Books like 'Drive to Feel Alive'
Readers who enjoyed Drive to Feel Alive by C.D. Rachels also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports friends to lovers himbo athletes queer queer-awakening
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#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful, but never someone to taunt... -
![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... -
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![Free Me by Mia Monroe]()
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
![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... -
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![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 -
![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 athletes sports queer queer-awakening m-m age difference hurt-comfort -
![Extended Stay by Mia Monroe]()
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
![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... -
![You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
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 queer m-m contemporary new adult secret-relationship -
![Battle It Out by Reese Knightley]()
Battle It Out by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaster Sergeant Zane Gannon loves nothing more than being a part of his Special Forces unit and kicking ass, but above everything, he values his friendship with Isaac. Sure, they argue and snipe at each other, but it’s all in good fun. Until it isn’t. Now, Isaac is pulling away and something Zane has buried for two decades is resurfacing... -
![Fancy Free by Mia Monroe]()
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist?My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott]()
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“How long have you been in love with your best friend?” Godric I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life. Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist. I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend... -
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![War Torn by Andria Large]()
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
![Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Love and History by Lane Hayes]()
Love and History by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe sporty roommate, the professor, and a history lesson…Holden-Ezra might be the most annoying roommate ever. He’s loud, obnoxious, and full of himself. So what if he’s a tall, muscular, tattooed jock? His tendency to strip to his boxers in the kitchen while helping himself to my food isn’t endearing in the slightest. Nope. Ezra has to go...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes queer queer-awakening m-m forced proximity contemporary -
![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... -
![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:
sports friends to lovers athletes queer multicultural m-m contemporary height-difference -
![Alex by S.M. Shade]()
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
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... -
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![City Boy by A.E. Wasp]()
City Boy by A.E. Wasp
Follow the money or follow your heart? All Bryce Lowery knows how to do is play hockey. He’s been playing professionally since he was fifteen. Twenty years later, he’s rich, famous, tired, and alone. And possibly gay according to his ex-wife. When a blown tire leads directly to mind-blowing sex with a motorcycle-riding white knight named Dakota, Bryce discovers he is most definitely gay... -
![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
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 queer-awakening m-m contemporary age difference explicit-open-door -
![Hooking the Captain by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
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]()
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... -
![I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander]()
I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.Who will win, heart or hurricane?Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town... -
![Playing the Player by Beth Bolden]()
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]()
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... -
![Retaking the Shot by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
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... -
![Clip by Charity Parkerson]()
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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![Adam's Song by Spencer Spears]()
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThey say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented... -
![Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn]()
Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn
Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with the coach.Gabriel Theriault’s been skating on thin ice for the past two seasons with Toronto but his arrest following an off-ice fight is the final straw.His only shot at redemption is to start over in Evanston and prove that he still has what it takes to be a pro player.No more fights. No more drinking. No more random hookups. Rule #2: The team always comes first... -
![Offensive Edge by Hannah Henry]()
Offensive Edge by Hannah Henry
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTheo Lane finally found his place in the NHL. The beginning of his career had been a struggle, especially compared to Rowan Foley, generational talent and his ex not-quite-boyfriend. It took eight years from draft day, but Theo was finally on a team that respected him. A team that was lighting it up. The San Jose Serpents had a real chance that year. Everything was looking up... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
![The Right Way by May Archer]()
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved... -
![Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn]()
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
![Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes]()
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan... -
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![Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn]()
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“I don’t want options. I just want you.” Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste.” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self... -
![Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste]()
Offside Chance by Mercy Celeste
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsJudah Brody meets William Slater and it's loathe at first sight. Jude had spent his whole life in his famous brother’s shadow. Returning to New Orleans seemed like a good idea now that Levi was back home. But Jude couldn’t turn around without something of Levi’s getting in his way...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer queer-awakening contemporary alpha male from hate to love -
![Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza]()
Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt started as a simple assignment for Aussie bush guide Dave Taylor – escort a lone Englishman in quest of an unknown species of butterfly. However Nicholas Goring is no ordinary tourist, his search is far from straightforward, and it’s starting to look as if the butterflies don’t want to be found... -
![Curve Ball: An M/M Hurt Comfort Sports Romance by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
Curve Ball: An M/M Hurt Comfort Sports Romance by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe last man he loved without anyone knowing he existed. Now, there’s a younger man tempting him to give life a second chance.Jason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he swore was right at the time. He couldn't tell anyone he was in love, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat... -
![Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson]()
Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he knew was the right one at the time. He never told anyone about the love of his life, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat. Now, his heart has had time to heal, but he’s not sure he’s ready to let himself move on... -
![Coaching the Nerd by Eli Easton, Tara Lain]()
Coaching the Nerd by Eli Easton, Tara Lain
Super-bod meets super-brainWhat happens when marshmallow-bodied supernerd Sean volunteers to be on the jocks’ flag-football team? It screws Bubba’s fraternity’s chances at the coveted flag football title, that’s what.Bubba is drafted to be Sean’s personal trainer. He has to whip Sean into shape and make sure he doesn’t F up their team...
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