Books Like...

'The Rest of the Story' by Tal Bauer is a heartfelt romance novel that follows the journey of Morgan Elster, a seasoned ice hockey player who is traded to the struggling team, the Rocky Mountain Outlaws. As Morgan navigates his new team and builds strong bonds with his teammates, particularly with Shea, a virgin player he falls deeply in love with, the story unfolds with themes of love, survival, family, and the power of good. The book intricately weaves together the personal growth of the characters, the challenges they face both on and off the ice, and the unbreakable bond that forms within the team.

The writing style of Tal Bauer in 'The Rest of the Story' is described as emotionally gripping, heartwrenching, and filled with moments that evoke a wide range of feelings from laughter to tears. The narrative skillfully blends sweet romance with emotional depth, creating a story that delves into themes of hope, strength, and unexpected opportunities, all set against the backdrop of the ice hockey world.

In "The Fake Out" by Stephanie Archer, the story revolves around the main characters, Rory and Hazel, who find themselves in a fake dating arrangement that turns into a genuine and meaningful relationship. Rory, a sweet and supportive individual, helps Hazel navigate through her past relationship issues while finding joy in his own life. The book is set in the Vancouver Storm universe and includes tropes like frenemies to lovers and fake dating, creating a dynamic and engaging storyline filled with banter and found family elements.

'You & Me' by Tal Bauer is a heartwarming and emotional story about Luke and Landon, two single fathers who bond over their sons' friendship and football team. The book follows their journey from friendship to a deep and passionate love, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and building a family. Written from Luke's perspective, the storytelling is addicting and engaging, portraying the growth of their relationship with tenderness and authenticity.

The author, Tal Bauer, skillfully weaves together the love story between Luke and Landon with the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The book beautifully captures the struggles and joys of parenting, while also delving into themes of mental health, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ representation. With a focus on building relationships and finding love later in life, 'You & Me' offers a touching and realistic portrayal of love in its various forms.

'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.

"10 Things That Never Happened" by Alexis Hall is a heartwarming story set around Christmas, focusing on the unlikely romance between Jonathan, the grumpy owner of a bed and bath chain, and Sam, his store manager. The plot unfolds as Sam, in a desperate attempt to save his staff, fakes amnesia after an incident involving Jonathan, leading to unexpected developments and deepening relationships. The book is written from Sam's point of view, offering a unique perspective on their growing connection, Jonathan's eccentric family, and the colorful cast of characters in their lives. The writing style blends humor, romance, and emotional depth, creating a compelling narrative that explores love, growth, and the complexities of human relationships.

In "Heated Rivalry" by Rachel Reid, readers are taken on a journey following the intense and secretive relationship between two hockey stars, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. Despite being rivals on the ice, they share a passionate bond that spans almost a decade, filled with heated moments and dangerous secrets. The story unfolds over several years, from their initial meeting as rookies to their professional careers, showcasing their evolving connection and the challenges they face both personally and professionally. Reid's writing style is praised for its descriptive yet easy flow, humorous moments, and strong editing, creating a captivating narrative that delves into themes of rivalry, self-discovery, and forbidden love.

'Role Model' in the series 'Game Changers' by Rachel Reid follows the story of Troy, a closeted hockey player who is traded to a new team after a controversial incident. As Troy navigates his new life, he meets Harris, the social media manager for the team, who becomes a source of light and support for him. explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and love, with a writing style that is described as immersive, emotional, and impactful.

'Role Playing' by Cathy Yardley follows the story of Maggie, an introverted woman in her late forties who joins an online gaming guild to be more social, where she forms a close friendship with 'Otter'. Little does she know, 'Otter' is actually Aiden, a man in his fifties with his own set of challenges. As their relationship develops both online and in real life, they navigate through past traumas, family drama, and unexpected twists. beautifully explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery in a mature and heartwarming manner, with a writing style that blends humor, depth, and relatability.

College hockey players Shaw and Burk, best friends and housemates, find their relationship taking a new turn when a surprising delivery opens Burk's eyes to his attraction to Shaw. The story beautifully depicts their journey from friends to lovers, with a focus on communication, comfort, and deep emotions. The writing style is described as sweet, funny, and engaging, with a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and steamy moments.

'Morbidly Yours' in the series 'A Love in Galway' by author Ivy Fairbanks follows the story of Callum, a shy mortician in Ireland, and Lark, a bubbly American animator who finds herself living across the street from a funeral home mortuary. Their unexpected meeting leads to a heartwarming friendship that blossoms into a beautiful romance. The plot explores themes of love, grief, and personal growth, all set against a backdrop of regular folks navigating through life's challenges with humor and grace. The writing style is described as heartfelt, genuine, and engaging, with well-developed characters that feel relatable and real to the readers.