Books like 'Like I Pretended'
Readers who enjoyed Like I Pretended by Charlie Novak also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance grumpy sunshine friends to lovers from hate to love hurt-comfort queer found-family
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Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知
When Hokkaido-born Haruki meets animal photographer Akihito and finds out his accommodations have fallen through, he offers his home as a shelter for the winter. A city slicker, Akihito is smart, charming, and a smooth conversationalist; the polar opposite of country boy Haruki. Despite their differences, Akihito wants to close the gap between the two of them, before the snow thaws in the spring... -
Semantic Error, Vol.2 by Soori Jeo
Computer science major Chu Sangwoo is the epitome of an inflexible and strict rule-abiding person. While working on a liberal arts group project with freeloaders who don’t put in any effort, Sangwoo reasonably decides to remove their names from the final presentation.But he didn’t imagine how involved he would become with the person whose study-abroad plans were messed up because of that project... -
Still Beating by Jessie Walker
THE END WAS JUST THE BEGINNING... I thought I was strong enough to say goodbye.I thought I was ready to leave him.It doesn't matter that I'll be seeing him in three days.I just have to get through three more nights.I'm dying now. Shattering. Breaking.I'm determined to show him I can manage on my own.What if he needs me?I need him...What if he doesn't?...but I want to be better for him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers from hate to love hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m new adult angst -
Vow Maker by Lily Morton
Dylan Mitchell wants to get married.However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer m-m contemporary humor age difference explicit-open-door -
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The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 22 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. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future?Masamune Takano is the boss—and first love—of rookie shojo manga editor Ritsu Onodera... -
Alpha & Omega by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThis is not a shifter/Omegaverse romancePlease, please be careful of spoilers in this book. There is a big plot twist.I’m stubborn, but even I can admit I need help from my family and Harley.Omega (Harley)Hudson’s mother abandoned us six years ago, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my son’s distraught heart. With therapy and hard work, life is good...Categorized as:
found-family queer hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine m-m contemporary single-father single-mother -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
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... -
Crushed But Not Defeated by Nicole Dykes
MilesSelfish.That’s the only way Andrew will ever see me. An abused boy who grew up and became a defense attorney for the rich and famous.I’ll never forget the look on his face when I told him. The hurt and disgust I saw in his eyes as I stomped all over his dreams.He left me behind, convincing me he’d hate me forever. Now, circumstances have brought me back into his life... -
Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsJem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“First Dates”A prequel to The Lamb and the Lion books, this short story shows Jem and Tean as they are set up on blind dates—with disastrous results.“Cheap Seats”Jem and Tean go to the movies. Jem insists it’s an epic bromance date. Tean insists they’re just casual acquaintances... -
All Is Bright (Water, Air, Earth, Fire) by Riley Nash
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA 10,000 word mini-novella featuring everyone's favorite couples from the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series as they celebrate Christmas. When six very different men and their families meet at a Wyoming lodge to celebrate the holidays, things are bound to get sweet, steamy, chaotic, and a little bit heartwarming... -
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... -
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?SANTACharlie Heart is many things:An annoyingly good hockey player.The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.My rival.The only person I truly hate in the world.And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
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Winter Wishes and Coffee Kisses by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn the heart of Maplewood, love is just a wish—and a kiss—away.An anonymous one-night stand was just what I needed before moving to Vermont, to open my very own coffee shop, Special Blend. Happy new year to me!I've lost the only family I had. So when the locals welcome me with open arms and empty cups, I know Maplewood is truly home...Categorized as:
found-family queer hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine m-m height-difference contemporary age difference -
Tall, Dark, & Ginger by Mia Monroe
My hopeless crush has a plan to get over his ex by getting under me, and I’m up for the task. I’ve been pining for Wren since the minute I laid eyes on the handsome man with the perfect mouth, wounded eyes, and my personal kryptonite, ginger hair...Categorized as:
