Books like 'Beyond the Surface'
Readers who enjoyed Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance friends to lovers angst second chances queer queer-awakening
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Beautiful and Terrible Things by Riley Hart
We were six years old when I fell in love with Gage Beaumont.We were seventeen when he realized he felt the same.His dad was the town troublemaker, and I was the son of a cop. We couldn't have been more different, yet we were best friends, had each other's backs, and kept each other's secrets. What you are, I am, we always said.Then one night irrevocably changed our lives forever... -
![Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox]()
Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox
Otto: Seth Walker was my first love and I always swore he’d be my last. Even after he moved away our senior year in high school, we vowed to reunite after graduation. But when he suddenly broke things off without explanation and crushed my heart, it was my turn to run. After a decade in the navy, I’ve finally come home ready to move on with my life as Hobie’s newest firefighter... -
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![Unforgettable by Marley Valentine]()
Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day. So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night... -
![Forever by Kindle Alexander]()
Forever by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most, the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life... -
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![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5) Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary age difference sports explicit-open-door -
![Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz]()
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey.Enter Sammy Rhodes.Famed DJ The Spin Doctor.Musical genius.Fits with the band like he's our sixth member.We hired him on the spot.So what's the problem?He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
![Navigating Noah by Jaclyn Quinn]()
Navigating Noah by Jaclyn Quinn
Noah HathawayThe saying 'livin' the dream' is usually said with sarcasm, but I truly am living my dream in Coral Pointe Inlet with my four best friends. Still, as I watch three of them fall in love, my heart aches a little with longing. It doesn't help when Hunter, a man I spent an incredible weekend with, comes back to Coral Pointe--not alone, I might add... -
![Heartstring by Ana Ashley]()
Heartstring by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMikIf I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.TylerFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…Mik broke a promise a long time ago...Categorized as:
second chances angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary single-father hurt-comfort -
![The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary office found-family length-short -
![Walk With Me by Cardeno C.]()
Walk With Me by Cardeno C.
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA Book in the Home Series When Eli Block steps into his parents' living room and sees his childhood crush sitting on the couch, he starts a shameless campaign to seduce the young rabbi. Unfortunately, Seth Cohen barely remembers Eli and he resolutely shuts down all his advances...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m humor age difference length-short -
![Grinding by Sean Ashcroft]()
Grinding by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo childhood best friends. One accidental fake engagement. One Labrador puppy. One week to fall in love.When Harvey runs into his childhood best friend—literally—on the way into Otter Bay for his cousin's wedding, he doesn't plan to end up playing the part of the guy's fiancé... -
![Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSecond wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need... -
![Extended Stay by Mia Monroe]()
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
![Dauntless by Victoria Denault]()
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich... -
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![Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold]()
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
![Free Me by Mia Monroe]()
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
![Battle It Out by Reese Knightley]()
Battle It Out by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaster Sergeant Zane Gannon loves nothing more than being a part of his Special Forces unit and kicking ass, but above everything, he values his friendship with Isaac. Sure, they argue and snipe at each other, but it’s all in good fun. Until it isn’t. Now, Isaac is pulling away and something Zane has buried for two decades is resurfacing... -
![Fancy Free by Mia Monroe]()
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist?My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
![Everyday History by Alice Archer]()
Everyday History by Alice Archer
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHeadstrong Ruben Harper has yet to meet an obstacle he can’t convert into a speed bump. He’s used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing... -
![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
![Web of Lies by Isla Olsen]()
Web of Lies by Isla Olsen
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJesseMy little brother is getting married and I couldn’t be happier… Well, maybe I could if I hadn’t just been dumped by the boyfriend I thought was about to propose, kicked out of my New York apartment, and, worst of all, lost one of the pediatric patients under my care at the hospital where I work as a nurse...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers queer queer-awakening humor m-m from hate to love contemporary -
![The Hate You Drink by N.R. Walker]()
The Hate You Drink by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsErik Keston, son of the Keston Real Estate empire, knows what it takes to be successful. Despite his inherent wealth, he holds his own. He works hard, he’s grounded, he’s brilliant. He’s also secretly in love with his best friend. Monroe Wellman lost his parents three years ago and never grieved, never recovered... -
![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Falling by Sierra Riley]()
Falling by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratings“You’re the best fake boyfriend I ever had.” “Love exists… in books, at least... -
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![Unwanted by Marley Valentine]()
Unwanted by Marley Valentine
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were both unwanted kids brought together by the foster system. Dealing with the aftermath of neglect and abandonment, we grew up side by side and found solace in one another.We wanted.We needed.We loved.Desperately.But somewhere along the way, Arlo wanted and needed and loved drugs more. So, I did the only thing I could and broke my own heart to save his...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst second chances queer m-m contemporary substance abuse forced proximity -
![Kian's Focus by Misty Walker]()
Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI lost my boyfriend on the night I had planned to propose.It was a horrific accident that was all my fault.I gave up and resigned myself into a life of obscurity.Until I got a call that my sister, Sara, needed me.It gave me purpose and I ran to her rescue.Because that’s what I’ve done our whole lives.That’s how I ended up in Brigs Ferry Bay...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer contemporary christian m-m age difference length-short -
![How To Save A Life by Andria Large, Jena Brignola]()
How To Save A Life by Andria Large, Jena Brignola
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHow do you save someone’s life? There’s the obvious way of physically saving them from a tragic end. Then there’s the more subtle way of saving someone who doesn’t know they need to be saved. Someone who is drowning emotionally and has no idea that they are slowly dying. Ezra Whitmore is one of those people...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m bisexual contemporary single-father length-short -
![Infamous by Jenny Holiday]()
