Books like 'Canning the Center'
Readers who enjoyed Canning the Center by Tara Lain also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm sports trans-mc lgbtq university celebrity athlete family
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Iced Out by C.E. Ricci
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsAll's fair in hate and hockey.My path to success never included an enemy as a teammate, especially one as infuriating as Quinton de Haas.Clawing under my skin is his favorite pastime, only feeding the animosity between us as the years pass.We’re as completely opposite as two people can be; the golden boy and the black sheep.Constantly at odds or at each other’s throats... -
Ever-Greene: A Souls Christmas by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJoin the Greene family and the rest of the Souls of Chicago as they come together to celebrate the holidays. There will be an abundance of laughter, fun, heartwarming moments, and, of course, the shenanigans that only occur when the Greene family comes together. Reminisce with all your favorite Souls of Chicago couples and triad as they celebrate this joyous time of year... -
Line Brawl by Bianca Sommerland
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNot all fights are one on one. In a team, no man should stand alone. ‘You can’t keep me.’ Shawn ‘Easy’ Pischlar has given his speech so often, it should be written on the white board in the Dartmouth Cobra’s locker room. Too many of his own teammates have heard the words. And the games he’s played are finally catching up to him... -
Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFree-spirited ballet dancer Quinn is sure he made a terrible mistake by agreeing to be Duke’s roommate. The big cop is the most uptight person Quinn’s ever met, and both men begin driving each other crazy from day one. Before long though, an undeniable spark of attraction ignites between them... -
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Brazen Steele by Ali Dean
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBeckett Steele knows what he wants and he’s finally going after it. But there’s one thing that might complicate his mission. It was easy to sign the legally-binding contract prohibiting a public relationship when he had no intention of falling in love... -
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... -
Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen danger stalks their new home, it’s only their strength as a couple that keeps them safe.Ryker misses Jacob every day he’s away. At the start of a new Raptors season with everything to play for, Jacob, the desert ranch, and their small menagerie of animals have become an oasis of peace in a turbulent world... -
Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSequel to Tigers on the Run Documentary producer Simon and ex-footballer Declan are taking some big steps toward a lasting life together. They’ve bought a house, and they’ll need it for the family they plan to start. Their friend, Nyssa, has made the generous offer to be their surrogate, and Declan couldn’t be more excited about the idea of a baby... -
Hat Trick by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsStan Lyamin has seen many of his dreams come true. He’s found his soulmate, loves Noah like his own, hoisted the Cup, and has his Mama living with him in his new country. But his fantasies of a loud, loving, madcap home overflowing with childish laughter linger... -
Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s pro football’s hottest wide receiver…But for me he’s pure, red-hot trouble.Storm Rosling is cocky. Charming. A bad boy football player who can’t keep his name out of headlines and scandals.In my life, he’s one big red flag.I’m working with Fixer Brothers Construction to take their home renovation TV show to the stratosphere. I’m all business, and I’m damn good at it... -
Blitzed by S.E. Harmon
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNFL tight end Andrew McAdams isn’t thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. He’s even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so...yeah. That’s a no-brainer. It's not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there's no rule saying he can't do his hours and have a little fun... -
Tigers on the Run by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYoung Australian Micah Johnson is the first AFL player to be out at the beginning of his career. Retired professional football player Declan Tyler mentors Micah, but he finds it difficult, as Micah is prone to making poor life choices that land him in trouble. Nothing Dec can’t handle. He’s been there, done that, more times than he’d like to admit... -
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe 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... -
The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHey guys! It’s Tyler here, and this is the newest chapter of my life. Y’all are not going to believe this, but…I just joined the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s Men’s Soccer team! No, seriously, I actually did! I’m officially a Panther now! I did well on my youth soccer team, and I destroyed the opposing team in high school lacrosse, so I should be ready for college soccer, right?I wish... -
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Rescue by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I don't need you to rescue me." Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it... -
