Books like 'Off the Boards'
Readers who enjoyed Off the Boards by Maia Kinley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance lgbtq mlm sports university grumpy-sunshine grumpy-mc cheerful-mc friends-to-lovers
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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... -
Splintered by Isabel Lucero
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWelcome 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... -
Strike Zone by Ginger Walls
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWYATT:All my friends are under the impression I’m only at Newhouse to chase women and play baseball. Those are two of my favorite pastimes.The truth is, Newhouse is my chance to save my family’s farm. If I don’t get drafted, we’ll lose everything we’ve been working hard to keep.Then I hear her sing and she’s all I can think about. It’s messing up my game and putting my future in jeopardy... -
Wicked Confessions by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat started as a job has led to some frightening confessions. EdinOne mistake can ruin your life. I learned that at fifteen when my hormones got the best of me and I was landed with an unwanted pregnancy. My parents decided to punish me and forced me out of the sport I love to raise my child and provide for my newly forced-upon-us-both marriage.One mistake can cost a life. My life...Categorized as:
mlm sports university friends-to-lovers lgbtq found-family forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine -
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Forever Wild by Rebecca Jenshak
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe annoyingly handsome hockey captain glaring at me needs my help.He won't admit that, of course. But with his teammate's gone for the summer and him fresh off a season-ending injury, someone has to keep him in check and it's not the nurses he keeps running off... -
Loving the Legend by Kit Grey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSince 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... -
Wicked Heat by Ella Frank
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRyanKind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?Wrong.Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around... -
Felix by Emmy Sanders
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat more could an exhibitionist want than a willing voyeur right next door? EmilI like being watched. I’m not ashamed of it, nor my job at Elite 8 Studios where fans know me as Felix. But when my newest costar turns out to be the very same neighbor I’ve been giving private shows to through the window, I’m thrown for a loop...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq university friends-to-lovers found-family forced-proximity romance contemporary -
Written at Randy's by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAn adorkable author and an outgoing club kid as roommates only results in one thing—shenanigans! And of course, love.Love beyond the binary, serving up low angst trans romances at Randy's DinerWritten at Randy’s is a low angst M/X roommates to lovers romance between a reclusive trans male author and a life of the party bigender club kid that reads as a standalone...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance -
The Fall Out by Jenni Bara
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLet me tell the story of how I fell in love with a woman who had no idea that we were even dating. The ridiculousness started when she stole my beer, and trust me, my grumpy self doesn’t normally share. But somehow, Avery Wilson is the exception to every one of my many rules.Unfortunately, I’m not hers...Categorized as:
sports friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn athlete romance -
Perfect Praise by Grace Pearce
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaren and Locke both exist in the same world of professional golf—he's the number one player in the world while she just takes his picture.Never mind that Locke unintentionally leads the press to believe that he and Maren are dating, because when she confronts him, he couldn't care less...Categorized as:
sports grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity athlete romance contemporary -
Before They Were Lovers: A Nothing Special Valentine's Origin Story by A.E. Via, Abbie Nicole
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo warriors. One unbreakable bond. A love story in the making. God is a hardened and confident alpha with emotional walls that keep him isolated. Day is quieter, more watchful, and looking to connect... -
Rule Breaker by Stacey Lynn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpending the night in jail isn’t exactly how I planned to spend Christmas, but I’ve had worse holidays… Now that I’m out, it’s time to accept my real punishment. Coaching ten-year-old terrors on the ice, in my non-existent free time. My Coach thinks it’d be good for me. Remind me where I came from. He should know I’ve tried every day of my life for the last ten years to forget...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine sports adult book -
Goaltender Interference by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe last thing Connor O’Shea needs is more complications … After too much celebrating at his brother’s wedding, Connor wakes up next to cocky Toronto goaltender Jesse Webber—pro hockey’s reigning f*ckboy. With three kids and a failed marriage under his belt, Connor might be ready to admit he’s attracted to men, but that doesn’t mean his life has to change... -
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Never Have I Ever: Submitted to My Enemy by Willow Dixon
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHow could I not have realized the guy I’ve been chatting with online is the one person I hate?Kai, the bad boy I broke my rules for. Who stomped all over my heart. Twice. He’s arrogant and annoying, and worse, he doesn’t even remember what he did to me.He’s also my new presentation partner...Categorized as:
cheerful-mc forced-proximity found-family grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm university -
The Loner by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDeclanAs a founding member of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m The Loner—quieter than the others, and except for them, I don’t let myself get too close to people. Most of them just let you down anyway, or maybe it’s just that something about me chases people away.Infrequent, no-strings-attached hookups have always worked for me...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq friends-to-lovers found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc slow-burn -
