Book picks similar to
The Rival Quarterback by Devyn Morgan
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sports
college
m-m-romance
Blindsided by You
Cameron Riley - 2016
Unlike his best friend Marc, he doesn’t love being a football hero -- but since his coach is also his father, he feels trapped. When he meets Marc’s younger brother Aaron, Seth is surprised at the instant attraction between them, since he’s always considered himself straight. Aaron knows he’s gay -- his favorite pastime is reading M/M romance novels. It’s almost as if Seth stepped right from the pages of one of Aaron’s books and straight into his fantasies. Aaron is more than ready to make them real … if Seth will make a move. But Marc doesn’t want his brother’s sexuality making headlines -- for Aaron’s protection, yes, but also for the sake of Marc’s future career. Can Seth and Aaron keep their relationship a secret? If they’re discovered, can they survive the fallout?
Winter Boys
Van Barrett - 2015
But even though he's chiseled, he's still just too lean to play against the muscle-bound athletes that dominate the pros. And now that Kevin's stellar career has hit its first rut in the ice, his girlfriend's not so sure about their future. When she leaves him, his Christmas travel plans get blown up in the split. Kevin knows he should be upset about the break-up ... but all he can think about is team captain Cam's big, rock-hard body. If only he had that, all his problems would be solved! Is there something more to Kevin's obsession with muscled and sweat-slicked chests? Will Cam save Kevin's Christmas and make all his wishes, no matter how forbidden or suppressed, come true?
He's harder than ice ...
Loved by his teammates and feared by opponents, nobody knows much about senior defenseman Cam Blake -- except he's big, tough, and hits like a truck. So stay the hell out of his way. And that's just how Cam wants it. 'Cause if his teammates found out that he was into dudes once upon a time, they'd never look at the captain the same. Not that anyone could find out -- after his first love, he vowed to never be with another boy again. But when Kevin gets into a jam and needs someone to rescue him? Cam can't say no, even if he knows inviting the cute freshman back to his ranch in Manitoba -- where the secrets of his past lurk -- is nothing but risky. Kevin's eager to learn a lot more about Cam -- whether Cam wants him to or not. Only question is, can Cam keep all his secrets hidden? And is Kevin actually curious ... or is Cam getting carried away again? *** Winter Boys is a 45,000 word stand-alone first-time-gay romance with a HEA! This book has hot athlete man-on-man action and two light male/female scenes.
Overboard
Sierra Riley - 2016
He's already sold almost everything he owns, but there's still no end in sight. With his business in hot water, he can't even afford to attend his sister's cruise ship wedding. On the verge of homelessness, he might have to do the unthinkable: move back in with his parents who don't know he's gay.
“Why make something of myself when everything has been given to me my whole life?”
Sebastian Walker is swimming in cash... not that he ever had to lift a finger to earn it. He parties hard and lives large—all thanks to his father's success—and he’s used to men who fall into his lap and hang around until Sebastian gets bored of them. But when he loses a bet to his friends and has to try speed dating as a punishment, he meets a sexy mountain of a man who won't even give Sebastian his name. The stranger is definitely not boring. He might even be worth working for.
“The only man who can help is the jerk I hate the most.”
At the last second, Sebastian offers to pay for Duncan’s cruise trip... so long as he can come too. Duncan wants to say no, but he has nowhere else to turn. Sebastian is a trust-fund brat, a sexy, arrogant prick that Duncan can't possibly bring around his family, but he also can't let his sister down. With his family surrounding them, Duncan fears they'll get suspicious about his relationship with the other man, and Sebastian isn't helping at all. Once onboard, he proves to be too hot, too close, too damn irresistible. The two men are trapped in a small cabin together for the duration, and Sebastian is more than willing to take advantage of their situation.As the heat rises, Duncan's resistance—and his ability to stay in the closet with all eyes on him—is in serious jeopardy of going overboard.
Overboard is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
Given the Circumstances
Brad Vance - 2013
Both men are hungry for connection – Brian needs the acceptance, encouragement and support he never had growing up, and when he finds out his new best friend is gay, it brings his own identity into question. Roger needs a big brother, a best friend, but that will never be enough, especially not when he’s this close to big, strong, handsome Brian. And both men want something more – careers as professional athletes. For Roger, the demands of the closet, the need to reject the love of a man to fulfill his love of the game, will be a crushing burden. For Brian, his downfall will be the substances he uses to get an edge over the competition, and to suppress his gnawing self-doubt and guilt.One set of desires will bring them together, the other will force them apart…
Not in the NFL
Terry O'Reilly - 2011
But along comes Brendan Fletcher, an outstanding, Super Bowl-winning linebacker who awakens something in Adam, something Adam hadn’t known was there. And now it’s wakened, the quarterback will never be the same. Despite the threat to their careers and their personal safety, Adam and Brendan find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, starting something that grows from gratification of mutual needs to something more. Can these men of strength and power on the gridiron overcome the homophobia of their profession? Can they make what they have found stand for something more important than the fame and fortune of playing NFL football or even becoming Super Bowl champions?
