Books like 'The Nerd & the Ex-Con'
Readers who enjoyed The Nerd & the Ex-Con by Sage Abbott also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny age difference height-difference secret-relationship friends to lovers forced proximity queer queer-awakening
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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...Categorized as:
angst age difference queer friends to lovers hurt-comfort m-m contemporary new adult -
![Fish & Chips by Abigail Roux]()
Fish & Chips by Abigail Roux
This romance is entering rough waters.After almost dying on their hiking trip, Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have a moratorium on the word vacation. This makes it hard to discuss their newest case: an undercover operation aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean...Categorized as:
angst queer alpha male age difference friends to lovers hurt-comfort possessive hero anal sex -
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![Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsMiyagi finally gets over his obsession with his late high school teacher by confessing his love for Shinobu in front of her grave. When it comes time for Shinobu to choose which college to go to, his feelings seem to be swaying his decisions too strongly - even for Miyagi's liking... -
![How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune]()
How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune
Sequel to How to Be a Normal PersonA How to Be Novel Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer demi-sexual-hero m-m contemporary humor sunny hero -
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![Divide & Conquer by Abigail Roux]()
Divide & Conquer by Abigail Roux
The last place these men want to be is in the limelight. Law enforcement in Baltimore has a PR problem. Robberies, bombings, and violent crimes are on the rise. The public wants something done, and even the FBI is catching blame. When Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett accidentally become the handsome faces of the counter-offense, they find themselves the center of attention from the media...Categorized as:
alpha male angst queer secret-relationship hurt-comfort age difference friends to lovers anal sex -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt's the day of the award ceremony for Usami, but Usami's older brother, Haruhiko, can't keep his hands off Misaki. First an endless shipment of strawberries, then a "kidnapping" as Haruhiko drags Misaki off to his rich estate and locks him up! Meanwhile, a dramatic misunderstanding spooks Shinobu into leaving for Australia... -
![Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign]()
Poetry On Ice by Jesse H. Reign
I can’t tell if we’re fighting…or flirting? Being traded to the Seattle Vipers has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, they’re my team, the team I’ve loved and supported since I was a kid, but on the other hand, he’s here. Him. Ant Decker. Infamous NHL bad boy. Right wing to my left. A man who’s made it his sole purpose in life to be better than me...Categorized as:
queer-awakening forced proximity queer anal sex secret-relationship fetish breeding hurt-comfort -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
JeremySeeing my best friend West, happy with his fiancé opened my eyes to things I’ve been missing in my own marriage. My divorce, which was amicable, followed. Strangely, at West’s wedding, I find myself confiding in Darren, the straight, confirmed bachelor and star quarterback of the Atlanta Lightning... -
![Sem by Cora Rose]()
Sem by Cora Rose
Sometimes your dream guy isn’t who you think he is. Sem has been stalking me for months. He shows up everywhere I am and lurks in the background, his eyes always on me. I don’t understand his fascination with me, but he won’t leave me alone. He’s definitely not my type. He’s too big, too reckless, and too feral...Categorized as:
height-difference possessive hero bad boys anal sex queer-awakening angst caretaking queer -
![NautiCal by Lucy Lennox]()
NautiCal by Lucy Lennox
I didn’t mean to stow away on the yacht, I swear. My first mistake was going home with the jerk at the bar, but in my defense, Prescott said he owned the Worthington—ninety feet of sleek, yachty perfection—and if I could get the chief mate’s job, I’d have an excuse to stay on board and keep avoiding my family and my future...Categorized as:
age difference forced proximity working class hero height-difference queer contemporary humor m-m -
![Vow Maker by Lily Morton]()
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:
age difference hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary humor grumpy sunshine explicit-open-door -
![Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon]()
Addicted to Ellis D by S.E. Harmon
Chef Luca Alessi’s life is barely recognizable these days. He used to spend his days in the kitchen creating cutting-edge cuisine. Now he’s trying to keep his family's restaurant and legacy alive. It doesn't help that his father was keeping secrets before he passed. On the relationship front, his ex, Colin, assured him that their divorce would be simple. And now? Not so much... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
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... -
![Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely]()
Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely
A sexy, passionate, utterly addictive, roomies-to-lovers MM romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!Look, when I met the sexy, witty Brit on the streets of London last night, I had no idea who he was. He was just that hot guy I wanted to have a drink with so I asked him out for my first evening in town. One thing almost led to another... -
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![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
queer angst forced proximity friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love second chances -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama]()
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... -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen Devan, Best Boyfriend in the Entire World, books them a trip to Russia in February, Jonty’s excitement knows no bounds. There’s packing to do, plans to be made, and places to see.Armed with his smile and a handful of dubious Russian Phrases, Jonty is ready for the delights Vladivostok has to offer—the famous glass beach he’s dreamed about, ice skating on a frozen sea, and snow... -
