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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Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
queer second chances angst friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love forced proximity -
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... -
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...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary length-short explicit-open-door audiobook -
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 -
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The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 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 -
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
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... -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship length-short audiobook -
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
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... -
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
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...Categorized as:
second chances queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary age difference length-medium audiobook -
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... -
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... -
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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... -
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
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
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... -
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... -
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 -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m suspense contemporary length-medium audiobook -
Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss! Vol. 2 by Gamoko Tsuyu
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsGoing Further Than Kissing is No Joke! The unlucky university student Kota is officially dating the super-lucky Naoya! Although Kota initially only got close to Naoya to help ward off his bad luck, he's now truly in love with him. They both want to go further than kissing, but Kota is having trouble being honest about his desires.. -
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
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... -
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Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 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... -
The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 13 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... -
From the Ground Up by Harper Robson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMasonAlways have an exit strategy. That’s how I’ve lived my life for years, and so far things are going just fine. I know better than to get into any situation without knowing exactly when and how to get out. I don’t do commitments; not jobs, not social plans, and most definitely not relationships. I learned the hard way how bad the alternative can be...Categorized as:
angst queer queer-awakening m-m length-medium contemporary first-person-pov dual-pov -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances queer m-m contemporary cowboys length-medium audiobook -
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
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 -
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
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 -
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening humor m-m contemporary length-long audiobook -
Biscuit in the Basket by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEvery love story needs its happily ever after - and then even more.Biscuit in the Basket follows Sebastian and Gil through the week after their first story ends in Light Up the Lamp.In this novella, they settle into their new lives, get their feet under themselves, and start to build their future...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers second chances hockey sports contemporary m-m length-novella -
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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... -
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... -
Couture Crush by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeau Barrett is about to become Alt. Bride’s first male cover model, but what about his own fairy-tale ending?When Beau Barrett arrives to shoot for alternative bridal magazine, Alt. Bride, the last person he expects to see is Cash, his long-lost childhood best friend. The spark between them is instant, but with Beau’s calendar splitting at the seams, he’s not convinced a relationship is possible... -
The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"It's not even really a first kiss if you're practicing on a friend." Trapped in a conservative prairie town, Alfie Alder has spent his whole life enduring bullying from his classmates and indifference from his teachers. Only one person has ever seen past Alfie's sarcastic, standoffish exterior—his best friend and the love of his life, Wynn... -
Two Weeks and a Day by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s either the beginning of a great porno or a disaster waiting to happen. That feeling when you’re a thirty-year-old gay virgin with a little OCD, nosy neighbors and a lot of awkward, secret fantasies revolving around your straight best friend? Yeah, that’s me right now... -
Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"The weirdest part about kissing my best friend is that it isn't weird at all." Drew Riordan is excellent at compartmentalization. It's the only way he's managed to survive three years at Bellamy university—and on the crew team—and how he's made peace with staying in the closet for the foreseeable future... -
Strawberries and Thunderstorms by L. Luther
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsChadHonestly, I never would have come back to this shithole if Pop hadn’t made it clear I wouldn’t get a dime otherwise. And it really isn’t about the money for me. No, I know it’s all about that little girl he adopted and her need for a proper home...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary single-father length-medium -
One Small Thing by Piper Vaughn, M.J. O'Shea
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“Daddy” is not a title Rue Murray wanted, but he never thought he’d have sex with a woman either. Now he’s the unwitting father of a newborn named Alice. Between bartending and cosmetology school, Rue doesn’t have time for babies, but he can’t give her up. What Rue needs is a babysitter, and he’s running out of options... -
See My Words by Melanie Hansen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSuccessful underwear model Scott Ashworth is lucky—his attack at the hands of an unknown assailant will leave no visible scars. His professional goals are still within reach, and best of all, his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney is back in his life, their teenage infatuation at last getting the chance to deepen into something more... -
Lust & Longing by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLove is a messy and complicated emotion. First love especially.Unfortunately for Noah Davis, it doesn’t get easier as he gets older.Noah lost Ian years ago, when life took them in different directions. Not knowing how to let go, he relied on the friends he made while living in the city. His friends helped pull him out of his despair, but it was at a club where he found himself... -
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Cicadas: A Totally Ordinary Epic Love Story by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhat if you had a second chance at a second chance?One day in 1987Budding scientist Joel and cowboy-quarterback Danny meet amid the arrival of seventeen-year cicadas. Like the loud, lusty insects, the boys bond through song, reveling in the heat and hope of early summer—until fate tears them apart...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer second chances m-m hurt-comfort contemporary mature couple length-long -
Aiden's Luck by Con Riley
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSeattle Stories: Book Three House-sitting for a friend is supposed to be a lucky break for Aiden Daly. Discovering his new housemate is the image of his first crush turns it into a nightmare. Marco de Luca is obviously interested in being more than housemates, but his resemblance to Aiden’s ideal man seems only skin-deep. Besides, Aiden doesn’t date...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary from hate to love hurt-comfort audiobook -
Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
Catch My Breath by M.J. O'Shea
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsDanny Bright knows he was born to entertain people, he just needs his big break. So when he hears that Blue Horizon records is holding auditions looking for the next big thing, Danny jumps at the chance. It doesn’t turn out exactly as he’d imagined though. Instead of getting a solo contract, Danny is put with four other guys — into a boyband. Elliot Price thinks he’s headed for college...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary rockstars musicians length-medium -
Rock Bottom by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMeet the Band with this exclusive Replay Introduction: Rock Bottom. Grab it free on Instafreebie! Downward Spiral— a band with a handful of platinum records, and almost no hope of making it. Meet Lincoln, Benji, Lando, and Jude— the hottest rock stars of the decade, who’ve just about hit rock bottom...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort self harm length-novella -
Starting From Scratch by Georgia Beers
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsWhat happens when your life takes an unexpected turn? What happens when you need to protect the one you love from the one you want to love? What happens when you lose something you never knew you wanted? Lambda and Golden Crown Literary Award-winning author Georgia Beers brings to you her long-awaited seventh novel, Starting from Scratch, a story where learning, laughing, loving, and baked...
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