Presidential Chaos by Saxon James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo houses. Two Presidents. One hell of a happy ending. Zeke Being President of a frat house means everything is on my shoulders.Idiot brothers, epic pranks, a list of organizational duties long enough to make my eyes bleed.None of it fazes me.But senior year is almost over, and I’m ready to take a step back.Until the hazing rumors start... -
Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI can’t tell if we’re fighting…or flirting?Being traded to the Seattle Vipers has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they’re my team, the team I’ve loved and supported since I was a kid, but on the other hand, he’s here. Him. Ant Decker. Infamous NHL bad boy. Right wing to my left. A man who’s made it his sole purpose in life to be better than me... -
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... -
Unnecessary Roughness by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJackson Kincaid When my best friend, Allison, died in a car accident, I suddenly became the parent of my ten-year-old godson. How was I supposed to play football for the Portland Pirates and be a full-time single dad? Adjusting is the name of the game. But thanks to my friends, and Simon, the team doctor, we'll heal and make it through...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine lgbtq mlm -
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... -
Legend by Isla Olsen, Willow Thomas
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTomLegend of the Game. That’s me, apparently. I suppose it’s meant to be a compliment, but to me it just sounds like one of those labels people slap on you when you’re on your way out. Legend. Stalwart. Dinosaur. It all sounds the same to me.I’ve been in the Premier League for over twenty years and I’m not ready to leave...Categorized as:
mlm sports lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc found-family forced-proximity -
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... -
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhy in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning... -
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Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste... -
Choke Hold by Eve Holmes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.”-Rocky Balboa Ty Roscoe and Luca Mitchell have moved beyond their rivalry in MMA, becoming more than just teammates. Now working together both in and out of the cage, they’re focused on one common making it to the Ultimate Fighting Championship... -
Calling it Safe by Lo Everett
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFriends with benefits—that’s the agreement. No commitments. No complications … but it’s never that simple.At my wit's end, I planned to spend the winter focusing on my writing, away from the soul-sucking grind that’s become my norm. The last person I expected to step in and save me when things go awry is my brother’s teammate, the intense and sometimes grumpy Dean Harrison... -
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... -
Dear Roomie by Kate Meader
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsReid Durand isn't here to make friends. Coming from a legacy of hockey greatness, he has games to win and things to prove. With his focus during his first season as a Chicago Rebel on his drive to succeed, every vice is off the table. No booze, no sugar, and definitely no women. Kennedy Clark is the master of the side hustle...Categorized as:
athlete cheerful-mc forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine slow-burn sports -
Love Language by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAshtonI’ve shared an office with Dominic, the grumpy raincloud to my endless sunshine, for three and a half years. My roommates and colleagues are convinced I’m obsessed with him, and okay, maybe I am slightly curious about what he signed to me at the staff mid-winter party...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers forced-proximity romance -
Frozen Flames by V.H. Nicolson
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’ve been in love with Ash Johansson for as long as I can remember.Former hockey player for the NHL, he now has his dream job coaching the team he loves.Except, while he’s off living his best life, I’m left here.Not in a loveless marriage, but in something much worse; a lonely one.Our forever has fizzled out.So I do the only thing that makes sense... -
Stealing Home by Grace Reilly
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI should be focusing on my game–not on falling for my gorgeous, grumpy roommate… especially since she’s already left me once.SebastianIt’s my final season to prove myself before the MLB Draft. The last thing I need is a distraction–and especially not one as tantalizing as Mia di Angelo...Categorized as:
sports university forced-proximity friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Becoming Bennet by Cora Rose, Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI cannot stand Bennet Montgomery.His rugged hotness knows no bounds and his unwavering cheery disposition is maddening. How can someone be that happy all the time? His smile infuriates me.I need to keep my distance from this man and all his Midwest charm. I have my camboy career to focus on and I can't afford to get attached or bogged down with his nonsense...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers found-family -
Bide by E.J. Blaise
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOscar Jackson is a good man in a storm.Luna Evans is the storm.A notorious flirt.A serial anti-monogamist, Wild, carefree, and very, very loud.Luna has one rule in life; don't get attached.Until she meets Jackson. The nice guy on campus.People-pleaser to his core. Reluctant thrower of kick-ass parties. Quiet and unassuming and content to live his life firmly out of the spotlight...Categorized as:
sports university found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
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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... -
Make the Play by Lucky Hart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJason King:Jason King has everything he could ever want—an amazing best friend, great relationships with his family, a job he loves, and the best fur babies in the whole world. He doesn't need a partner to share that with, and the burn in his chest when his baby brother snuggles up to his lifelong best friend is definitely indigestion and not jealousy, thanks...Categorized as:
mlm friends-to-lovers slow-burn sports lgbtq found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc -
Comforting the Grump by Nora Phoenix
