Books like 'Exception'
Readers who enjoyed Exception by Cora Rose also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance bisexual forced proximity office queer-awakening cowboys bad boys friends-benefits height-difference
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Call Me By Your Name - Screenplay by James Ivory, André Aciman
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIn Northern Italy in 1983, seventeen-year-old Elio begins a relationship with visiting Oliver, his father's research assistant, with whom he bonds over his emerging sexuality, their Jewish heritage, and the beguiling Italian landscape... -
Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Charlie Sutton’s neighbour Greg is notified by the Queensland government that they intend to run a pipeline through his property, Charlie vows to help him fight it. Then Travis remembers seeing butterflies at the creek near their joining fence line - the same butterflies they couldn’t find in any Australian butterfly book... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3: The Case of Ritsu Onodera (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
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French Martini by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaybe asking my burly golden retriever contractor to be my fake fiance was a bad idea. But as the saying goes, desperate times and all that. Listen, getting married again sounds about as fun as a shopping spree in a dumpster, so dating is definitely off the table. I’ve resisted Oakley’s tempting presence, knowing it can only lead to trouble, and I don’t need any more of that... -
Budding Attraction by Saxon James
FordI’ve never thought much about Orson Naples.He’s a cute guy who I’d seen around town a few times, but then one day he up and left and didn’t reappear until a few years later. No one knows where he went or what he was doing, all this gossipy town knows is that he’s a widower, owns the florist, and is friends with that divorced group that hang out at the Killer Brew all the time...Categorized as:
height-difference hurt-comfort queer queer-awakening bisexual m-m contemporary friends to lovers -
Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing... -
Rafe by Nicole Edwards
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA history of running… When Rafe Sharpe was eighteen, he put Coyote Ridge, his family, and everyone he knew in his rearview in order to escape his past. When he returned three years ago, everyone thought he’d returned to face the horrors that had shaped his existence. What he didn’t tell anyone was that he’d been running then, too... -
Second Shot by Con Riley
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecond Shot (Second Chance School #2)Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls.Passion always leads to heartbreak for Hayden Novac. Nice guys always get picked last. That’s what my coach at a soccer academy once promised... -
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
forced proximity hurt-comfort queer m-m friends to lovers contemporary length-medium -
Win You Over by C.S. Autumn
𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧My life changed when my father died, and in the time since, I’ve learned to accept that my voice will never be the same. There are years and a literal ocean between the boy I was and the man I am now.Scholarship student.Loyal best friend.Talented fighter.The only thorn in my side is Remington Langford...Categorized as:
forced proximity hurt-comfort queer-awakening bisexual queer from hate to love grumpy sunshine m-m -
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:
cowboys queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary insta-love friends to lovers found-family -
Lust Hate Love by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
USA TODAY bestselling authors Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank continue the story of sexy Fallen Angel rockers Killian and Levi in LUST. HATE. LOVE. As the sexy, charismatic bassist for world-famous rock band Fallen Angel, whatever Killian Michaels wants, Killian Michaels gets... -
Alone On the Water by MadLori
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSherlock Holmes never expected to live a long life, but he never imagined that it would end like this. - 7725 WordsSorrow’s my body on the wavesSorrow’s a girl inside my caveI live in a city sorrow builtIt’s in my honey, it’s in my milkDon’t leave my half a heart alone on the waterCover me in rag and bone sympathyCause I don’t want to get over you... -
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Hawk by Jacki James
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAt six foot four, muscles for days, and a take charge attitude, Duncan Hawkins is exactly my type and everything I've sworn to avoid... So when I find myself in trouble, why is he my first call?Mika has run before—first from trouble at home, then from an abusive ex.For the past two years, he’s built a quiet, safe life in Vesper, Texas, determined to never run again...Categorized as:
queer height-difference hurt-comfort m-m contemporary daddy-kink age difference abuse -
A Foreign Love Affair by Ayano Yamane
Japanese 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... -
