Books like 'Unexpected'
Readers who enjoyed Unexpected by Felice Stevens also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm sports lgbtq athlete slow-burn literary-fiction urban
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Free from Falling by E.L. Massey
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin “Matts” Matthews is good at a lot of things: Rubik’s Cubes, playing guitar, herding cattle, and most importantly for his career in the NHL, hockey. He’s not good at human interactions or social cues, especially when it comes to women. This deficiency is an annoyance rather than a problem, right up until he meets Sydney Warren. If it’s not love at first sight, it’s sure something close... -
![Iced Out by C.E. Ricci]()
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... -
![Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake]()
Limerence: A MM Rivals to Lovers Ballet Romance by Scarlett Drake
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelixDancing is everything to me. It’s the mother I lost, the father who never sees me. It’s the fiery love of my life, and I’ll defend it to my last breath—that’s what it means to be the lead principal at one of the best ballet companies in the world. Just when I thought I was on top, my greatest rival—my eternal nemesis—waltzes back into my Nicoló Savini... -
![Line Brawl by Bianca Sommerland]()
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... -
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![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![Home Game by Raleigh Ruebins]()
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... -
![The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck]()
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... -
![Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden]()
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... -
![Rescue by Alison Hendricks]()
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]()
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... -
![A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley]()
A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never made a Christmas wish, but if I could, I’d ask Santa for a Daddy who understands me.I learned early on in life that gentle hands and friendly smiles can hide darkness underneath. I shy away from cuddles and hugs and refuse to let anyone get too close to me. It’s safer if they stay away and I don’t mind putting up as many barriers as I can to keep everyone out of my space... -
![Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley]()
Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMarcus Warnes. The catcher at the top of his game.A knack for smack talking, a master play caller, and the quickest pop time in the league. The world saw the team playboy when all he wanted was to settle down with someone. To find the one. Marcus longed for holidays at home and a family to spend them with. His time in the spotlight didn’t make it easy to find... -
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![Hunter by L.A. Witt]()
Hunter by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScott I’ve done a lot of soul-searching this season. I’ve been in denial about myself and a jerk to everyone else. I don’t even know where to start to fix it all. I don’t know what to feel about anything. How am I supposed to handle falling in love? Hunter I’m good at faking it most of the time. No, not that. I mean faking like I’m okay... -
![And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick]()
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDavid Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
![Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver]()
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... -
![Blindsided by Carly Marie]()
Blindsided by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI sent my boss into subspace before lunch. Now what?Easton knows, in the world of professional hockey, he’s getting old and his body can’t take many more hits. When a job offer too good to pass up falls into his lap, Easton goes for it. What should be the start of a new chapter, opens another he thought had closed when he'd been drafted... -
![Rookie by Eddie Cleveland]()
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... -
![The Dartmouth Cobras Box Set by Bianca Sommerland]()
The Dartmouth Cobras Box Set by Bianca Sommerland
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLearn to play the game... Knights of ice and Masters in the bedroom, The Dartmouth Cobras struggle to save their franchise while losing their hearts to the only women who can handle how hard and fast they live. Between corrupt owners, pressure from fans and the media, and desires beyond the norm, they have to fight to make their mark as a hockey team. All the men share a common goal... -
![Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud]()
Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMorgan Boyle wants two things in life: to play hockey and to be left alone. Noah Andersson is loud, outgoing and probably hasn’t stopped talking since he learned how to say words. When Morgan ends up on a team with Noah at the Olympics, they get closer than either of them expected, and even when they’ve returned home Morgan still finds himself drawn to Noah... -
![Baby Makes Three by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
![Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy]()
Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously hilarious romp along the Cornish coast.Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never... -
![Away Games by Misha Horne]()
Away Games by Misha Horne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne step forward… and then what?When you live your whole life just wishing for things to be good enough, suddenly having everything you ever dreamed about is pretty unsettling. Safety, security, love… not the senior year I expected.Coach T calling me into his office, talking about untapped potential, didn’t see that coming either... -
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![The Best Wedding Ever by Eden Finley, Saxon James]()
The Best Wedding Ever by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA short featuring Jacabs and Beck from Face Offs & Cheap Shots book two of the CU Hockey by Eden Finley & Saxon... -
![Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder]()
Playing for Keeps by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFalling 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... -
![Surprise Play by Carly Marie]()
Surprise Play by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn innocent gift has the power to change everythingMalcolm Ward is a retired wide-receiver, NFL offensive line coach, and husband to one of the best wide-receivers in the NFL. His life is hectic and the last thing he expects is to walk into the bedroom one afternoon to find his husband sleeping with the pacifier Malcolm had jokingly given him a decade before... -
![Wingman Score by Crea Reitan]()
Wingman Score by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s time to score.ZakWhen you fight for so long, sometimes it’s just easier to give in. I want to give in to the god before me. Sent to me from the heavens, Owen is the very definition of divine perfection. But he doesn’t know my truth. If he did, he’d know that I don’t belong in his world.The shame of seeing the disgust on his face when he figures it out keeps me running from him... -
![Playing at Home by Jax Calder]()
Playing at Home by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFalling for your kids' nanny? Never a good idea.Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but try as he might, he’s never been the same heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field with the breakdown of his relationship to New Zealand’s favorite ‘It Girl’ Matilda Neilson... -
