Books like 'Neutral Zone Trap'

Readers who enjoyed Neutral Zone Trap by Crea Reitan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.

contemporary  romance  sports  mlm  lgbtq  friends-to-lovers  slow-burn  amnesia  friendship  athlete

  • Free from Falling by E.L. Massey

    Free from Falling by E.L. Massey

    Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Justin “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...
  • Splintered by Isabel Lucero

    Splintered by Isabel Lucero

    Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa —the best place to go when all you want to do is disappear and not have anyone expect anything of you.Overwhelmed with work and feeling like I’m being pulled in multiple directions at once, I crave the serenity a private island holds for me...
  • Seth by Carly Marie

    Seth by Carly Marie

    Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Be yourself because everyone else is taken. But what if that risks everything you know? Seth Johnson has worked his entire career to be remembered more for his skill than as an openly gay NHL player. Finding a boyfriend has been pushed to the back burner. As for exposing his softer side, the side that loves lace and lingerie? It’s not happening...
  • Loving the Legend by Kit Grey

    Loving the Legend by Kit Grey

    Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Since Pro basketball player Ty “Pretty Boy” Washington picked up a basketball, he’s only ever wanted one to make it to the pro league and win championships. As the number one pick in the draft, he defies the odds in his rookie year by beating the record of one of the greatest players in the league, Sid “The Wonder Kid” King...
  • 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 ratings
    Family 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...
    Categorized as:
    athlete  lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  age-gap  book  contemporary
  • 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 ratings
    When 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...
    Categorized as:
    athlete  lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  book  contemporary  fiction
  • Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn

    Rules of Engagement by Brigham Vaughn

    Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Rule #1: Don't fall in love with your best friend's brotherAfter Anders Lindholm lost his wife and baby daughter in a car accident, he knew he’d never find love like that again.Hockey, routines, and his team are all that have kept him going since.But as he approaches forty, an injury makes him consider what life after retirement will be like...
  • You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    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...
  • The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck

    The Freshman Year by Adam Van Dyck

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 24 ratings
    Hey 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...
    Categorized as:
    lgbtq  mlm  sports  book  contemporary  fiction  young-adult  romance
  • Hit the Brakes: A Fake Boyfriend Food Truck Romance by Beth Bolden

    Hit the Brakes: A Fake Boyfriend Food Truck Romance by Beth Bolden

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Can they fake it til Tate makes it?Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy.Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school...
  • Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp

    Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Teammates, roommates, friends with benefits. What could go wrong? Boys of Summer is a book about finding the perfect person to ride shotgun with on the crazy road trip called life. It contains a Dolly Parton lookalike, an unfortunate deer versus car incident, and poorly-timed epiphanies. Everybody leaves. That was the first lesson Thunder goalie James McVicker ever learned...
  • Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe

    Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    He was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been...
  • Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden

    Playing by the Rules by Beth Bolden

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Ex-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...
  • The Red Zone by Beth Bolden

    The Red Zone by Beth Bolden

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Spencer’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...
    Categorized as:
    lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  book  contemporary  fiction  romance
  • All the Stars by Duckie Mack

    All the Stars by Duckie Mack

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Rider doesn’t have a lot of rules when it comes to guys, but there is one- he doesn’t date, not ever. He’s content with random hookups because dating means too much. That’s reserved for the one person he knows he can never have, his best friend, Cameron.After watching his own family fall apart, Cam longs for someone who will stick it out through thick and thin...
  • A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley

    A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    I’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...
    Categorized as:
    lgbtq  mlm  slow-burn  adult  book  contemporary  fiction  romance
  • Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley

    Catcher Interference by Haven Hadley

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Marcus 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...
  • And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    David 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 ratings
    BLAINEWhen 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...
  • No Backing Down by Becca Seymour

    No Backing Down by Becca Seymour

    Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    When we’re both needy and tactile AF, it’s no wonder everyone thinks my best friend and I are an item. But that’s so not what’s going on.Cassius Britton, the mouthy basketball player for the Minnesota Eagles, is my soul mate. He has been since he shared his gummy bears and let me have all the red ones.Because that’s the kind of person he is—selfless and sweet. But he’s so much more than that...
  • Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle

    Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    USA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players...
    Categorized as:
    athlete  friends-to-lovers  lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  age-gap  book
  • Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud

    Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Morgan 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...
    Categorized as:
    athlete  lgbtq  mlm  slow-burn  sports  abuse  adult  book
  • Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe

    Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Hooking up with your friend is a totally acceptable way to pass the time until your soulmate shows up. Right?I’m on a mission - happily ever after or bust. I just know my handsome, successful, bearded prince is out there waiting for me to find him. I’ve had my cards read a million times. This is my destiny...
  • Concussion Protocol: A Short & Spicy MM Romance by Rebecca Rathe

    Concussion Protocol: A Short & Spicy MM Romance by Rebecca Rathe

    Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    A sweet and spicy short story by Rebecca RatheHe's a ten, but he's my ex-boyfriend's straight teammate and my patient...
  • The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes

