Books like 'It Starts With Summer'
Readers who enjoyed It Starts With Summer by Ezra Dao also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance neurodivergent bisexual queer new adult multicultural friends to lovers secret-relationship anal sex
-
Adoring Keaton by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers college secret-relationship queer sports contemporary suspense -
Landon by Marie James
He ruined a lifelong friendship the night he kissed me.I spent the next three years avoiding him.Well… I tried at least.With my dad being a member of the Cerberus MC and his dad married to one of the members it was virtually impossible.Just like it was impossible to keep from watching his mouth when he spoke...Categorized as:
new adult bisexual friends to lovers college queer forced proximity angst contemporary -
Sated in Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Montgomery Ink saga continues in a seductive romance where a runaway bride and two best friends might just take the chance of a lifetime. Ethan Montgomery thought he had his life figured out until the moment he and his best friend met a woman in a wedding dress drinking wine out of a paper bag. He might work too many hours and always seems to put his family and friends first... -
The Fire by May Archer
JAMIE Parker Hoffstraeder is gorgeous, cocky, and totally irrational. He also broke my heart when he left town eleven years, four months, and twenty-eight days ago. Not that I’m counting. I don’t mind admitting it: I was young. I got burned. I learned my lesson... -
-
The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Dalton Beauregard has a plan, and it involves acing all his exams, making the Dean's List every year he's at Lassiter College, and going to med school and becoming a doctor.Marty O'Brien has a plan too. His is to improve his life by emulating those around him. He's going to need a study plan, a tutor, and... a boyfriend?Dalton can't believe he's even considering this. It's utterly ridiculous...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers bisexual college queer neurodivergent sweet-hero friends-benefits -
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 queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort length-medium -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
The Bedroom Coach Agreement by Hayden Hall
We’re the least likely couple you’ll ever see. Until the lights go out.ParkerMy brother’s best friend has a secret. And I just happen to know what he does in a hidden downtown apartment at night. In front of a camera. Sculpted like a Greek god, Dayton soon becomes all I want.But a guy like me could never hope to catch his attention. I’ve never been with anyone. I’ve never even kissed a guy...Categorized as:
new adult college friends to lovers secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary sweet heroine -
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well!Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out... -
Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper
Jerry Candelario, known as Potts to almost everyone, has spent his entire adult life focused on raising his siblings and his young niece. But the home he fought hard to make is starting to feel empty now that everyone has grown up and moved out and his precious baby niece has suddenly become a teen with a life of her own...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer multicultural small town sweet-hero m-m contemporary slow burn -
When The Walls Come Down by Harper Robson
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDylan"Quirky." Ugh, I hate that word. The PC term these days is 'neuro-divergent', but I prefer to be called autistic. It's often a huge advantage to have a brain that works differently, but I sometimes wish it was easier to connect with other people...Categorized as:
queer new adult neurodivergent bisexual friends to lovers sweet-hero m-m contemporary -
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 new adult college anal sex forced proximity queer contemporary m-m -
Keeping it Casual by Jax Calder
DustinI moved to Mineral Creek so I could focus on my son. After my recent breakup, small-town life is exactly what we need, and I’m determined to stay single.But the town’s resident matchmakers have other ideas. Every second person I meet tries to set me up with Mineral Creek’s one other gay single Dad.Jeremy. King.I’ve heard those two words so many times since we moved here... -
Gravity by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been... -
-
For Today by B. Cranford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeventeen Years Ago . The first time Aaron Andrews saw Simon Foster smile, he knew he was in trouble. He'd never seen anything--or anyone--like the man who'd stolen his favorite seat in his favorite coffee shop. Six Weeks Ago . The late-night phone call that changed their lives forever was short... -
Suited For You by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s smug, conceited … and hot as hell … Becoming a partner at Caldwell and Holton will be the crowning achievement in my hard fought career. There’s just one problem. One arrogant, materialistic, flashy problem: Saint Caldwell. Unlike me, he’s never had to struggle for anything a day in his life … or so I think. But there’s more to the man than a showy Porsche and killer smile... -
A Hundred Thousand Words by Nyrae Dawn
Tobias Jackson grew up in Coburn, a town where the queer population equaled exactly one: him. Add that to the fact that his dream guy was his best friend's jerky older brother Levi Baxter, and it made hooking up virtually impossible. Now home from college for winter break, Toby is a different person... -
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K.M. Neuhold... -
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
Seeing the truth and falling in love. Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man. At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family... -
