Books like 'Scratch the Surface'
Readers who enjoyed Scratch the Surface by Mary Calmes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
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Davo by N.R. Walker
When Fergus Galloway takes on a research trip to a tiny mining town in the far Western Australian outback, he’s as far from Sydney as he can get. Which is entirely the point. He arrives in Pannalego totally unprepared for the baking heat, unprepared for the people who call it home, unprepared for the craziness and the laughs... -
Patchwork by K.M. Neuhold
It's not a relationship, it's just a patchwork of tattoo sessions and sweaty secrets with a rock star. No big deal. I've been keeping this secret for four years, counting down the months in between visits from Onyx. To everyone else I'm “Hero” but he mostly just calls me “yes” and “more” while we trade heated kisses and wandering hands...Categorized as:
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Until You by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Queen & the Homo Jock King. Together with their families and friends, Paul Auster and Vincent Taylor request the honor of your company at the celebration of their marriage. Paul Auster and Vince Taylor just want to have a simple wedding. Really, is that too much to ask? As the big day approaches, they struggle to keep everything from spiraling out of control... -
The Dangerous Convenience Store Vol. 2 by 945
This hit Boys’ Love webtoon/manhwa (comic) is coming to print in English for the first a full-color and Mature-rated romantic comedy about a convenience store part-timer and a handsome gangster! College student Yeo Eui-joon works the graveyard shift at a convenience store to pay his bills... -
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Bossy Baby by Athena Steller
The Boy. Hayley has been looking for a Daddy, but there’s only one man he’s truly interested in—the big, bald, quiet man who visits his store every week. Hayley is trying to be patient, but if Mac doesn’t make a move soon, Hayley might have to take matters into his own hands. The Daddy. Mac’s soul is black, and he knows that when he dies, he’ll be heading straight to Hell... -
Forever Wilde in Aster Valley by Lucy Lennox
When Miller Hobbs finds himself on a winter vacation in Colorado with the giant, exceedingly loud, Marian and Wilde families, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself. He’s not really a Marian or a Wilde despite having DNA ties to both... -
The Unforgettable Hookup by Jax Calder
Sam’s story…. One night. That’s all it was supposed to be. I can’t believe my luck when the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen propositions me in a bar, looking for his first-ever one-night stand. No names. No strings. Just pure fun. I’m more than happy to oblige. But after our incredible night together, I can’t stop thinking about him. Unfortunately, I have no way to track him down...Categorized as:
queer anal sex m-m contemporary teacher-hero new-zealand length-novella first-person-pov -
Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOrlando:. No one intentionally starts out life trying to become a hired unaliver. Weeellllll, most people don’t. I come from a legacy of unalivers, though I think I might be the first one to make a career out of it. Accidentally... -
Love in Tuscany by Maya Jean, J.J. Mulder
Spend the summer in Italy for charity! Everyone deserves a second chance, including wedding photographers. They may even catch a picture of a doctor finding his opposite, yet somehow perfect, match. Fall in love in Tuscany, before hitting the road on an adventure with a stranger...Categorized as:
queer insta-love sweet-hero contemporary m-m age difference height-difference forced proximity -
The Hermit of Aldershill Manor by K.L. Noone
Charlie Ash is ready to start a new job and a new life at Aldershill Manor. As a historian, he’s thrilled to dive into the estate’s archives. And he can hide from all the memories of his messy break-up back in California, where the man he’d thought he’d marry left him instead. He can find solace in exploring Aldershill’s famous gardens . .. until he’s caught in the rain, and found by a gardener...Categorized as:
queer insta-love sweet-hero m-m contemporary age difference height-difference caretaking -
Got Me Wishing by Casey Cox
A half-birthday + a second chance = one true love? As. If. Who needs a man when I've got cuddly kittens? No one's ever wanted me once they discover my secret. I guess that's why I've thrown myself into my work as a veterinarian, as well as become the proud paw-rent to my eight cat rescues. I've even managed to convince myself I'm purr-fectly happy being single... -
A Nothing Special New Year by A.E. Via
New Year’s Eve is usually a night of fun and wild celebrations, but for a police officer, it can be the most dangerous night of the year. Officer Ellis Mason has worked as a beat cop on the streets of Atlanta for over eight years, and he knows what it takes to survive them...Categorized as:
insta-love queer sweet-hero contemporary m-m age difference men in uniform length-novella -
Bowling for Turkeys by Amy Lane
Milo Tanaka was not recovering from the mother of all breakups when his best friend barged into his home and gave him a dog. While Julia the dog doesn’t like squirrels, cats, turkeys, other dogs, or most humans, at least she gets him out of bed...Categorized as:
queer sweet-hero working class hero m-m contemporary christmas length-medium explicit-open-door -
Strong Enough by Cardeno C.
