Books like 'Pretend You're Mine (The Protectors)'
Readers who enjoyed Pretend You're Mine (The Protectors) by Sloane Kennedy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance insta-love queer queer-awakening height-difference
-
Music of the Soul by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsBesides his family, music had always been the most important thing in Carter Greene’s life. Having a career in music was everything he had ever dreamed of. That was until the terrible night when he nearly lost everything. Carter can’t get the image of one particular man out of his mind; the man who found him in his darkest moment... -
Wicked Outlaw by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCole loves the city. He loves the noise, chaos, and having tacos delivered at 2 a.m.He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.At least, that’s what he thought until JB Alexander rode into his life...Categorized as:
insta-love queer queer-awakening m-m cowboys contemporary friends to lovers found-family -
King's Gambit by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOld crimes never wash away…I can never make up for the things I did while deep in the gang life. It doesn’t matter how much I've changed. Rory will never see past it.Things burn hot between us, but he's far too good for a bad guy like me.I don't date, and Rory is the kind of guy that deserves more than one night. But for him I might be ready to change my rules. If he can ever accept my past... -
A Foreign Love Affair by Ayano Yamane
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsJapanese yakuza clan heir Ranmaru just got married on a lavish cruise ship, but things aren't as they seem. The marriage is just for the appearances, and he ends up getting drunk and spending the night... not with his bride, but with the sexy ship captain! When the two men meet again in Italy, it is the start of a spectacular love story... -
-
In Plain Sight by Willow Dixon
Zander The last thing I expect when I meet the new guy at work is for my life to be thrown into chaos. I’ve spent years hiding my attraction to men, but Luka is funny, outgoing, and for reasons I can’t explain, he sees past my introverted nature and wants to be friends. I’ve never felt a connection with anyone like I do with Luka... -
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... -
King's Criminals by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFresh Meat In Prison Charley Hughes never imagined he would find himself in lockup, but when King promises that his brothers-in-arms will protect him, Charley expects his time on the inside to be easy. He doesn't factor in Scar, his mean as hell—and handsome—cellmate. Scar seems to have one goal only, to get into Charley’s pants. Charley has never been with a man before and doesn’t plan to start... -
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElias ForthwrightHoroscopes always seemed a bit woo-woo to me, but I don't know how else to explain why it feels like the cosmic universe is pushing me in the direction of the mysterious North Easton, who miraculously comes into my life at just the right time. We’re nothing alike, but for the first time since my mom passed away, life is finally fun again thanks to him...Categorized as:
queer insta-love queer-awakening m-m contemporary hurt-comfort friends to lovers humor -
The Christmas Summons (Wild Heart Ranch) by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Kelly Fox comes a Wild Heart Ranch Christmas novella. I’ve loved Gael Hernandez from the moment I laid eyes on him. We had a moment back in the summer, but he needed time to recover from the traumatic events that reshaped his family.It’s now Christmas, and I think my talented shoemaker is finally ready to let me love him for the rest of his life... -
One by E.S. Carter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne click. One perfect frame. That's all it takes to capture an eternal moment; although most people let them pass by without acknowledgement. I don't waste any. Not a single one. If I see something of beauty, I want to experience it, feel it and immortalise it. If I see someone of beauty, I want to taste them, worship them and memorise them... -
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... -
Maddie by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter witnessing firsthand just how dirty and underhanded a life in politics can be, Maddie Vanderhorne steps off the campaign trail to follow his passion. Starting his own event planning business is the best decision Maddie’s ever made, quickly winning over his clients with his vibrant and outgoing personality... -
Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMatt Sullivan knows he met someone special the night he spots the sexy man on the dance floor. However, he doesn’t know his life is about to change forever. First of all, Matt is straight. Okay, maybe not, but he doesn’t think falling in love and spending the rest of his life with a hotheaded, unapologetically fabulous diva is an option... -
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScarred by the past. Terrified to love again. SavionOnce 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... -
-
Sweet as Pie by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLuca Moretti is grumpy—and he wouldn't have it any other way.Wrangling six—Italian—siblings and the family's restaurants would make anyone cranky. But when his mother requests that he save his aunt’s struggling Italian deli in charming, picturesque Indigo Bay, he has no idea that he's about to get an overdose of sweetness...Categorized as:
height-difference insta-love queer grumpy sunshine m-m hurt-comfort contemporary length-medium -
Killer Bond by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDaniel Hendricks wants a vacation. Ward Security’s accountant and resident code breaker just needs a little R&R from the chaos and usual shenanigans of the office. But what was supposed to be a sexy vacation hook-up explodes in his face when he’s mistaken for a rogue secret agent... -
