Books like 'Defensive Play'
Readers who enjoyed Defensive Play by Jamie Deacon also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance young adult sports high-school queer angst athletes queer-awakening
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Given, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Kizu
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe final round of the music festival tryout is about to begin, but that’s not the only source of tension in the band. Mafuyu, who’s been spending a lot of time at Ugetsu and Akihiko’s place, learns about the complicated history between the two and realizes that Haruki’s heartbreak is part of that romantic tangle... -
![Given, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ]()
Given, Vol. 5 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsLove of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again... -
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![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 9 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 9 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn this warmhearted romantic comedy, a mistaken identity leads to a blossoming romance between two boys. Aoki has a crush on Hashimoto, the girl in the seat next to him in class. But he despairs when he borrows her eraser and sees she’s written the name of another boy—Ida—on it... -
![Given, Vol. 4 by Natsuki Kizu]()
Given, Vol. 4 by Natsuki Kizu
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAs the band focuses on creating new songs and preparing for a music festival tryout, Haruki grows more and more intimidated by the talents of younger members Mafuyu and Uenoyama. Worried that he’s holding them back, he accepts his ex-girlfriend’s request to play in her band...Categorized as:
queer high-school angst queer-awakening contemporary young adult m-m friends to lovers -
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![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 8 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 8 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. At the end of summer break, Aoki and Ida go watch a fireworks show. Aoki’s heart is set fluttering as Ida abruptly shows more interest in romance! When their school cultural festival comes along, there’s even a chance for their parents to meet? ! -
![Given, Vol. 4 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ]()
Given, Vol. 4 by Natsuki Kizu, キヅナツキ
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsLove of music unites the four members of the band Given: hotheaded guitarist Uenoyama, playboy drummer Akihiko, gentle bassist Haruki, and Mafuyu, a singer gifted with great talent and burdened by past tragedy. Their struggles and conflicts may drive them apart, but their bond to the music—and to each other—always brings them back together again... -
![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 5 by Wataru Hinekure]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 5 by Wataru Hinekure
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsAoki has a crush on Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is on cloud nine to be dating Ida, but he’s in trouble when it comes to his grades. He starts attending a cram school, and for some reason, one of the instructors there starts giving Aoki lessons on love? ! -
![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 6 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 6 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. In order to buy Ida a birthday present, Aoki started working part-time, but now it seems Ida doesn’t want Aoki to spend his hard-earned money on him. What’s a boyfriend to do? ! -
![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure, ひねくれ渡
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is shaken when he finds out Ida wants to attend college in Kyoto, so they decide to go to an overnight open-campus event together. Meanwhile, Akkun and Hashimoto make summer plans, but is Akkun ready to meet Hashimoto’s parents? -
![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
It’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a douche.Categorized as:
sports queer athletes m-m secret-relationship from hate to love contemporary friends to lovers -
![My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure]()
My Love Mix-Up!, Vol. 7 by Wataru Hinekure
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAoki is dating Ida, a boy in his class. Aoki is shaken when he finds out Ida wants to attend college in Kyoto, so they decide to go to an overnight open-campus event together. Meanwhile, Akkun and Hashimoto make summer plans, but is Akkun ready to meet Hashimoto’s parents? -
![Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura, 中村明日美子]()
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura, 中村明日美子
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsSHELTER FROM THE COLD. Though Rihito’s always been a loner, lately he’s grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito’s mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him. Hikaru wants to be there for Rihito, but can Rihito learn to open his heart and rely on another person? -
![Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura]()
Classmates Vol. 2: Sotsu gyo sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSHELTER FROM THE COLD. Though Rihito’s always been a loner, lately he’s grown close to his classmate, Hikaru. The two of them have even fallen in love and tentatively started dating. But when Rihito’s mother ends up in the hospital, the stress of it all becomes too much for him. Hikaru wants to be there for Rihito, but can Rihito learn to open his heart and rely on another person? -
![Classmates Vol. 1: Dou kyu sei by Asumiko Nakamura]()
Classmates Vol. 1: Dou kyu sei by Asumiko Nakamura
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsHikaru always thought his classmate Rihito was kind of a snob, until he stumbles across Rihito secretly practicing a song in an empty classroom. Hikaru agrees to become Rihito's music tutor, and with each lesson the two boys grow closer. But when Hikaru realizes that he's fallen for Rihito, will they stay classmates or become something more?Categorized as:
queer high-school young adult contemporary m-m length-short first-in-series standalone-first -
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![I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 3 by Mika .]()
I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 3 by Mika .
