Books like 'Riptide'
Readers who enjoyed Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening
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#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful, but never someone to taunt... -
![Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis]()
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy... -
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![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![The Making of Matt by Nicola Haken, E. Adams]()
The Making of Matt by Nicola Haken, E. Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsMatt Carter, self-proclaimed sex-god and drummer for world renowned Souls of the Knight, didn’t have the time or inclination for planning his future, preferring to fill his days with music, women and alcohol. He didn’t want or need anything else in his life. Until the band parted ways and he found himself no longer living the dream...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening m-m rockstars musicians contemporary -
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![Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall]()
Cost of Redemption by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was my forbidden craving. My biggest regret. And now, he’s my only weakness.ElioSome mistakes you bury. Others crawl under your skin and never let go.Jaxon Mercer was supposed to be my past. The stolen kiss. The fist that followed. The silence after.But now? He’s here—cocky, dangerous, and looking at me like he already knows how this ends.I should shut him out...Categorized as:
sports queer queer-awakening friends to lovers new adult m-m contemporary found-family -
![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... -
![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... -
![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
![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... -
![Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold]()
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K.M. Neuhold... -
![A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane]()
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
Seeing the truth and falling in love. Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man. At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family... -
![Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre]()
Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre
Cor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…CorFrom the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening contemporary height-difference m-m bisexual -
![Yesterday by Sarina Bowen]()
Yesterday by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there... -
![A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers]()
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
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![The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee]()
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBillie Montgomery was always known as the sick kid with the therapy dog. Dylan Bowden never had two nickels to rub together, let alone a true home to call his own. The two have been best friends since high school. They’re always there for each other, so when Billie opens his own bakery called Montgomery’s Sweets no one supports him better than Dylan... -
![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... -
![Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday]()
Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when a clueless hero believes in star-sign compatibility? What happens when there’s only one sign left to try? Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer... Caspian’s tried the lot, compatibility nil. Leo is his last hope for happiness. He just has to find one. Maybe his Virgo best friend will help? He should sneak over next door and see.. -
![And it Came To Pass by Laura Stone]()
And it Came To Pass by Laura Stone
Adam Young is a devout Mormon whose life is all planned out, by both his strict father and his church. He follows the path theyve established for him, goes off to his mission in Barcelona, Spain, and realizes that his life may not follow the trajectory already chosen for him.His mission companion, Brandon Christensen, is a handsome, enthusiastic practitioner on the surface... -
![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... -
![It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife]()
It's a Setup by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Don’t remember there being a rule that only women could bid,” Scratch says. “Maybe you’ll meet a nice boy.” “Oh, fuck off, Scratch,” Joey says when he waggles his eyebrows... -
![Break Down by Rebecca Norinne]()
Break Down by Rebecca Norinne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis heart says no, but his body says yes Liam Donnelly's honed, athletic body craves something he can't have. Not when the last time ended in disaster. Now, the Dublin Rugby player is seeking redemption with a new team in Edinburgh. His fresh start is going strong, but one look at Chef Lachlan MacLeod's inked forearms and whiskey-colored eyes and he's tempted by far more than what's on the menu... -
![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... -
![Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn]()
Playing With Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 ratings“I don’t want options. I just want you.” Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste.” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self... -
![Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud]()
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar.A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship hockey -
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![Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn]()
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
![The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak]()
The Fly-Half by Charlie Novak
A 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...Categorized as:
sports queer new adult friends to lovers m-m contemporary first-person-pov length-medium -
![Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday]()
Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLiam Davis is a serious journalist, and he’s good at it. Or at least, he was...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening contemporary mystery m-m length-short -
![Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote]()
Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen Wicksy falls for drag queen Charlie, they discover that both sexuality and gender can be fluid. Simon Wicks—Wicksy to his rugby teammates—has only ever been interested in women. But when he sets eyes on Lady Gogo, a drag queen who performs at Rainbow Place, he can’t stop thinking about her... -
![Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来，他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康]()
Later, He Became a Royal Healer 后来，他成了御用奶妈 by 艳归康
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsYou Liangxing would never open the speech function in game.That was because his voice was…Particularly! Kittenish!But there was one day, he queued up with a teammate who had so much to say that they may as well explode. Vexed to the point of no return, he contributed a voice that was capable of splitting heaven and earth, “Don’t BB.”The other party who was being scolded stilled... -
![The First Man by A.S. Kelly]()
The First Man by A.S. Kelly
