Books like '45 and Holding'
Readers who enjoyed 45 and Holding by Jacki James & Jill Wexler also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
gay romance sports friends to lovers mature couple bisexual queer queer-awakening daddy-kink
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#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 15 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... -
Boarded by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCourage is following your heart when your brain says run “Boarding, two minutes. ” Collin Harringford has delivered the penalty countless times as an enforcer with the Nashville Grizzlies. When life delivers the boarding, he’s forced home to sort out his grandpa’s estate... -
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Sated in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Montgomery Ink saga continues in a seductive romance where a runaway bride and two best friends might just take the chance of a lifetime. Ethan Montgomery thought he had his life figured out until the moment he and his best friend met a woman in a wedding dress drinking wine out of a paper bag. He might work too many hours and always seems to put his family and friends first... -
The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsListening Length: 9 hours and 55 minutes. Daniel: I suck at relationships and don't trust anyone, but there are reasons for that. For one thing, every person I've ever cared about has let me down. The only recent exception: O'Leary's town veterinarian. .. my new best friend. I came to O'Leary for a fresh start. To pare things down to essentials. To forget about the failures in my past...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
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Sandcastles & Sunburns: A DKAG short story by Athena Steller
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsDKAG Summer Shorts is a collection of stories where Daddies and their Boys bring the heat in more ways than one. This sugary sweet series is guaranteed to get you in the mood for summer. Be sure to grab them all! Sandcastles & Sunburns. Liam. Finally purchasing his dream house on the beach, Liam is ready to spoil himself and fully indulge the part of him he’d been neglecting... -
Hold 'Em Tight by Alisha Williams, Amber Nicole
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey weren't kidding when they say life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, I think I have it all. My men. Happiness. Friends. Family. And the next, my whole life comes crashing down around me. Betrayal like I’ve never felt before consumes me. A heartbreak so gut-wrenching it hurts to breathe...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer new adult from hate to love contemporary length-medium m-m -
Red Lined by Crea Reitan
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMaybe you can order love online…. Julian. I’ve spent a short lifetime learning that what people say they want is rarely what they actually want. What I hope for is a relationship where both of us feel comfortable together. I think I finally find what I’m looking for in a mail order bride. Then he shows up...Categorized as:
queer sports friends to lovers bisexual queer-awakening hockey m-m marriage of convenience -
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 Two Stars Collision by Hayden Hall
When an adorable force meets an irresistible object they might just fall in love. Miles. Studies astrophysics? Check. Loves Star Wars? Check. Still a virgin at twenty-one with zero experience in real life? Double-check. I didn’t want any fanfare around my twenty-first birthday...Categorized as:
sports queer queer-awakening m-m friends-benefits length-short explicit-open-door audiobook -
Aaron's Awakening by K.C. Wells, Meredith Russell
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAaron isn’t looking for love, but it finds him – and it has a few surprises in store…. A laidback man who goes with the flow. Aaron is happy for his friends who’ve found love, but he’s starting to feel as if he’s an endangered species – a single guy. Not that he’s looking for anyone...Categorized as:
friends to lovers bisexual queer queer-awakening m-m humor contemporary length-medium -
24 Dares of Christmas by Lee Blair
On the first day of Christmas, my dear aunt sent to me: twenty-four dares in a fugly advent tree…. The only way I’m going to survive a month of holly jolly misery post-breakup is to hibernate through the Christmas season before moving away for my new job. Two things blow my straightforward plan to smithereens: 1... -
Silent Knight by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsJeremiah—or Jem, as his friends like to call him—Knight is stuck at a crossroads. Injured and unsure if he’ll be spending another season on the football field, he returns home for the holidays, hoping to lick his wounds in private. Only to be roped into being the mascot and grand marshal of the annual Christmas Falls festival and parade... -
Northland by Cara Dee
Two years ago, Logan Ward got the surprise of his life when he discovered he was the father of a two-year-old boy. Professionally and romantically adrift, he devoted all his time and energy to caring for his son. But now he’s searching for something more, and he and Justin head north to Alaska to try out the life his best friend Quinn has been raving about...Categorized as:
bisexual queer queer-awakening m-m alpha male contemporary length-short explicit-open-door -
