Books like 'Life after Love'
Readers who enjoyed Life after Love by J.J. Harper also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance friends to lovers hurt-comfort single-father forced proximity second chances queer anal sex small town
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Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely
A 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.But my agent tells me I have no choice since I’m ridiculously overdue with turning in the next big blockbuster love story to my publisher...Categorized as:
second chances forced proximity queer friends to lovers dual-pov m-m contemporary angst -
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... -
Stay by Riley Hart
Wes Jensen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’ life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn't great at getting close anyway. Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after...Categorized as:
friends to lovers anal sex single-father dual-pov hurt-comfort queer contemporary alpha male -
Into the Tempest by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsJeremiah Overton is now in charge of Darwin’s Bureau of Meteorology, and his storm chaser boyfriend, Tully Larson, couldn’t be happier. For Tully, it means watching summer storms with the love of his life but for Jeremiah, it means relearning everything on equipment that’s older than he is. But summer storms also mean it’s cyclone season...Categorized as:
forced proximity hurt-comfort queer dual-pov m-m suspense contemporary tortured hero -
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The Gods of Chaos and Chance by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMost people in Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen’s life would probably assert that at fifty honest living and sobriety were long overdue. But recovering in bed from the lingering after-effects of his leg injury, bored, in pain, and feeling entirely irrelevant, Aleksey doesn’t much care what Benjamin Rider-Mikkelsen thinks. He doesn’t appreciate the close monitoring either... -
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... -
Meet Me in the Blue by A.M. Johnson
Meet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me.Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain.Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances dual-pov hurt-comfort small town queer m-m contemporary -
The Creek by Riley Hart
Divorced for two years, August Reynolds needs a change. He and his teenage son, Reese, pack up and move to Briar County, the home August left at fourteen. He’s hoping it’ll help him and Reese connect again, that Reese will come into his own there the way August did. For him, it was all because of Clint Jones, his childhood best friend and first crush... -
Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox
Otto: Seth Walker was my first love and I always swore he’d be my last. Even after he moved away our senior year in high school, we vowed to reunite after graduation. But when he suddenly broke things off without explanation and crushed my heart, it was my turn to run. After a decade in the navy, I’ve finally come home ready to move on with my life as Hobie’s newest firefighter... -
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 forced proximity hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary length-medium -
Starting From The Top by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe guitarist, the dad, and a band on the rise… Johnny A quiet place to live and some time to recharge before my band heads out on the road again sounds amazing. I wouldn’t mind a distraction too, but my new neighbor is off-limits. There are rules about not getting involved with your bandmate’s ex, right? And Sean isn’t my type anyway... -
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... -
Indirection by Gregory Ashe
Rabid readers. Backbiting authors. A romance convention from hell.Shaw Aldrich and his best friend, boyfriend, and partner, North McKinney, are doing great, thanks. The aftermath of their search for the Slasher has finally settled down. Their private investigation agency is thriving. And after years of missed opportunities, they’re finally together... -
Christmas Mountain by Garrett Leigh
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe probation officer caring for his dead brother’s baby. The wounded gentle giant with the biggest softest heart.Rami: Sweet Fen Hawthorne is my favourite thing about working in the prison. His broad shoulders and sunny grin. His twinkly flirtation. And he likes me as much as I like him. More seems inevitable until life happens... -
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Navigating Noah by Jaclyn Quinn
Noah HathawayThe saying 'livin' the dream' is usually said with sarcasm, but I truly am living my dream in Coral Pointe Inlet with my four best friends. Still, as I watch three of them fall in love, my heart aches a little with longing. It doesn't help when Hunter, a man I spent an incredible weekend with, comes back to Coral Pointe--not alone, I might add... -
One Last Wish (Home for the Holidays) by Alex J. Adams
BlairHeading home for the holidays was the last thing I wanted to do. I had plans. Plans that didn’t involve visiting the back of beyond.But a call from mum two weeks before the holidays put paid to said plans. Grandpa was sick and wanted to see me. He’d been a big part of my life growing up and I wouldn’t deny him that. He’s got a list too. Not a bucket list, he didn’t like that name...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers forced proximity hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary christmas -
Heartstring by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsMikIf I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.TylerFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…Mik broke a promise a long time ago...Categorized as:
second chances friends to lovers single-father hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary angst -
