Books Tagged With who - occupation - athlete

Word Count: Click here to reveal72000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Pining for your best friend sucks ass—and not the good kind of sucking. But I can’t back away, and I definitely can’t let go. Eddie Phelps is too damn important to me. He has my heart and soul. Well, he and his daughter, a ten-year-old who one day will run the world. It’s not like I can even blame Eddie for mixed signals or anything. He’s done everything right. He always does. Honestly, that’s part of his problem. But I won’t put pressure on him. That means it’s down to Eddie to see how freakin’ awesome a catch I am. I just have no idea how exactly I’ll get him to do that. Sure, I’m a professional basketball player. But once upon a time, so was he. It’s going to take something huge to get him to see beyond my age *cough immaturity cough*. But since Eddie isn’t one for making wrong moves, I’m not sure a grand gesture will work. That leads me back to pining, and hoping somehow, someway, he’ll see me as more than a joker. More than his best friend—even though I’m a kick-ass one. Maybe someday, he’ll know I’m exactly the person he needs to make the move on.

Word Count: Click here to reveal75000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Demisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: As captain of the LA Grizzlies, Ryan ‘Ry’ Bennett’s life is all about hockey and pushing himself to the limit. A future in the major leagues would fulfill his life-long dream, but at 32, it seems like a far-off goal, especially as he watches younger, more promising players earn their chance. Then he skates into Ry’s life. Twenty-two year-old Alexander ‘Xander’ Harrison, a ray of sunshine, turns Ry’s world upside down. From their first clash at training camp to the late-night conversations that reveal the man beneath the surface, Ry finds himself drawn to Xander in ways he can't explain. Xander’s everything Ry’s not - carefree, optimistic, and unapologetically himself. Ry never thought he'd find love, especially with a man. But Xander shows him that love doesn't care about expectations or pasts. It just is. When a league shake-up threatens to tear them apart, Ry knows he can't let go without a fight. Because in the end, love isn't about the games we play. It's about the person we choose to stand with, no matter what.

Word Count: Click here to reveal125000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Eight seasons ago, Jarek Badura made the biggest mistake of his career, earning him the nickname “Joke.” He’s been fighting ever since to prove that season was a fluke, and he’s only just started to leave it behind, finally regaining some respect and securing his place as second line center. But his team just made a new acquisition, and suddenly he’s linemates with the man who was the unknowing catalyst for his fall from grace all those years ago. After seven long seasons, Hunter Michaud is done carrying his disastrously managed team. An unrestricted free agent, he startles the hockey world by accepting an offer elsewhere, signing with a team that works together and builds on each other’s strengths. And it doesn’t hurt that one of Hunter’s longtime idols is on the roster. He just doesn’t realize how much his career is already intertwined with Jarek’s. Or how much resentment is waiting for him in Pittsburgh. Or how much chemistry is hiding under the ice between them. Own Goal is a 125,000-word contemporary hockey romance that isn't currently part of a series, but the author doesn't dare declare it a standalone because that's just asking for it. For fans of slow burns, grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, and teammates to lovers!

Word Count: Click here to reveal90000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealLesbian (Click here to hide)

Summary: Lila Hamilton is thrilled to be joining the Pittsburgh Bearcats, the League’s latest expansion team. She’s rehabbed from her knee injury and ready for a fresh start in a new city. But did Pittsburgh have to sign Sabrina McAvoy? Lila’s played with and against Sabrina before. She’s hot and she’s exactly Lila’s type, but she’s also hockey royalty—her father was a generational talent, and her brother is a star in the men’s league. Players, coaches, and sports commentators fawn all over her because of her family name, and Sabrina shamelessly exploits that. Lila doesn’t care how attractive she is—no, thanks. But there’s more to Sabrina’s story than Lila realizes.

