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 -
![Unbreak Me by Jesse H. Reign]()
Unbreak Me by Jesse H. Reign
Young Englishman, David Hammond, discovers life on a remote farm in South Africa isn’t at all what he was expecting. He expected the change in climate to do him good. To lift his mood. He certainly didn’t expect farmer, Jonathan Rosseau, to be so rugged or handsome. It turns out, it’s more than the warm weather that gets David hot under the collar...Categorized as:
angst queer forced proximity caretaking hurt-comfort shy-hero queer-awakening height-difference -
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![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 -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 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. In the end, Shinobu chooses a different college, but the compromise is that he's now living next door to Miyagi! -
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![A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox]()
A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox
12 Marian Men-A-Mating. .. I mean, A-Meeting. 11 Blind Dates-A-Blinding. 10 Lords-A-Leaping (to conclusions). 9 Ladies Dancing (okay, maybe that's Griff). 8 Kids-A-Complaining. 7 Changes-A-Clothing. 6 Love Junk Gadgets. 5 **DRA-AAG QUEENS**. 4 Calling Neighbors. 3 Nosy Grannies. 2 Men Falling In Love. And a partridge in a pear tree. -
![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. Will Miyagi let him get away? -
![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 -
![The End Zone by Riley Hart]()
The End Zone by Riley Hart
Jeremy. Seeing 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 -
![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 -
![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... -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 19 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... -
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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]()
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... -
![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... -
![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. Now Shin has a new goal in life—to win Seiji's heart!Categorized as:
queer age difference friends to lovers contemporary m-m humor explicit-open-door first-in-series -
![On Board by Jay Hogan]()
On Board by Jay Hogan
Leroy Madden is in trouble. Big, handsome, Fox Carmody trouble. Leroy has buried his attraction to the enigmatic fisherman in irritation and pointless bickering, keeping Fox at a safe distance. But with the troublesome man now living in Leroy’s house, it’s becoming impossible for Leroy to keep his true feelings hidden, or the fact that Leroy maybe isn’t so straight, after all... -
![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. But he's unaware that Nowaki was never really sick to being with! -
![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... -
![Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox, May Archer]()
Mr. Important by Lucy Lennox, May Archer
One New Year’s masquerade. One anonymous hookup. One billionaire-sized mistake. Once upon a time, someone looked at my scrawny, impetuous eight-year-old self and nicknamed me Mr. Important… and I believed them. That was my first mistake. Two decades, a dozen failed careers, and a thousand meaningless hookups later, I’ve made more mistakes than I can count... -
![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 -
![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 -
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![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. . -
![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 -
![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 -
![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 -
![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...Categorized as:
queer age difference friends to lovers contemporary m-m humor length-short first-in-series -
![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 -
![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 -
![Rear Ended by K.M. Neuhold]()
Rear Ended by K.M. Neuhold
Love is a highway, and Henry just got Rear Ended. I’ve spent my entire adult life working eighty hours a week, chasing money, security… success . When my recent start-up went under, leaving me with nothing to show for years of grinding myself down to the bone, I’m not sure who I am anymore... -
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![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... -
![Manhandled by Lauren Blakely]()
Manhandled by Lauren Blakely
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely. .. My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers forced proximity queer secret-relationship anal sex m-m contemporary -
![The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign]()
The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign
I didn’t think hockey was the game for me…now I’m obsessed. My new neighbor, Ben Stirling, is a beautiful, famous ex-player. A living NHL legend. A single dad with sad eyes and a smile I feel in my knees. I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s what would you’d get if you squeezed masculinity through a sieve. He’s the grit. The pulp. The hard stuff that leaves a sweet taste in your mouth... -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving Ficlet. -
![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 -
![What's Santa Got to Do with It? by Bix Barrow]()
What's Santa Got to Do with It? by Bix Barrow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA late-awakened bi guy and his secret crush try to play Santa for some kids. But there’s a hitman blocking the chimney. .. Have you ever been locked out of your apartment shirtless, holding a wet rabbit and getting served with legal papers right when your super-hot neighbor walks by? Maybe it’s just me... -
![Pushing the Limits by Riley Hart]()
Pushing the Limits by Riley Hart
I was fourteen when my dad married Lane’s mom and our families became one, when my favorite moments were those spent staying up all night, talking or watching Lane create art. There aren’t many things more inconvenient than loving your stepbrother. I know the limits, and that’s pushing them too far. Over the years I’ve pulled away from him... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Snow is a collection of short stories and a novelette set after the events of Shatter, book 2 of the Unbreakable Bonds series and before Torch, book 3. Follow the continuing, passionate and heartfelt romance between Dr. Ashton "Snow" Frost and Jude Torres as they merge their lives together as a couple...Categorized as:
queer age difference anal sex caretaking alpha male possessive hero m-m contemporary -
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![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: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 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... -
![Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Unbreakable Stories: Ian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Ian is a collection of short stories following the ups and downs of Ian Pierce and Hollis Banner has they navigate their new relationship and the unique complications of dating with a brunch of overprotective “brothers” determined to guard Ian’s heart. This collection is more than 38,000 words and contains short stories such as:. Midnight Perp. No Boyfriends Allowed...Categorized as:
queer age difference height-difference caretaking anal sex praise-kink m-m contemporary -
![Choke Up by Rebecca Rathe]()
Choke Up by Rebecca Rathe
Ellis Hope has one goal for his first year at be his own person. He’s determined to break free from his brother Elliot’s shadow, and get over the soul crushing attraction he has for his brother’s best friend. The campus meetup app provides an effective distraction from Gabe and Elliot making waves as the new star players for Huntston University’s baseball team... -
![Spotlight Illustrated Edition by Eden Finley]()
Spotlight Illustrated Edition by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRYDER. When I quit the biggest boy band on the planet, I was supposed to get my life back. It’s not that I wanted to leave the spotlight. I felt like I had to for my daughter. Her picture shouldn’t be splashed all over the tabloids. I thought I could do this parenting thing on my own, but it’s obvious I need help. I just didn’t expect to find it in the form of a gorgeous guy I meet by chance... -
![Liberating Love by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee]()
Liberating Love by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAiden. Finding out the man I slept with is my friend’s father is terrifying, but maybe forgivable since I didn’t know who he was… right? But falling into bed with him again… and again and again is probably not excusable. Maybe if Delaney got rid of his miles of muscles and stopped being so sweet to me, I could stop. I need to stop. If only I had the willpower—or the desire...Categorized as:
age difference hurt-comfort secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary humor forbidden love
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