Books like 'The Best Ever'
Readers who enjoyed The Best Ever by Deanna Wadsworth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance athletes sports high-school friends to lovers height-difference age difference queer
-
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 23 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... -
![Starting From The Top by Lane Hayes]()
Starting From The Top by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe guitarist, the dad, and a band on the rise… Johnny A quiet place to live and some time to recharge before my band heads out on the road again sounds amazing. I wouldn’t mind a distraction too, but my new neighbor is off-limits. There are rules about not getting involved with your bandmate’s ex, right? And Sean isn’t my type anyway... -
![]()
![]()
Sponsored links -
![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5) Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference sports queer m-m contemporary explicit-open-door queer-awakening -
![Final Play by Eden Finley]()
Final Play by Eden Finley
It’s a vacation none of them will forget. Before their futures become the present, Noah convinces his friends they need a group vacation—a final play before they’re all tied down by responsibility and unyielding schedules. Everything is changing. Marriage. Kids. Careers. A trip to Fiji is the last hurrah to end all hurrahs... -
-
![Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife]()
Impaired Judgement by Youcouldmakealife
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s kind of a shame someone that talented is that big a... -
![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost.Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
![Hard Ink by Ali Lyda]()
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... -
![Assisted by Carly Marie]()
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suitAs assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers age difference queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort age play -
![Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart]()
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsLincoln I’ve done a good job getting over my past. I’m not only proud of who I am, but revel in it. Still, I don’t let myself get too close to people. With closeness comes questions and those pesky feelings, and I’m having none of that. I’ve got a great job, friends, I’m cute and twinky, and my bed’s never empty. What more do I need? Except I can’t stop sleeping with Rush Alexander...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
![Tempt Me by Mia Monroe]()
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 explicit-open-door length-short -
![Next Season by Lane Hayes]()
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
The professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg]()
Waiting for Ru by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRuari Byrne may not have had an easy life, but now he’s determined to live in the present, not his past. Trouble is, it’s hard to be independent when you’ve no money and no qualifications. All Ru knows is horses, and when he finds out that his beloved Joni and Cookie are off to auction, his heart is in his throat... -
-
![A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes]()
A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 22 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... -
![Surrender Your Heart: Book 3 of the Fated Hearts Series by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Surrender Your Heart: Book 3 of the Fated Hearts Series 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... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference athletes sports queer m-m hurt-comfort contemporary -
![The Christmas Summons (Wild Heart Ranch) by Kelly Fox]()
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... -
![Love In Slow Motion (Love Beyond Measure) by E.M. Lindsey]()
Love In Slow Motion (Love Beyond Measure) by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“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... -
![All In by Eliza Lentzski]()
All In by Eliza Lentzski
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBook Four and the dénouement of the Winter Jacket Series. Hollywood had been a disaster. Elle Graft—Associate Professor of English and once-budding television screenwriter—could admit that much. Now back in Minnesota and back to her old life, Elle’s determined to get her relationship with Hunter back on track. It all started with a broken classroom heater and a blue winter coat... -
![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
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... -
![Messy Love by Riley Hart]()
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
![Golden Sparkle by Minta Suzumaru, 鈴丸みんた]()
Golden Sparkle by Minta Suzumaru, 鈴丸みんた
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsHimari Uehara, for a first-year high school boy, knows very little about sex. Without his father at home and having skipped health in middle school, Himari is only confused when he wakes up with his boxers a mess and has no one for advice. Luckily, Himari has Gaku Asada, a new friend from high school who offers to teach him everything and more he missed out in health class... -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
-
![A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers]()
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
![Reawaken by Christina Lee]()
Reawaken by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle]()
Neutral Zone by Catherine Gayle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUSA Today bestselling author Catherine Gayle presents another novella in the emotional Portland Storm hockey romance series. Being stuck in the Neutral Zone is no way to live… Portland Storm defenseman Cole Paxton never intended to be the poster boy for gay hockey players... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
![Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes]()
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan... -
![Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka]()
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare... -
![Rescue by Alison Hendricks]()
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... -
![One Manic Lie by Addison Beck]()
One Manic Lie by Addison Beck
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSomeone needs to knock some sense into me before I get expelled.I’m not a bad guy. I’m not even a particularly interesting guy but I am someone that always seems to find myself in…unfortunate situations.Eccentric, that’s what my friends call me. Some would say I’m just flat-out weird. Others would call me obsessive... -
![Punk-In by Ava Olsen]()
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... -
![Break Down by Rebecca Norinne]()
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... -
-
![Triple Play: An M/M/M Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Triple Play: An M/M/M Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Eric is unable to help his friend recover, he has to put his feelings aside for a second time. He never imagined the man who could help would be the glue that bound them together.Drew Jackson had it all: a family who loves him, a tight circle of friends, and he’s a rising star with the Milwaukee Mavericks... -
![Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn]()
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
![Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland]()
Poetry in Motion by Samantha Wayland
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTravis Campbell has been at this hockey thing for a while. He knows his days on the ice are numbered, but he’s happy with the Moncton Ice Cats and he’s still got some time to figure out what comes next. He’s been taking college classes online and thought he knew what he was doing, but then he made the ultimate rookie mistake... -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
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... -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
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... -
![Summer Makeover by Kelly Fox]()
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... -
![Summer Lessons by Amy Lane]()
Summer Lessons by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsa Winter Ball novel Mason Hayes’s love life has a long history of losers who don’t see that Mason’s heart is as deep and tender as his mouth is awkward. He wants kindness, he wants love—and he wants someone who thinks sex is as fantastic as he does... -
![Clip by Charity Parkerson]()
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways... -
![My Best Friend's Brother by K.C. Wells]()
My Best Friend's Brother by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy best friend’s younger brother is all grown up. And gorgeous.Casey’s off limits. Forbidden. But that just makes me want him more.RylanI’ve watched Casey grow up. I never imagined how the sweet, scrawny kid would turn into a hot muscular man. A hot guy who just came out.Casey torments my thoughts. And my dreams. I need to stay far, far away from my best friend’s kid brother... -
![There For You by Anyta Sunday]()
There For You by Anyta Sunday
Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . . Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends...Categorized as:
age difference sports friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary open-door length-medium -
-
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLoving You: Book Four Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
![We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett]()
We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPreston James did things to me. Things that had me wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though I knew I better. Things that made my heart race. Things that made me come to realize there was more to my boss’s best friend than met the eye.Nick ReedAs one of the bartenders at Alejandro’s Bar, I’ve seen it all... -
![Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer]()
Tell Me Lies by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDrewA wedding planner moves to Las Vegas to start a new business…Does that sound like the start of a bad joke? Well it’s my life... -
![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... -
![Ice Angels by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood]()
Ice Angels by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDrew and Cleevs love hockey, but they love each other more. How can the men find a way to save what matters most?Todd Cleever and Drew Simon are crazy about each other. They started dating three years ago when “Cleevs” was a rookie defenseman for the Chicago Ice. Drew, the team’s captain, was a few years older than Cleevs...
Fantastic book recommendations by romance book lovers for romance book lovers.
Find out more about romance.io.
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.