Word Count: Click here to reveal77000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: The Games We Play, Book 1 Theo Mathis doesn’t regret defying the general manager during his brief stint on the Seattle Rainiers last season. The rainbow tape on his stick cost him dearly, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat… even though it means he’ll never get called up from the minors again while that GM is at the helm. Then a flood of injuries leaves Seattle desperate for players, and Theo gets called up after all. But he’s warned: provoke the GM again, and he will regret it. Except stick tape wasn’t the only line Theo skated over, and the temptation to cross it again has nothing to do with spite. Equipment manager Christian Hayes has had that hot minor league player living rent-free in his head ever since they hooked up last year. It wasn’t love, but it was fun, and he wishes they could do it again because they want to—not as an act of rebellion. If Christian’s dad ever finds out, there will be hell to pay. But it’s a non-issue, since his dad—the team’s GM—has vowed to never call up that player again no matter how bad the team needs him… and he doesn’t even know Theo and Christian hooked up. Now Theo’s back in the Rainiers’ locker room. They don’t dare risk a rematch—they both value their careers too much. All they have to do is ride this out for a few games until Theo’s sent back down. Easy enough. Right? But their mutual attraction refuses to be ignored. And it looks like Theo’s going to be staying a while. The Games We Play is a multi-author minor league hockey romance series! All titles run concurrently through the same hockey season and the books can be read in any order, so jump in anywhere!

Word Count: Click here to reveal84000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: Time for distractions? Hardly. A chance at making the playoffs? It’s a dream for NHL forward Taylor Cunningham that just might come true. If he can keep his eyes on the ball—ahem, puck. And study for midterms. Dakota Cotton, eleven years his senior, isn’t just a distraction, though—he’s everything Tay’s ever wanted. Dakota has no interest in introducing someone who might not stick around to his four-year-old son. Been there, done that, with the divorce to prove it. But there’s something about Tay that hits all of the right buttons and has him wanting to take a chance. As things heat up between them, and the pressure to succeed hits an all-time high, will they risk a shot at happiness or choke?

Word Count: Click here to reveal20300 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: THE FRENZY OF INSATIABLE SEXUALITY IS IRRESISTIBLE Xander absolutely exudes sexuality with his every breath, every look, and every sensual move. As much as Ty desperately wants to avoid the risk of losing his heart to another, Xander is definitely getting under Ty's skin. Ty can't stop thinking about Xander, and these lads can't take their hands off of each other. The frenzy of a fresh, new relationship is on. The big question is whether Ty can have nearly nonstop sex with Xander without falling in love with him. Xander's allure is irresistible. His sexuality is insatiable. Can Ty trust Xander, or is he at greater risk than ever? *This book contains explicit scenes of a gay sexual nature by consenting characters who are over 19 years of age. It is intended only for readers who are 18+ years of age. If you are underage or may be offended by this topic, do not purchase this book.

Word Count: Click here to reveal150000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay, Pansexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: Rookie forward Isaac Rivera is still finding his footing in the big leagues where he’s no longer the best player on the roster. It’s a whole new world, especially now that several of his hockey idols have become teammates. Friends, even. There’s one who’s more than a hockey idol, though… and he might end up being more than a friend. Julien Landry is a powerhouse on the ice. In eight years, he’s become one of the league’s top defensemen and the heartthrob everyone wants to bed. But fallout from a painful mistake as a rookie, followed by years of rough-and-tumble hookups, have him itching for something more. When a connection sparks between him and Isaac, he discovers what he’s been missing: someone he can trust with his body and his heart. As long as Isaac and Julien keep the heat between them off the ice, what could go wrong? But Julien’s past is never far behind him, and when it comes crashing in, he might lose everything—his career, his friends, and the first person he’s ever really loved. CW: discussions of past abuse and sexual assault

Word Count: Click here to reveal81000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: It’s not my milkshake that brings Kieran Kendall to my yard. Okay, maybe it’s a little bit my milkshake. But I also like to think it’s my dazzling personality and my magical… uhm… you get the idea. Since meeting Kieran, my first, second, and admittedly third impressions of him have changed radically. Not surprising, since he was a prize D during at least two of those encounters. What I should be doing is running from the college basketball star who checks so many of my dream-guy boxes. But do you know how hard it is to find a hot guy who’s as smart as he is talented? And I’m not just talking about his talent on the basketball court. Heck no. It’s easy to get distracted by him, because of him, yet as far as he’s concerned, I’m the one who’s a distraction and throwing his carefully constructed plans out of whack. I should be sorry. I should also be better at guarding my heart. But Kieran Kendall is under my skin, and getting him to break his rules is far too much fun.