Sass by Jay Hogan
For two years I’ve kept Leon Steadman at a safe distance, ever since the night he turned me down flatter than a pancake with a side order of syrupy disapproval. His loss. The world is full of sexy men. One and done is simply good math and efficient use of my time. Or it would be if I hadn’t been lusting after the irritating, judgemental, gorgeous, mountain of a man, ever since...Categorized as:
forced proximity height-difference hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary from hate to love abuse -
Every Missing Moment: The Outtakes - Volume One by Garrett Leigh
Every Missing Moment. Rebel Kings Volume OneThe missing moments you've longed for from the beloved Rebel Kings MC series, all wrapped up in a gorgeous new collection... -
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... -
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... -
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
office queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary friends to lovers found-family length-short -
Pretend You're Mine (The Protectors) by Sloane Kennedy
Landscape architect Devon Rhodes doesn’t know what to think when he overhears a heated conversation in his new next-door neighbor’s back yard, but when he decides to intervene, he definitely isn’t expecting the encounter to change his life forever... -
The Fortunate Son by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIvan Gallagher’s first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everything—his reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when he’s on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort forced proximity cowboys friends-benefits queer m-m suspense age difference -
Christmas Bubble by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA Christmas snowstorm. Two opposites that most definitely attract. Only one bed.When the man of your absolute dreams slams their mouth into yours, there is only one course of action. Yours truly–that’s me–has broken it down into four easy steps for your convenience.You're welcome.Step one: make sure he really is attached to you. Lips to lips. You're a clam. Do not let go... -
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The Idiot by Dianna Roman
You can't pick who you love...nor can you run from them.Murphy Malone loves his orchard, his mother, and his dog. Life is great until he can't stop thinking about what he's missing—someone to share it all with. When he realizes that his love for his best friend, Jesse Carver, runs deeper than the bonds of friendship, it just makes things worse...Categorized as:
queer-awakening forced proximity queer bisexual m-m friends to lovers grumpy sunshine contemporary -
Relief Pitcher by Lee Blair
I thought I was helping him get his groove back. Turns out he’s helping me fall in love.TylerI have one rule when it comes to matters of my one and done. Consensually, of course. Fun with no complicated romantic feelings. Not that I’m built to experience those, anyway.After my car breaks down on a remote road, I follow a lumbersnack back to his creepy cabin for the cell service...Categorized as:
forced proximity hurt-comfort height-difference queer sports friends to lovers exhibitionism m-m -
Northland by Cara Dee
Two years ago, Logan Ward got the surprise of his life when he discovered he was the father of a two-year-old boy. Professionally and romantically adrift, he devoted all his time and energy to caring for his son. But now he’s searching for something more, and he and Justin head north to Alaska to try out the life his best friend Quinn has been raving about...Categorized as:
bisexual queer queer-awakening m-m alpha male contemporary length-short explicit-open-door -
Igniting His Flame by HJ Welch, Helen Juliet
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove makes us all braveDARIOAfter escaping my controlling ex-boyfriend and moving to Redwood Bay, I swear off men for good. The only company I need is my new rescue dog, Queenie. Meeting gorgeous firefighter Lochlan Bell at puppy training class doesn’t count because he’s straight, yet for some bizarre reason he’s decided to become my friend... -
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... -
Friends Like Them by Aimee Nicole Walker
Owen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to the best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep... -
Nicked: Nordin by Nora Phoenix
The stupidest thing a con artist can ever do is fall for the man who’s trying to catch him…Nordin likes to think of himself as a modern-day Robin Hood, redistributing the wealth from those who don’t deserve it to those who do. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and it makes good use of his talents and gifts.Unfortunately, not everyone sees it like that, including FBI agent Tavin Donley...Categorized as:
friends-benefits bad boys hurt-comfort queer m-m from hate to love contemporary found-family -
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving... -
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 hurt-comfort queer-awakening m-m contemporary insta-love friends to lovers humor -
The Christmas Summons 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... -
