Books like 'Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection'
Readers who enjoyed Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection by Lane Hayes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance 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... -
![A Foreign Love Affair by Ayano Yamane]()
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... -
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![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... -
![A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDario Ramos thought he’d left the fighting behind in the war zone when a life-threatening injury sent him home. But a certain Irishman crossing his path everywhere he went convinced him that his biggest battle might be ahead. Tiernan Callahan is a bigoted jerk. Ramos finds himself constantly in the man’s orbit, even in a city as big as New York... -
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![Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
Jinxed by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThis book is the second in the series and is preceded by FRET. It can be read as a standalone. It contains homosexual relations and harsh language. A sneak peek to book 3 follows the ending. Jinx Jett is a rock superstar. As such, the hunky Skull Blasters drummer thoroughly enjoys the many perks of willing groupies, earning him a reputation as the band slut... -
![King's Criminals by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory]()
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... -
![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... -
![In Plain Sight by Willow Dixon]()
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... -
![One by E.S. Carter]()
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... -
![Seeking Freedom: Interlocking Fragments IV by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee]()
Seeking Freedom: Interlocking Fragments IV by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man? Jovany~When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of... -
![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... -
![When Stars Align by Denver Shaw]()
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... -
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![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... -
![Something New by Harper Logan]()
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]()
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... -
![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... -
![Restitution: A Love Story by Aubrey Cullens]()
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... -
![The Jock by E.M. Denning]()
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... -
![Gin & Sin by Mia Monroe]()
Gin & Sin by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHelping him explore his attraction to men was supposed to be no strings fun, not turn me into a whipped puppy dog, but here we are. The college twink scene is wearing on me. Sure, it works out for a no-commitment guy like myself, but the constant drama and faceless rotation of pretty boys in and out of my bed isn’t as exciting as it once was... -
![The Saint and the First-Time Sinner by Romeo Alexander]()
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... -
![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... -
![Strung Tight by Ann Lister]()
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... -
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![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... -
![Assistant Architect [助理建筑师] by Xi He Qing Ling, 羲和清零]()
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... -
![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... -
![Cherish by Tere Michaels]()
Cherish by Tere Michaels
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsSeveral years after the end of Duty & Devotion, Matt and Evan are living quietly in their Brooklyn home with the twins, Danny and Elizabeth. The older girls - Katie and Miranda - are off at college, Evan is about to be promoted to captain and things are calm. Briefly. Evan accidently learns that Miranda has a new boyfriend and is talking marriage after just three months of dating... -
![The Other Daddy by Jason Collins]()
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]()
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]()
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... -
![The Hardest Fall by Christina Lee]()
The Hardest Fall by Christina Lee
Lee trades country ballads for show tunes in the next standalone book of her M/M series, Roadmap to Your Heart. After licking his wounds from a painful relationship, Tate Sullivan is ready to move back home. He picks up where he left off as drag queen extraordinaire Frieda Love in a West Village bar in New York City...Categorized as:
queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary length-short explicit-open-door new-york-state -
![After the Crash by Emma Alcott]()
After the Crash by Emma Alcott
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRule #1 Straight military men will always be straight, no matter how much you wish otherwise Rule #2 Being a billionaire won’t change that (probably) Rule #3 The whole thing between you when you were in high school? It was only fantasy Rule #4 One-sided fantasy Rule #5 God, how great would it be if it was a two-sided fantasy? Rule #6 Okay, getting off track Rule #7 Hiring your hot high... -
![Unbreakable Stories: Lucas by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
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... -
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![Stronger With You by Sierra Riley]()
Stronger With You by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"Give it a try. Let yourself be happy. Believe you deserve it." "A summer adventure is just what I need." Eddie Damron needs a break from the stress of nursing school and everyday life. When an opportunity arises to work for a kayak tour company on a picturesque island in the Pacific Northwest, he jumps in with both feet... -
![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... -
![The Unmasking of Kelly James by Belle Chapin]()
The Unmasking of Kelly James by Belle Chapin
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter college, I was on my way to my own happily ever after. But three years later, I’m back in town–jobless, homeless, and heartbroken. My life needs a restart–and my chance comes in the form of a grumpy widower with three charismatic daughters and a desperate need for a live-in nanny.Jonah Thatcher is moody, sullen, and expects his house to be ruled with an iron fist... -
![Foolish Me by Tinnean]()
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]()
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... -
![Fixer Upper by Jason Collins]()
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]()
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... -
![The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow]()
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]()
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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![Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow]()
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... -
![Gorgeous by Jason Collins]()
Gorgeous by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAVERY:I wear dresses for me, not for straight guys.Two things make me stand out: my femme clothes and my long hair. When a jerk catcalls me, I don’t expect a stranger to step in—and I certainly don’t expect a rescuer as handsome as Eric.I thought he was straight until our plan to get drinks after work turns into something more... -
![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:
queer queer-awakening m-m friends to lovers contemporary single-father length-medium -
![Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow]()
Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 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... -
![Hard Count: by Emerson Beckett]()
Hard Count: by Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe first time I met Hudson Gatlin, the governor was a hot mess. The last thing the widowed, straight, single father needed was a public relationship with a man. He wasn't going to win re-election with the tight end of the Storm on his arm. Can we keep this new relationship under wraps, or will I need to pull him offside with a hard count?... -
![A Pirate's Life for Me: Book Three by Tricia Owens]()
A Pirate's Life for Me: Book Three by Tricia Owens
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsLucas is deeply involved now with Adam and Tyler but are things too good to be true? He's still unsure of his place with the two pirates, torn between wanting to be serious with them and afraid he's being used as a tool to strengthen the men's relationship. The more he learns about Adam and Tyler, the greater his fears grow that all of this is temporary...
![Assistant Architect [助理建筑师] by Xi He Qing Ling, 羲和清零](https://s3.amazonaws.com/romance.io/books/small/663c7d519ad3052f634cd3b6.jpg)
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