Books like 'Tough Guy'
Readers who enjoyed Tough Guy by Rachel Reid also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny sports athletes friends to lovers second chances height-difference sweet-hero angst
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The Long and Winding Road by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Art of Breathing Family is not always defined by blood. It’s defined by those who make us whole—those who make us who we are. And here, at the end, Bear and Otter will be tested like they’ve never been before. There’s a knock at the door from a little girl who has nowhere else to go. There’s a phone ringing, bringing news they do not expect... -
![Time to Shine by Rachel Reid]()
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
A merry and bright hockey romance about finding your place, finding your people and finding your way back to the one you love the most. For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers height-difference sweet-hero super rich hero shy-hero slow burn -
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![Sober Dope & Sundays by Nordika Night]()
Sober Dope & Sundays by Nordika Night
WHEN ZERO WILLPOWER MEETS AN IRON WILL...Who goes to rehab eight times? Gage does. As a recovering addict fresh out of rehab, moving back in with his mom and starting over in his hometown isn't part of his life goals, but Gage needs all the support he can get. Lost and a little unsure of himself, Gage meets his new sponsor. A sponsor whose son is the perfect sober companion...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort friends to lovers neurodivergent found-family angst grumpy sunshine caretaking -
![10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders]()
10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love by Emmy Sanders
Wingman 101: Make him fall head over heels in love. BradWhat’s a straight guy to do when he accidentally goes on a date with his brand new gym-bro? Offer to be the best wingman ever, of course! It’s foolproof.Joey needs a man? I’ll find him one.He wants someone who looks, well, kind of like me? No problem!Not into watersports? I’ve got him covered...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family sweet-hero anal sex praise-kink new adult switch -
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![Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall]()
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Wanted:One (fake) boyfriendPractically perfect in every wayLuc O'Donnell is tangentially--and reluctantly--famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything...Categorized as:
angst class difference slow burn hurt-comfort queer found-family new adult friends to lovers -
![Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly]()
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
From the author of Love & Other Disasters comes a sparkling grumpy-meets-sunshine rom-com featuring two men's sweeping journey across the Northwestern wilderness. When Alexei Lebedev finally comes out to his conservative community, it does not go well... -
![Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Stubborn Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
ColbyOnce upon a time, playing for the NHL was my dream. Then Radimir Novicov skated circles around me and made it clear I’d never be good enough. He was smart, talented, and worst of all–sexy. Every closeted guy knows that you don’t hit on your teammate, even if his gaze lingers longer than it should...Categorized as:
queer hockey sports new adult athletes grumpy sunshine found-family friends to lovers -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
JeremySeeing 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... -
![Maybe You by Briar Prescott]()
Maybe You by Briar Prescott
These days I’m a I keep to myself, keep busy, and keep my head down.Until him.Sutton Holland. Annoying, arrogant, spoiled man-child extraordinaire.And he’s not even trying to hide any of it.He says he’s shallow.That he’s blunt to the point of offensive.That I shouldn’t like him.So I don’t.At first.But then I accidentally get to know him...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort found-family friends to lovers queer sweet-hero class difference anal sex angst -
![Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
Face Offs & Cheap Shots by Eden Finley, Saxon James
JACOBS For the last three years, I’ve lived and breathed hockey with one goal: team captain.There’s only one thing standing in my way. TJ Beckett.Beck is irresponsible and immature, and I’ve hated him since the moment we met freshman year.Yet, the coaches see something in him I obviously can’t, and they refuse to choose between us... -
![Seth by Carly Marie]()
Seth by Carly Marie
Be yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening... -
![Holiday Heart Strings by N.R. Walker]()
Holiday Heart Strings by N.R. Walker
Hartbridge Christmas Series - Book FourEnglishman Braithe Branson arrives in Hartbridge, Montana, to take on a brief substitute kindergarten teacher position. His introduction to the sleepy town is being pulled over for speeding. Not an ideal start, but at least the deputy was cute.Colson Price takes being a deputy very seriously. After all, his job is all he has...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer height-difference caretaking anal sex found-family sweet-hero christmas -