![Hear Me Out by Lila Rose]()
Hear Me Out by Lila Rose
Fear keeps the truth away from his brothers. Fear and pain keeps him away from the man he loves. Hawks MC member Maddox “Beast” Lawson had a difficult time growing up. Tired of being ridiculed because of his effed-up brain-to-mouth connection, it was easier to say nothing at all...Categorized as:
alpha male friends to lovers bad boys queer queer-awakening possessive hero anal sex humor -
![Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray]()
Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray
If this was your classic Cotswolds murder mystery (it’s not) and Ray was an amateur detective (he isn’t) then when he stumbles across something unexpected under his bedroom floor, he’d investigate the hell out of it.Hard pass.Ray’s just a thirtysomething graphic designer with a broken heart who doesn’t much like his life right now.And he’s already having nightmares about the whole thing, come on...Categorized as:
age difference height-difference queer forced proximity hurt-comfort caretaking nerdy-hero angst -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 03 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 03 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMisaki begins to seriously question the structure of his relationship with Usami, but a high-class date with Usami makes it come to life. In the next Junjou Egoist story, Hiro goes to the extreme to nurse his lover, Nowaki, back to health... -
![A Ginger for Kinkmas by Chara Croft]()
A Ginger for Kinkmas by Chara Croft
Flynn Morris needs a Daddy.At least, that’s what his flamboyant and highly opinionated best friend, Tate, has decided. Flynn himself isn’t so sure. He’s never had a boyfriend, much less considered something as kinky as having a Daddy. In fact, he’s been perfectly happy with his life exactly as it is... -
![Crankshaft by K.M. Neuhold]()
Crankshaft by K.M. Neuhold
I don’t have time for a relationship, not even with the adorably dorky vet I can’t seem to stop bumping into… *sigh * pass the oil and lubeBetween running a garage full of beefed up, gear head mechanics and bailing my idiot brother out of trouble every other week, the last thing I have time for is a relationship... -
![You Can Count On Me by Fae Quin]()
You Can Count On Me by Fae Quin
They say you should love thy neighbor, but I don’t think they meant it the way I want to love mine.Miles “Rooster” Johnson: As a young single-dad with a teaching job, I haven’t had much opportunity to date. My son is my entire world, and though I would love to have a partner and someone to count on, the passing years have shown that it’s just not in the cards for me... -
![Sagittarius Saves Libra by Anyta Sunday]()
Sagittarius Saves Libra by Anyta Sunday
True love is on the horizon, Sagittarius. It’s a good time to step out of your routine and into the unknown.Jason Lyall wants someone to come home to, someone he can be his most ridiculous self with. Someone who loves him regardless. But no matter how hard he tries, he can never quite make that connection, and now his last girlfriend has moved on—she’s engaged...Categorized as:
friends to lovers alpha male age difference queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m humor -
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![Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday]()
Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday
It’s a time for searching, and a time for finding, Pisces: keep casting your line and you will hook what you’re looking for.Zane has it all planned out: land the perfect Meet Cute, fall in love, and live happily ever after. Should be simple enough if he put his mind to it. A little creativity and some thinking outside of the box, and voila, he’d be married to the woman of his dreams...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference queer queer-awakening contemporary new adult humor m-m -
![The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese]()
The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsListening Length: 9 hours and 55 minutes. Daniel: I suck at relationships and don't trust anyone, but there are reasons for that. For one thing, every person I've ever cared about has let me down. The only recent exception: O'Leary's town veterinarian...my new best friend. I came to O'Leary for a fresh start. To pare things down to essentials. To forget about the failures in my past...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![In Step by Jay Hogan]()
In Step by Jay Hogan
Karma. You reap what you sow, and KANE MARTIN isn’t looking for forgiveness. But the arrival of ABE TYLER in Painted Bay has Kane dreaming of the impossible. The sexy, silver fox choreographer is determined to pull Kane out from the shadows, but Kane’s life is in neat little boxes for a reason.A past he isn’t proud of.A family he’s walked away from.A job he doesn’t deserve...Categorized as:
age difference angst friends to lovers secret-relationship queer hurt-comfort anal sex humor -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 12 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 12 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsAs the end of Misaki's college years approach, he's faced with a difficult choice: living with the ever-popular boys love novelist Akihiko can be ever-so challenging.. -
![Stick Shift by K.M. Neuhold]()
Stick Shift by K.M. Neuhold
Is it possible my straight best friend had a sudden stick shift?I made peace with my hopeless crush on my straight best friend, Journey, years ago. It helps that he’s never in the country long and our relationship consists of sporadic texts and video chats at odd hours.Now Journey is back. Back in the country, in my space, sharing my bed, and something is changing between us... -
![Flirt by Lucy Lennox]()
Flirt by Lucy Lennox
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsSassy-mouthed Stevie Devore has always had a crush on the local fire chief. Gorgeous silver fox, Evan Paige, is way out of Stevie's league, however, not to mention the chief has always been a ladies' man, but when Stevie turns twenty-one, he decides he's tired of only daydreaming about Evan...Categorized as:
queer age difference hurt-comfort friends to lovers height-difference m-m contemporary humor -
![Milo by Lily Morton]()
Milo by Lily Morton
