Books like 'Never Crush on the Captain'
Readers who enjoyed Never Crush on the Captain by Portia Blake also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports queer queer-awakening friends to lovers caretaking hockey single-father forced proximity
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The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen
One cold December day, two men are blindsided by a hockey trade; one is the most decorated goalie in the league, while the other one is the youngest coach in the majors.Jethro Hale is the last player Coach Clay Powers wants to see on his roster, but the G.M. pulls a fast one. And it's not like he can even explain why. Nobody knows about their love affair fifteen years ago... -
![From Coast to Coast by J.J. Mulder]()
From Coast to Coast by J.J. Mulder
NHL forward Remy Stone steps off the plane in Calgary a newly divorced man. While he doesn’t necessarily want to live in Canada, the trade offered a good excuse for a fresh start and he means to capitalize on it.Defenseman Grayson Brody has played most of his career with Calgary, but has long fallen out of love with his team...Categorized as:
sports hockey queer forced proximity friends to lovers athletes queer-awakening sunny hero -
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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...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer hockey m-m contemporary from hate to love -
![Off the Ice by Tierney Rose]()
Off the Ice by Tierney Rose
How do you forgive the person who crushed your dreams and left you a crippled wreck? Ethan Russell doesn’t know, and he doesn’t want to find out. He’s too busy trying to rebuild something resembling a life from the ruins of what remains after defenseman Tanner McCoy shattered his hip and ended his career as the most promising goalie for the Miami Spirit in twenty years... -
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![The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary found-family length-short -
![The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sexy, emotionally-charged, rivals-to-lovers, second chance sports romance… Some men are just off-limits. Like, say, all the other football players in the league. But I’ve been crushing hard on one quarterback in particular for the last year. When Jason invites me to his place the night before my first pro football game, I say yes so fast...Categorized as:
sports queer athletes friends to lovers secret-relationship forced proximity forbidden love m-m -
![Love and History by Lane Hayes]()
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 friends to lovers athletes queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary -
![Extended Stay by Mia Monroe]()
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
![Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAn emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series!I’m a rookie, in every sense of the word. But even though I have a wicked crush on the sexy shortstop on my baseball team, I won’t give in to my fantasies about him.I’m here in the majors for the first time to play ball. Not to experience my first time with a man...Categorized as:
sports queer friends to lovers athletes secret-relationship forced proximity office forbidden love -
![Name From a Hat Trick by L.A. Witt]()
Name From a Hat Trick by L.A. Witt
He’s a hockey star. And he’s my daughter’s hero. And now he’s…my boyfriend??When Jase Kelly scores his fourth professional hat trick, it’s more than just a career highlight. In one of the hats raining down onto the ice, there’s a note from two fans—a girl whose migraines keep her from coming to games, and her dad, who hopes to get her an autograph for her birthday... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer queer-awakening m-m age difference hurt-comfort -
![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?.. -
![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... -
![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5) Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening sunny hero sweet-hero m-m contemporary -
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![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
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...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers queer queer-awakening single-father m-m contemporary -
![Just Winging It by Crea Reitan]()
Just Winging It by Crea Reitan
One weekend can change everything. CaulderI’ve lived a very quiet life, keeping my deepest secrets close to my chest. I let no one in; not even my closest friends. When I’m invited to participate in the All-Star Games, I’m suddenly forced to share a hotel room, and a single bed, with a stranger. My carefully guarded world starts to come undone when he kisses me, and I can’t get enough... -
![Breakaway by Kindle Alexander]()
Breakaway by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGreer Lockhart set out to save the world from itself when he organized his first beach cleanup at the age of twelve. Now, as a uber-successful venture capitalist for eco-friendly startups, he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals—whether personal or professional. When a new fitness app schedules a site-wide cycle race, Greer’s competitive side won’t let him back down...Categorized as:
sports super rich hero friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m insta-love length-medium -
![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James]()
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James
ZaneFour years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.One, I was deeply closeted.And two, he was dating my best friend.Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship athletes sunny hero queer contemporary m-m -
![School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
![Score (Men of Hidden Creek) by A.E. Wasp]()
Score (Men of Hidden Creek) by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHome is where you make it. Beau Hopper is good at goodbyes. A minor-league hockey player, he goes where the league tells him. Single and estranged from his family, Beau drifts without connections or commitments. He makes a living, not a life. Former Marine Connor Casey’s life revolves around his siblings... -
![See You in Boston by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
See You in Boston by Eden Finley, Saxon James
All I want is to be dicked down, why is that so much to ask? When graduation night hits and I still haven’t crossed bottoming off my bucket list, I’ll do anything to make it happen. Including hitting on the bashful, dimpled cutie from the CU Hockey team. He’s not queer, but he is curious. One last college experience with someone we never have to see again...Categorized as:
queer secret-relationship queer-awakening sports friends to lovers hockey office m-m -
![Yesterday by Sarina Bowen]()
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... -
![Poke Check by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Poke Check by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOne scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough. Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way... -
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![Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood]()
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
EckieThere are ways to get ahead in college hockey, but having a meltdown, trying to get rid of your coach, and stalking his boyfriend isn’t one of them... -
![This Won't Hurt by Cara Dee]()
This Won't Hurt by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTHE EXTENDED EPILOGUE OF THIS WILL HURT II The honeymoon The kids The Congo The awards The podcast The vacation The food trucks The barbecue The love The condors .. -