Word Count: Click here to reveal180000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealAce, Bisexual, Pansexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: At nearly thirty-one years old, Pittsburgh Griffins captain Elias Karlsson’s hockey years are numbered. Everything is changing around him, including his eleven-year friendship with Nikolai Sidorov. Elias would give anything for Nisha to be a permanent part of his life, but their once bedrock-strong bond has broken into a million pieces, and Elias doesn’t know why. More than anything, Elias wants his friend back, but if that isn’t an option, maybe it’s time for him to look outside of hockey for someone to be there with him when hockey isn’t an option anymore. Nisha’s world is splintering apart. He’s been in love with his two best friends for years, but now one of them has someone. The other, Elias, is searching for everything Nisha wishes he could give him… but he’s looking for it in anyone but Nisha. The farther his friends slip away, the deeper the loneliness sinks in and the bleaker his empty future looks. What can he do but numb the pain in the only ways he knows how? On the eve of the season opener, Nisha’s unexplained absence threatens the cohesion of the team and puts him and Elias on a collision course of strong wills, broken hearts, and shattered trust. In the end, they may lose the very thing that matters most to them both: each other. Scoreless Game is approximately 180,000 words, including a bonus short story. This asexual-pansexual romance is book 2 in the On the Board series. CW: on-page struggles with alcoholism and binge-drinking, suicidal ideation, toxic family dynamics, acephobia

Word Count: Click here to reveal18000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Dead boyfriends don't make booty calls. So why is the man Tom mourned for 20 years pouting for a kiss? Tom's never forgotten Wyte. The man he was too closeted to commit to. Too dedicated to his career as a rising hockey star. The man who never seemed to mind. Wyte kissed him under club lights and in cheap hotels. Until the day he disappeared. Dead. Tommy's sure of it. Then Wyte shows up again. Still 25, with claims of being a fae. Whatever that means. And it turns out, Tom's not sure of anything. Wyte's almost as Tom remembers. Pretty. Unpredictable. Insatiable. Only, there's a new, tempting fragility too. And Tom can't help but want to heal that hidden pain. Who could resist indulging a sweet treat with a sulky pout begging to be nipped into giggles? Or say no to a man eager to be worked over (and over and over) with rough affection? Certainly not Tom. But Wyte's already disappeared on him once. Tom knows better than to trust this. Tom tells himself it's a one night thing. Wyte's from another world. And the new intensity between them will only lead to a second heartbreak if Tom lets it. Better to keep it casual. If only he still knew how. Silver Fox, White Rabbit is a second-chance HFN romp with no cliffhangers. It features an indulgent former tough guy turned retired softie and a silly, playful rabbit fae with far more depth than he's entirely comfortable with. There's snark and dry humor out the ears, enough spice to make the eyes water, and reconciliation after too long apart. This is a standalone novella in the Fallen for a Fae series. Each book follows a different couple (though we do love cameos).

Word Count: Click here to reveal94000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay, Pansexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: Felix only wants two things: 1. To make music. 2. His best friend, Emery. But he’s not willing to risk two decades of friendship for something more. Besides, a bout of writer’s block is preventing him from creating new material, and he’s got deadlines to meet. He doesn’t need any distractions—and Emery is the biggest distraction of all. Emery only wants two things: 1. To play hockey. 2. His best friend, Felix. He’s ready to risk it all for a shot at being together. While he should be concentrating on playing his best hockey so his team will grant him a contract extension, there’s no reason he can’t multitask. With their careers at a crossroads, the timing for romance couldn’t be worse—but when Felix is forced to move in with Emery, will Emery finally convince him to take a chance at becoming the stars of their own game?