Pretend Boyfriend
Luke Reynolds - 2016
or the love of a good man? "What I want is to live my life, without letting Hollywood interfere." Jake Fournier is more than just an up and coming movie star: he's also a proudly gay man, using his star power to bring attention to the causes close to his heart. About to make his big break in Hollywood, he has to break the news to his studio that he's broken up with his abusive, narcissistic boyfriend Connor, a top director. All the execs can think about is marketing and money — but Jake's not going to let them dictate his life. "Ten years with the Marines, yet I still don't have the courage to face my past." You wouldn't notice Max Wiltshire in a room: despite his rugged good looks and Olympian body, he's the soul of discretion and professionalism in his role as a top bodyguard. He's hoping he won't be assigned to a prima donna Hollywood star when he gets a contract with a big studio, but he rises to the challenge when they tell him he has to pretend to be Jake's boyfriend for the Snowbasin Film Festival, where his new blockbuster is premiering! "This is something special... I won't stop fighting to make it happen." Jake finds his new bodyguard — and pretend boyfriend — enigmatic: he's mysterious, and doesn't give much of his painful past away. Max learns that behind the Hollywood glitz and glam, Jake is a sensitive soul who's caring, genuine and loving. On a trip to a remote cabin to get away from the paparazzi, their curiosity becomes passion... But is this a one-time fling, or can they find true love in the midst of all the distractions? Will fame and fortune bring them together... or drive them apart? Pretend Boyfriend is a sweet and steamy first-time gay romance. It is a full-length novel with no cliffhanger and a satisfying HEA.
Open Tackle
L.C. Chase - 2011
Not willing to ruin their friendship, Rory keeps his feelings buried. But a drunken confession by Owen changes everything. Will Rory lose his best friend, or will he realize his sweetest dream?Original Prompt: Dear Author,I can't tell you how long I've wanted a story to go along with this picture. I love the thought that they have been friends forever and just couldn't resist each other anymore.I would be forever grateful if you could help me out!!Photo Description: Two shirtless young men lay on top of each other, the one on top with his pants pushed down to expose his butt, kissing on a grassy field. A football rests in the grass next to them.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, friends-to-lovers, college, football, athletes, first-timeWord Count: 6,410
Roughing the Passer
Alison Hendricks - 2016
Forced to walk away from a Division I scholarship to take care of his family, Garrett was sure he'd never play football again. When an offer comes in from the ESC Mavericks--a school near his hometown--it seems like a dream come true. There's only one catch: he's expected to single-handedly save the worst team in the state.Diego Ruiz has known his whole life that the deck is stacked against him. The harder he tries to fight it, the more it hurts when it knocks him back down. With a lifetime of disappointment to back him up, he's stopped trying for anything more than mediocrity, both on and off the football field. If not for a promise he'd made years ago, he'd probably just be some nobody in a nowhere job.So when Coach Ladner brings in some D1 "hero" to save the team, Diego is determined to show him exactly where hard work and perseverance get you--absolutely nowhere. Despite his best efforts, Garrett's unwavering optimism starts to get under Diego's skin. Caught on the verge of giving in, he relies on the one thing that's never failed him: his ability to get curious straight boys into bed.As the friction between them gives way to passion, the stakes of their former rivalry increase tenfold. With both men's hearts--and a state title--on the line, there's no time for playing games. But when Diego's past comes back to remind him that everything eventually goes to hell, Garrett will have to convince him that some things are worth fighting for.Roughing the Passer is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
Volley Balls
Tara Lain - 2011
His last attraction to an alpha male got him into an abusive relationship, and now ogling two hot members of the Australian volleyball team on Laguna Beach gets him harassed yet again. Australian Gareth Marshall needs to come out. A lifetime of hiding his orientation from his best friend and volleyball partner, Edge, as well as everyone else around him, has left him hurt and frustrated. When Gareth gets a load of David posing nude as the Michelangelo statue in the famous Laguna Pageant, he knows his days in the closet are numbered. And David is more than willing to help him take the first step out of the dark.But Gareth’s teammate, Edge, has secrets of his own, and David's ex-lover will never be happy without David under his thumb. With everything stacked against him, can a gay Laguna man find happiness with an alpha male – or two?
Freshman Feint
Elaine Ashford - 2015
My freshman year at college is giving me a tough time. It’s not just the classes … it’s knowing I’m in love with my straight best friend, Nathan.I can’t leave him…We’ve been friends forever, and that means I have to help him get ready for his date with Charlotte, the girl we know from high school. It kills me to think he’ll never feel the same way about me that I do about him.Unless something changes…Owen, the guy from my hockey team, is into me … and maybe it’s just my imagination, but that seems to bother Nathan. Is there really a chance for us, or am I just kidding myself?