Skating to Him by Christie Gordon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’m skating to the NHL while he’s running from his past. When we collide, am I brave enough to take the shot? Tyler. Hockey is my life. My ticket to the NHL is in sight, and I can’t afford distractions. Then Coach pairs me with Rowan, the new guy from Boston. He’s talented, sharp, and annoyingly irresistible. When he asks to hit the gay bar with me and my friends, I chalk it up to curiosity... -
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A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon
A year ago, Kelly Cannon couldn’t imagine he’d end up with his formerly straight best friend. It’s hard to believe he can finally kiss Blue anytime he wants…as long as they’re in private. And there’s the rub. Despite Kelly’s promise to wait until Blue is ready to come out, he’s tired of sneaking around...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer m-m athletes secret-relationship audiobook explicit-open-door -
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m bdsm length-short audiobook -
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
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... -
Charisma Check by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNever fall for the straight guy—Jasper knows better. At least until his straight guy crush starts crushing back…. Jasper Tanaka has made an art form out of avoiding commitment. Which is why his crush on a nearby café owner, Matt, has been perfect—the guy is straight, vanilla, and far too sweet—everything that puts him out of Jasper’s reach...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers bisexual queer-awakening m-m contemporary bdsm length-medium -
Forever and Ever by Devon McCormack
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThey missed out on love. .. or so they thought. At seventy-seven, Wes Brenner is certain he's lived a full life. But one thing he'll never know is true love. When he heads to Heathrow Estates retirement community, planning to spend the rest of his days playing golf and taking spin classes, he runs into an acquaintance from his hometown: Art Cromley... -
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScarred by the past. Terrified to love again. Savion. Once upon a time, my life was a fairytale. Engaged to a beautiful woman, we were planning our perfect future. Then, the sick act of an obsessed man ruined everything. Alone, disfigured, and betrayed, I fled to LA to focus on my work as a paleontologist. It was there I met Declan... -
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
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... -
The Jock by E.M. Denning
Colby Bennett is straight. At twenty-five, he’s the middle of three boys raised by a single father. He’s always been a jock, so managing a gym feels like his calling. If only being a big brother were as easy. When Colby stumbles on his younger brother trying on feminine clothing, Taylor is angry and embarrassed...Categorized as:
sports queer-awakening queer contemporary m-m length-short audiobook explicit-plentiful -
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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. ”... -
Dare to be Different by Nordika Night
Zahn. Love? It's not that I don't believe in it, it's just that I've never been interested in finding it. Who wants to settle down with one person when variety is the spice of life? My tastes aren't exactly singular, and I haven't met anyone who has captured my attention long enough to stick around for. Or. .. have I? Remy. I thought I knew everything about Zahn. He's been my best friend forever...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer-awakening queer bisexual sports found-family siblings-bff m-m -
Strike a Chord by K.M. Neuhold
“You want to fake date me? ”. Music is my life, my band is my heart and soul, and it’s all falling apart before my eyes. A plan hatched from desperation as we both watch our careers burn down around us. Dating my best friend’s twin brother, Paris, who just so happens to be a gay icon at the moment seems like the perfect plan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer m-m explicit-open-door length-short audiobook rockstars -
Exploring Daddy by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’ve never had a Daddy. Can he teach me how to be the perfect boy? I have three problems. No job. No direction. No clue what I’m doing next. Following my best friend to LA is the only thing that makes sense. I’ll start a new life, figure out a career, and learn how to be an adult. Meeting Matteo is intimidating but exciting. I know he wants a boy. I also know I’m far from what he’s looking for... -
Summer Secret by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWe’re still just best friends. …Even though we’re sharing a bed. Owen:. Is it weird to want to sleep with your best friend? Max has always been there for me. He’s rescued me when I partied too hard and saved me from bad situations more times than I can count. And it’s never mattered that he was gay and I was straight. I knew he didn’t have feelings for me, and our friendship would never change... -
Chance at the Impossible by J.M. Dabney
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBrent Canter lived forty-seven years content with his life to have it all disappear with one life-threatening diagnosis. Cancer without hope of survival, yet he’d beat the odds. He had a successful business and a family he loved, yet he was missing something. That something was an adorable, younger man, and he didn’t know what to do. Miller Andrews loves the silver fox, Brent Canter...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer daddy-kink m-m contemporary age difference bff-parent length-novella -