Infamous by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIs he brave enough to face the music? All that up-and-coming musician Jesse Jamison has ever wanted is to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. When a gossip website nearly catches him kissing someone who isn’t his famous girlfriend—and also isn’t a girl—he considers the near miss a wake-up call... -
![Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott]()
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“How long have you been in love with your best friend?” Godric I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life. Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist. I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend... -
![Sweet Things by Mia Scott]()
Sweet Things by Mia Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis bad boy Chef just lost the only home he’s ever had. I spent the last decade building a restaurant and running a kitchen I’m proud of, but with one selfish choice, my brother destroys it all. I’ve sacrificed everything—including any chance at a love life—and I’ve ended up with nothing.Well, not exactly nothing... -
![My Straight Husband by Spencer Spears]()
My Straight Husband by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA marriage of convenience is one thing. But married to a straight guy? That’s a whole different story…Brooklyn: I’ve got a dissertation to finish and tenure to secure. The last thing I’m looking for is romance. But with my advisor’s charity on the brink of losing funding, I’ve got one shot at saving it...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary age difference humor length-medium -
![War Torn by Andria Large]()
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
![The Right Way by May Archer]()
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved... -
![Heartbreak Honey by Tammy Subia]()
Heartbreak Honey by Tammy Subia
TWO BANDMATESONE SECRET RELATIONSHIPEVERYTHING AT STAKEFive years ago, the global sensation boy band Boys Will Be Bovs broke up in a disastrous fashion while at the height of their fame. Now, Skyler James’ solo career has made him more successful than ever, but he still feels like something is missing...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer forced proximity contemporary m-m length-long explicit-plentiful -
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![Alex by S.M. Shade]()
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
![Ollie Always by John Wiltshire]()
Ollie Always by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNamed after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers... -
![The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt]()
The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKevin Bivanti's dream to open a wedding dress shop - a place with stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored - is on the verge of becoming a reality. When he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery... -
![Lead Me Not by Ann Gallagher]()
Lead Me Not by Ann Gallagher
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA Gay Christian Romance. Isaac Morris has devoted his life to preaching against the sin of homosexuality. But when his sister proposes a documentary to demonstrate once and for all that it’s a choice—with Isaac choosing to be gay as proof—he balks. Until he learns his nephew is headed down that perverted path... -
![Still Your Guy by Devon McCormack]()
Still Your Guy by Devon McCormack
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChase Rogan and Mason Finley fell in love as kids and had their happily-ever-after at eighteen…or so they thought. CHASE Over a decade after his estrangement from his ex, Chase returns to Finley Dairy to celebrate Mason’s sister’s engagement... -
![Mourning Heaven by Amy Lane]()
Mourning Heaven by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHeroes fall. Peter first came to the tiny backwater of Daisy, California, as a child, and he was sure of one thing: his cousin Michael would take care of him. When Michael started a friendship with the fragile, haunted Bodi Kovacs, Peter's consolation in losing any claim to Bodi was that Michael would care for him too...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers angst queer contemporary m-m hurt-comfort length-short -
![Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon]()
Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOn the island where they first met two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks are reunited. Now jaded and broken, Alex and Matt still can’t deny their sizzling connection or the memories of one perfect, uninhibited year together...Categorized as:
queer-awakening queer friends to lovers angst second chances m-m contemporary new adult -
![Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos]()
Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAgent Matteo can admit that sleeping with his handler might not be the brightest idea he’s had. After all, Nikolas is the only one that’s ever stuck by him—the person he trusts the most.Matteo has never been good at taking orders—until Nikolas. Now, all Matteo seems to want is Nikolas’s voice in his head. Telling him what to do…even if that’s getting on his knees for Nikolas... -
![Split by Mel Bossa]()
Split by Mel Bossa
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsQuiet and imaginative, Derek O'Reilly spends a lot of time watching a movie in his head. His fiancé Nathan, aka "Mr. Alpha", wonders why Derek hasn't taken any interest in their wedding planning. Aunt Fran—his spiritual guru—would like to know when her guilt-tripping nephew became some kind of kept boy... -
![Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday]()
Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLiam Davis is a serious journalist, and he’s good at it. Or at least, he was...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary mystery m-m new adult length-short -
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![Adam's Song by Spencer Spears]()
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented... -
![I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander]()
I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTwo best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.Who will win, heart or hurricane?Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town... -
![Rule of Law by Isla Olsen]()
Rule of Law by Isla Olsen
LawsonI have one rule when it comes to my sex life: I only hook up with guys who identify as straight. It’s a tried and tested way of avoiding the cling factor, which I’ve found to be a huge problem in the past. A one-night stand with a curious ‘straight’ guy is the perfect situation: no strings, no mess, no dodging unwanted texts and phone calls...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening humor m-m contemporary explicit-open-door length-short -
![In Me an Invincible Summer by Ryan Loveless]()
In Me an Invincible Summer by Ryan Loveless
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo an outsider's view, world-famous action star Joe Nestra lives the Hollywood dream—parties, women, and a high-profile divorce. In reality, Joe's agent directs his public life. Those women he's supposedly intimate with? Prearranged dates ending at the red carpet... -
![Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali]()
Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Moments In Time Novel Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world's best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything—except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m multicultural contemporary new adult length-medium -
![Obsessed with the Heartbreaker by Rina Damen]()
Obsessed with the Heartbreaker by Rina Damen
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’m the most boring guy in this college, but the Heartbreaker is secretly obsessed with me.People know Henry Campbell as the Heartbreaker, the unofficial college King that everyone wants but very few get to have. He hates me and yet he often secretly watches me, and once I find out, I can’t resist the temptation of slithering back into his life.We used to be close, neighbors.Then we weren’t...
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