Books like 'The Cook'
Readers who enjoyed The Cook by Sasha Avice also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance queer angst friends to lovers queer-awakening
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Every Breath After by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHe would never be mine. Official Cover + Blurb coming soon. *Every Breath After will be a full-length, emotional, MM rockstar romance novel. While this book will focus on a new couple, it is not considered a stand-alone. This series is meant to be read in order, beginning with the Duet: Where There's A Will (#1) and If There's A Way (#2)... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 21 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... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up!At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
Walking on Broken Paths by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDesperate to escape the pain of his brother’s death, Jesse Melnik ran—but he couldn’t outrun the grief, no matter how much distance he put between himself and his past. Now, after fifteen years of trying, he’s finally ready to face his hometown of Charlottetown again.He expects the memories of his brother to hover in every corner of his family’s sailboat and whisper in every sea-tinged breeze... -
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Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“First Dates”A prequel to The Lamb and the Lion books, this short story shows Jem and Tean as they are set up on blind dates—with disastrous results.“Cheap Seats”Jem and Tean go to the movies. Jem insists it’s an epic bromance date. Tean insists they’re just casual acquaintances... -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology by May Archer, Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnce upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if a dating app that guaranteed you a love match broke down just in time for Valentine’s Day? What if you found yourself on a blind date with a random guy who might be your opposite in every single way? It could be a disaster. Or… When the code breaks down, fate just might take over... -
Wicked Outlaw by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCole loves the city. He loves the noise, chaos, and having tacos delivered at 2 a.m.He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.At least, that’s what he thought until JB Alexander rode into his life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m cowboys contemporary insta-love found-family -
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBack in high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends--a friendly "bad boy" named Hatoyama--but never confessed... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLiving under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
Forever by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsDr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most, the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life... -
Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day. So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary length-short explicit-open-door audiobook -
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary office found-family length-short -
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m contemporary secret-relationship length-short audiobook -
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
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Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
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... -
Bear's Best Friend by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s a ray of sunshine. I’m a loner lumberjack. We don’t make sense……But my straight best friend keeps ending up in my bed.Sawyer Hendricks is the best friend I’ve ever had—the Goose to my Moose, and the shoulder I’ve cried on even though I’m not the crying type. The difference between us? Sawyer brightens any room in an instant, and I’m the gruff guy wearing flannel who’d rather be alone... -
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... -
Falling by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 18 ratings“You’re the best fake boyfriend I ever had.” “Love exists… in books, at least... -
Infamous by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIs he brave enough to face the music? All that up-and-coming musician Jesse Jamison has ever wanted is to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. When a gossip website nearly catches him kissing someone who isn’t his famous girlfriend—and also isn’t a girl—he considers the near miss a wake-up call... -
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“How long have you been in love with your best friend?” Godric I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life. Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist. I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend... -
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
Heartbreak Honey by Tammy Subia
TWO BANDMATESONE SECRET RELATIONSHIPEVERYTHING AT STAKEFive years ago, the global sensation boy band Boys Will Be Bovs broke up in a disastrous fashion while at the height of their fame. Now, Skyler James’ solo career has made him more successful than ever, but he still feels like something is missing...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer forced proximity contemporary m-m length-long explicit-plentiful -
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m suspense contemporary length-medium audiobook -
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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... -
Ollie Always by John Wiltshire
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNamed after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers... -
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
From the Ground Up by Harper Robson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsMasonAlways have an exit strategy. That’s how I’ve lived my life for years, and so far things are going just fine. I know better than to get into any situation without knowing exactly when and how to get out. I don’t do commitments; not jobs, not social plans, and most definitely not relationships. I learned the hard way how bad the alternative can be...Categorized as:
angst queer queer-awakening m-m length-medium contemporary first-person-pov dual-pov -
Mourning Heaven by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHeroes fall. Peter first came to the tiny backwater of Daisy, California, as a child, and he was sure of one thing: his cousin Michael would take care of him. When Michael started a friendship with the fragile, haunted Bodi Kovacs, Peter's consolation in losing any claim to Bodi was that Michael would care for him too...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer contemporary second chances m-m hurt-comfort length-short -