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... -
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 -
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... -
Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSecond wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need... -
Amid Our Lines by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRealising your new boss is the adult star you fancied as a teenager? Awkward.In the snow-kissed Swiss Alps, Adrian’s world is a high-wire act of old-world charm and new-world problems at the Gletscherhaus Hotel. Enter Eric, an undercover London songwriter, seeking a mental break in a place where the Wi-Fi is as patchy as his past relationships... -
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
Spring Rains by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen love is on the line, the only way to move forward is to challenge ghosts of the past and find a place to belong.High School Teacher Chris, an amputee since his teens, has wrestled with darkness and emerged victorious. He’s a pillar of strength in the classroom, deflecting his overbearing family by day and yearning for love by night... -
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Made for You by Anyta Sunday
Ben wants to find a new home. Twenty-four-year-old Ben McCormick is the primary caregiver for his brother Milo after their parents’ death. A year into the job, he’s totally got the hang of it. Mostly. Sort of...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father dual-pov queer m-m contemporary age difference explicit-open-door -
By the Numbers by K.M. Neuhold
Two hot roommates, minus clothes, plus a drawer full of debauchery, and a WHOLE lot of tension. You don’t have to be a math genius to figure out the sum of that equation...Categorized as:
friends to lovers dual-pov anal sex forced proximity queer contemporary m-m new adult -
Pick One by May Archer
I once lived a fairly quiet existence as a math professor. Then Teagan Donahue crashed into my life like a shooting star. Now every day's a holiday, and my very best friend is also the guy I can't stop fantasizing about.The guy I'm madly in love with.The guy I'm ready to turn down my dream job for... -
Sometimes You Just Know by Kate Sherwood
Before Dan met Jeff and Evan, he thought he'd only ever love one man. This is the story of Dan and Justin, before things went wrong.WARNING: Things DO go wrong. Not in this book, but unless you're pretty tough, I'd read Dark Horse first, so you're prepared..Categorized as:
hurt-comfort third-person-pov queer contemporary m-m poly explicit-open-door length-novella -
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:
friends to lovers hurt-comfort forced proximity queer m-m age difference contemporary found-family -
Back to Center by Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEckieThere are ways to get ahead in college hockey, but having a meltdown, trying to get rid of your coach, and stalking his boyfriend isn’t one of them... -
Game On by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen he broke off his engagement to his team captain's brother the day before their wedding, Jamie Jamieson swore he'd never get involved with anyone associated with a teammate again. Getting traded to the Orcas is a chance at a fresh start, but one glance at his new housemate, and Jamie knows he's in way over his head.Dorian is his new coach's cousin. And his team's social media coordinator...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity hurt-comfort dual-pov queer m-m sports height-difference -
Scene Queen by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNote to self: just because he's hot and funny doesn't change the fact he's annoying AF.Hooking up with my irritating as hell neighbour wasn't on my agenda for the week, even if he is ridiculously gorgeous with a smile that lights up my life. His music is too loud, he’s too nosy… but I can’t stop myself from wanting more than a taste...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort forced proximity queer m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary sports length-medium -
This Won't Hurt by Cara Dee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTHE EXTENDED EPILOGUE OF THIS WILL HURT II The honeymoon The kids The Congo The awards The podcast The vacation The food trucks The barbecue The love The condors .. -
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
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Fire and Glass by Andrew Grey
State Trooper Casey Bombaro works too hard to have time for a love life, never mind a family. But when a missing persons case leads him to three scared kids and eventually their uncle—an old friend from Casey’s college days—all that changes.Bertie Riley hasn’t seen his troubled sister, Jen, or his niece and nephews in years. Now suddenly Jen is gone and Bertie is all the kids have...Categorized as:
dual-pov friends to lovers hurt-comfort queer second chances contemporary m-m mystery -
ChrisMyths by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter courtship, cohabitation, and learning about love and each other, Andy and Eli face the ultimate test: being separated at Christmas.Eli’s seen the propaganda—the country boy goes home from the city and realizes his heart is back among the snow, trees, and chickens. A big happy family is something Eli, with his demanding job running a shelter for LGBTQ youth, can’t provide... -
Co-Star by Ava Olsen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsReed: Tate Aduma is a Hollywood actor that everyone wants and no one really knows. Our first meeting as young dreamers sparks a decade of incredible highs and lows. I’ve loved him, I’ve hated him, and I can’t live without him. But I know that love in the spotlight is not made to survive. Will we?Tate: Reed Larkin is the only constant in my chaotic life of movie sets, parties, and nameless lovers...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort friends to lovers dual-pov queer m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary from hate to love -