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsI want to know, but. .. . .. if I ask, there's no way we can go back. Childhood best friends. Two halves of a whole. Yamato and Kakeru. After spotting what seemed to be a romantic encounter between Kakeru and Akane, Yamato's jealousy overflowed-and the rift between them grew even deeper... -
![Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram]()
Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIn this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It’s everything he’s ever wanted–but what if he deserves better? Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran this past spring, a lot has changed... -
![Fence #10 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #10 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 27 ratings -
![Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence, Vol. 4: Rivals by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
The GLAAD Award nominated series Fence returns as a graphic novel series as best-selling novelist C. S...Categorized as:
sports high-school queer young adult contemporary m-m from hate to love found-family -
![151 Days by John Goode]()
151 Days by John Goode
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSequel to End of the Innocence. Tales from Foster High: Book Three. With just 151 days left until the school year ends, Kyle Stilleno is running out of time to fulfill the promise he made and change Foster, Texas, for the better. But Kyle and his boyfriend, Brad Graymark, have more than just intolerance to deal with... -
![The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver Wade by Ben Monopoli]()
The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver Wade by Ben Monopoli
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA novel in stories, by the author of "The Cranberry Hush". At the heart of these twelve interconnected stories is Ollie Wade, a gay guy navigating life and love from age 13 to 28. At a middle-school dance, a boy keeps a secret from his date; on a subway platform, he realizes a young green-eyed stranger has the same secret... -
![Fence #11 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #11 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIt all comes down to this—the final match that will determine who makes the team, and who gets left behind. -
![Fence #7 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #7 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Nicholas pushes himself to be recognised as Seiji's rival, but Seiji is indifferent… or so it seems. -
![I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 4 by Mika .]()
I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 4 by Mika .
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsChildhood best friends. Two halves of a whole. Yamato and Kakeru. A romantic sunset in Arashiyama and a sudden downpour lead to. .. Kakeru’s first kiss? ! But much to Kakeru’s dismay, Yamato’s fever kiss was just that. With no memory of what happened, Yamato is acting like nothing changed between them—even though everything did... -
![Fence Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
From the superstar team of C. S. Pacat (The Captive Prince) and fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad comes the third volume of this acclaimed, dynamic series. -
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![Fence #12 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #12 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTryouts are coming to a close, and the three available spots on the Kings Row fencing team are almost all locked up. It’s just a question of whether or not Nicholas can push through and earn a spot for himself—or if he’ll have to leave Kings Row altogether. -
![Fence, Vol. 5: Rise by C.S. Pacat]()
Fence, Vol. 5: Rise by C.S. Pacat
In the highly anticipated next chapter of Fence, Nicholas will stop at nothing until he becomes Seiji's worthy fencing rival! USA Today best-selling author C. S...Categorized as:
sports high-school queer young adult contemporary m-m from hate to love found-family -
![Memorizing You by Dan Skinner]()
Memorizing You by Dan Skinner
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTwo high school boys from different walks of life: Ryan, a handsome athlete, and David, an average joe from a blue collar family, discover their desires, stealing their kisses under the cover of an old oak at night. Their love begins a secret life, hidden from their families, friends, and classmates. As their passion grows, so does the danger of their discovery... -
![Fence #9 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #9 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratings -
![I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 6 by Mika .]()
I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 6 by Mika .
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTime rewinds to Kakeru and Yamato’s elementary school days, when they first met each other. While their personalities are near-exact opposites, they grow closer with each day they spend together. Soon, Kakeru learns more about Yamato—that his father fell into a coma after an accident, and even about a certain secret that he’s hiding. .. -
![I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 2 by Mika .]()
I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 2 by Mika .
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIf I asked you. .. . .. would it change the way we are now. .. ? Childhood best friends. Two halves of a whole. Yamato and Kakeru. Since he believed that the handsome, popular Yamato would never feel the same way, Kakeru was stunned when Yamato admitted he would be upset if Kakeru got a girlfriend... -
![Lane’s by Nash Summers]()
Lane’s by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMaps doesn’t believe in growing up. He believes in his experiments, Benji’s new driving skills, Perry’s knowledge of “adult things”, and his interstellar boyfriend, Lane. Maps certainly doesn’t believe in graduating. And he especially doesn’t believe in his friends attending separate colleges. Because if Maps believed in any of those things, it would mean he was growing up. -
![Jackass! by Scarlet Beriko]()
Jackass! by Scarlet Beriko
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWhen the panty hose go on, all bets are off between these best guy friends! Practical Keisuke’s incredibly handsome best friend Masayuki has always rubbed him just a little bit the wrong way... -
![Fake, Volume 02 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 02 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsRyo and Dee, two of New York City's finest, are called in to investigate the activities of some two-bit street punk. The operation goes south rather quickly when Dee is kidnapped and Ryo must put all of his skill and training to the test to get his partner back in one piece. Their partnership is on the line as electrified emotions raise feelings between the two guys that are hard to ignore. -
