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 sports friends to lovers athletes second chances height-difference angst shy-hero sweet-hero
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Your Mileage May Vary by Sidney Bell
Daniel "Nuke" Nuka is a hot mess. He hates his day job, he routinely overdrafts his checking account, and he can't remember the last time he ate a vegetable. The one reliable bright spot? His best buddy Lee. Sure, Lee's uptight and finicky and he has that weird thing about using coasters, but he also has Nuke's back. Lee Hapsburg III is not a hot mess—or at least that's what he tells himself... -
![In the Gray by Christina Lee]()
In the Gray by Christina Lee
FosterI moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort friends to lovers second chances new adult queer contemporary m-m forced proximity -
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![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 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... -
![Unfix Me by Emory Weste]()
Unfix Me by Emory Weste
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAt twenty years old, Sen didn't imagine that something could profoundly change his life in a matter of weeks. After he leaves Colorado to attend university, he's forced to face a truth that his parents attempted to bury a long time ago. Every day, he struggles to piece together his fractured identity and confront his past- the haunting memories of a place that was meant to fix him... -
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![Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz]()
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair]()
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort sports friends to lovers height-difference queer forced proximity exhibitionism m-m -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
![Heartstring by Ana Ashley]()
Heartstring by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMikIf I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.TylerFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…Mik broke a promise a long time ago...Categorized as:
second chances angst friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary single-father -
![Grinding by Sean Ashcroft]()
Grinding by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTwo childhood best friends. One accidental fake engagement. One Labrador puppy. One week to fall in love.When Harvey runs into his childhood best friend—literally—on the way into Otter Bay for his cousin's wedding, he doesn't plan to end up playing the part of the guy's fiancé... -
![Play Dead by Avery Cockburn]()
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Messy Love by Riley Hart]()
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDannyI'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... -
![An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane]()
An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAny other year, hockey player Grady Armstrong would be licking his wounds after a disappointing playoffs exit. Somehow, this year, he’s in the stands as his rival-turned-boyfriend Max Lockhart competes for the Stanley Cup… and there’s nowhere he’d rather be. Well, except maybe lifting the Cup himself... -
![Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart]()
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLincoln I’ve done a good job getting over my past. I’m not only proud of who I am, but revel in it. Still, I don’t let myself get too close to people. With closeness comes questions and those pesky feelings, and I’m having none of that. I’ve got a great job, friends, I’m cute and twinky, and my bed’s never empty. What more do I need? Except I can’t stop sleeping with Rush Alexander...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
![Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSecond wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need... -
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![Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold]()
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 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 hurt-comfort athletes sports queer m-m age difference contemporary -
![Next Season by Lane Hayes]()
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
![Luke by Con Riley]()
Luke by Con Riley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLuke Lawson is committed to one thing—saving his boarding school before a cash crisis sinks it. He’ll do anything to keep it afloat while vulnerable children rely on him, even if that means accepting help from the man who let him down at uni.Nathan’s offer to teach for free could be a blessing as long as Luke can guard his soft heart... -
![Crossing the Touchline by Jay Hogan]()
Crossing the Touchline by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhat if you’ve worked your whole life for a dream, to play rugby for the most successful sports team on the planet, the New Zealand All Blacks?What if that dream is so close you can smell it?What if you meet someone?What if you fall in love?What if your dream will cost the man who’s stolen your heart?And what if the dream changes? Reuben Taylor has a choice to make.Cameron Wano is that choice...Categorized as:
multicultural sports friends to lovers athletes height-difference queer m-m contemporary -
![Little by J.M. Dabney]()
Little by J.M. Dabney
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsInsanity was in the eye of the beholder. Harmon Little was a surveillance expert. He lived in the shadows, and he liked it there. There wasn’t a place he couldn’t get in and out of without detection. As usual with his mischievous nature, his current assignment went south, and he ran. He thought he was free and clear until he knocked someone over in a grocery store aisle... -
![A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane]()
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeeing the truth and falling in love. Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man. At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family... -
![Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood]()
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEckieThere 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... -
![Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden]()
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhy 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 -
![The Christmas Summons (Wild Heart Ranch) by Kelly Fox]()
The Christmas Summons (Wild Heart Ranch) by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Kelly Fox comes a Wild Heart Ranch Christmas novella. I’ve loved Gael Hernandez from the moment I laid eyes on him. We had a moment back in the summer, but he needed time to recover from the traumatic events that reshaped his family.It’s now Christmas, and I think my talented shoemaker is finally ready to let me love him for the rest of his life... -
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![Game On by Amy Aislin]()
Game On by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen he broke off his engagement to his team captain's brother the day before their wedding, Jamie Jamieson swore he'd never get involved with anyone associated with a teammate again. Getting traded to the Orcas is a chance at a fresh start, but one glance at his new housemate, and Jamie knows he's in way over his head.Dorian is his new coach's cousin. And his team's social media coordinator...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers hurt-comfort height-difference grumpy sunshine angst queer m-m -
![Scene Queen by Charlie Novak]()
Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort sports queer m-m contemporary forced proximity length-medium -
![Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn]()
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu]()
Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 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?.. -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