![Project Hero by Briar Prescott]()
Project Hero by Briar Prescott
What if you accidentally fell in love with the right guy?Andy:If my life was a movie, I would be the sidekick. Not an especially promising start when my plan is to finally let my best friend know I have a crush on him. No worries, though. I have a plan. I just need a complete makeover...Categorized as:
new adult athletes friends to lovers sports queer height-difference anal sex sweet-hero -
![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
queer second chances angst friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love forced proximity -
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![You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan]()
You Are Cordially Invited by Jay Hogan
There’s a wedding in the air at Auckland Med, but Reuben wonders if they’ll survive the stress long enough to say, ‘I do’. Cam is directing the entire operation with his combat eyeliner in place, whilst the wedding party is doing its best to ignore him. The pressure is mounting and the cracks are beginning to show.There’s a bachelor party to survive.The paparazzi to outrun...Categorized as:
sports queer height-difference multicultural sweet-hero athletes found-family hurt-comfort -
![A Ginger for Kinkmas by Chara Croft]()
A Ginger for Kinkmas by Chara Croft
Flynn Morris needs a Daddy.At least, that’s what his flamboyant and highly opinionated best friend, Tate, has decided. Flynn himself isn’t so sure. He’s never had a boyfriend, much less considered something as kinky as having a Daddy. In fact, he’s been perfectly happy with his life exactly as it is...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult praise-kink queer sweet-hero height-difference caretaking anal sex -
![Right as Raine by Lucy Lennox]()
Right as Raine by Lucy Lennox
Tiller:As the first openly gay professional football player, I can’t afford to make any mistakes, on or off the field. And the absolute biggest mistake I could make right now would be to fall for Mikey Vining, my best friend, employee and, more importantly, Coach’s baby boy. I might fantasize about Mikey at night-—every night—but actually touching him would be a serious personal foul...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports athletes class difference height-difference queer contemporary humor -
![The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker]()
The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of. He joins a gym. Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes slow burn sweet-hero height-difference queer anal sex new adult -
![The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn
Fisher Cats Defenseman Rushed to Hospital After In-Game Fall—Mystery Beau Revealed? The Fisher Cats defenseman is conscious and in stable condition following a seizure that occurred during the recent game against Buffalo. Updates indicate that while still hospitalized, he’s hopeful for a quick return to the ice... -
![Dare You by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine]()
Dare You by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
From Ella Frank’s Prime Time series and Brooke Blaine’s South Haven series comes an explosive spin-off of both worlds. Sebastian “Bash” Vogel, the magnetic, cross-dressing CEO of AnaVoge, has long been a lone island when it comes to his personal life. Self-assured and playful, he’s never left wanting for suitors—but Bash isn’t looking for something permanent...Categorized as:
friends to lovers class difference queer new adult angst slow burn shy-hero sweet-hero -
![Himbo by Emmy Sanders]()
Himbo by Emmy Sanders
Surely I can’t fail at falling in love? CasNo one ever told me I might meet the love of my life on my knees in a coffee shop.I’m not one of those people who has everything figured out. I work at my dad’s company because it’s expected, not because I enjoy it...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort friends to lovers height-difference new adult anal sex shy-hero queer sweet-hero -
![The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign]()
The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign
I didn’t think hockey was the game for me…now I’m obsessed. My new neighbor, Ben Stirling, is a beautiful, famous ex-player. A living NHL legend. A single dad with sad eyes and a smile I feel in my knees.I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s what would you’d get if you squeezed masculinity through a sieve. He’s the grit. The pulp. The hard stuff that leaves a sweet taste in your mouth...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort sports hockey praise-kink height-difference queer athletes -
![The Trade Deadline by A.L. Heard]()
The Trade Deadline by A.L. Heard
After a fleeting encounter when they’re in Juniors, Ryan “RJ” Russell and Lars Nilsson find themselves thrown back together years later when they end up on the same NHL team. Being friendly to a new teammate just got way more complicated. It’s one thing to have a one night stand with someone from another country; it’s a whole other mess to sleep with your teammate... -
![Blitzed by S.E. Harmon]()
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...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m -
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![Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee]()
