Books Like...

'Him' by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen revolves around a romance between two hockey players, Wes and Jamie, who were once best friends. The story follows their journey from childhood friends to lovers, exploring themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and friendship. The writing style is described as engaging, filled with dual points of view, explicit scenes, and a mix of tenderness and steamy moments. The plot captures the emotional depth of the characters as they navigate their relationship and personal growth.

'The Understatement of the Year' by Sarina Bowen is a New Adult romance set in an elite American college, focusing on the lives of two main characters, Graham and Rikker. The plot delves into themes of internalized homophobia, gay bashing, and the struggles of being openly gay in a sports environment. The story follows the rekindling of a childhood friendship and romance between Graham and Rikker, as they navigate their feelings for each other, the challenges of being on a hockey team, and the complexities of their shared past. The writing style is described as fresh, engaging, and touching on serious issues with sensitivity, making the characters relatable and the plot believable.

'Top Secret' by Sarina Bowen is a male-male romance co-written with Elle Kennedy, focusing on two frat brothers who initially dislike each other but end up falling in love after connecting anonymously on a hookup app. The book features enemies-to-lovers trope with a 'You've Got Mail' premise, where the characters develop their relationship through texting before realizing each other's true identities. The writing style is described as well-structured, angsty, and engaging, with a college setting that portrays characters as mature and responsible young adults.

'Fake Out' by Eden Finley follows the story of Maddox, who told a lie in high school to make breaking up with his girlfriend easier, claiming he was gay. Years later, when his ex invites him to her wedding and asks him to bring his boyfriend, Maddox enlists the help of his best friend's brother, Damon, to be his fake boyfriend for the weekend. As they navigate the charade, both characters have to confront their own baggage and feelings, leading to unexpected developments in their relationship. The writing style combines humor, romance, and relatable characters that keep the readers engaged and entertained throughout the book.

'Gravity' by Tal Bauer is a heartwarming hockey romance that follows the story of Canadian star Bryce and Texan newcomer Hunter as they navigate their budding relationship amidst the backdrop of professional hockey. The book beautifully captures the strong sense of brotherhood within the team, showcasing the deep bonds of love and loyalty between the teammates. As Bryce and Hunter's secret love affair unfolds, the narrative delves into themes of overcoming hardships, finding acceptance, and the thrill of pursuing victory on and off the ice.

The writing style of 'Gravity' is described as immersive and emotionally engaging, with readers expressing how they were hooked from the very first page. The book balances moments of thrill, drama, and humor, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters' journey towards the Stanley Cup. Tal Bauer's storytelling is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from tears to laughter, making the book a memorable and impactful read for fans of sports romance.

Power Plays & Straight A's by Eden Finley is a heartwarming MM romance novel in the CU Hockey series that follows the budding relationship between Zach, a nerdy TA, and Foster, a jock hockey star. The story beautifully explores the dynamics of opposites attract trope, brother's best friend theme, and the challenges faced by the characters in balancing their personal ambitions with their growing feelings for each other. The writing style is engaging, filled with sweet moments, humorous interactions, and a perfect blend of romance and emotional depth that keeps readers hooked until the end.

In the book "How to Bang a Billionaire" by Alexis Hall, university student Arden St. Ives finds himself entangled with the mysterious and brooding billionaire Caspian in a complex and sometimes destructive relationship. The story delves into themes of pain, love, darkness, and light as Arden chips away at Caspian's defenses little by little, while also navigating the complexities of their dynamic. The writing style is described as warm, funny, sexy, sharp, and adorably geeky, with engaging dialogues, intellectual conversations, and a balance between accessibility and art.

In 'Puck Me Secretly' by Odette Stone, readers are taken on a journey filled with angst, love, and unexpected twists in the context of the Vancouver Wolves Hockey series. The story follows the characters Rory and Max as they navigate a complex relationship, professional challenges, and personal growth. The writing style captures the reader's attention with its ability to build suspense, develop romance, and create a vivid portrayal of the characters' emotions and interactions. The plot unfolds through a series of conflicts, resolutions, and unexpected turns, keeping the readers engaged until the climactic end.

In "Time to Shine" by Rachel Reid, Landon Stackhouse, a brooding and quiet goalie, gets called up to the NHL team, Ottawa Outlaws, after a teammate's injury. He meets Casey Hicks, the team's star player known for his exuberant personality and fear of being alone. As Landon struggles with self-doubt and grief, Casey's infectious cheer slowly helps him rediscover happiness and believe in himself again. The book explores their evolving relationship, from roommates to a deep and meaningful connection, set against the backdrop of professional hockey and personal growth. Rachel Reid's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, realistic portrayal of romance, and character development that resonates with readers.

'In the Middle of Somewhere' by Roan Parrish is a slow-paced, emotionally driven romance novel that follows the story of Daniel, a Philadelphia native who takes a professor job in a small town in Michigan. The plot revolves around Daniel's unexpected relationship with Rex, a shy local, as they navigate their differences and past traumas to find love. The writing style is described as gripping, emotional, and vivid, transporting readers to the setting of Michigan and immersing them in the characters' lives.