Books like 'Putting Down Roots'
Readers who enjoyed Putting Down Roots by Jem Wendel also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance small town hurt-comfort queer queer-awakening
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Dirty Laundry by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsFor ex-cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis, each day brings a new challenge. Too bad most of them involve pain and death. Claudia, his office manager and surrogate mother, is still recovering from a gunshot, and Cole’s closeted boyfriend, Kim Jae-Min, suddenly finds his teenaged sister dumped in his lap... -
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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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:
hurt-comfort queer m-m friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary length-medium -
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 Words. Sorrow’s my body on the waves. Sorrow’s a girl inside my cave. I live in a city sorrow built. It’s in my honey, it’s in my milk. Don’t leave my half a heart alone on the water. Cover me in rag and bone sympathy. Cause I don’t want to get over you. -The National. -
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Keeping Secrets by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe truth can cost you everything. Twenty-six-year-old Beck Medina is convinced of that. He’s been abandoned by so many people over the course of his life, including most of his adopted family. Now he’s created a new family for himself at the resort he manages on Catalina Island. But they don’t know the whole truth about him... -
A Foreign Love Affair by Ayano Yamane
Japanese yakuza clan heir Ranmaru just got married on a lavish cruise ship, but things aren't as they seem. The marriage is just for the appearances, and he ends up getting drunk and spending the night. .. not with his bride, but with the sexy ship captain! When the two men meet again in Italy, it is the start of a spectacular love story. -
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving Ficlet. -
Better Than Beginnings: A Better Than Good Short Story Collection by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMatt Sullivan knows he met someone special the night he spots the sexy man on the dance floor. However, he doesn’t know his life is about to change forever. First of all, Matt is straight. Okay, maybe not, but he doesn’t think falling in love and spending the rest of his life with a hotheaded, unapologetically fabulous diva is an option... -
One by E.S. Carter
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsOne click. One perfect frame. That's all it takes to capture an eternal moment; although most people let them pass by without acknowledgement. I don't waste any. Not a single one. If I see something of beauty, I want to experience it, feel it and immortalise it. If I see someone of beauty, I want to taste them, worship them and memorise them. I don't have a type, if I like you, I like you... -
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... -
Igniting His Flame by HJ Welch, Helen Juliet
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove makes us all brave. DARIO. After escaping my controlling ex-boyfriend and moving to Redwood Bay, I swear off men for good. The only company I need is my new rescue dog, Queenie. Meeting gorgeous firefighter Lochlan Bell at puppy training class doesn’t count because he’s straight, yet for some bizarre reason he’s decided to become my friend... -
A Healing Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsDario Ramos thought he’d left the fighting behind in the war zone when a life-threatening injury sent him home. But a certain Irishman crossing his path everywhere he went convinced him that his biggest battle might be ahead. Tiernan Callahan is a bigoted jerk. Ramos finds himself constantly in the man’s orbit, even in a city as big as New York... -
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElias Forthwright. Horoscopes always seemed a bit woo-woo to me, but I don't know how else to explain why it feels like the cosmic universe is pushing me in the direction of the mysterious North Easton, who miraculously comes into my life at just the right time. We’re nothing alike, but for the first time since my mom passed away, life is finally fun again thanks to him...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort queer-awakening m-m contemporary insta-love friends to lovers humor -
Seeking Freedom: Interlocking Fragments IV by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man? Jovany~. When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of... -
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Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist? My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
Perfect by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAdoption is hard. Paperwork and more paperwork, lawyers and more lawyers and it seems like begging and choosing. .. .all to get your heart broken when the expectant mother backs out. Not wanting to go through that again, or put Morgan through it again; they opted out. Unfortunately, the new guy didn't get the memo and they were chosen by expectant young mother, Haley... -
ChrisMyths by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
Somehow Finding Us (Second Chance Sinners) by Claudia Y. Burgoa
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings you a MM romance full of angst and tragedy that might turn to hope in a redemption love story that’ll break your heart and mend it all over again. Emotional, endearing, and full of romance. People think they know me. They only know what I allow them to see. I’ve learned to control the narrative. I have secrets...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer queer-awakening contemporary christian m-m friends to lovers found-family -
When Stars Align by Denver Shaw