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend. He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet. But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
Better Together: A Roommates to Lovers MM Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsZach’s spent three years trying to ignore how he felt about his roommate. Now, the new guy in the suite is going to make him face his fears…Hiding his sexuality has alienated Zach from most of his roommates. They don’t understand what it’s like trying to live up to his father’s image of what a good son should be. When a new suitemate moves in, denying the truth becomes impossible... -
Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeautiful. Sweet. Bratty. Aaron is a boy worth saving. Red had no idea what he was getting himself into when his boss, Diego, assigned him to watch the much younger Aaron. Keep him safe, keep him out of trouble. Those were his orders. It was supposed to be easy, but Aaron is as wild as he is beautiful. And Red finds himself protecting Aaron for more reasons than a paycheck... -
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 -
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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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m military contemporary length-novella cliffhanger -
Betting Brett by Joy Danvers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBrett is seriously clueless. He’s a great friend and a great father to his little girl, but how could he not realize after all this time that I’m gay? And I’m in love with him? I know I’ve never said anything, but I feel like I’m pretty obvious. Now I messed up and made a tipsy bet with him about a blow job that I really don’t want to take back. I’m not sure if it was a mistake though... -
Nauti or Nice by Ava Olsen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeing a first officer on board the superyacht Now, Voyager is a dream come true. And my personal life? I’m in and out and on to the next port, so to speak. I don’t have the inclination for a boyfriend. So when my boss asks me to work over the Christmas holiday, I’m happy to say yes. And then Kiernan Doyle arrives. The Irish bodyguard is a brawny grump with sad eyes and a shy smile...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer bisexual christmas contemporary m-m height-difference length-short -
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 -
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... -
Beautifully Wrecked by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsJohnny sees himself as straight. Wrecker disagrees. Their friendship is about to get an upgrade. When Johnny moved to L. A. to start a singing career, he never expected to end up working instead as security for one of the world’s most renowned musicians. It’s not so bad. After all, his job led to him meeting his best friend, Wrecker. That’s one relationship he wouldn’t trade for the world... -
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... -
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... -
You've Got Male by DJ Jamison
My friends are all about the romance. Me? I've got other things to worry about. Carrying on my uncle's little record store--his legacy--means everything to me. Too bad a big audio store promising to be the one-stop shop for music is opening across the street. The owner, Chase Fox, is too friendly, too smooth--too annoying...Categorized as:
bisexual queer-awakening queer from hate to love dual-pov m-m length-short explicit-open-door -
Game Changers Collection by Rachel Reid
All three of Rachel Reid’s scorching M/M hockey romances, now in one volume! Game Changer. Pro hockey star Scott Hunter knows a good thing when he sees it. When a smoothie made by juice bar barista Kip Grady precedes Scott breaking his on-ice slump, he’s desperate to recreate the magic. .. and to get to know the sexy, funny guy behind the counter... -
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The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 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 -
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
Delayed Game by Baylin Crow
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMemphis: Tristan thinks I don't notice him. He couldn't be more wrong. What he doesn't realize is that we've met before. The second I spotted him on campus I made the decision to avoid him. Though I told myself it was the right thing to do because of our history, it was more difficult than I'd anticipated... -
Summer Catch by Beth Bolden
Newly hired Charleston Condors’ coach Jonathan Kelley is very aware of all the uphill battles he’s got to climb. There’s a new owner he’s got to please. New culture to implement. New players to train. New rules to follow. But one rule hasn't don't spend so much time flirting with the cute bartender via text that you start to wonder if you're straight, after all... -
If I Could by B. Celeste
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI never considered myself a selfish man until I met Lawrence “Ren” McKinley. When pro baseball’s “would have been” becomes Exeter High’s newest coach, it takes one look of those flirty brown eyes and cocky smile before everything changes. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted out of life until he walked into it... -
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:
sports queer friends to lovers hockey contemporary m-m second chances length-novella
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