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShaneDo you want to know what it means to live like me?It means being forced not to look at him, not to touch him, not to be left alone in the same room as him.Not to seek him out. Not to want him.Not to love him.Do you know how it feels to spend your entire life pretending to be someone else? Do you know what it’s like to love someone who doesn’t want to be loved?I’ll tell you how it feels... -
![Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer]()
Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDrewA wedding planner moves to Las Vegas to start a new business…Does that sound like the start of a bad joke? Well it’s my life... -
![Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin]()
Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCasey Preston is the guy with the plan. The list-maker. The one who micromanages his own life.Spontaneously offering to be his best friend’s fake boyfriend to get Ethan’s annoying team captain off his back?That’s not thinking things through. It’s not even smart given Casey’s been fighting his feelings for Ethan for years.Ethan Rain just wants to play hockey and get his college degree... -
![Two Weeks and a Day by R.G. Alexander]()
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... -
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![Strawberries and Thunderstorms by L. Luther]()
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 -
![Wrecked Rose by Leila James]()
Wrecked Rose by Leila James
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMax SuttonConfident, witty charmer. Out and proud.I never expected him to cross my mind.One kiss wrecked me for anyone else.And now he consumes all my thoughts.If people find out, my world explodes.He doesn’t want to hide us.And I want him … but I might have to choose her.Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy... -
![If You Want Me Close by Skye Kilaen]()
If You Want Me Close by Skye Kilaen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsStep 1: Fall for your best friend.Step 2: Support him when tragedy strikes.Step 3: Figure out how you screwed up Step 2.Bisexual event coordinator Simon Novotny thrives on connection. He cherishes his large, queer-friendly family and his friends—especially his cute, brilliant work bestie, gay IT geek Ziah Holdaway.It’s taken forever for Simon to to coax Ziah out of his shell... -
![Don't Fall In Love With Me by Aiden Wilde]()
Don't Fall In Love With Me by Aiden Wilde
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsEDDIE Everyone knew Max was a bad boy, but everyone fell for him all the same.When I returned back home to live, he said we should hang out a bit.And that's what we did, except we started to hang out a lot.Because now I was falling for Max, too. MAX No one has ever understood me like Eddie. I was so stoked when I heard he was coming back... -
![Poolside by Taylor E. Weston]()
Poolside by Taylor E. Weston
Divorce left Tommy Littleton shaken. He thought he’d checked all the boxes in his marriage, but none of it mattered when “love” was left out. With nothing else to show for his life, Tommy will stop at nothing to get a promotion–even if it means participating in an open-water swim to impress his boss. Unfortunately, he looks like a drowning raccoon in the water...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer-awakening queer contemporary m-m found-family length-medium -
![Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp]()
Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTeammates, roommates, friends with benefits. What could go wrong? Boys of Summer is a book about finding the perfect person to ride shotgun with on the crazy road trip called life. It contains a Dolly Parton lookalike, an unfortunate deer versus car incident, and poorly-timed epiphanies. Everybody leaves. That was the first lesson Thunder goalie James McVicker ever learned... -
![Boyfriend Freeze by DJ Jamison]()
Boyfriend Freeze by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsI've made a lot of mistakes, but you can't be one of them...Dear Graham,After crossing too many lines for my self-respect, I made a promise to myself: no hookups for sixty days.But I didn't count on meeting you.Who knew a smart, cardigan-wearing geek would be such temptation? You're all wrong for me, except you're also kind of exactly right... -
![Checked Out by Sean Ashcroft]()
Checked Out by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLibrarian Charlie Jules really needs to stop falling for straight guys. Every man he’s been attracted to over the past year has turned out to be straight—including Scott, a cute new library patron who comes complete with an adorable puppy. Charlie was almost ready to give up on ever finding love in Hope Springs, but when Scott kisses him… .. -
![The Cook by Sasha Avice]()
The Cook by Sasha Avice
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsTim had three rules:Never compromise the quality of the cook. It might be meth, but it was still his name on the product: The Cook.Never use his own gear. Not even to be sure it’s good. Use the tester.And never let Jake—his straight best friend and roommate—find out he’s in love with him and has been since high school.Tim liked his rules. They gave him a feeling of structure and order... -
![The Right Time by Lane Hayes]()
The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Right and Wrong Story Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening m-m multicultural contemporary athletes -
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![Always You by K.M. Neuhold]()
Always You by K.M. Neuhold
A long weekend at my parents’ lake house to celebrate the end of the school year has been a tradition for my friends and me since we were sixteen. But this year it isn’t just any school year ending, it’s our college graduation, and I’ve decided there’s no time like the present to finally tell my best friends the truth I’ve kept from them for years... -
![Spark by Posy Roberts]()
Spark by Posy Roberts
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNorth Star: Book One In their small-town high school, Hugo and Kevin became closeted lovers who kept their secret even from parents. Hugo didn’t want to disappoint his terminally ill father, and Kevin’s controlling father would never tolerate a bisexual son. When college took them in different directions, they promised to reunite, but that didn’t happen for seventeen years... -
![The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow]()
The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Nice Guys Finish First by Billie Bloom]()
Nice Guys Finish First by Billie Bloom
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo frat brothers, one hot confession…let the heartbreaking commence!ChaseMy roommate found my spank bank and I’ve seen the way he’s been looking at me ever since.I might be inexperienced and unsure, but I know watching Luca bring a guy back to his room makes my chest ache...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary virgin hero -
![Playing With Fate by Ava Thorpe]()
Playing With Fate by Ava Thorpe
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“My future’s been planned for me for as long as I can remember, but I’ve never felt this alive until I met you.” "I shouldn't want Carter, but I can't get him out of my mind." Luke Bailey doesn't have time for a boyfriend. Between dog-walking, law school applications, and trying to get his music career off the ground, love doesn't stand a chance... -
![Indigo Road by R.J. Jones]()
Indigo Road by R.J. Jones
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other. Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year...
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