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJonathan watched all of his friends fall in love, get married, and grow their families. All he’s ever wanted is a relationship as wonderful as the one his parents have always had... -
![Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe best way to get over a cheating jerk is to get under someone new. Dominic isn’t looking for love or salvation at the Thirsty Cowboy. He needs a temporary escape from the drudgery his life has become, and the universe provides him with the sexiest distraction he’s ever seen. Sven is a sucker for sad eyes, thick thighs, and a Royal Cosmopolitan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort found-family queer m-m age difference contemporary humor -
![Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. 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... -
![Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz]()
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey.Enter Sammy Rhodes.Famed DJ The Spin Doctor.Musical genius.Fits with the band like he's our sixth member.We hired him on the spot.So what's the problem?He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
![Composed at Randy's by Zile Elliven]()
Composed at Randy's by Zile Elliven
"How do I tell the guy I like that I’m not homeless, just a dumbass?"Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's Diner.Composed at Randy’s is a 'dumbasses in love', cis male/trans male pairing with a smooth-brained (not remotely smart) genius, a goth himbo, and all the help they can get to achieve their happily ever after...Categorized as:
queer new adult height-difference caretaking found-family neurodivergent sweet-hero super rich hero -
![Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg]()
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsRuari Byrne may not have had an easy life, but now he’s determined to live in the present, not his past. Trouble is, it’s hard to be independent when you’ve no money and no qualifications. All Ru knows is horses, and when he finds out that his beloved Joni and Cookie are off to auction, his heart is in his throat...Categorized as:
sports queer angst class difference height-difference multicultural caretaking hurt-comfort -
![Bossy by N.R. Walker]()
Bossy by N.R. Walker
Michael Pietersen isn’t up for complications. He’s one of Sydney’s fastest-moving career-focused corporate realtors, and the only thing he has time for is one-night stands with zero fuss.Bryson Schroeder’s back home from two years overseas with plans to leave his family’s hotel empire and begin his own business ventures...Categorized as:
height-difference queer anal sex sweet-hero super rich hero slow burn new adult class difference -
![Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton]()
Charlie Sunshine by Lily Morton
Sometimes love is a lot closer to home than you think.Charlie Burroughs can’t keep a man. All he wants is a good relationship like the ones he sees his friends having, but none of the men he picks ever work out. Despite him trying to be the perfect boyfriend, the men are either threatened by his looks or his epilepsy or a combination of the two...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult grumpy sunshine slow burn queer sweet-hero found-family caretaking -
![Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand]()
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHollywood heartthrob meets med school dropout in this contemporary British MM romance.When your key credential is looking good in spandex, your first serious role matters. Too bad that Gabe Duke can’t seem to get a proper handle on the molecular biologist he’s meant to portray... -
![Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Ian is a collection of short stories following the ups and downs of Ian Pierce and Hollis Banner has they navigate their new relationship and the unique complications of dating with a brunch of overprotective “brothers” determined to guard Ian’s heart... -
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![Kiss-Fist by Cora Rose, E.M. Lindsey]()
Kiss-Fist by Cora Rose, E.M. Lindsey
Whoever convinced me to join the gym needs to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Or, at the very least, suffer with a pillow hot on both sides every night, because this? This is terrible.Running? No thank you.Lifting? Who needs biceps anyway.Now, I will say the eye-candy is nice. Especially my new personal trainer with the tattoos and dimples. But that’s all he can ever be: eye candy...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine found-family queer neurodivergent height-difference sweet-hero new adult anal sex -
![Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft]()
Daddy's New Kitten by Chara Croft
Deke Jamison has been waiting for his hot neighbor to fall madly in love with him for years. The day Marshall moved in next door, Deke instantly knew for sure that it was love at first sight. Well, okay… maybe just lust. But since Marshall turned out to be not just be hot, but also super kind and fifty shades of wonderful, the falling-in-love part happened pretty quickly, too... -
![Scoreless Game by Anna Zabo, L.A. Witt]()
Scoreless Game by Anna Zabo, L.A. Witt
