Books like 'Strut'
Readers who enjoyed Strut by Jay Hogan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance friends to lovers age difference angst new adult queer
-
The Long and Winding Road by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Art of Breathing Family is not always defined by blood. It’s defined by those who make us whole—those who make us who we are. And here, at the end, Bear and Otter will be tested like they’ve never been before. There’s a knock at the door from a little girl who has nowhere else to go. There’s a phone ringing, bringing news they do not expect... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama
Resigned, Shin has to settle for seeing Seiji when they run into each other about town or when Shin makes a point of stopping at his store. Shin believes he's content with that, but one night Seiji changes everything by bemoaning his lack of romantic prospects and mentioning he might as well try his luck with guys... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up!At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
-
Beneath the Stain - Part Seven by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe one lesson that Trav's learned with the band's return to Tyson is that it should be hard to say good-bye. Mackey, Kell, Jefferson, and Stevie have to say good-bye to the person who helped make them and break them. They have to say good-bye to their bitterness and anger, and they have to say good-bye to lingering hope that one of the best parts of their childhood can be with them always... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe seasons have shifted, and Shin and Seiji are starting their new life together. Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
Forever by Kindle Alexander
Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most, the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m military contemporary length-long explicit-open-door -
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... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA young patrolman harbors secret feelings for a middle-aged shop owner on his beat!When a young patrolman gets assigned to a small town, he runs into an old acquaintance, and a casual comment from the older man leads to a fluttering heart and renewed feelings.Seiji Tajima runs a convenience store in a small town, and thanks to his easygoing attitude toward much of life, he’s still single... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Three by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMackey Sanders doesn't do anything easy—rehab is no exception. Never one to follow orders for the sake of being orderly, Mackey needs a reason, something real, to make him agree to Trav's terms of getting clean... -
Beneath the Stain - Part Five by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMackey is great at taking a leap of faith into a crowd—but taking one into a relationship and a future is a totally different animal. When he and Trav decide to take a risk that Mackey's healing can hold up to them together, they know it's going to be a long, difficult road... -
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJonathan watched all of his friends fall in love, get married, and grow their families. All he’s ever wanted is a relationship as wonderful as the one his parents have always had... -
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey.Enter Sammy Rhodes.Famed DJ The Spin Doctor.Musical genius.Fits with the band like he's our sixth member.We hired him on the spot.So what's the problem?He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
-
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men.When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.He saved me.Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.I can’t ask for more of my friend.Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary found-family length-short audiobook -
Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day. So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary length-short explicit-open-door audiobook -
Break the Rule by Lucky Hart
Charlie King: As free-spirited as he is chaotic, Charlie's rules to art and relationships are as follows: 1) get messy and 2) move on to the next piece. He lives for the thrill of the new, on canvas or in bed, and just because he's over 30 doesn't mean he needs to settle down. When a pretty boy wearing a scowl and a skirt upends Charlie's life, he brings one more rule: don't fall in love...Categorized as:
queer age difference new adult m-m hurt-comfort found-family contemporary explicit-plentiful -
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship length-short audiobook -
The Life We Have by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter the untimely death of his single mother, Greyson found himself orphaned at fifteen. That is, until the discovery of his father, Sebastian - a world renown drummer in a famous rock band. Overnight, Greyson's world had been turned upside down, taking him from rags to riches. And now, six years later, Greyson's only goal is to follow in his dad's footsteps...Categorized as:
new adult age difference friends to lovers queer m-m christian contemporary length-medium -
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsZeke Gulden is a ruthless Wall Street exec. His hard-edged, no-nonsense attitude has served him well in the cutthroat business world, but less so in his personal life. When he finds out his ex-boyfriend cheated on him with a coworker, Zeke can’t let go—not until he finds a way to get even. However, his meddlesome father has other ideas... -
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
Surrender Your Heart by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSecrets and fears… Everyone has them; Jack Murphy and Liam Connelly are no exception. A secret brings Liam Connelly to D.C., but what he discovers upon his arrival is so much more than he expected. Hired to tend bar at Bottoms Up, Liam finds himself drawn to his enigmatic boss like a moth to a flame...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference queer m-m military contemporary length-short audiobook -
Love In Slow Motion by E.M. Lindsey