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![セブンデイズ Friday → Sunday by Venio Tachibana, 橘紅緒]()
セブンデイズ Friday → Sunday by Venio Tachibana, 橘紅緒
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 29 ratings高校三年の篠 弓弦は、月曜日の一番最初に告白してきた相手と必ずつきあい、週末に必ず別れると噂の後輩、芹生冬至と一週間限定の恋人としてつきあっている。月曜日 つきあうことになって、火曜日 意識して、水曜日 近づいて、木曜日 恋を自覚して──！ 残されたのは三日間！！ 一緒にいることが当たり前になったふたりだけど…. -
![Tales from Foster High by John Goode]()
Tales from Foster High by John Goode
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsKyle Stilleno is the invisible student even in his nothing high school in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. Brad Graymark is the baseball star of Foster High. When they bond over their mutual damage during a night of history tutoring, Kyle thinks maybe his life has changed for good. But when you’re gay and falling for the most popular boy in school, the promise of love is a fairy tale, not a reality... -
![Sasaki and Miyano Official Comic Anthology by Shou Harusono]()
Sasaki and Miyano Official Comic Anthology by Shou Harusono
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThere’s never a dull moment when the life of a boys’ love fanboy turns into one! From encounters with cats to bookstore trips and every sweet moment in between, enjoy this anthology featuring stories exploring Sasaki’s and Miyano’s relationship together―including three original stories by series creator, Shou Harusono!Categorized as:
queer high-school contemporary m-m young adult friends to lovers age difference length-short -
![The Music of the Spheres by Chase Potter]()
The Music of the Spheres by Chase Potter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn athlete and introvert from a family touched by loss, Ryan Mattson splits his life between reading and spending time with his dad and precocious younger sister. With the wounds of Ryan’s past almost healed, high school is simple, and so is everything else. But that changes when he’s paired with Adam for a class project...Categorized as:
queer queer-awakening m-m friends to lovers young adult contemporary new adult length-short -
![When I Grow Up by John Goode]()
When I Grow Up by John Goode
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter graduation, Kyle Stilleno and Brad Graymark move to California to pursue their dreams. But high school sweethearts are called that for a reason, and their love rarely stands up to the test of time. As money, school, sex, and jealousy test their relationship to the breaking point, Kyle and Brad fight to hold on to the love that brought them together... -
![Cuckoos Three by Mosskat]()
Cuckoos Three by Mosskat
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMurry Summerfield, relentlessly decent son of the farmstead, meets Jacob Durris, charming but troubled new neighbor. When he discovers why Jacob has moved out to the countryside, Murry has his hands full keeping his friend happy and dealing with his own blossoming feelings. -
![Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa]()
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun by Jonny Garza Villa
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA poignant, funny, openhearted novel about coming out, first love, and being your one and only best and true self. Julián Luna has a plan for his life: Graduate. Get into UCLA. And have the chance to move away from Corpus Christi, Texas, and the suffocating expectations of others that have forced Jules into an inauthentic life... -
![Diamonds by Nash Summers]()
Diamonds by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMaps’ kingdom is crumbling before his eyes. His parents are forcing him to get a job, there’s a new kid at school who won’t stop staring at him, and his best friend is too busy thinking about girls to help Maps deal with his real problems. Worst of all,. Maps is lost. And none of the roads on his map are leading to Lane. -
![The Book of David by Anonymous]()
The Book of David by Anonymous
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsHis secret is his downfall. A riveting, first-person tale in the tradition of Go Ask Alice and Lucy in the Sky. The author of this fictional diary began writing for a class assignment, but soon it became much more to him. As the star player of his high school football team, he faces a lot of pressure and expectation. Not to mention the secret that he’s harboring inside... -
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![Fence #8 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad]()
Fence #8 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 27 ratings -
![Snow Boys by Simon Doyle]()
Snow Boys by Simon Doyle
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDean O’Donnell is a wallflower with a secret and a voice that could steal the show. Preferring to blend into the background at his high school, his world tilts on its axis when he is chosen for a major solo in the upcoming Christmas choir performance. His quiet life is further disturbed when he receives a Secret Santa gift, and an unexpected friendship forms... -
![Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan]()
Disarmed by Sarah Rees Brennan
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe boys of Kings Row head to France with exes, rivalries, and secrets in this fun and hilarious novel by a New York Times bestselling author—inspired by the award-nominated comic series by C. S. Pacat and Johanna The Mad...Categorized as:
sports high-school queer young adult contemporary m-m friends to lovers from hate to love -
![I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 5 by Mika .]()
I Cannot Reach You, Vol. 5 by Mika .
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsYamato and Kakeru. Childhood best friends, complete opposites, wholly in love with each other. After Yamato’s confession, Kakeru resolved to face his feelings—once and for all! More aware of Yamato than ever, Kakeru agonizes over his true desires, the pair somehow end up on a Christmas date. Can Yamato’s affection reach Kakeru? -
![Maps by Nash Summers]()
Maps by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsIf Maps ruled the world, his best pal Benji would be court jester, and every day would celebrate a new experiment. No, scratch that. If Maps ruled the world, his best pal would still be living next door, and there wouldn’t be any gap-toothed new guy staring at him as if he’s bonkers. Pity Maps doesn’t rule the world . . .Categorized as:
sports queer queer-awakening young adult contemporary m-m bisexual friends to lovers -
![Fake, Volume 03 by Sanami Matoh]()
Fake, Volume 03 by Sanami Matoh
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsRyo and Dee are on the hunt for a serial killer who murders women who look like prostitutes. They're aided by FBI agent Diana Spacey, a brilliant investigator who is an old friend of Berkeley's. Soon, she is caught in the serial killer's web, and it's up to Berkeley and the gang to save her. In the second act of the story, Ryo's childhood is explored...
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