The Red Zone by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSpencer’s deep in the Red Zone and it’s time to even the score. Nine years ago Spencer Evans became the first player out of the closet to be drafted into the NFL. Everyone believed he had aspirations to change the world but all Spencer ever wanted to do was play football for a team that accepted him wholeheartedly... -
Forever by E. Davies
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJake Gray always wanted a real family. He left his own behind when he began his transition, but if he wants a baby he'll need to come off testosterone and get his life in order. The tips he makes as a waiter are barely enough to pay L.A. rent, let alone raise a child. But he’s made his own way for so long that he doesn’t want to rely on others now... -
Steam by H.J. Welch
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBad boy movie star Trent Charles is more famous for his outrageous behavior than he is for his acting these days. After one scandal too many, his manager sends him home to the snowy ski slopes of Wyoming to get his life together. No parties, no fast cars, and certainly no women. Ashby Wilcott is done with bad boys. His heart is broken from his last relationship disaster... -
Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBLAINEWhen my name is involved in yet another scandal, I’m told to keep my head down and my stats up. The trade deadline is looming, and I don’t want to leave Chicago.But that night, I meet Alex. The guy with the bluest eyes and the kindest smile.My reputation precedes me, and he’s determined to resist me, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny the chemistry between us... -
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well! Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out... -
Save The Date by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEver since he first set foot in Harrisburg, Tennant’s life has been a rollercoaster. Ups and downs too numerous to mention, hard knocks and championship rings. Through all of those monumental moments, one thing has been a constant for him, Jared Madsen. Now that their wedding day is drawing nearer, Ten is seriously considering eloping... -
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.25 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... -
#HookUp by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMissing your favorite #family? This is your exclusive invitation back into their world. #HookUp is an explosion of the award-winning #Hashtag series by Cambria Hebert and makes the perfect collector’s item and addition to the series... -
Once Burned by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCameron Doyle is an arson investigator who’s learned he can’t trust anyone. Ignacio Mondelvano is an artist with a secret that could tear them apart. A year ago, shy, quiet Cameron had his trust shattered by a sociopath who used him to gain information on an arson case... -
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Baby Makes Three by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen baby makes three, Christmas will never be the same for Ten and Jared.There's not much that Tennant Rowe hasn't accomplished, and all before reaching thirty. Hoisting the Cup, marrying the man of his dreams, and becoming a spokesman for LGBTQ2+ athletes' rights have filled his world with great joy... -
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 2 by R.G. Alexander, May Archer
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings**LIMITED TIME ONLY! Get it while you can.** Once upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if the Heart2Heart dating app put on a charity raffle in cities around the globe, and random guys in each location were paired up for an adventure? The dates could go terribly wrong…or spectacularly right... -
Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTime 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... -
Heart2Heart Anthology, Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOnce upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
Poke Check by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne scorching summer in each other’s arms could never be enough. Stanislav “Stan” Lyamin is happy playing for the Railers. The towering goalie is well-loved, respected, and making a home for himself even though that home only contains him, his cat, and his growing Pokemon trading card collection. Stan prefers it that way... -
Game Winner by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the final installment of Levi Carr and Presley McCarthy’s story, he’s playing in the AHL a state away in Pennsylvania while she’s back home trying to finish school. Presley’s only dream has been going to law school. That goal has remained strong, even with falling in love with Levi. He’s off playing hockey, and she’s still trying to focus on that goal... -
Hair Balls by Tara Lain
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when a blue-collar dude who hides behind his Sasquatch hair gets sheared by a toppy femme in pink lace bikini panties?Contractor, Rick Ronconi can’t admit what he really wants because it’ll lose him his job, his father, his few friends, and maybe even the one thing he really cares about—his sister, Alice... -
Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRule #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... -
Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey’re setting fire to the sheets, but a romance between an out and proud hockey star and a closeted playboy prince could end up burning them both.Marquis Miller might be one of the NHL’s best players, single, wealthy, and open about his sexuality, but he knows his future lies in taking over the reins of the family’s multimillion-dollar company after retirement... -
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Hail Mary by Julianna Marley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s football’s poster boy with one thing on his mind. Well, perhaps two things, but Shay Cunningham’s outstanding football career and contract negotiations take precedent over everything else. Even women. Living life to the extreme, Shay’s past indiscretions continue to fuel his lifestyle. And that’s just how he likes it. Whitney Scott is broke, anxious and afraid... -
As I Am by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKyle has struggled to protect his brother from the darkest things in life, but in doing so, they've lived on the streets, making a life for themselves away from those who would hurt them. It's taken years, but life is starting to look up for Ky. Still, he finds it hard to quit working the streets and the easy money it brings. Carson has everything he could want in life... -
Going All the Way by Megan Ryder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe’s looking for redemption. After destroying his reputation, Jason Friar is desperate to make a comeback in Major League Baseball. The only team who will have him is the perennial cellar dwellers, the Georgia Knights, who are looking for a leader for their struggling team. With the contract comes a leash, held by a sexy image consultant with whom he had a hot fling.. -
A Merry Little (Hat Trick) Christmas by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings‘Tis the season to be jolly Something is bothering Rhian, and his friends and family want to know what that is. His lovers, Garrick and Savannah, think they have an idea and they’re trying to give him some space. His teammates haven’t any clue, but they’re convinced that enough nights out and beautiful women making eyes at him will make it better... -
Undercurrent by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTWO LOST MEN, ONE SAFE HARBOR…Internationally best-selling author, Landon Fairchild struck gold with his first novel, but can’t seem to string two words together now... -
Masc (Femme) by Marshall Thornton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLionel and Dog are back in this follow-up to the Lambda finalist, Femme. Almost six months have passed and, after taking an online quiz, Lionel believes their relationship is doomed because they have nothing in common. To save their future together, the pair joins a gay bowling league and discovers that Lionel is an excellent, if somewhat eccentric, bowler... -
Out for the Holidays and Out for Gold by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOut for the HolidaysA Dream Come True…Derek-This is it! I’m finally opening my own bistro. I’ve spent the last two years getting ready for this moment. I can’t decide if the holidays are the perfect time to begin a new venture, but I’m excited. It would be nice if my family were on board too.Gabe-I play water polo... -
Pole Position by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPole position gives a driver the best chance at winning, but can there be a winner when a long-term relationship is on the line? Mateo Llorente was born to be Formula 1 World Champion. Charming, handsome, and incredibly talented, Mateo is everything a champion should be... -
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan 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... -
School and Rock by RJ Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
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The Tight End: Red's Tavern, Book 6 by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s an introverted nerd, and I’m the football player everybody wants.But I only want to drag his shy, adorkable, irresistible self into my bed. All I’ve ever been good at is running fast with a football clutched tight to my side. As a star football player for the KMU Wolves, I’ve had any guy I wanted for years, and I'm more muscle than smarts... -
Playing for Keeps by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.Or at least he was.Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong... -
A Place to Go by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFalling in love was a long, bumpy, wonderful ride.Now, they just have to figure out the rest of it: family, holidays...and what to get each other for Christmas... -
Facts, Smacts! by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt’s not my agility that catches basketball player Tyron Channing's attention. It can’t be when he found me grazed and hurt after an embarrassing slip. But my oh my, his breath-catching growls and him hauling me off my ass with a question that makes my head spin: Who did this to you? — make me dizzy with want... -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.10 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... -
Goal Line by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFear and sadness mark Bryan’s life, can Gatlin show him that you have to trust before you can love? Gatlin Pearce is creeping up on thirty-eight and is still single. It’s not that he wants to be alone, it’s just that he’s too damn old to be in clubs filled with glittery gay boys who can’t even tell him who the Rolling Stones are...
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