A Book in the Family Series. When twenty-two-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. Getting Spencer into bed isn’t difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience...Categorized as:
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Angel by Linden Bell
He was only supposed to be gay for pay. Angel. I’ve never had sex before. And I've definitely never looked at a guy that way before. But with his brightly-colored hair and beautiful outfits, Rhys is hard to ignore--especially after I learn what he does for a living...Categorized as:
queer anal sex sweet-hero working class hero m-m length-medium contemporary new adult -
Every Saturday Night by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAs a young single dad, my life’s all about raising my sweet baby boy. But every Saturday night while my family babysits, I get to go out, cut loose, and act my age. Hey, we all need a break from time to time. And every Saturday night, I keep winding up in bed with a gorgeous, Cuban-American motorcycle mechanic named Lucky... -
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... -
Killer Bond by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 13 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... -
Kissing Our Loves by Sammi Cee
Valentine's Inc. Book 6. Clark ~ I wouldn’t change anything about my life. Adopting the child my sister gave birth to is the best decision I ever made. For all of us. Choosing to work for myself so that I can be an active part of his life—a no brainer. After four years, though, my friends may be right... -
Cold Winter Nights by Sue Laybourn, Jay Aheer
Beauregard Stone lives a life of solitude in the snow-blanketed town of Windeville, Maine. The burly, gruff lumberjack is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. He hasn’t spoken much since his husband died eight years ago. Now, each day bleeds into the next as Stone loses himself in his woodshop and lumber- hauling business...Categorized as:
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Pretenders by Alexa Land
Doctor Wesley Bennett is desperate to find a date for his ex-fiancé’s destination wedding. So desperate, in fact, that he’s decided to hire an escort to pose as his boyfriend. That’s what he thinks, anyway. My roommate’s the actual escort, not me. He wasn’t available, so I stepped in. This job was just way too sweet to pass up. It should be easy...Categorized as:
insta-love queer m-m length-short contemporary fake relationship explicit-open-door audiobook -
Reindeer Games by N.R. Walker
Reindeer Games Definition: activities to exclude outsiders. Industrial-art student Leif Caldwell and his best friend win tickets to the hottest party in town, the annual masquerade Christmas gala at the upmarket nightclub, Evoque. Not a gig they could ever afford to attend or buy costumes for, so Leif makes their masks...Categorized as:
insta-love working class hero queer m-m age difference contemporary christmas tycoon -
Brad by Lucy Lennox
When Brad opens his Vegas hotel room door to find a hot police officer waiting on the other side, he assumes crazy Aunt Tilly has sent him a strip-o-gram. But instead of getting naked, Detective Gorgeous pulls out his cuffs — turns out, the badge and uniform aren’t just props, this cop is the real deal... -
A Matter of Fact by Kate Hawthorne
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsName – Rhys St. George. Age – 37. Relationship status – Single. Looking for – A way to make all of this right. Biggest regret – Callahan McMillian. Hobbies – Having money, making money, spending money, and wine. Name – Beckett Thatcher. Age – 27. Relationship status – Super Single! Looking for – The kind of man who knows what I'm worth... -
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Unconditional Love by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"A Seven Days Story". Can a person's life change in just one day? How about seven? Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys' time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind... -
Montana Sky by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen they spend time alone on a Montana mountainside will Tyler ever convince Martin that like sapphires, love is worth searching for? Martin’s name was the very last on a kill list. The son of a murderer, he’s had no childhood; lost in a horrific holding pattern of death that turned his heart to stone... -
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... -
Camera Shy by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTrust is earned, but sometimes we form walls around ourselves to protect us from the pain, keeping others from getting close, and shielding us from the darkness that lurks around us. Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one...Categorized as:
anal sex working class hero queer m-m abuse contemporary friends to lovers slow burn -
As I Am by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKyle has struggled to protect his brother from the darkest things in life, but in doing so, they've lived on the streets, making a life for themselves away from those who would hurt them. It's taken years, but life is starting to look up for Ky. Still, he finds it hard to quit working the streets and the easy money it brings. Carson has everything he could want in life... -
Head Over Wheels Book 2 by Jayda Marx
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHarley - Life is great. I’m healthy and happy, enjoying every day with my sweet and sassy Finn by my side. Jake is graduating college and starting his new career, and in just a few weeks, Finn and I will be joined together as husbands. But it never fails that just when you least expect it, life will throw you a curve ball...Categorized as:
queer sweet-hero m-m contemporary length-medium sunny hero disabilities and marks audiobook -