See You in Boston by Eden Finley, Saxon James
All I want is to be dicked down, why is that so much to ask? When graduation night hits and I still haven’t crossed bottoming off my bucket list, I’ll do anything to make it happen. Including hitting on the bashful, dimpled cutie from the CU Hockey team. He’s not queer, but he is curious. One last college experience with someone we never have to see again...Categorized as:
queer secret-relationship friends to lovers new adult bisexual m-m contemporary queer-awakening -
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
What happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more… Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
Something About Us by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFalling in love was the easy part. Lucky and Saint are head-over-heels for each other. It doesn’t matter that they met only a few months ago. It also doesn’t matter that this is Saint’s first real relationship and Lucky’s first with a man. They’re infatuated, happy, and excited to start their life together in LA. It isn’t as easy as they thought... -
For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOur fans get to see everything when we’re together on camera.But what’s between the two of us is strictly for the videos… right?I’ve been a socially awkward introvert for my whole life—and not a soul knows that I upload anonymous videos to an adult site. By day, I’m a shy office worker. At night, I have my hand, my phone camera, and a little secret.Chase is my polar opposite... -
Yesterday by Sarina Bowen
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s been seven years since John Rikker left his childhood home in Michigan. Surely that’s long enough to scar over the wounds he received there... -
-
A King in Wonderland by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. Or at least he was, until it all came crashing down. He made a mistake. And even Asher himself, arranger of marriages and aider of lovesick hearts, doesn’t know how to fix it. And like every heroic quest, there are a few bumps in the road and dragons to slay... -
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBillie Montgomery was always known as the sick kid with the therapy dog. Dylan Bowden never had two nickels to rub together, let alone a true home to call his own. The two have been best friends since high school. They’re always there for each other, so when Billie opens his own bakery called Montgomery’s Sweets no one supports him better than Dylan... -
Color Blind: An MM Romance by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSetting out on your own is tough, but for Mason Fullerton, who was born blind, it’s even more of a challenge. Mase decides that the key to independence and a life of his own is getting a job. His mother, who has always been there for support, isn’t so sure, but Mase is determined. He manages to secure an interview, and one of the men conducting it has a voice that wraps around him like a blanket...Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m disabilities and marks length-novella -
I'll be Boned for Christmas by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNothing like getting caught streaking to bring people together for the holidays…JordanI’ve got a rep in town for causing trouble, and it’s well-earned. But when Nick and I get caught streaking after the tree lighting ceremony, we’re in for a messload of community service to get the town ready for the Collier’s Creek Christmas Bash... -
Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when a clueless hero believes in star-sign compatibility? What happens when there’s only one sign left to try? Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer... Caspian’s tried the lot, compatibility nil. Leo is his last hope for happiness. He just has to find one. Maybe his Virgo best friend will help? He should sneak over next door and see.. -
Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA New Adult Romantic Comedy. Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical. Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink. Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies. Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet... -
Camera Shy by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTrust is earned, but sometimes we form walls around ourselves to protect us from the pain, keeping others from getting close, and shielding us from the darkness that lurks around us. Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one... -
And it Came To Pass by Laura Stone
Adam Young is a devout Mormon whose life is all planned out, by both his strict father and his church. He follows the path theyve established for him, goes off to his mission in Barcelona, Spain, and realizes that his life may not follow the trajectory already chosen for him.His mission companion, Brandon Christensen, is a handsome, enthusiastic practitioner on the surface... -
Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy
A surprisingly sweet, sinfully sexy, and deliciously hilarious romp along the Cornish coast.Nathan Elliott has run away from home at the age of twenty-six. His teenage rebellion may have come ten years late, but better late than never...Categorized as:
friends to lovers friends-benefits small town queer sweet-hero humor m-m explicit-open-door -
Betting Brett by Joy Danvers
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBrett is seriously clueless. He’s a great friend and a great father to his little girl, but how could he not realize after all this time that I’m gay? And I’m in love with him? I know I’ve never said anything, but I feel like I’m pretty obvious.Now I messed up and made a tipsy bet with him about a blow job that I really don’t want to take back. I’m not sure if it was a mistake though... -
-
Tashiro-kun, Why're You Like This? Vol. 2 by Yamada, ヤマダ