Always by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsBorn to a prestigious political family, Avery Adams plays as hard as he works. The gorgeous, charismatic attorney is used to getting what he wants, even the frequent one-night stands that earn him his well-deserved playboy reputation. When some of the most prominent men in politics suggest he run for senate, Avery decides the time has come to follow in his grandfather's footsteps... -
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... -
Summer Drifter by R.J. Scott
One man craves family, the other isolation; neither of them was searching for forever love. Experienced and much-in-demand horse trainer Levi doesn't need or want people. With his horse and dog at his side, he lives out of his trailer and trains horses in the summer to earn just enough to head south for winter... -
Something New by Harper Logan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA marriage of convenience is one thing. But married to a straight guy? That’s a whole different story… Brooklyn Blackwell’s got a dissertation to finish and tenure to secure - the last thing he’s looking for is romance. But with his advisor’s charity on the brink of losing funding, Brooklyn’s got one shot at saving it... -
Beautiful by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHARRISON:I think I’m falling for a gay guy.What started as a meeting about my sister’s wedding plans changed when our caterer walked in. A man has never stirred me like this—or made me wonder how his lips taste.The sparks with Morgan are undeniable.Friends with benefits should be a win-win for us both. But when the wedding day draws close, I’m drawing Morgan closer... -
Restitution: A Love Story by Aubrey Cullens
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNate Parker has spent the last few years imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. His wrongful conviction cost him his job, his fiancée, his reputation, and his hope for the future. His name has been cleared, but after everything he’s lost, he doesn’t know how to find his way back to the life that was taken from him. Parker Campbell is raising his 9-year-old niece, Emma, on his own... -
Little by J.M. Dabney
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsInsanity was in the eye of the beholder. Harmon Little was a surveillance expert. He lived in the shadows, and he liked it there. There wasn’t a place he couldn’t get in and out of without detection. As usual with his mischievous nature, his current assignment went south, and he ran. He thought he was free and clear until he knocked someone over in a grocery store aisle... -
A Matter of Fact by Kate Hawthorne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsName – Rhys St. GeorgeAge – 37Relationship status – SingleLooking for – A way to make all of this rightBiggest regret – Callahan McMillianHobbies – Having money, making money, spending money, and wine... -
-
Saving Hope by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a police officer in the small town of New Hope, Rhode Island, Lieutenant Mike Archer rarely sees more than the occasional drunk and disorderly. When a man tries to break into the vacant house next door, Mike is shocked to discover his best friend’s younger brother... -
The Jock by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColby 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... -
The Saint and the First-Time Sinner by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGay natural caregiver meets arrogant first-time gay.My job isn’t easy but taking care of sick people in the comfort of their own homes is so worthwhile. I like to think I’m professional and know I’m good at what I do, regardless of the circumstances, the patient, or even their families. Maybe it’s because I’ve known loss in my own life, or maybe I was just made for the job... -
Rescue by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I don't need you to rescue me." Tiberius "The Beast" Caulville is the bad boy of the NFL: an arrogant PR nightmare who doesn't care about his public image. But when an off-season fight lands him in hot water, he's forced to hide out in Hidden Creek and clean up his act with the help of the one person who doesn't buy it... -
Strung Tight by Ann Lister
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings- Bisexual Discovery- First Love- Rockstar / Roadie- Stage fright / Anxiety- Low Angst / HEA What’s better than having your rock idol, Dagger Drummond be the mentor for your band? Having your band selected as one of the performing acts at the iconic music festival, Rocktoberfest.My band was about to step onto our first professional stage... -
Payback by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat do you do when your ex-boyfriend breaks your heart? You get revenge, of course.It wasn’t just that my ex cheated on me. He also humiliated me and treated me like dirt. But I know how to get back at him.All I have to do is catch the eye of Malcolm Sterling—my ex’s dad, who happens to be a sexy, single silver fox. Since we’ve never met, he’ll have no idea who I am when I make my move... -
Punk-In by Ava Olsen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy rock band has reached the pinnacle of success, but fame has its price. Sooner or later, people let you down or sell you out.Except Ivan Cross. My manager, my muse, my obsession.There’s nothing in this world that I want more than Van.And I always get what I want. Four years ago , I was selected to manage a hot new band called Wayward Lane... -
Bouquets & Belonging by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMarley is a hopeless romantic who loves his job. Flowers make him happy, and he gets great joy out of the delight they bring to others. He has a standing flower shop as well as a regular booth at the Heartcraft Market.Derek is an overworked businessman. His work consumes his life, both in the office and at home... -
Assistant Architect [助理建筑师] by Xi He Qing Ling, 羲和清零