At nearly thirty-one years old, Pittsburgh Griffins captain Elias Karlsson’s hockey years are numbered. Everything is changing around him, including his eleven-year friendship with Nikolai Sidorov. Elias would give anything for Nisha to be a permanent part of his life, but their once bedrock-strong bond has broken into a million pieces, and Elias doesn’t know why... -
![Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden]()
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Why in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning...Categorized as:
sports grumpy sunshine friends to lovers athletes queer m-m contemporary lgbtqia hate -
![Pumped by Linden Bell]()
Pumped by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEverestOwen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events.But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort found-family height-difference angst sports queer forced proximity -
![The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond]()
The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett, Rheland Richmond
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight-years-old? Patrick Griffin I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports hurt-comfort angst athletes found-family second chances queer -
![For Today by B. Cranford]()
For Today by B. Cranford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeventeen Years Ago . The first time Aaron Andrews saw Simon Foster smile, he knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen anything--or anyone--like the man who'd stolen his favorite seat in his favorite coffee shop. Six Weeks Ago . The late-night phone call that changed their lives forever was short... -
![Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a ray of sunshine. I’m a loner lumberjack. We don’t make sense……But my straight best friend keeps ending up in my bed.Sawyer Hendricks is the best friend I’ve ever had—the Goose to my Moose, and the shoulder I’ve cried on even though I’m not the crying type. The difference between us? Sawyer brightens any room in an instant, and I’m the gruff guy wearing flannel who’d rather be alone... -
![The Long Game by Samantha Wayland]()
The Long Game by Samantha Wayland
You can't change the past but you can choose your future.Jack Chevalier is determined not to let his past define him. He keeps his head down and works hard. He’s not sure how he’s ended up with such great friends, but he’s grateful. Especially for the one man who’s always defied his expectations.Grady McDonnough has been on his own his entire adult life... -
![Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsThe most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film—in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more... -
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![The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning]()
The Poster Boy by E.M. Denning
One goal to make a career.One kiss to derail a life.Marek Myers is an up-and-coming goalie, but he's also not out. At least, he wasn’t. Because one kiss with the wrong man slams Marek out of the closet and into the spotlight.Determined to the make the best of a bad situation, Marek goes on the offensive, charming the media one interview at a time, happy to be the poster boy the media is after... -
![Blindside by N.R. Walker]()
Blindside by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsMark Gattison has avoided love and commitment his entire adult life. Not interested in more than a one night stand or a brief encounter in a bathroom stall, he is the epitome of a good time.Will Parkinson is the guy who defends him, the guy who puts up with him, the guy Mark calls his best friend.When Will becomes unsettled and a little distant, Mark takes it upon himself to find Will a boyfriend...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer angst hurt-comfort m-m contemporary humor disabilities and marks -
![Seeing Red by Shon]()
Seeing Red by Shon
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI was only in Bliss Peak to do two See about my grandmother.WriteI wasn’t supposed to get to this town and show my behind. Literally.But I could explain. There was a bat. In my shower. And the threat of rabies was enough to have me sprinting out of my cabin to my only neighbor’s house, with just my towel and suds covering my body...Categorized as:
queer praise-kink friends to lovers angst grumpy sunshine height-difference caretaking hurt-comfort -
![Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
![Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny by K. Sterling]()
Giles Ashby Needs A Nanny by K. Sterling
Sometimes, a simple field trip to the planetarium can be an act of bravery. In Giles Ashby’s case, it could also be a second chance with his lifelong crush.Unbearably awkward and strangled by his anxiety disorder, Giles used surly snarls and abrupt remarks to keep everyone at a distance... -
![Side Character by Emma Alcott]()
Side Character by Emma Alcott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSawyer Jonathan Aston has an extremely suckable… ahem. We’re talking eight inches of girthy perfection. Two-thirds of a foot of succulent man-meat. A true cornucopia of carnal delights. And tonight, that ahem is going to make my mouth feel like a Tokyo subway car at rush hour. We’re talking crowded. Crammed. Absolutely stuffed...
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