Books like 'Calling Your Bluff'
Readers who enjoyed Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports friends to lovers secret-relationship dual-pov athletes sunny hero queer
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Line Mates & Study Dates by Eden Finley, Saxon James
ASHER Hockey, studying, and school runs. That’s my life now. After a tragic accident that took our parents’ lives, it’s up to me and my big brother to take care of our five younger siblings. In between burning their meals and keeping them from killing each other, I’m supposed to get a college degree...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers dual-pov secret-relationship queer sunny hero contemporary -
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer new adult contemporary suspense m-m -
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...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers secret-relationship queer contemporary m-m age difference -
Scoring With Him by Lauren Blakely
An emotional, sexy, forbidden romance! Scoring with Him is the first novel in the utterly addictive Men of Summer Series! Falling for the rookie wasn't part of the plan. As a pro athlete, I have one unbreakable rule when it comes to men -- Don't date another baseball player. Good thing I haven't been tempted once in four years in the majors. Until the day a rising star walks into my locker room...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer dual-pov athletes contemporary m-m -
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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... -
The Endgame by Riley Hart
Weston When I left home, I swore I'd never hide anything about myself again. From college, to law school, to the United States Senate representing California, I've done it all as an out gay man. So, when I'm in DC and see a beautiful guy at the hotel bar, I don't hesitate to proposition him...right before he runs out on me, leaving his sunglasses behind like my very own Cinderfella...Categorized as:
sports athletes friends to lovers secret-relationship dual-pov queer contemporary m-m -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary new adult -
Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder
Falling for your former best friend? Never a good idea.Ethan Lewis is the joker of his rugby team, the guy who’s always up for a good time. The only thing that can wipe the smile from his face is any mention of his former best friend, Luke. He has no idea why Luke has actively avoided him for the past five years...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes secret-relationship queer dual-pov m-m from hate to love -
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... -
Get Frosted by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn... -
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... -
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 -
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 athletes sports queer m-m age difference hurt-comfort contemporary -
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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... -
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich... -
Indirection by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRabid readers. Backbiting authors. A romance convention from hell.Shaw Aldrich and his best friend, boyfriend, and partner, North McKinney, are doing great, thanks. The aftermath of their search for the Slasher has finally settled down. Their private investigation agency is thriving. And after years of missed opportunities, they’re finally together... -
Final Play by Eden Finley
It’s a vacation none of them will forget. Before their futures become the present, Noah convinces his friends they need a group vacation—a final play before they’re all tied down by responsibility and unyielding schedules. Everything is changing. Marriage. Kids. Careers. A trip to Fiji is the last hurrah to end all hurrahs...Categorized as:
sports athletes queer m-m age difference contemporary found-family explicit-open-door -
Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEx-quarterback Davis Abernathy knows he’s on his last chance.If he strikes out as Paxton Kelly’s coach, nobody else is going to call him. Not to get back on the field, and not to stand on the sidelines.He’s got a lot to teach Pax, and as a second-year quarterback, Pax has a lot to learn. But Davis doesn’t anticipate the irresistible way they’ll be drawn together from their first meeting...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes dual-pov secret-relationship queer m-m men in uniform -
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
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... -
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
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... -
Against the Grain: Auckland Med #4 by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI don’t like labels and I’m happy that way, but it’s taken a long time to get here. A jerk of a father, too many bullies to name, and a string of dipshit boyfriends whose interest in me rarely made it past the skirts I sometimes wear. Suffice to say, my faith in men runs a little thin.The last thing I need is a gruff, opinionated, fiery, closeted, Paralympian jock messing with my hard-won peace... -
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Playing Deep by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsKenyon Ellis knows getting involved with Julian Anderson is an enormous mistake—but from the very first night, he finds him annoying, intriguing and ultimately, irresistible.One, Kenyon is a player, and Julian is a reporter, so hooking up with him, no matter how spectacular the nights are, is a terrible idea.Two, he’s falling for him, even if Julian continues to be prickly and impossible... -
Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
