Books like 'Smolder'
Readers who enjoyed Smolder by Susan Scott Shelley & Chantal Mer also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
gay romance sports friends to lovers athletes age difference queer
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Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman. The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up! At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt. Does an old man with a bleak romantic history have what it takes to satisfy his hot, young partner? -
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Boarded by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCourage is following your heart when your brain says run “Boarding, two minutes. ” Collin Harringford has delivered the penalty countless times as an enforcer with the Nashville Grizzlies. When life delivers the boarding, he’s forced home to sort out his grandpa’s estate... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe seasons have shifted, and Shin and Seiji are starting their new life together. Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
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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 friends to lovers queer new adult from hate to love contemporary length-medium m-m -
Tigers on the Run by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYoung Australian Micah Johnson is the first AFL player to be out at the beginning of his career. Retired professional football player Declan Tyler mentors Micah, but he finds it difficult, as Micah is prone to making poor life choices that land him in trouble. Nothing Dec can’t handle. He’s been there, done that, more times than he’d like to admit... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsZeke Gulden is a ruthless Wall Street exec. His hard-edged, no-nonsense attitude has served him well in the cutthroat business world, but less so in his personal life. When he finds out his ex-boyfriend cheated on him with a coworker, Zeke can’t let go—not until he finds a way to get even. However, his meddlesome father has other ideas... -
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... -
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsJeremiah—or Jem, as his friends like to call him—Knight is stuck at a crossroads. Injured and unsure if he’ll be spending another season on the football field, he returns home for the holidays, hoping to lick his wounds in private. Only to be roped into being the mascot and grand marshal of the annual Christmas Falls festival and parade... -
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men. When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help. He saved me. Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again. I can’t ask for more of my friend. Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong. But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again. I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary found-family length-short audiobook -
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 friends to lovers age difference queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort age play -
Tempt Me by Mia Monroe
My best friend’s little brother is all grown up. Figuring out my sexuality at nearly forty years old has been a revelation, but dating hasn’t been any easier. After a failed engagement, I know what’s important to me, and I refuse to settle anymore. So when my best friend asks me if I can help his little brother settle in after being away, it sounds like a pleasant distraction...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m length-short audiobook explicit-open-door -
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Tigerland by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsAfter an eventful and sometimes uncomfortably public courtship, Simon Murray and Declan Tyler settled into a comfortable life together. Now retired from the AFL, Declan works as a football commentator; Simon develops programs with queer content for a community television station. Despite their public professional lives, Simon and Declan manage to keep their private life out of the spotlight... -
Hot Ice, Tennessee by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA hockey hotshot has me wrapped around his finger…. Even after I learn his dirty secret. Jesse is cocky, charming, tattooed, and even more possessive off the ice. …He’s also my friend’s younger brother—which I found out like a puck to the face. He’s too young, too popular, and he knows he has my attention. He’s a college dreamboat, with frat bros riding his jock every day. My world’s different... -
A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon
A year ago, Kelly Cannon couldn’t imagine he’d end up with his formerly straight best friend. It’s hard to believe he can finally kiss Blue anytime he wants…as long as they’re in private. And there’s the rub. Despite Kelly’s promise to wait until Blue is ready to come out, he’s tired of sneaking around...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers queer m-m secret-relationship audiobook explicit-open-door -
Protector by Nicole Dykes
Zachary Olson:. I screwed up. Big time. I hurt someone, and I hate myself for it. I’m barely eighteen and already completely exhausted. Tired of being haunted by secrets and guilt. My biggest regret, though, is keeping it all from Adam—my best friend, teammate, protector. My everything since I can remember. And how do I repay him? By keeping these secrets locked up inside... -
Surrender Your Heart by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSecrets and fears… Everyone has them; Jack Murphy and Liam Connelly are no exception. A secret brings Liam Connelly to D. C. , but what he discovers upon his arrival is so much more than he expected. Hired to tend bar at Bottoms Up, Liam finds himself drawn to his enigmatic boss like a moth to a flame...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference queer m-m military contemporary length-short audiobook -
Love In Slow Motion by E.M. Lindsey
“Maybe it didn’t end there. Maybe it started with a kiss…”. The only thing Ilan Nadav knows about relationships and marriage is that they ruin people. He’s committed himself to the bachelor life, and he’s never been happier—until his best friend had to go and fall in the sort of toe-curling, sonnet-writing kind of love...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary bff-parent length-medium explicit-open-door -
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... -
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
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... -