found-family friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer age difference m-m boss & employee contemporary -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology by May Archer, Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnce upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if a dating app that guaranteed you a love match broke down just in time for Valentine’s Day? What if you found yourself on a blind date with a random guy who might be your opposite in every single way? It could be a disaster. Or… When the code breaks down, fate just might take over... -
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:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer m-m forced proximity 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... -
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:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m cowboys contemporary insta-love queer-awakening -
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBack in high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends--a friendly "bad boy" named Hatoyama--but never confessed... -
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... -
Off Duty Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“John-Henry Somerset: Sold!”Somers enters a charity bachelor’s auction without telling his boyfriend. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty.“Pretty and Pink and Perfect”Hazard plans a toddler’s birthday party. This story takes place before The Rational Faculty... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When 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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Wanted: Understanding Daddy by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIs it possible for a renewed friendship to lead to more? Dylan’s life changed for the worse back in middle school. Because of that, he ghosted his best friend, Brett, out of fear and embarrassment. Now, as things finally come together for him, he’s more concerned with earning a place back in Brett’s life than he is about finding the Daddy his friends think he needs... -
Rhythm of Us by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsXavier Cruz has come home after touring with his band for eight years, a life his family and friends would never envy if they knew the truth. Haunted by past decisions, he’s lost himself and his music. Every day is a struggle to recapture them both and forgive the mistakes he’s made. Can Xavier push past his nightmares and hear the melodies all around him again?Ben St... -
A Daddy In Cameron by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIndie’s determined to navigate this world alone, but he’s never come up against a determined Daddy before. Normally, everyone likes Cameron. As the General Manager of The Tap Tavern, he’s protective, empathetic, and considerate of his employees and their needs. Especially those who’ve come in through the Takoda Career Center. Indie knows betrayal. He’s lived with the consequences and survived...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer found-family m-m age play age difference boss & employee -
Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey
My life is good. I work from home, I answer to no one, and I pay my rent on time. In short, things are peaceful and solitary—exactly the way I like them. Yes, my apartment might be a dump with paper-thin walls and plumbing issues, but it’s mine all the same. And then he moves in...Categorized as:
from hate to love hurt-comfort grumpy sunshine queer m-m contemporary humor christmas -
시맨틱 에러 (Semantic Error (Novel) #1-4) by Soori Jeo, 저수리
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratings*시맨틱 에러(Semantic Error): 전산학상의 논리적 오류조장: 추상우발표자: 추상우part1 자료 조사: 추상우part2 자료 조사: 추상우자료 취합: 추상우발표 자료 제작: 추상우참여한 조원 명단: 추상우교양수업 과제에서 무임승차 조원들의 이름을 모조리 빼버린 컴공과 추상우. 그 때문에 이상한 선배와 엮이게 된다.무임승차3: [덕분에졸업못하게생겼네나좀봐요후배님] 20:23해외 유명 대학원 유학을 앞둔 디자인과 장재영. 디자인 실력, 외모, 집안, 인간관계, 뭐 하나 빠질 데 없는 그가 추상우만은 어렵다.“사람은 감정의 동물이야. 네가 날 그렇게 무시하지만 않았다면 PPT 같은 건 웃어넘기고 말았을 텐데.”“절 아주 호구 새끼로 보시나 본데, 크게 착각하신 거예요... -
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA heartwarming Boys' Love romance between a single dad who used to be a "bad boy" and the gentle teacher who takes care of his kid!In high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends--a friendly delinquent named Hatoyama--but never confessed. Years later, Hitsuji is a slightly anxious but responsible adult who found his calling as an elementary school teacher... -
There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself.Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change... -
Their Life As They Live It by A.M. Arthur
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Happiness is not a goal…it is a by-product of a life well lived.” --Eleanor Roosevelt Bernard “Bear” Henson is a blessed man. He is happily married to the love of his life, he co-owns a successful business, and his grown son is desperately in love with a wonderful partner... -