“Maybe it didn’t end there. Maybe it started with a kiss…”The only thing Ilan Nadav knows about relationships and marriage is that they ruin people. He’s committed himself to the bachelor life, and he’s never been happier—until his best friend had to go and fall in the sort of toe-curling, sonnet-writing kind of love...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary bff-parent length-medium explicit-open-door -
Beneath the Stain - Part Six by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor as long as Trav Ford has known the Sanders boys, one name has haunted the entire band. Their first lead guitarist and Mackey’s first lover has left a stamp on the kids he’s known as family, and now Grant has one last chance to hurt the people Trav cares for the most... -
-
Starting Over by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColt Matthews is trying to find his way in the world. His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference...Categorized as:
age difference queer new adult friends to lovers m-m contemporary first-person-pov dual-pov -
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating... -
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat?Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
Ollie Always by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNamed after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers... -
Tempt Me by Mia Monroe
My best friend’s little brother is all grown up.Figuring out my sexuality at nearly forty years old has been a revelation, but dating hasn’t been any easier. After a failed engagement, I know what’s important to me, and I refuse to settle anymore.So when my best friend asks me if I can help his little brother settle in after being away, it sounds like a pleasant distraction...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m length-short audiobook explicit-open-door -
After Ben by Con Riley
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"Seattle Stories: Book One" A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans... -
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
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... -
Be My Best Man by Con Riley
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 13 ratings~ Will Jason’s third time as a best man lead to first-time love for Vanya? After fleeing violence in Moscow, student teacher Vanya Petrov winds up lonely in a run-down London hostel... -
Kian's Focus by Misty Walker
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI lost my boyfriend on the night I had planned to propose.It was a horrific accident that was all my fault.I gave up and resigned myself into a life of obscurity.Until I got a call that my sister, Sara, needed me.It gave me purpose and I ran to her rescue.Because that’s what I’ve done our whole lives.That’s how I ended up in Brigs Ferry Bay...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers angst queer contemporary christian m-m length-short -
-
The Best Gift by Eli Easton
With help from a Christmas miracle, two bruised hearts find joy again.Greg Cabot is the third generation to run Cabot’s Christmas Wonderland and tree farm in rural Vermont. But this year will be his last. Since the death of his son, Sam, in Afghanistan, Greg no longer has the heart to run a business based on holiday cheer... -
Love Sky by Mame
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLove SkyThe intensified situation got ‘Sky’ cornered and forced him to get laid in order to get out. Sky tries to make up his mind, thinking of it as just a one night stand and no string attached.However, what he doesn’t know is that ‘Phraphai’ won’t give up so easily... -
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
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... -
Reawaken by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLosing his adoring husband shattered Tristan Rogers's world. For the past few years, he’s been going through the motions, running their dog grooming business while hiding the loneliness he feels down to his bones. When he witnesses an ugly breakup between a pretentious customer and his boyfriend, Tristan can’t help but intervene... -
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:
age difference friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary daddy-kink bff-parent length-novella -
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare... -
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
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... -
Before I Fall by Joelle Lynne, Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWho’s going to catch me when I fall?EvanEverything has been taken from me. My home, my family, and the love of my life. Raising a child on my own isn’t how I envisioned my young life full of hopes and dreams. Now, my youth is gone, too. I had been drowning with no way out until him. The one man I didn’t expect to hold my head above water... -
-
Out by R.J. Moray
Whatever Jack wants, Jack gets. Channon is more than happy to accommodate him, but when Jack wants Channon to be out at work Channon can't help feeling inadequate. Surely, Jack could do better than him. Still, Jack has his ways of making sure his boy knows who he belongs to...Categorized as:
age difference queer new adult bdsm m-m contemporary length-novella explicit-open-door -
Scrambled Eggs and Lemsip by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsShort epilogue that takes place after Rule Breaker... -
Queried Sick by Dallas Smith
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor fans of Casey McQuiston and Always Only You, Queried Sick is a slow-burn romance about two bisexual disasters finding love while working at a publishing company during the pandemic—complete with grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and an attention-seeking cat...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer contemporary m-m office grumpy sunshine length-medium -
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDannyI'm not a guy who's looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It's clear Jonathan's past did a number on him, and he's locked up tight... -
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
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...
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.