![Out in the Field by Lane Hayes]()
Out in the Field by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMax Maldonado loves baseball. He knows playing first base at a private college probably won’t get him to the big leagues, but he doesn’t mind. He loves the game and his teammates. If he has to stay in the closet until he graduates, that’s okay. Baseball comes first. Relationships are complicated anyway. And after his recent messy breakup, Max prefers to keep things simple... -
![Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart]()
Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTom; shy office clerk by day and drawer of foxes by night, wakes up one Monday knowing the most extraordinary week of his life is about to begin. In five days, a lifelong ‘secret’ will be made gloriously public—but will it mean losing the person he loves most?Getting married… It seems only yesterday Tom changed nappies and sang nursery rhymes to a laughing baby... -
![Drama Queen by Charlie Novak]()
Drama Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsNote to self: dumping cocktails into a man’s lap does not count as a meet cute. Accidentally throwing a jug of Sex on the Beach onto the hottest guy at drag brunch was not how I wanted to start my performance, and forgetting to ask for his name was the cherry on top.But when he finds me online and invites me out for drinks, it seems like my chaotic shenanigans might have worked out for once...Categorized as:
sports height-difference hurt-comfort queer contemporary m-m lgbtqia hate length-medium -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! 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... -
![Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden]()
Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLuca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine height-difference hurt-comfort queer m-m insta-love contemporary length-medium -
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![Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUnder the Christmas lights strung outside a snowy Minnesota cabin, Ryker and Jacob face a future where nothing will be the same again. Fortunate timing means that Ryker and Jacob can spend a few days together over Christmas in a cabin on the family farm. What's better is that Scott and Ben are coming as well, with Hayne and Ethan in tow... -
![Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold]()
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K.M. Neuhold... -
![Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn]()
Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRule #1: Don't fall in love with your best friend's brotherAfter Anders Lindholm lost his wife and baby daughter in a car accident, he knew he’d never find love like that again.Hockey, routines, and his team are all that have kept him going since.But as he approaches forty, an injury makes him consider what life after retirement will be like... -
![The Game by Beth Bolden]()
The Game by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMicah Rose is ready for a clean slate. He might’ve messed up his rookie year with the Miami Piranhas, but being traded to the Condors is the best way to put all that behind him.The Condors are rebuilding, too. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.But one rule hasn’t changed: don’t marry your ex-best friend in Vegas.Beckett West isn't looking forward to seeing Micah again...Categorized as:
sports athletes second chances friends to lovers angst hurt-comfort queer multicultural -
![School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
School and Rock by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
![The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Head Game by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFisher 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... -
![Love Him Free (On the Market) by E.M. Lindsey]()
Love Him Free (On the Market) by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSocially awkward, thirty-six-year-old virgin, Simon Kadish, knows he wants more from life than a failing bakery and an empty apartment. He just doesn’t know how to get it. From an early age, Simon’s life has been marked by loss...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst class difference queer m-m contemporary insta-love length-medium -
![Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick
David has known Jake Lourdes' name since he was fourteen years old... -
![The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt]()
The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Bivanti's dream to open a wedding dress shop - a place with stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored - is on the verge of becoming a reality. When he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery... -
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 11 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 new adult queer hockey m-m contemporary secret-relationship -
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![Country Boy by A.E. Wasp]()
Country Boy by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSometimes the toughest thing to have faith in is yourself. The first time Paul Dyson met Robbie Rhodes, they ended up naked in Robbie’s bed. The last time they met, on the ice the morning after, Paul punched Robbie in the face and called him something he’d rather not repeat. Two years later, they’re teammates on the Seattle Thunder hockey team... -
![Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday]()
Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhat happens when a clueless hero believes in star-sign compatibility? What happens when there’s only one sign left to try? Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer... Caspian’s tried the lot, compatibility nil. Leo is his last hope for happiness. He just has to find one. Maybe his Virgo best friend will help? He should sneak over next door and see.. -
![Between the Teeth by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
Between the Teeth by Taylor Fitzpatrick
In the final installment of the Between the Teeth trilogy, David has the fresh start he’s always wanted. He’s on a better team, one that doesn’t depend on him for their wins and blame him for their losses. In a better room, with teammates David might even consider friends. It doesn’t make any sense for David to feel more out of his depth than ever...Categorized as:
hockey sports queer grumpy sunshine m-m contemporary length-medium explicit-open-door -
![Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来，他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康]()
Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来，他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsYou Liangxing would never open the speech function in game.That was because his voice was…Particularly! Kittenish!But there was one day, he queued up with a teammate who had so much to say that they may as well explode. Vexed to the point of no return, he contributed a voice that was capable of splitting heaven and earth, “Don’t BB.”The other party who was being scolded stilled... -
![Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali]()
Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Moments In Time Novel Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world's best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything—except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors...Categorized as:
multicultural angst friends to lovers new adult queer m-m contemporary length-medium -
![The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee]()
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBillie Montgomery was always known as the sick kid with the therapy dog. Dylan Bowden never had two nickels to rub together, let alone a true home to call his own. The two have been best friends since high school. They’re always there for each other, so when Billie opens his own bakery called Montgomery’s Sweets no one supports him better than Dylan...
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