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFirst we're trapped at a rural bus stop during a thunderstorm. Then the storm of the century comes along when I'm trapped at your place. All these mf'ing storms sure are convenient for you.. -
Messy Love by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDannyI'm not a guy who's looking for a serious relationship. I love the chase, and the one time I thought I wanted more, the guy bailed. When my buddy Will mentions his recently out, older brother is looking for a place to stay, I offer the spare room in my apartment. It's clear Jonathan's past did a number on him, and he's locked up tight... -
RIDE by Nellie Christine
Bentley Williams never thought he’d hit rock bottom at 19-years-old. From top-rated college running back to homeless, girlfriend-less, UCLA dropout, Bentley can’t help but wonder if he’s making the right decision. Pursuing a career as a BMX rider likely means a life of struggling to afford groceries, but he can’t imagine doing anything else. The sport’s in his blood... -
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... -
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar.A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult secret-relationship queer sports m-m contemporary hockey -
Naughty & Nice by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhy can't I forget your kiss...Dear Quinn,Why must I have these feelings for you? You're my ex-stepbrother, and nothing will change that truth, no matter how many letters I write. I never expected to see you again--or to rescue you from the side of the road in a blizzard. I didn't think you would ever like me, much less kiss me in a steaming hot tub on a snowy night... -
Stray Awakening by F.A. Ray
I fled my hometown seven years ago. I never planned to come back. I never planned to give up my city life for a small town. And I definitely never planned to fall for another man.HenryTripp Lake, the place I love the most. Working at a cat café on Main Street gives me a chance to get some deserving cats their forever homes...Categorized as:
queer new adult friends to lovers small town sweet-hero m-m contemporary length-short -
Living With Him, Vol. 1 by Toworu Miyata, 宮田トヲル
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsRyota Natsukawa is starting university and he suddenly finds out that his roommate is going to be his childhood friend, Kazuhito Tanaka. Despite Kazuhito's picture-perfect looks, he doesn't have a girlfriend. Ryota is curious about why this is and attempts to point out his faults from a girlfriend's point of view. However, as Ryota gets to know more about Kazuhito, their relationship changes... -
Untouched by M.A. Innes
Growing up in an unusual family has made adapting to college more difficult for Jay. Sheltered and socially awkward, the only easy part about higher education is the classes. While everyone around him seems to instinctively understand what they’re into and who they are, he’s lost and alone. That is, until his new roommate makes life a little more interesting... -
Love Song by Christina Lee
Thirtysomething bandmates, Nolan Metcalf and Ellis Bloom, have been there for each other through thick and thin. So when a life-changing event sends Ellis to the safety of Nolan’s apartment, he’s grateful for the comfort his best friend provides. They’ve never done anything resembling cuddling and sleepovers before, but Ellis finds he needs it just the same...Categorized as:
queer bisexual friends to lovers forced proximity m-m contemporary queer-awakening hurt-comfort -
-
Love Is Heartless by Kim Fielding
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Love Can't Novel Small but mighty—that could be Detective Nevin Ng’s motto. Now a dedicated member of the Portland Police Bureau, he didn’t let a tough start in life stop him from protecting those in need. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he doesn’t do relationships. Until he responds to the severe beating of a senior citizen and meets the victim’s wealthy, bow-tied landlord... -
Straight as a Cucumber by Ana Byrde
There's a couple of reasons I shouldn't crush on Zach Stauff.1) He's my big brother's best friend.2) He's my roommate.3) He's straight.None of those things matter when I'm around him and my heart starts beating like crazy. He's been the star of my wet dreams since forever, but to him I'm just the kid who used to eat mudcakes... -
Moment of Silence by Karen Stivali
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Moments In Time Novel Growing up, Jason Stern led a charmed life complete with devoted sisters, a father who was one of Brooklyn’s most respected rabbis, and a mother who made the world's best babka. He headed to NYU ready for anything—except falling for the wrong guy, coming out, and getting disowned by his once-loving family. In spite of that, Jason managed to graduate with honors...Categorized as:
multicultural friends to lovers new adult queer m-m contemporary angst length-medium -
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... -
The First Man by A.S. Kelly
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShaneDo you want to know what it means to live like me?It means being forced not to look at him, not to touch him, not to be left alone in the same room as him.Not to seek him out. Not to want him.Not to love him.Do you know how it feels to spend your entire life pretending to be someone else? Do you know what it’s like to love someone who doesn’t want to be loved?I’ll tell you how it feels... -
Under the Blazing Stars by Becca Seymour
Find Love Abroad Under the Blazing Stars of the Aussie OutbackI’m a glutton for punishment.The reason? My foolish pursuit of straight guys. Correction. One straight man.Alec Rose.For twelve long years, my best mate’s brother has starred in practically every fantasy I’ve had.Massage… oops… my towel slips.Swimming adventure mishap with a huge wave. Yep. Alec gives me mouth-to-mouth...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