My Brother's Enemy by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI never planned on falling for my brother’s mortal enemy. When I first met Marcus, I had no idea he was the gangster who’d been waging a turf war with my older brother. He was just this gorgeous, sexy guy who was there for me when I needed a friend. By the time I found out the truth, it was too late—I’d already fallen for him... -
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... -
Stronger Than Hope by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsOne man looking to set down roots, the other looking to leave…. Fresh out of a relationship, Nate’s searching for a change—what better way is there than renovating his uncle’s old coffee shop in Chesapeake City? He has a new job, in a new town, and a new lease...Categorized as:
insta-love working class hero queer m-m contemporary bisexual second chances friends to lovers -
A Very Henry Christmas by N.R. Walker
A 12,000 word short story about food, fluff, and fornication. Henry wants to share his and Reed’s first Christmas Eve being engaged by hosting dinner with their closest friends. Henry loves food and he loves to cook—he plans an entire menu and decorates the house to rival a department store, but even though everything’s perfect, something’s not quite right... -
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Cherish by Tere Michaels
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 24 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...Categorized as:
anal sex queer contemporary men in uniform m-m queer-awakening length-novella audiobook -
Pieces of Me by N.R. Walker
Missing Pieces Series, Book Two. Justin's recovery is slow, but any step forward is a win in Dallas' eyes. Having always been a source of strength for Justin, even before the accident, Dallas is trying to find his feet again as he struggles to get some normalcy back in their lives...Categorized as:
queer sweet-hero working class hero m-m contemporary height-difference length-short hurt-comfort -
Taming Tristan by Leighton Greene
Tristan:. I'm a trouble-maker. Everyone at the club knows I don't kneel on command. So what? I’ve never met a man who’s worthy of my full surrender. I’m bored of all the wannabes who think they can expect perfect obedience without proving themselves first. But if I don’t play nice, I’m gonna get banned from the scene... -
Gordon's Lost Mittens by Della Cain, Kaytea Kat
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’m a good boy. I follow all the rules…until one day I don’t. As a little, I learned early on that there was an unspoken rule that daddies like to pick their boy, not the other way around. I’ve been following that rule ever since. Does it work for me? Sort of. I never have to play alone. But also…I never have a daddy of my own, either... -
Billion Dollar Sugar Baby by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 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...Categorized as:
insta-love queer m-m contemporary super rich hero length-short standalone standalone-first -
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... -
Honeymoon Refrain by Harley Grace
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
Coffee Shop Cupid by Lacey Daize
Tristan knows that no alpha will want him, so he needs to face the future on his own. Alphas have expectations from their mates, and Tristan knows he will never meet two of the biggest ones. He can't be bonded, as a previous bond has been severed, and he will never have children after losing his womb...Categorized as:
insta-love queer m-m omegaverse contemporary alpha male length-novella explicit-open-door -
Crash by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIvan:. I lost my arm in a helicopter accident six months ago and my roommates aren't letting me mope at home one more day. They've pretty much shoved me out the door, insisting that I visit a gym for combat vets. The name? Wrecked. Really? That's the name we're going with? Fine. Benning:. I'm a triple-amputee, and this place has been my sanctuary since it opened... -
Make Music Together by Ariella Zoelle
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 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 Benowitz. The walls in my new apartment are so thin that I can clearly hear my neighbor singing in his shower... -
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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... -
Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…. Winnie. Someone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, you should brush yourself off…and go to Paris. Okay, maybe that was me. I said it and I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and cosmetic guru in LA... -
Love Me Gently by E.M. Denning
Dusty Mack likes his quiet life, even if it means sometimes he’s lonely. He keeps busy with work and Dusty spends his down time being a shoulder for his newly single sister to cry on. Love is the last thing he’s thinking about, but after a splurge purchase, he can’t get the cute sales associate off his mind. Jason Robinson has his life figured out...Categorized as:
working class hero queer sweet-hero anal sex m-m age difference contemporary dual-pov -
Stephen's Translator by Jocelynn Drake
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen Meet Cute leads to Meet Trouble. Ehren is the most adorable man Stephen has ever laid eyes on. A chance encounter leads to an amazing first date and the promise of even more fun. But all those hopes crash down when someone breaks into Ehren’s apartment. With dangerous stalkers and rumors of a secret treasure hounding Ehren, Stephen will do anything to keep him safe... -
Dissonance by Shira Anthony
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Blue Notes Novel. British noble Cameron Sherrington has hit rock bottom. The love of his life, opera sensation Aiden Lind, is marrying another man, and Cam knows it’s his fault for pushing Aiden away. As if that’s not enough, someone is trying to take away his family business, and the US authorities are pursuing him on charges of money laundering...
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