Perfect Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrando Lombardi has successfully matched all three of his brothers with their soulmates, gifting them each with a lifetime of love and happiness. The problem is, Brando himself is always the bridesmaid and never the bride… er, groom. But then he meets a broken-hearted man in uniform who takes his breath away and changes everything... -
Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn injury threatens to end Stan's career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy... -
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Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe best way to get over a cheating jerk is to get under someone new. Dominic isn’t looking for love or salvation at the Thirsty Cowboy. He needs a temporary escape from the drudgery his life has become, and the universe provides him with the sexiest distraction he’s ever seen. Sven is a sucker for sad eyes, thick thighs, and a Royal Cosmopolitan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort found-family queer m-m age difference contemporary humor -
Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThe other side of loathing might be lust ...Or love ...WolfDesire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college.Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer.Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever... -
Rough by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAfter circling around each other for so long, are they ready to take it to the next level? Mason can admit that he’s had the hots for rough and gruff Gage Hillcrest for well over a year now. Only Gage is bossy and overbearing as all hell. Not to mention that Gage is a closed book and Mason doesn’t know anything about the man... -
FOG[电竞] by Man Man He Qi Duo, 漫漫何其多
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings现代电竞+男神VS男神医疗师攻X突击手受【主角配角均无原型,谢谢大家】---Yu Sui and Shi Luo met each other when they were much younger. One was a pro-gamer, a widely-renowned, best of the best, in-game medic. The other was an e-sports newcomer who was just starting out. The two originally played for the same team, during which their relationship became increasingly deep.But things did not go as expected... -
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:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m age difference contemporary length-short audiobook -
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:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m contemporary office queer-awakening length-short -
The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sequel to A Christmas Promise… Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions... -
Candy Color Paradox, Vol. 1 by Isaku Natsume, Adrienne Beck
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsReporter Onoe and photographer Kaburagi constantly bicker and argue on their stakeouts, but will their antagonistic behavior paradoxically evolve into something sweeter?Satoshi Onoe, a reporter for a weekly magazine, has a new stakeout partner, and he’s anything but thrilled about it... -
녹색전상 1 by JAXX, 잭스
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 19 ratings초고층 빌딩으로 가득한 섬. 조각 전공생 매튜 레이너는 우연히 마주친 진청우에게 작품의 모델이 되어 달라 제안한다. 조직을 일으켜 세운 사나운 개, 섹스 중독자. 진창을 구르며 끊이지 않는 통증과 불면에 시달리던 신해파 간부 진청우. 맹목적으로 달려드는 매튜에 기이한 호기심을 느낀 진은 제안을 수락하는 대신 조건을 내건다. "모델을 서 주는 동안, 넌 내 말에 무조건 복종한다." 두 남자는 서로 다른 욕망을 감춘 채 거래를 시작한다... -
Meant To Be: A Prequel Daddy Novella by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPJ couldn't be more surprised that he needs a Daddy in the bedroom...Joel and PJ met as pre-teens at Takoda Outreach Center. They’ve shared every secret, first as best friends, then roommates. But now that they’ve graduated from college, adulting presents circumstances and unforeseen problems that they never saw coming... -
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The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!When 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... -
Performance in a Leading Role by MadLori
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSherlock/Watson FanficSherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto... -
Surrender Your Heart by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 23 ratings***Surrender Your Heart was originally published in 2015. This second edition has been completely re-edited but does not contain new material. *** Secrets and fears—everyone has them. Some more than others. A heavy secret brought Liam Connelly to DC, but it isn’t the only reason he stays. Hired to tend bar at Bottoms Up, Liam finds himself drawn to his enigmatic boss like a moth to a flame...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m contemporary military age difference length-short -
Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJory holiday ficlet from Mary Calmes...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort from hate to love m-m contemporary christmas humor length-novella -
Grinding by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo childhood best friends. One accidental fake engagement. One Labrador puppy. One week to fall in love.When Harvey runs into his childhood best friend—literally—on the way into Otter Bay for his cousin's wedding, he doesn't plan to end up playing the part of the guy's fiancé... -
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...
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