Out in Time
Grey Cole - 2014
An out and proud photographer. And a road trip.Wade Truman had grown accustomed to admiring Heath Taylor from afar. Now, years of denying himself and the irresistible Heath are wreaking havoc on Wade’s resolve. The odds are stacked against them … they’re graduating college soon. Wade just signed a multimillion dollar football deal—thrusting him even further into the spotlight. Not to mention, what would the gorgeously refined Heath want with a small town jock boy like himself anyway?Heath grew up privileged, accepted, and out. And the two hells he swore he would never put himself through—crushing on a straight guy and being anyone’s dirty little secret—have presented themselves in one sweet talkin’, dream hauntin’ package. One weekend with Wade, and Heath’s sure the devil himself has come a-knockin’.Warning: Contains Southern accents wielded like weapons of desire, a snarky, do-gooder Pennsylvanian, and two boys deserving of true love.
Driven
Harper Logan - 2016
With an ultimatum—get a promotion by his 36th birthday or find a new job—and a deadline looming over his head, it’s easy to get wrapped up in his own Ivy League world. That is, until he meets Oscar. The last thing Oscar Nash needs is to take on a new charity case at his failing mechanic shop. But when a handsome, well-dressed art history lecturer shows up with a vintage car in need of some TLC, Oscar is too intrigued to say no. Sure he can fix up the car… on one condition. Ben has to agree to a date. Despite misunderstandings and clashing worlds, the two men hit it off, connecting over their deep love of art. As their connection grows, Oscar shares his greatest yearning: the car mechanic’s dream to become a sculptor and open his own gallery. But will their chemistry be enough to overcome the differences in their two worlds? More importantly, can Oscar step up with a mechanical miracle while Ben’s career hangs in the balance?
Driven is a 50,000-word standalone contemporary gay romance, complete with lots of heat and a happily ever after ending.
Touched Down
Hayden Hunt - 2016
But maybe I've found the right man Things haven't been easy for me. Even though, in theory, I have everything I want. I'm rich, I get to play football for a living which is my passion, I have a huge house. What I don't have is someone to share it with. Despite dating so many women, none of them ever click for me. I was beginning to resign myself to being alone forever, until I meet Alex. Alex is the perfect person for me... Except for the fact that he's a man. I don't date straight guys, I refuse to get tangled up in that mess. At least, that's what I promise myself after my ex Jason. I don't want to be with a man who isn't willing to come out of the closet. But, that doesn't mean I can't be friends with Liam, right? There's no harm in being around him if I keep things platonic. Only, every fiber of my being is craving him romantically. This standalone gay-for-you novella is 30,000 words and comes complete with HEA ending!
Up and Coming
Andrea Dalling - 2016
Emmett Cross doesn't have time to date. A college quarterback on a path to turning pro, he can't afford distractions, especially with the academic challenges he faces. When he's blindsided by a growing attraction to his friend Jake, he fights it—rumors that he's bisexual could wreck his draft prospects. But he can't stop thinking about the cute blond with the warm heart and gentle smile. Biochem major Jake Schott has had a straight-boy crush on Emmett since freshman year. Emmett's cool logic is the perfect complement to Jake’s sensitive nature. He’s sure nothing can come of his longing—until a scorching kiss turns desire into hope. Although the tall, sexy athlete with the trim waist and thick biceps denies that there’s a chance for them, his lustful looks and stolen touches tell a different story. Passion ignites between them, but Emmett insists on hiding the relationship. When their secret threatens to come out, will Emmett give up Jake to protect his career? Or will he risk everything for love? This steamy friends-to-lovers, straight-to-bi M/M romance is for a mature audience. It's a full-length novel with a happy ending and no cliffhanger. Previously published—expanded edition
My Hero
Max Vos - 2013
Little did he know that years later, as a senior in college and Olympic diving hopeful, Rich would meet up once again with Johnny Milloway, now a big football player – and when Rich says big, he really means ‘bear’. The shy jock remembers his savior, and the two men become friends. Johnny isn’t put off by the fact that Rich is gay. In fact, the more time he spends with Rich, the more curious he becomes. Johnny wants to know all kinds of things – what it’s like to kiss a guy, for instance. Only it doesn’t stop there…Rich finds it difficult to believe that this relationship can go anywhere. Johnny is straight, and Rich isn’t prepared to deal with the heartache he knows will come his way in the future. He has enough on his plate as it is – the Worlds are just around the corner, his father would rather watch a football game than spend time watching his son dive…. What he doesn’t count on is Johnny, who can be very determined. And having Johnny in his life proves to be a catalyst for some pretty earth-shattering changes.