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDanny. I'm not a guy who's looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It's clear Jonathan's past did a number on him, and he's locked up tight... -
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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... -
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... -
Strike a Chord by K.M. Neuhold
“You want to fake date me? ”. Music is my life, my band is my heart and soul, and it’s all falling apart before my eyes. A plan hatched from desperation as we both watch our careers burn down around us. Dating my best friend’s twin brother, Paris, who just so happens to be a gay icon at the moment seems like the perfect plan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer m-m explicit-open-door length-short audiobook rockstars -
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsWhen Colorado Penn finds an unexpected package on his front step, his life will be changed forever. Colorado Penn is living the dream. Starting goalie for the Arizona Raptors when in season, lead singer for a hard rock band when summer rolls around. He’s the quintessential free spirit who’s making sure he enjoys all the carnal blessings of his athleticism, and gritty singing voice... -
Exploring Daddy by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve never had a Daddy. Can he teach me how to be the perfect boy? I have three problems. No job. No direction. No clue what I’m doing next. Following my best friend to LA is the only thing that makes sense. I’ll start a new life, figure out a career, and learn how to be an adult. Meeting Matteo is intimidating but exciting. I know he wants a boy. I also know I’m far from what he’s looking for... -
Yesterday by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there. Or is it? Can Rikker survive a visit with his parents? And can Graham let him do it alone? (Only published in the Novella Collection "Extra Credit" - The Ivy Years 6 which contains all three novellas. -
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... -
Reawaken by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLosing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers's world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene... -
Chance at the Impossible by J.M. Dabney
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBrent Canter lived forty-seven years content with his life to have it all disappear with one life-threatening diagnosis. Cancer without hope of survival, yet he’d beat the odds. He had a successful business and a family he loved, yet he was missing something. That something was an adorable, younger man, and he didn’t know what to do. Miller Andrews loves the silver fox, Brent Canter...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary daddy-kink bff-parent length-novella -
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... -
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Late Check In by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHis late awakening plus my years of pining equals one explosive reunion. Five years ago, he was my history professor. The crush I had on the sophisticated, intellectual man morphed into love. As an older student and teaching assistant, I figured I’d take my shot. I asked him out as soon as the semester was over, only to find out he was married. Oh, and straight...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m forced proximity second chances length-short -
Only You by Nicole Dykes
Tatum. My best friend is settled. He met the love of his life and was granted guardianship of his younger siblings. I’ve had the goal to help him for what seems like forever, and now that things are good for him, I should feel complete, right? But there’s always been a piece missing for me. Has been for a long time. Something I don’t think I can ever fix...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference queer m-m hurt-comfort length-short explicit-plentiful -
Line Drive by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPJ Nolan just has to get through this year. He’d been hoping for a trade to Milwaukee, where he wouldn’t have to hide the fact that he was gay, but that didn’t pan out. He’s close enough to achieving his goal that he can’t walk away, no matter how hostile the Miami clubhouse had become... -
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... -
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare.Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary humor first-in-series standalone-first -
The Pro vs The Fan by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook 3.Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer sports athletes age difference m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine -
The Nanny with the Nice List by K. Sterling
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis Christmas, Dash Griffin finally gets his man. The library needs a new Santa to read stories to its littlest patrons and Dash has lots of friends who would be perfect. But instead of asking any of them, he sets his sights on quiet, uptight Gavin Selby. Dash has known for some time that the cranky accountant is the one for him...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers age difference m-m grumpy sunshine christmas humor length-medium -
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... -
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... -
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Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty. Sawyer Bennett. A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
Triple Play: An M/M/M Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Eric is unable to help his friend recover, he has to put his feelings aside for a second time. He never imagined the man who could help would be the glue that bound them together. Drew Jackson had it all: a family who loves him, a tight circle of friends, and he’s a rising star with the Milwaukee Mavericks... -
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... -
Two-Man Advantage by Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWells Lemiere knew the moment he saw Matty Haverbrooke, he had to have him. Matty was quiet, he was talented, he was beautiful, and Wells couldn’t stay away. As the youngest and most talented son of the NHL Commissioner, Matty had found the burden of family expectations almost too heavy to carry on even his broad shoulders. He had no intention of getting involved in a relationship with Wells... -
The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Right and Wrong Story. Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m multicultural contemporary queer-awakening -
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend...
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