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsScarred by the past. Terrified to love again. Savion. Once upon a time, my life was a fairytale. Engaged to a beautiful woman, we were planning our perfect future. Then, the sick act of an obsessed man ruined everything. Alone, disfigured, and betrayed, I fled to LA to focus on my work as a paleontologist. It was there I met Declan... -
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed. ”. “I don’t have time for love. ”. Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
Beautiful by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHARRISON:. I think I’m falling for a gay guy. What started as a meeting about my sister’s wedding plans changed when our caterer walked in. A man has never stirred me like this—or made me wonder how his lips taste. The sparks with Morgan are undeniable. Friends with benefits should be a win-win for us both. But when the wedding day draws close, I’m drawing Morgan closer... -
Something New by Harper Logan
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA marriage of convenience is one thing. But married to a straight guy? That’s a whole different story…. Brooklyn Blackwell’s got a dissertation to finish and tenure to secure - the last thing he’s looking for is romance. But with his advisor’s charity on the brink of losing funding, Brooklyn’s got one shot at saving it... -
Cort—Unbreakable by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCort. I spent years waiting for someone who never put me first. He took my love, took me for granted. Took my heart. Now I’m on my own. Living life my way. The crowd only sees my smile. Never my loneliness and pain. I need someone to need me. When I meet another lost soul my friends try to warn me. He’s a liar. A user. Homeless. Heartbroken. He’s all that and more... -
Restitution: A Love Story by Aubrey Cullens
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNate Parker has spent the last few years imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. His wrongful conviction cost him his job, his fiancée, his reputation, and his hope for the future. His name has been cleared, but after everything he’s lost, he doesn’t know how to find his way back to the life that was taken from him. Parker Campbell is raising his 9-year-old niece, Emma, on his own... -
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Beautiful Boy by Skyler Snow
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeautiful. Sweet. Bratty. Aaron is a boy worth saving. Red had no idea what he was getting himself into when his boss, Diego, assigned him to watch the much younger Aaron. Keep him safe, keep him out of trouble. Those were his orders. It was supposed to be easy, but Aaron is as wild as he is beautiful. And Red finds himself protecting Aaron for more reasons than a paycheck... -
The Outcast by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEthan Bennett is too old for Mickey. Ethan Bennett plays guitar, barbecues as often as possible, and owns a diner. He’s a widower whose life still revolves around his sons, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Mickey, a younger man his son Taylor had been helping shows up at the diner, cold to the bone, thin as a rail, Ethan knows he can’t send him away... -
The Saint and the First-Time Sinner by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsGay natural caregiver meets arrogant first-time gay. My job isn’t easy but taking care of sick people in the comfort of their own homes is so worthwhile. I like to think I’m professional and know I’m good at what I do, regardless of the circumstances, the patient, or even their families. Maybe it’s because I’ve known loss in my own life, or maybe I was just made for the job... -
Covert by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsPart of the Wrecked universe. Takes place between book 2 and 3. A short story featuring Morris and his Maggie. (Where Maggie is short for Magnussen, a male, in case you care. ) It's sweet and informative. Helps explain Morris and his overall crankiness. -
Flare by Posy Roberts
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSequel to "Fusion". Hugo Thorson and Kevin Magnus are learning to live again after the death of Kevin's wife, Erin. They're doing everything they can to make a stable home for Kevin’s kids, but that stability is threatened when Kevin is served legal documents: Erin's parents want custody of Brooke and Finn... -
Assistant Architect [助理建筑师] by Xi He Qing Ling, 羲和清零
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsZhang Siyi, a graduate student of architecture department went back from overseas seeking for work, he had a heated fight with his ex-girlfriend in a cafe. Angered, his ex-girlfriend was about to splash a cup of coffee in his direction but he managed to dodge it. As he stepped back, the misfortune was met by the handsome guy next table instead... -
A Christmas Wedding by A.E. Ryecart
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsChristmas. A Wedding. Family. It’s the Perfect Storm…. For Rory Kincaid marrying Jack, the youngest son of the aristocratic De Lacy family, on Christmas Eve, is a dream come true. Handing over the wedding planning to Jack’s mother, the strong-willed Lady Diana, is turning out to be more of a nightmare. As their big day approaches, the pressure’s on and the strain is beginning to show... -
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
Til Death Do Us Part by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTwo weddings and a new guy! Kayson and Conner finally tie the knot! Because Kayson popped the question a whole ten minutes before Jody got the chance, his wedding is up first. It’s everything they both deserve; complete with Kingsley shenanigans! Jody and Cameron also get hitched in a much more Jody and Cameron kind of way... -
Kaden by R.J. Scott, Meredith Russell
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen the lines between pretense and reality blur, can the actor and the boyfriend-for-hire discover something real? Ryan Levesque is Hollywood’s newest blue eyed boy. Moving from soap operas to the big screen has paid off for the kid from Minnesota, and he’s hot property... -