![Illegal Contact by Neve Wilder, Riley Hart]()
Illegal Contact by Neve Wilder, Riley Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI've hated spoiled, cocky Patrick Whitt since the first time I saw him at football camp when we were kids.Once we made it to the NFL, of course, he landed on the LA Royals, the biggest rivals of my team, the Denver Rush. Everything about him rubs me the wrong way...until one unexpected night, we happen to rub each other the right way, and suddenly I can't get enough of him... -
![The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFans Have Mixed Reactions to Engagement of Fisher Cats’ Hale and BrewerOn the eve of their first playoff game this post-season, the Toronto Fisher Cats organization sent out a press release announcing the engagement of their top d-pair.The release insinuates the childhood friends may have been involved as far back as college and makes it clear the front office supports the relationship... -
![The Soccer Field Is Empty by Mark A. Roeder]()
The Soccer Field Is Empty by Mark A. Roeder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Soccer Field Is Empty is the story of teen love, steamy romance, friendship, loyalty, understanding, and ancient prejudice. Here is a tale that breaks the stereotypes of the ignorant and peers into the soul of two boys who want what we all want; to love and be loved... -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak]()
Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne broken collarbone, two stubborn men, three interfering chefs, four weeks to go, five chewed garlands, and The Pear Tree covered in snow…Ben’s Christmas Plans:1. Finish the staff schedules, get the orders done, and make sure the next month runs smoothly because December is hell.2. Break collarbone at rugby.3. Scrap all plans. Drag Ianto in to help.4... -
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![Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn]()
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... -
![No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour]()
No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPining 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... -
![Double Play by E.M. Lindsey]()
Double Play by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIf self-destruction is an artform, then Hervé is a master artist.After all, he’s perfected self-sabotage since he was young and full of promise.He’s spent his life running from his past and pushing away anyone who might break down his walls, but it wasn’t until his body betrayed him that he realized just how lonely his present had become... -
![Royal Lines by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
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... -
![Bang by Charity Parkerson]()
Bang by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaksim doesn’t do strings. Marshall doesn’t date men. They’re both about to be proven wrong. Marshall is the golden child. He wins every game he plays—on and off the field. He’s living the dream and knows it. That’s why he refuses to let a thing like preferring men in his bed get in his way. Right now, he’s all about his career. Everything else can wait, or so he thinks, until he meets Maksim... -
![Drive Me Crazy by Beth Bolden]()
Drive Me Crazy by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Tony Blake walks into what might be a blind date, he’s surprisingly intrigued despite his irritation with his meddling brother. But when Lucas turns out to be a new employee for their food truck, Tony’s usual charm deserts him.Lucas might be fantastically creative in the kitchen, but to Tony’s disappointment, he’s not interested in more than a casual hookup... -
![Who We Were by E.M. Lindsey]()
Who We Were by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Don't leave the house, don't talk to the paparazzi, don't answer your phone unless it's me, and do not- whatever you do- attempt to post about this on social media." Life isn’t supposed to be this complicated when you’re an Oscar winner…right? So what if he has two names, and straddles the line between two worlds... -
![A Merry Little (Hat Trick) Christmas by Samantha Wayland]()
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... -
![Andre by L.A. Witt]()
Andre by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMattThere’s nothing quite like a night with one of the Gentlemen of the Emerald City. No strings. No complications. I’ve been burned by love, and I’m not going there again.Unlike my teammates who fell for their Gentlemen, I know how to keep emotions from coming into play.At least… I used to.AndreI used to love this job. The money doesn’t matter—just the thrill. But that thrill is gone now... -
![Emergency: Kiss of Life by Andrew Grey]()
Emergency: Kiss of Life by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsProfessional hockey player Marcus Markington—Mark Mark to his fans—has dreamed of playing in the NHL since childhood, and has been raising his nephew with his parents’ help for the past few years. He’s at the top of his game and getting noticed when a clash with an aggressive defender results in a head injury and an encounter with Logan... -
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![Loved Like a Little by Aria Grace]()
Loved Like a Little by Aria Grace
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBilly never had much self-confidence. Things weren't great growing up in his household, but when his mom died, his dad became even worse. And there was nothing he could do to make his dad like him. When he was at college, it was easier to ignore his dad's drinking and harassment. But when Billy comes home after graduating culinary school, all those old wounds are opened up again... -
![A Little Christmas: Raymond by A.W. Scott]()
A Little Christmas: Raymond by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes you have to hit rock bottom before things work out.Raymond has had a tough go at life. Between being on his own since he was fifteen and the growing pile of debt for all his medical expenses, he's working nonstop just to keep a roof over his head. When his apartment becomes infested with not so savory creatures, his safe place becomes unlivable... -
![The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak]()
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Way To Score With My Best Friend Meet Jonny and Devon in the second book in the Lincoln Knights series, featuring a fly-half who's been in love with his best friend for fifteen years, a number eight dealing with new feelings of jealousy, "I want you to be mine" vibes, chaotic teammates and friends, and plenty of low-angst steam and sweetness.Coming February 2025... -
![King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie]()
King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmerican cycling sensation and heartthrob Clifford Du Frey is riding the wave of success. Brand Du Frey is a multi-million-dollar business, and during the Tour de France, Clifford is mobbed by fans wherever he goes. The superstar must focus on winning the Tour de France and maintaining the image of the athletic hetero alpha male at all costs.But Clifford has a secret... -
![The Viking and the Drag Queen by V.L. Locey]()
The Viking and the Drag Queen by V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWho will emerge the victor on the battlefield of love?Tyr Hemmingsen had his life mapped out at a young age. The only son of the late Danish hockey great, Elias Hemmingsen, Tyr has always done his best to follow the plans his father had laid out for him... -
![Pole Position by Charlie Novak]()
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...
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