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsZhang Siyi, a graduate student of architecture department went back from overseas seeking for work, he had a heated fight with his ex-girlfriend in a cafe. Angered, his ex-girlfriend was about to splash a cup of coffee in his direction but he managed to dodge it. As he stepped back, the misfortune was met by the handsome guy next table instead... -
The Other Daddy by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCADE:Romance is my job, but nothing prepared me for Adrian.When I developed the dating app Matched, I didn’t do it to meet men—especially since I’m straight. But when my sister sets me up on a blind date and I mistake Adrian for a woman’s name, I meet a guy who changes everything I know about myself. I land a second date, and the more we talk, the more I want to know him and his young son... -
-
Copper Creek: A Sawyer's Ferry Novel by Cate Ashwood
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrankie: My life sucks. After spending a year jobless and on the edge of becoming homeless, I’d officially reached a level of desperation that, even if I wasn’t completely broke, retail therapy couldn’t fix. While Sawyer’s Ferry, Alaska, is the last place on earth I’d ever want to visit, when my best friend, Holden, begs me to fly out and plan his wedding, I can’t say no... -
Play by Heart by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIason’s known worldwide for his romantic lyrics, but he never thought he’d fall in love. Will his luck change when the stars align to bring Orion into his life?Iason LeylandMy love songs may have made me famous, but they were beautifully written lies that hid the fact I’ve never loved anyone. I had almost given up hope of finding true love, but then I meet him... -
Unbreakable Stories: Lucas by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
A collection of six short stories following the romantic adventures and misadventures of millionaire Lucas Vallois and Romanian bodyguard Andrei Hadeon... -
Summer Makeover by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsGregory: Maybe it’s odd that an astrophysicist would spend his weekend before a big conference cutting hair, but it's my creative outlet. Frankly, it's closer to community outreach with all of these pandemic styles.Speaking of which, a weird guy with a huge beard and crazy salt-and-pepper hair just walked in. He's got pretty eyes, I'll give him that. But sir, I'm a scientist, not a miracle worker... -
Billion Dollar Sugar Baby by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBachelor. Billionaire. Unlucky in love. Alex Schaffer is tired of rich playboys with ulterior motives.Broke. Tired. Trying to get by. Wren Collins just wants to look after his found family.Wren's life is about to go from rags to riches when Alex decides he wants Wren all to himself, and he's willing to pay any price... -
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... -
Foolish Me by Tinnean
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Light in your Eyes: Book Two A Spy vs Spook Novel Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him... -
Ache by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"You're what makes me whole." Doctor Wes Monroe is just looking for another one-night stand. When he takes a stranger home from the bar, he never expects to see the man again--and definitely not at the hospital he calls home. Kyle Harris is ready for a change. New town. New job. New person to mend his broken heart... -
Honeymoon Refrain by Harley Grace
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen his fiancé leaves him at the altar, Andrew Wellman runs straight to Bliss.After spending the last year of his life busting his butt on the new resort off the south coast of Florida, all Andrew has to do is stick the landing—a gorgeous wedding and a honeymoon to blow the socks—and everything else—off his groom-to-be... -
Fixer Upper by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKIP: Rule one of hiring a handyman: don’t fall in love with him. My new house needs some renovations, and I’ve got my eye on Ted. He’s a contractor from my support group with a hands-on approach and a million-dollar smile, and I’m thrilled when he agrees to help. As it turns out, this renovation isn’t the only thing he’s got in hand. Every time he’s around, I go weak in the knees... -
-
This Isn't Me by T.A. McKay
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNathan Cooper thought he had everything in life worked out; his own company, a great best friend, and all the women he could want. That is until one night his whole outlook changed. One misunderstanding, a man instead of a woman, and just like that he was looking at guys like he never had before... -
Please Remember Me by Jacob Z. Flores
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSuccessful lawyer Santi Herrera couldn’t be happier with the direction his life is taking. Not only is he on track to becoming a partner in his law firm, but he’s planning his wedding to Hank Burton, a south Texas contractor who has made a name for himself despite his humble beginnings. The introverted, lone wolf Santi and the friendly, outgoing Hank complement each other perfectly... -
Hot Mess 1 by Stormy Glenn
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHot summer rain. That was the scent that drew me. The soulful amber-green eyes that begged to be loved kept me. One look and I knew I wanted Lany Harris to be mine. Convincing him of my good intentions might prove to be harder than trying to convince my superiors that someone was out to get us.I was obviously insane.Cinnamon and whiskey had a delicious scent and it was S.W.A.T. commander, Lt... -
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... -
Make Music Together by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIt all started with a song. Two neighbors singing duets in the shower finally meet at an open mic night. Sparks fly, but will it lead to true love?Levi BenowitzThe walls in my new apartment are so thin that I can clearly hear my neighbor singing in his shower... -
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...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences

Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.