Word Count: Click here to reveal64000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: It’ll take more than medals to mend their relationship. Diabetic gymnast and team alternate Sol Ashvili had one thing on his agenda when the 2016 Rio Olympics wrapped up—confess to his teammate and best friend Tony Thomas that he’d been in love with him for years. But Tony took a major deduction in Sol’s heart when he jetted out of Rio and turned his oh-so-flexible back on an almost-finished college degree, international gymnastics meets… and Sol. The first two Sol could forgive—barely. The last? Not a chance. Tony’s crowd-pleasing, no-holds-barred, high-octane gymnastics style stole its nickname from a legendary gymnastics move—the Thomas Flair. After the 2016 Games, he vaulted into a career as an internet celebrity, specializing in extreme sports and risky stunts. When Tony decides to battle his way into competition shape to earn a spot on the 2020 Olympic team, he has to survive the most extreme risk of all: facing Sol again. For the sake of the team and the reputation of US men’s gymnastics, Sol and Tony must leave the past behind and get a grip on working together. And as the Games draw closer, they realize that being more than teammates might be the only way they can truly fly high and stick the landing. The Thomas Flair is a 64,000-word friends to enemies to lovers second-chance rom-com set around the Tokyo Olympics that might have been, featuring a thrill-seeker who needs reining in, a perfectionist who needs to let go, redemption, rowdy teammates, and a few risky moves that will never make it into the Code of Points.

Word Count: Click here to reveal89000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay, Pansexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: One wrongful arrest ruined Kris Xappa’s image—and made his NHL team look bad. Now, with orders to keep his head down, the last thing he needs is to develop feelings for his younger teammate—and best friend’s brother. The fact that he can’t stop thinking about their one illicit kiss doesn’t mean anything. Rory Stanton is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and doesn’t need his brother’s best friend keeping an eye on him. Sure, he likes having Kris’s attention, but he’d rather have it for entirely different reasons. Too bad that one kiss they shared wasn’t enough to convince Kris to take a chance on him. When an injury lands Rory in Kris’s care, will these teammates be able to see past the obstacles to become a two-man team?

Word Count: Click here to reveal17000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Never will Wyte ever: Crush on a human. Look the guy up after 20 years. Fall in love. And if you believe that, he's got a bridge to sell you. Once upon a time, Tommy was Wyte's ideal. Playful. Funny. Passionate. (Strong enough to pin Wyte to the mattress and make him beg.) They spent their days apart. Wyte, in the faerie realm, bored and restless. Tommy, on the ice, a rising hockey star. But nights found them together in neon-lit clubs and cheap hotel rooms. Until the other fae found out. And Wyte was dragged back home, without even the chance to say goodbye. That was twenty years ago. Twenty years of Wyte trapped in the faerie realm. Twenty years of Tommy believing him dead. Now, Wyte's allowed one night back. One night with Tommy, just like it was. But Wyte hasn't changed, and Tommy's twenty years older. The closeted, immature man of Wyte's memories has grown up. Oh, he kisses with the same rough passion. But there's silver in his hair and new vulnerability in his eyes. And his kindness, the way he treats Wyte with indulgence and understanding, is unbearable. Because this is just one night. Come sunrise, the faerie realm will be waiting. And Wyte will never see Tommy again. White Rabbit, Silver Fox is a second-chance HFN romp with no cliffhangers. It features an indulgent former tough guy turned retired softie and a silly, playful rabbit fae with far more depth than he's entirely comfortable with. There's snark and dry humor out the ears, enough spice to make the eyes water, and reconciliation after too long apart. This is a standalone novella in the Fallen for a Fae series. Each book follows a different couple (though we do love cameos).

Word Count: Click here to reveal170000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: One of them has a plan. The other is clueless. Together they will discover what love really is about. Guarded and studious, sixteen-year-old aspiring actor Zak favours being alone above all else… except perhaps Alberto, the Italian god from Drama Club, with whom he’s secretly in love. When their drama teacher takes the club to the French countryside to shoot a short film, Zak decides to temporarily hang his introvert hat and joins the party, confident Alberto will be cast as his love interest. Only… by accident or by mistake, the beloved — and most likely overrated — star football player Eric is chosen to play Alberto’s part. As time goes by, stuck in the middle of nowhere with the most popular boy at school, Zak quickly sees his opinion of Eric shift from sworn enemy to endearing new friend; and soon enough, his feelings for him threaten to grow into something far more dangerous. A story about friendship, self-awareness and the dangers of appearances, You're The One for Me is the second instalment in the Colette International series, where students from an international high school in Paris navigate their tumultuous love lives. Each of the Colette books can be read as standalones, apart from He Looks So Fine Part One and Two. Warning: this novel is 170 000 words long. It's a slow burn of a summer romance, written for readers who enjoy slice of life entertainment with plenty of dialogue.