Books like 'The Endgame'
Readers who enjoyed The Endgame by Riley Hart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports age difference athletes friends to lovers politician angst secret-relationship dual-pov
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Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely
Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist. A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever. But how do I become the man I want to be.. -
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 age difference athletes friends to lovers secret-relationship queer contemporary m-m -
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... -
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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Cherry Picked by May Archer
Never ask your brother’s best friend to… pick your cherry. When I asked Jack Wyatt to help me lose my pesky v-card, I didn’t expect him to keel over in shocked disapproval and nearly tumble us down a mountain... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up!At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
Starting From The Top by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe guitarist, the dad, and a band on the rise… Johnny A quiet place to live and some time to recharge before my band heads out on the road again sounds amazing. I wouldn’t mind a distraction too, but my new neighbor is off-limits. There are rules about not getting involved with your bandmate’s ex, right? And Sean isn’t my type anyway... -
Forever by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most, the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life... -
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... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Five by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMackey is great at taking a leap of faith into a crowd—but taking one into a relationship and a future is a totally different animal. When he and Trav decide to take a risk that Mackey's healing can hold up to them together, they know it's going to be a long, difficult road... -
Starting Over by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsColt Matthews is trying to find his way in the world. His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference...Categorized as:
age difference queer dual-pov friends to lovers m-m contemporary new adult first-person-pov -
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
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... -
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... -
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Concealed Hearts by Nicky James
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo closeted men in one rumor-hungry small town have no chance of keeping their love a secret.Chief of Police Windsor Elkhart is a master deceiver. Not a single person in Jasper has a clue he’s gay, which explains the endless suitors all vying for his attention. Happily married to his job, he’s convinced life is good enough... -
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... -
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 -
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men.When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.He saved me.Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.I can’t ask for more of my friend.Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help... -
Damage Control by Lynn Van Dorn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEverything to lose. Tyler’s worked hard to kick the dust of the Chicago suburbs off his heels and move on with his life as Hollywood’s newest up-and-comer, burying his demons and hiding his scars from the world. Just as everything seems to be going his way, a scandal from his past threatens everything he’s worked for... -
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... -
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suitAs assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers age difference queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort age play -
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 age difference athletes sports queer m-m hurt-comfort contemporary -
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... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
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Manhandled by Lauren Blakely
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely...My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare... -
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 age difference athletes queer m-m contemporary found-family explicit-open-door -
Playing Offside by Jax Calder
Falling for the guy whose starting spot you're after? Never a good idea.Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires...Categorized as:
sports age difference secret-relationship queer dual-pov athletes m-m from hate to love -
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... -
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 age difference sports queer m-m contemporary explicit-open-door queer-awakening -
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare... -
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
Strut by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsNew Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model. Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed.A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe... -
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 angst athletes dual-pov secret-relationship age difference queer -
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... -
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The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating... -
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... -
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... -
A Not So Typical Love by Tristen Rowen
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJordan and Jamie’s love is anything but typical. Jordan Cameron is not like most nineteen year olds. He’s never been on a date, he’s never left New England, and he’s never fallen in love. He lives in his own world, or so that's what it seems to the average person. No one, not even his thirty-one year old brother, Tim, has ever given him the chance to break free... -
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
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... -
Sadistic Sherlock by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTen years ago, Dominic Walsh faked his own death. With no true identity, it wasn’t hard. But if he’d stayed, he would have been drawn further into a life he’d never chosen. He has friends and family at Ward Security now and has managed to escape his dark past. There is only one thing he truly wants. Abraham Stephens... -
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... -
Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI lost my boyfriend on the night I had planned to propose.It was a horrific accident that was all my fault.I gave up and resigned myself into a life of obscurity.Until I got a call that my sister, Sara, needed me.It gave me purpose and I ran to her rescue.Because that’s what I’ve done our whole lives.That’s how I ended up in Brigs Ferry Bay...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers angst queer contemporary christian m-m length-short -
The Swap Masquerade by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“A night of passion and pleasure awaits you. No names, no faces, just the chance to live out your wildest fantasies. Leave your keys in the bowl and let fate decide who you’ll end up with.” After years of hiding his sexuality from his family and teammates, Elliott Stone is tired of living a lie... -
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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
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... -
Calling Your Bluff by Saxon James
ZaneFour years ago, I met Liam Holdsworthy.Hot, snarky, and hiding behind a sadness I couldn’t place. I wanted him, even back then. There were only two problems.One, I was deeply closeted.And two, he was dating my best friend.Now I’m retired from the NFL and openly out, there’s nothing to stop me from getting my gay on...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers secret-relationship dual-pov athletes queer contemporary m-m -
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 -
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsZeke Gulden is a ruthless Wall Street exec. His hard-edged, no-nonsense attitude has served him well in the cutthroat business world, but less so in his personal life. When he finds out his ex-boyfriend cheated on him with a coworker, Zeke can’t let go—not until he finds a way to get even. However, his meddlesome father has other ideas... -
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...
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