Heal Me by Beck Grey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA lawyer and an architect walk into a bar…Jocelin:What do you do when your boss’s pushy nephew repeatedly asks you out and won’t take no for an answer? You create a fake boyfriend. One who works a lot, so he never comes to office functions or meets you for lunch. It works well until le salaud calls my bluff...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary found-family death length-medium -
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...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort forced proximity contemporary m-m fated-mates office length-medium -
A Handyman for the Holidays by Valerie Gomez
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAll he wants for Christmas is to be heard! From the author of Cover Story comes a new cozy romance.Nestled in the woods of Northern Michigan, everyone looks out for one another in the tiny town of Cherry Tree—especially during the holidays. Repairman Frank Garza will fix your oven on Thanksgiving and accept nothing but a slice of pie in return. But as a nonspeaker, Frank has never felt he belongs...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers dual-pov single-father christmas contemporary m-m found-family -
Forever by E. Davies
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsJake Gray always wanted a real family. He left his own behind when he began his transition, but if he wants a baby he'll need to come off testosterone and get his life in order. The tips he makes as a waiter are barely enough to pay L.A. rent, let alone raise a child. But he’s made his own way for so long that he doesn’t want to rely on others now... -
Never Have I Ever: Wanted My Brother's Rival by Willow Dixon
“Why is the one person I hate the only guy I can’t stop thinking about?”West, my older brother’s high school rival. The rich kid who has it all. The guy who disappeared six years ago and destroyed my brother’s life.I thought West and I were friends. I trusted him, but he showed me I was nothing more to him than a means to an end.Being twenty and in my last year of college isn’t easy... -
When Forever Ended by Cara Dee
At ten years old, Kelly and I were two rambunctious boys who carved our initials into a tree in the forest. We promised to be best friends forever and bumped our fists to seal the deal. I never should've kissed him that summer before college. It was a day that buried me in shame, a day I spent the next twenty-four years regretting, a day I never told anyone about...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances dual-pov queer m-m cheating contemporary secret-relationship -
After Ben by Con Riley
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"Seattle Stories: Book One" A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans... -
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Fly Away Home by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMaybe Colson Delacourt teasing those nosy ladies in the coffeeshop with the plot of his next murder mystery was a bad idea. But does that mean he deserves to be arrested for attempting to kill his elderly neighbor? Why won’t the police believe he has nothing to do with her getting hurt? That detective Harper Rose won’t listen to him—he’s so annoying and arrogant. And sexy and gorgeous...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort forced proximity dual-pov m-m contemporary humor from hate to love -
The Healer by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTo heal the body, you must first heal the soul.JoséI lost everything. My parents were murdered, my best friend was sent to prison for a drug deal gone wrong, and eventually, my grandmother, who raised me since I was fifteen, died. I have been living life day to day to make a good life away from gangs and violence. As a nurse, I can finally do something meaningful... -
Love Comes Silently by Andrew Grey
Caring for a loved one with cancer is tough. Doing it alone is overwhelming—especially when that loved one is a child. But ever since Ken Brighton’s partner left him, Ken has spent his days at the hospital with his daughter, Hanna, hoping for a miracle...Categorized as:
friends to lovers anal sex single-father queer hurt-comfort small town contemporary tearjerkers -
Unwanted by Marley Valentine
Two halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were both unwanted kids brought together by the foster system. Dealing with the aftermath of neglect and abandonment, we grew up side by side and found solace in one another.We wanted.We needed.We loved.Desperately.But somewhere along the way, Arlo wanted and needed and loved drugs more. So, I did the only thing I could and broke my own heart to save his...Categorized as:
friends to lovers second chances forced proximity queer m-m contemporary substance abuse angst -
Antagonist by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne artist. One attorney. Two single dads.Meeting at a bachelor auction for charity had trouble written all over it as far as I was concerned, especially when the guy that won the bid for me seemed to be after only one thing...a good time between the sheets.Refusing Fletcher’s advances was easy the first time round. After all, we weren’t meant to see each other again...Categorized as:
friends to lovers single-father queer m-m contemporary from hate to love found-family length-medium -
Forgotten Romance by Saxon James
Davey: In a list of what’s most important to me, three things are right up there at the top. My kids, my husband Mack, and my career I’ve spent my life building. Unfortunately that career has me away from home more than I'd like, and when I refuse to walk away from it, my husband walks away from me instead...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers second chances forced proximity small town dual-pov contemporary m-m
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