hotter temper. So when his minor league team brings in seasoned catcher Jackson Evans to "handle" him, the two clash instantly. But as the two battle for power, anger gives way to lust, and an awakening Connor didn't see coming...Categorized as:
age difference sports forced proximity from hate to love office queer grumpy sunshine athletes -
Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThey're setting fire to the sheets, but a romance between an out and proud hockey star and a reformed playboy prince could end up burning them both. Marquis Miller might be one of the NHL's best players, single, wealthy, and open about his sexuality, but he knows his future lies in taking over the reins of the family's multimillion-dollar company after retirement... -
The Bodyguard by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s the hot, charming movie star that everyone craves. But what he needs is my protection. My whole life, I’ve been training in martial arts, learning security protocols, and keeping my body strong. I was a bouncer at clubs and an overnight security guard, but in my heart, I’m just a small-town guy. Until recently, I haven’t had much to “protect” other than the chickens in my mother’s backyard... -
Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“Ford, stay with me. ”. Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself... -
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways...
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