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... -
My Brother's Best Friend by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNico’s it for me, too bad he’s my brother’s best friend … Friends and brothers are off limits. That’s always been the rule in our house. In a big family it’s the only way to keep the peace. That doesn’t stop my heart from belonging to Nico, my older brother’s best friend... -
My Only Reason by Leigh Lennon
RyderIt's a cliche' really, falling in love with my best friend, my very straight best friend. And to add more complications, I'm a football player, about to be drafted. We're manly men. We aren't supposed to be gay. But I am and I love the one person I'll never have. Until fate forces us together six years later...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer dual-pov athletes m-m contemporary -
Breakaway by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 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 friends to lovers queer contemporary super rich hero m-m insta-love length-medium -
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... -
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... -
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:
sports friends to lovers athletes secret-relationship queer dual-pov multicultural m-m -
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The Pretty Boy Vs. The Bad Boy by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSebastianI’m the good one, the pretty one.The one who follows the rules and always takes the high road.I’ve hidden my true self for so long, I barely know who I am anymore.But I don’t know if I can do it much longer.I love the race, but I’m tired of sacrificing my soul to do what I love.AxelI’m the rebel, the bad one.I follow no rules on the track or anywhere else...Categorized as:
athletes dual-pov sports secret-relationship queer m-m from hate to love grumpy sunshine -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
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 m-m contemporary age difference explicit-open-door queer-awakening -
You, Again by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...VinnieHockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.So I'm going home to Elmwood... -
Night Shift: Dirty Things Happen in the Dark by Kindle Alexander, Toni Aleo
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSummer in the Big Easy is hot. Inside Tulane Medical Center the temperature is on the rise. Six never before released stories that will leave you breathless. Dirty things happen in the dark. Off Duty Sawyer Bennett A member of the New York Fire Department, single father Tim Davis is about as tough as they come... -
Undisputed by Aimee Nicole Walker, Nicholas Bella
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThere was once a time in my life where the only thing that mattered to me was fighting and winning. I’d step into that octagon with all the confidence in the world that I’d leave the victor. There was no challenge too great that I couldn’t handle. That was until I met a sassy and sexy reporter by the name of Aiden James and he flipped my world upside down... -
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 secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary new adult hockey -
When Forever Ended by Cara Dee
At ten years old, Kelly and I were two rambunctious boys who carved our initials into a tree in the forest. We promised to be best friends forever and bumped our fists to seal the deal. I never should've kissed him that summer before college. It was a day that buried me in shame, a day I spent the next twenty-four years regretting, a day I never told anyone about...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov secret-relationship queer m-m cheating contemporary second chances -
Hooking the Captain by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn hockey and love, timing is everything … Emmett “Coop” Cooper is the star captain of the Boston Bruins. But off the bench, he’s hiding a secret that could jeopardize everything he’s worked for. As a gay man and a virgin, he’s chosen to live his life in the closet, afraid of how the hockey world might react... -
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLoving You: Book Four Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
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Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
Brick Walls by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCary “Sol” Solomon isn’t just in a slump—he’s a mess. His stats have plummeted. Fans hate him. After he caps off two awful seasons with a catastrophic playoff flop, his team is done with him. Worse, thanks to his downward spiral, the addiction that’s nearly cost him his career before is rearing its ugly head.As luck would have it, though, the Seattle Sasquatches are desperate for goalies... -
Script by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHollywood A-lister Finn might be Canadian, but he needs Cameron to show him how to hockey.Actor Finn Kerrigan is at a crossroads. After growing up a soap star, then starring in a hugely successful trilogy of action movies, he's finally given the chance to read a heartfelt and passionate script that could change his life forever... -
Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“Ford, stay with me.”Those were the last four words Ford Mahoney heard Emmett Cooper utter before everything went dark. When Ford wakes up in the hospital, it doesn’t take long for him to realize he needs to confront the demons of his past. Meanwhile, the event of that night leaves Coop envisioning a better future for himself.As they both try to find their way, they can’t deny the bond they share... -
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Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways...
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