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A Wedding in a Week by Con Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA second chance with his brother’s best friend also comes with a deadline. Three years after inheriting his family farm, an accident forces Stefan Luxton to rethink his future. Turning his farm into a five-star wedding venue is one goal. Another is to reconnect with Marc, who Stefan loved but let slip away to the city...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort forced proximity queer m-m age difference friends to lovers contemporary found-family -
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... -
Tremble by E. Davies
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last place Evan Vincent expected to be dumped was at his engagement shoot… in a dude ranch in Tennessee. Four years of working for his ex for free and standing in his shadow leave Evan reeling with the sudden freedom. Escaping here and working for the ranch owner for a few months could give Evan a chance to regroup… and rebound... -
Gravity by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been... -
Perfect by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAdoption is hard. Paperwork and more paperwork, lawyers and more lawyers and it seems like begging and choosing....all to get your heart broken when the expectant mother backs out. Not wanting to go through that again, or put Morgan through it again; they opted out. Unfortunately, the new guy didn't get the memo and they were chosen by expectant young mother, Haley... -
Christmas Wishes by Lee Blair
Say it ain’t snow!After my bestie and I got laid off during the holidays, we drunkenly decide to plan a surprise vacation for each other. Knowing how much I hate snow, he sends me to sunny Arizona with my swim briefs and a dare. I’m supposed to finally start the beauty influencer accounts I’ve been talking about for years.Did you know there are parts of Arizona where it snows? I didn’t...Categorized as:
queer forced proximity height-difference hurt-comfort christmas m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine -
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... -
Sapphire Dawn by C. Travis Rice, Christopher Rice
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUnder his pen name, C. Travis Rice, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice offers tales of passion, intrigue, and steamy romance between men. The fourth novel, SAPPHIRE DAWN, once again transports you to a beautiful luxury resort on the sparkling Southern California coast where strong-willed heroes release the shame that blocks their hearts’ desires... -
Got Me Feeling by Casey Cox
I'm a thug. I've done bad things. And I'm straight… So why can't I get the sexy Aussie vet out of my head? When I showed up on my brother's doorstep three years ago, I'd hit rock bottom. Broke and homeless, with a miles-long trail of destruction in my wake. Those days are behind me. I'm rebuilding my life. Staying focused. Disciplined. Busy... -
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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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 hurt-comfort queer grumpy sunshine m-m insta-love contemporary length-medium -
Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack
CARTER Relationships--who needs 'em? As a personal-assistant-extraordinaire to one of the top PR firms in Los Angeles, I've dedicated most of my life to errand-running and people-pleasing. But when it comes to men, as much as I love to please them in the bedroom, I'm way too busy to give more than that. Fortunately, as far as my options go..Categorized as:
forced proximity friends-benefits queer m-m humor contemporary from hate to love explicit-open-door -
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... -
Second Chance Ranch by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRob runs to Crooked Tree determined to find a safe place for his nephews. A family for them is the final thing on his list, and then he can vanish completely. Falling for a local paramedic along the way is a disaster in Rob’s otherwise perfect plans.Paramedic Aaron, the middle of five brothers, would like someone to love... -
Heat Transfer by Katherine McIntyre
Cor’s crush on the straight boy in sword fighting class has been unrequited, but with one crossed sword, that’s all about to change…CorFrom the second I showed up for sword fighting class, Felix grabbed my attention. Yet not only was he straight, but he also had a girlfriend. However, the more we hang, the more I can’t help but hang on his every word, every look...Categorized as:
queer height-difference queer-awakening bisexual friends to lovers contemporary sports m-m -
How To Save A Life by Andria Large, Jena Brignola
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHow do you save someone’s life? There’s the obvious way of physically saving them from a tragic end. Then there’s the more subtle way of saving someone who doesn’t know they need to be saved. Someone who is drowning emotionally and has no idea that they are slowly dying. Ezra Whitmore is one of those people...Categorized as:
bisexual queer queer-awakening m-m friends to lovers contemporary single-father length-short
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