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI don’t do emotions or romantic entanglements. My life is I work hard and I play hard, with anyone willing. I’m not discriminatory. And then I go home…alone.Until my body decides to stop cooperating. Nothing is stirring anymore, and it scares me to death.While navigating this issue, support comes from an unlikely source...Categorized as:
mlm friends-to-lovers lgbtq found-family forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
Shots Fired by Ruth Stilling
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDarcy, Darcy, Darcy.The name I should have wiped from my mind nearly two years ago.Her brother, and my assistant captain, has repeatedly warned she’s off-limits to a guy like me—a playboy bound to bed her one night and break her heart the next morning—an opinion shared by her stepdad, who also happens to be my coach. I can see why they don’t want their goalie anywhere near her...Categorized as:
sports found-family friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance contemporary -
Win You Over by C.S. Autumn
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratings𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧My life changed when my father died, and in the time since, I’ve learned to accept that my voice will never be the same. There are years and a literal ocean between the boy I was and the man I am now.Scholarship student.Loyal best friend.Talented fighter.The only thorn in my side is Remington Langford...Categorized as:
mlm university forced-proximity found-family grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc lgbtq -
Only With You by E. Salvador
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSenior year should be easy. Unfortunately, it's going to be anything but that for Julianna Sparks.Due to unforeseen circumstances, Julianna moves in with two of her friends, who also happen to be best friends with the guy she hates. But that's not the only issue… she’s three weeks into school, and struggling to understand calculus II... -
First Meet Foul: A sunshine/grump, enemies to lovers sports romance by Jaqueline Snowe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLorelei Romano thought junior year would be spent living with her best friend, having the best season of her life on the girls’ soccer team and enjoying time with her boyfriend. Instead, she was suddenly single and stuck living with her brother in the football house across the hall from the grumpiest football player on campus...Categorized as:
university sports forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers athlete -
Snowed In with Benefits by Misha Horne
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen a reclusive musician avoiding the spotlight and Hollywood's favorite trainwreck get snowed in together, what could go wrong? Austin Ash is famous for trashing things. Hotel rooms, relationships... his career.After his latest public meltdown, he's desperate to reclaim the spotlight— and get it off his ex's embarrassing revenge album... -
Wounded: A Black Diamond Novel by Ashley James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa… Where the rich and famous go to disappear. Some to relax, some to get sober. For me… It’s my last shot, my final chance at redemption. I’m hotheaded. Reckless. Self-Destructive. I don’t want to be here, but not doing so means losing everything I’ve worked my whole life for. It means losing my band. The only family and the only constant I’ve ever known...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity romance contemporary -
Takers by Casey Cox
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don't date or do relationships. Love just isn't my thing. But sex? Oh, I'm so into sex, I named my hugely successful podcast Intosexual. Get it? One man I never expected to be a listener is gorgeous billionaire CEO, Bremmer Palmer. The guy who never cracks a smile, is super uptight, and gives off total control freak alpha boss vibes...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq slow-burn forced-proximity grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers -
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The Score by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCarter Maxwell knows he’s a screwup. Four teams in three seasons tells the story, as much as he wishes it didn’t.But finally, he’s landed in a good place, where he likes the team and the team actually likes him. Even the Condors' current rebuilding mode suits him. There’s a new owner. New coach. New players. New rules.But one rule hasn’t don’t seduce your agent-appointed c*ckblocker... -
Off Season by Jodi Oliver
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEthanFinding out my ex-fiance is the best man at my cousin’s wedding is the cherry on top of my problems.I can’t turn up alone, so finding a fake boyfriend is the only option.My relationship with Jacob isn’t supposed to be real, but he gets me in a way nobody ever has and now I’m questioning everything...Categorized as:
mlm sports lgbtq friends-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc forced-proximity -
When He Saved Me by Melody Claire
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was the savior I never knew I needed…JamieThe moment I laid eyes on him, I was captivated. I wanted to know everything about the guy with the soulful eyes and broody exterior. He throws up walls at every turn, but I can be patient. The more I get to know him, the more I want to help him see how beautiful life is once you truly choose to live it... -
Shutter Bug by Vari Scott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat’s the difference between learning from your past and being trapped by it? MasonYou’d have thought that becoming a billionaire by twenty four would have been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. That would have been right, until the moment I needed help from Bowie Grant. He’s prickly, he’s surly, and he’s adamant that he’s not the man I need. Problem is, Bowie is the only man I’ve ever wanted...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc friends-to-lovers romance contemporary -
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... -
Teasing the Winger by Laura John
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFalling for a tease is a bad idea, right?Growing up, all I ever wanted was to play soccer. I know it isn't going to be forever, but while I'm still in college, I am going to give it my all. Just like I’ve always done.Everything was going according to plan...until the universe decided it would be fun for me to develop feelings for the man I saw as nothing more than an annoyance...
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