![Playing the Player by Beth Bolden]()
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Lovely Allergen by Zhichu, 稚楚]()
Lovely Allergen by Zhichu, 稚楚
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSong Yu has three requirements for Yue Zhishi:– You cannot call me gege in public.– We won’t do anything together in public.– You cannot let other people know you live with me.Yue Zhishi has always been obediently following these rules. They were practically strangers at school. At the opening ceremony, he suddenly collapsed due to an allergy-related asthma attack, sending everything into chaos... -
![Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes]()
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan... -
![Playing at Home by Jax Calder]()
Playing at Home by Jax Calder
Falling for your kids' nanny? Never a good idea.Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but try as he might, he’s never been the same heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field with the breakdown of his relationship to New Zealand’s favorite ‘It Girl’ Matilda Neilson...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers office athletes single-father secret-relationship queer queer-awakening -
![RIDE by Nellie Christine]()
RIDE by Nellie Christine
Bentley Williams never thought he’d hit rock bottom at 19-years-old. From top-rated college running back to homeless, girlfriend-less, UCLA dropout, Bentley can’t help but wonder if he’s making the right decision. Pursuing a career as a BMX rider likely means a life of struggling to afford groceries, but he can’t imagine doing anything else. The sport’s in his blood... -
![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... -
![Headlocks and Heartbreak by Val Simons]()
Headlocks and Heartbreak by Val Simons
What happens when a former champion’s greatest match isn’t against an opponent, but against himself? Wade "Viper" Donovan is facing the hardest match of his career, and it isn’t in the ring. He’s facing an unwanted retirement, haunted by self-doubt from a heartbreaking setback. He’s all but decided to hang up his boots... -
![Nanny Negotiations by Merry Farmer]()
Nanny Negotiations by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWill a bi-reawakening be what this single father needs to heal his wounded heart? Looks like a job for nanny….When Heath Manfred is left in a lurch after an acrimonious divorce, he turns to the Brotherhood for help with finding a nanny for his three-year-old daughter. But the last thing he expects is for the nanny who shows up to interview for the job to be a hunky man...Categorized as:
queer office super rich hero anal sex single-father queer-awakening m-m contemporary -
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![Broken Ice, Mended Hearts by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood]()
Broken Ice, Mended Hearts by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPIERRE (“GAGS”)My life is complicated.Hell, I’m complicated.I don’t know a life beyond how I’m perceived. After a devastating divorce, it looked like I never would.Can a hockey fight change your life?I may not understand my attraction to Sven Holmer, but I can tell you my obsession with kissing him started in the middle of a fight... -
![Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland]()
Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsTravis Campbell has been at this hockey thing for a while. He knows his days on the ice are numbered, but he’s happy with the Moncton Ice Cats and he’s still got some time to figure out what comes next. He’s been taking college classes online and thought he knew what he was doing, but then he made the ultimate rookie mistake... -
![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... -
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar.A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer hockey m-m contemporary new adult -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
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... -
![Red Lined by Crea Reitan]()
Red Lined by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMaybe you can order love online… Julian I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride. Then he shows up...Categorized as:
hockey queer sports friends to lovers queer-awakening athletes m-m marriage of convenience -
![The Bodyguard by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Bodyguard by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 11 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... -
![Living With Him, Vol. 1 by Toworu Miyata, 宮田トヲル]()
Living With Him, Vol. 1 by Toworu Miyata, 宮田トヲル
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsRyota Natsukawa is starting university and he suddenly finds out that his roommate is going to be his childhood friend, Kazuhito Tanaka. Despite Kazuhito's picture-perfect looks, he doesn't have a girlfriend. Ryota is curious about why this is and attempts to point out his faults from a girlfriend's point of view. However, as Ryota gets to know more about Kazuhito, their relationship changes... -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
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... -
![You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
The first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours.“I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool.“It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching... -
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![Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Shadow and Light by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIs it easier to fall into the shadows than hold onto the light? Injured in a horrific car accident by a man who made him feel like nothing, Henry was left with life threatening injuries, crippling self doubt, and his career as a hockey player destroyed... -
![I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander]()
I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.Who will win, heart or hurricane?Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town... -
![Game Changer by Amy Aislin]()
Game Changer by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIt’s Blair Brawsiski’s ride or die year. After a decade in the AHL, if he doesn’t get called up to the NHL this season, it’s time to hang up his skates and focus on other things. But between a second job and family priorities, his attention isn’t where it should be, and his dreams of making it to the big leagues are dwindling by the day... -
![Biscuit in the Basket by Kit Oliver]()
Biscuit in the Basket by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEvery love story needs its happily ever after - and then even more.Biscuit in the Basket follows Sebastian and Gil through the week after their first story ends in Light Up the Lamp.In this novella, they settle into their new lives, get their feet under themselves, and start to build their future...Categorized as:
hockey sports queer friends to lovers contemporary m-m second chances length-novella -
![Summer Catch by Beth Bolden]()
Summer Catch by Beth Bolden
Newly hired Charleston Condors’ coach Jonathan Kelley is very aware of all the uphill battles he’s got to climb.There’s a new owner he’s got to please. New culture to implement. New players to train. New rules to follow.But one rule hasn't don't spend so much time flirting with the cute bartender via text that you start to wonder if you're straight, after all...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hockey queer-awakening secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back...
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