Once upon a time a brave knight rescued a young man. Unfortunately, he then spent the next few years bossing the young man around and treating him like a child. Milo has been burying himself at Chi an Mor, hiding from the wreckage of his once promising career and running from a bad relationship that destroyed what little confidence he had...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort age difference friends to lovers height-difference queer m-m humor contemporary -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
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... -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama]()
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... -
![Uncomplicated Choices by Cara Dee]()
Uncomplicated Choices by Cara Dee
When life gave you lemons, you learned who stayed and made lemonade with you. Or something to that effect. And the day Ellis Hayes kidnapped me—or, he borrowed a yacht and didn’t know I was on board—he'd definitely been handed too many lemons. We faced a dilemma when I woke up hungover in the middle of the ocean...Categorized as:
friends to lovers age difference queer queer-awakening humor m-m contemporary single-father -
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![Rent: Paid in Full by Jesse H. Reign]()
Rent: Paid in Full by Jesse H. Reign
“You have something I want. Something I’ll happily buy…or rent.”As if my life doesn’t suck enough already, my insufferable new roommate, Miller MacAvoy, seems determined to make things weird. He watches me all the time, grinning at me like a beautiful idiot, eyes boring holes into me every time I turn my back on him.It’s the last thing I need. Things haven’t been going well... -
![Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey]()
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... -
![Spencer Cohen, Book One by N.R. Walker]()
Spencer Cohen, Book One by N.R. Walker
Spencer Cohen is the guy who gets answers to relationship questions. Playing the role of the new lover, his job is to make his client’s ex realise one of two things: he doesn’t want to break up or he really does. Either way, his client gets answers. The ex would either apologize and beg, or turn and walk. But in the end, Spencer’s client won. If he wanted his ex back and got him, it was great...Categorized as:
friends to lovers shy-hero queer hurt-comfort nerdy-hero m-m fake relationship tattoos -
![Hide With Me by Cara Dee]()
Hide With Me by Cara Dee
The Game Series #13 • Daddykink • Age Gap • D/s • MMMDon’t mind the sweet scent of waffles. That’s just little Gael breaking the resolves of two protective Daddies, one shy yet sinful bite at a time.It’s no coincidence Gael Grimes is in Professor Aavik’s class. He’s had a crush on the professor since he first spotted the man in the kink community they’re both part of...Categorized as:
height-difference queer age difference caretaking hurt-comfort anal sex exhibitionism fetish -
![Cherry Picked by May Archer]()
Cherry Picked by May Archer
Never ask your brother’s best friend to… pick your cherry.When I asked Jack Wyatt to help me lose my pesky v-card, I didn’t expect him to keel over in shocked disapproval and nearly tumble us down a mountain...Categorized as:
height-difference age difference friends to lovers angst queer humor contemporary m-m -
![Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee]()
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... -
![Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
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 age difference queer m-m found-family contemporary humor -
![Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz]()
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... -
![Want Me by Neve Wilder]()
Want Me by Neve Wilder
Two roommates. One calculus exam. A whole lot of extracurricular activity. Nate: Living with four other guys, it's bound to happen. Every guy's been caught taking care of business at least once, right? It shouldn't be a big deal. But I don't know Eric as well as my other roommates, and things are a little awkward now. He's a loner. A mystery. Quietly confident. Smart. Sexy as hell... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
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... -
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![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.27 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... -
![Christmas Bubble by Ana Ashley]()
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... -
![Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely, Shane East]()
Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely, Shane East
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsListening Length 8 hours and 37 minutesAn irresistibly sexy, emotionally charged, forbidden MM romance between a broody American and a charming Brit! My first day in London feels ripped from the pages of a rom com when I meet a charming, witty guy in a quaint bookshop. We vibe like crazy, and our chemistry is almost too good to be true because...It is. Turns out he’s my new roommate... -
![Foxed by Jay Hogan]()
Foxed by Jay Hogan
FOXED: To be thrown into a state of uncertainty—flustered, bamboozled, bewildered, puzzled, vexed.AKA, me. Jed Marshall. 55-year-old successful classic car mechanic; divorced, mostly closeted, and whose wholly inexperienced bisexuality has suddenly awakened after one smouldering look and said, ‘Damn, who’s the hottie?’ Or words to that effect.Cue, Nash Collingwood... -
![By the Light of Dawn by Adrienne Wilder]()
By the Light of Dawn by Adrienne Wilder
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis is a follow up to the novel In the Absence of Light. You must read the first book to fully understand/enjoy this one. A handmade sailboat helped bring Morgan back to Grant but he never imagined they would put it in the water. Then Morgan sees something in the light that sets Grant on a mission to get them to the middle of the ocean. An unknown destination they have to be when the sun rises... -
![A Matter of Time Book II by Mary Calmes]()
A Matter of Time Book II by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsJory Keyes is doing his best to get over Detective Sam Kage, who broke his heart. Fearful of coming out of the closet, Sam intended to marry and uphold the status quo. After testifying against the man he saw commit cold-blooded murder, Jory is sure he and the detective will never cross paths again. But fate has other plans...
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