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Spring Rains by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
The Other Daddy by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCADE:. Romance is my job, but nothing prepared me for Adrian. When I developed the dating app Matched, I didn’t do it to meet men—especially since I’m straight. But when my sister sets me up on a blind date and I mistake Adrian for a woman’s name, I meet a guy who changes everything I know about myself. I land a second date, and the more we talk, the more I want to know him and his young son... -
Copper Creek: A Sawyer's Ferry Novel by Cate Ashwood
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrankie:. My life sucks. After spending a year jobless and on the edge of becoming homeless, I’d officially reached a level of desperation that, even if I wasn’t completely broke, retail therapy couldn’t fix. While Sawyer’s Ferry, Alaska, is the last place on earth I’d ever want to visit, when my best friend, Holden, begs me to fly out and plan his wedding, I can’t say no... -
Into the Light by Carter Quinn
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAvery spent years in the blackness, fighting memories of abuse and feelings of self-loathing. His only sanctuary used to be his brother Sam, but after two years of intensive therapy and a long-term relationship with Noah, his world is a much brighter place. Things have changed in the year and a half since Avery and Noah confessed their love for each other... -
Stronger With You by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratings"Give it a try. Let yourself be happy. Believe you deserve it. ". "A summer adventure is just what I need. ". Eddie Damron needs a break from the stress of nursing school and everyday life. When an opportunity arises to work for a kayak tour company on a picturesque island in the Pacific Northwest, he jumps in with both feet... -
Crossing Lines by Jeris Jean
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen Matt is propositioned by Jasper, a hot older guy, he’s more than down. That is until he realizes Jasper has a boyfriend, and Matt would be joining them both. He’s not into it, especially since the boyfriend is a jerk, so he ditches them both... -
Foolish Me by Tinnean
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Light in your Eyes: Book Two. A Spy vs Spook Novel. Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him... -
Ache by Alison Hendricks
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"You're what makes me whole. " Doctor Wes Monroe is just looking for another one-night stand. When he takes a stranger home from the bar, he never expects to see the man again--and definitely not at the hospital he calls home. Kyle Harris is ready for a change. New town. New job. New person to mend his broken heart... -
Fixer Upper by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKIP:. Rule one of hiring a handyman: don’t fall in love with him. My new house needs some renovations, and I’ve got my eye on Ted. He’s a contractor from my support group with a hands-on approach and a million-dollar smile, and I’m thrilled when he agrees to help. As it turns out, this renovation isn’t the only thing he’s got in hand. Every time he’s around, I go weak in the knees... -
Mettle by Max Hawthorn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“You’re safe with me. ” Officer Steve Marcus never felt ‘gay enough’ to come out of the closet, throwing himself into his police work rather than dwell on his loneliness. When he finds himself falling for fabulous Angel Valdez, he doesn’t think he can fight his true feelings anymore... -
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This Isn't Me by T.A. McKay
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNathan Cooper thought he had everything in life worked out; his own company, a great best friend, and all the women he could want. That is until one night his whole outlook changed. One misunderstanding, a man instead of a woman, and just like that he was looking at guys like he never had before... -
Felix by R.J. Scott, Meredith Russell
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHiring a fake boyfriend for a school reunion seems to be the only solution, but love was never part of the equation. Felix has enough on his plate looking out for his parents, let alone agreeing to being hired for a date with the friend of a friend. His instant attraction to the scatter-brained scientist has him making impulsive decisions he hopes he won’t regret... -
Under Grand Hotel, Volume 01 by Mika Sadahiro
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter killing the husband of his lover, Sen is sent to a prison nicknamed the "Under Grand Hotel", which houses some of the most violent and corrupt offenders. Good-looking and rather soft for prison, Sen is forced to seek protection from Swordfish, the proclaimed leader of the prison... -
Two Weeks and a Day by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s either the beginning of a great porno or a disaster waiting to happen. That feeling when you’re a thirty-year-old gay virgin with a little OCD, nosy neighbors and a lot of awkward, secret fantasies revolving around your straight best friend? Yeah, that’s me right now... -
Riptide by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"The weirdest part about kissing my best friend is that it isn't weird at all. ". Drew Riordan is excellent at compartmentalization. It's the only way he's managed to survive three years at Bellamy university—and on the crew team—and how he's made peace with staying in the closet for the foreseeable future... -
His Adventurous Manny by Lorelei M. Hart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. Alpha Antonio Ramos has spent the past decade traveling the world and filming his adventures for all to see. When his career comes to a screeching halt after a freak accident, Antonio is left unemployed and without purpose...
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