    The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    The 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...
  • Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Asher 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...
  • Landing Levi by Jaclyn Quinn

    Landing Levi by Jaclyn Quinn

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Sage Rafferty I've wanted Levi ever since my friend Cole introduced us. When Levi moved to my hometown of Coral Pointe Inlet, I thought I finally had a chance to land the sexy, misunderstood man. After months of trying, though, it's clear he doesn't want me the way I want him. Putting some space between us is the only way to reclaim some of my dignity...
  • Assisted by Carly Marie

    Assisted by Carly Marie

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 10 ratings
    Foolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suitAs assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy...
  • The Castle by May Archer

    The Castle by May Archer

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    Brian Carr believes in fairy tales—princes, castles, once upon a times, happily ever afters. He's been that way since we were kids, and no matter how many times it all goes wrong, Brian's never given up hope of finding his one true love.It's beautiful. Adorable. Charming...
  • Playing at Home by Jax Calder

    Playing at Home by Jax Calder

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    Falling 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...
  • The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn

    The Waiting Game by Brigham Vaughn

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 12 ratings
    Fans 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...
  • Una maldita confusión by América Rodas

    Una maldita confusión by América Rodas

    Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars
    · 14 ratings
    Jean intenta confesar su atracción hacia Olivia en una fiesta, pero por culpa del alcohol termina declarándose a su mejor amigo, Oliver. ***Cuando invitaron a Jean a la fiesta de una desconocida sabía que debía decir que sí, sobre todo porque necesitaba liberar el estrés de la escuela, de su casa, de su equipo de básquetbol y de él mismo...
  • My Ride, I Love You by Patrick Rangimant

    My Ride, I Love You by Patrick Rangimant

    Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars
    · 5 ratings
    This is a love story of Mork, who is a motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok, and Tawan, a junior internal medicine resident doctor in the university hospital. Seems like they both have a small chance to meet, let alone the falling in love, but it did happen...
  • Forever Man by A.J. DeWall

    Forever Man by A.J. DeWall

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    A bond forged in Catholic school, an unspoken attraction that outlasts years of separation and other relationships. Ren and Cole never acted on that thing that always bubbled beneath the surface of their friendship, not until a chance encounter in a Santa Fe bar and a song that would tip the scales forced them to confront their feelings...
  • The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden

    The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    He's always been there, whether I realized it or not.KaiGrowing up, Izzy was the cute, geeky guy next door.He and my twin brother were inseparable, and Izzy followed River around with hearts in his eyes.Fifteen years after I last saw him, he moves in across the street and ends up as my last-minute date to River's wedding...
  • Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak

    Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    One 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...
  • Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn

    Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    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...
    Categorized as:
    athlete  lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  book  contemporary  fiction
  • No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour

    No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    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...
  • Double Play by E.M. Lindsey

    Double Play by E.M. Lindsey

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    If 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...
    Categorized as:
    friendship  lgbtq  mlm  slow-burn  sports  adult  audiobook  book
  • Star of the Game by Amy Aislin

    Star of the Game by Amy Aislin

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    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...
  • 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 ratings
    They’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...
    Categorized as:
    lgbtq  mlm  sports  adult  book  contemporary  fiction  romance
  • Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper

    Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Jerry Candelario, known as Potts to almost everyone, has spent his entire adult life focused on raising his siblings and his niece. But the home he fought hard to make feels empty since everyone has grown up and moved out, and his precious baby niece is now a teen with a life of her own...
  • Foul Ball by Haven Hadley

    Foul Ball by Haven Hadley

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Declan Armitage. The right fielder Espen got in a trade.A powerful hitter, a hard throw, and an unmatched stolen base percentage. Not expecting to be traded, he was happy to learn where he was headed. If only he didn’t need to find a new place to live. One phone call from his brother and the plan was put into motion. Brock Richmond was loyal to a fault...
  • The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak

    The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    A 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...
  • Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre

    Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    Cor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…CorFrom the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look...
  • Easy, Schmeasy! by Becca Seymour

    Easy, Schmeasy! by Becca Seymour

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    There’s a lot in life that comes hella easy for me. Turning heads with my stellar looks, strutting like a peacock with my smooth moves and adorable charm. Heck, need ideas for party shots or fresh recipes to make your friends jealous? I’m your guy.It’s not even a front—my epic modesty—but that doesn’t mean I’m not a lying liar who lies...
  • King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie

    King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie

    Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars
    · 6 ratings
    American 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...
  • Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye

    Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    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...
  • Oliver Ever After by Spencer Spears

    Oliver Ever After by Spencer Spears

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    Me, my high school ex, and a five-star hotel room on reunion night. He can’t break my heart twice, right? Oliver: It took me 7 years to forget my high school boyfriend, Luke, and just one night to--You know what? Scratch that...
  • Two-Man Team by Amy Aislin

    Two-Man Team by Amy Aislin

    Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars
    · 8 ratings
    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...
Fantastic book recommendations by book lovers for book lovers.
Find out more about thebooknaut.com.



Looking for more inspiration? Enter another book title to get more suggestions on what to read next.


Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.