Starfish and Coffee by Kele Moon
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsOn the island where they first met two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks are reunited. Now jaded and broken, Alex and Matt still can’t deny their sizzling connection or the memories of one perfect, uninhibited year together...Categorized as:
queer-awakening queer friends to lovers angst m-m contemporary second chances new adult -
Split by Mel Bossa
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsQuiet and imaginative, Derek O'Reilly spends a lot of time watching a movie in his head. His fiancé Nathan, aka "Mr. Alpha", wonders why Derek hasn't taken any interest in their wedding planning. Aunt Fran—his spiritual guru—would like to know when her guilt-tripping nephew became some kind of kept boy... -
Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLiam Davis is a serious journalist, and he’s good at it. Or at least, he was...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary mystery m-m new adult length-short -
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThey say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening humor m-m contemporary length-long audiobook -
In Me an Invincible Summer by Ryan Loveless
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo an outsider's view, world-famous action star Joe Nestra lives the Hollywood dream—parties, women, and a high-profile divorce. In reality, Joe's agent directs his public life. Those women he's supposedly intimate with? Prearranged dates ending at the red carpet... -
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The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"It's not even really a first kiss if you're practicing on a friend." Trapped in a conservative prairie town, Alfie Alder has spent his whole life enduring bullying from his classmates and indifference from his teachers. Only one person has ever seen past Alfie's sarcastic, standoffish exterior—his best friend and the love of his life, Wynn... -
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... -
Strawberries and Thunderstorms by L. Luther
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsChadHonestly, I never would have come back to this shithole if Pop hadn’t made it clear I wouldn’t get a dime otherwise. And it really isn’t about the money for me. No, I know it’s all about that little girl he adopted and her need for a proper home...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary single-father length-medium -
Denver by Laura John
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDENVERAccidentally receiving an explicit pic from my best friend was a surprise, but my reaction to it was a shocker. Last year, with one text, my eyes were opened to an attraction that’s grown into so much more.No matter what my feelings are, he’s still my best friend and I’ll always have his back. So when he shows up at my door needing a place to live, I don’t think twice...Categorized as:
queer queer-awakening friends to lovers angst m-m mystery contemporary single-father -
One Small Thing by Piper Vaughn, M.J. O'Shea
Rated: 3.99 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“Daddy” is not a title Rue Murray wanted, but he never thought he’d have sex with a woman either. Now he’s the unwitting father of a newborn named Alice. Between bartending and cosmetology school, Rue doesn’t have time for babies, but he can’t give her up. What Rue needs is a babysitter, and he’s running out of options... -
See My Words by Melanie Hansen
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSuccessful underwear model Scott Ashworth is lucky—his attack at the hands of an unknown assailant will leave no visible scars. His professional goals are still within reach, and best of all, his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney is back in his life, their teenage infatuation at last getting the chance to deepen into something more... -
Aiden's Luck by Con Riley
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSeattle Stories: Book Three House-sitting for a friend is supposed to be a lucky break for Aiden Daly. Discovering his new housemate is the image of his first crush turns it into a nightmare. Marco de Luca is obviously interested in being more than housemates, but his resemblance to Aiden’s ideal man seems only skin-deep. Besides, Aiden doesn’t date...Categorized as:
angst friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary from hate to love hurt-comfort audiobook -
Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAgent Matteo can admit that sleeping with his handler might not be the brightest idea he’s had. After all, Nikolas is the only one that’s ever stuck by him—the person he trusts the most.Matteo has never been good at taking orders—until Nikolas. Now, all Matteo seems to want is Nikolas’s voice in his head. Telling him what to do…even if that’s getting on his knees for Nikolas... -
Catch My Breath by M.J. O'Shea
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsDanny Bright knows he was born to entertain people, he just needs his big break. So when he hears that Blue Horizon records is holding auditions looking for the next big thing, Danny jumps at the chance. It doesn’t turn out exactly as he’d imagined though. Instead of getting a solo contract, Danny is put with four other guys — into a boyband. Elliot Price thinks he’s headed for college...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary rockstars musicians length-medium -
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Rock Bottom by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMeet the Band with this exclusive Replay Introduction: Rock Bottom. Grab it free on Instafreebie! Downward Spiral— a band with a handful of platinum records, and almost no hope of making it. Meet Lincoln, Benji, Lando, and Jude— the hottest rock stars of the decade, who’ve just about hit rock bottom...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m contemporary hurt-comfort self harm length-novella -
Billy & The Beast by Eli Easton
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA stolen rose leads Billy to the Beast of his dreams...The rose is so perfectly pink and delightfully fragrant, so temptingly within reach through the bars of the locked gate. One snip later, and a masked man from Billy’s darkest fantasies grabs his arm.Billy’s punishment for the theft? To toil in the estate’s horribly overgrown garden for the summer. Only this summer job comes with a mystery... -
Accidentally August by E.M. Denning
AugustI’m not supposed to have a crush on Crispin Tate. He’s my brother’s best friend, and he’s also gorgeous and perfect in every way... except for his horrible taste in men. And the fact he’s ten years too old for me. Falling for Crispin at sixteen was a surefire way to break my own heart, but I convinced myself one day I’ll get over my unrequited crush. Only, I don’t...Categorized as:
friends to lovers angst queer m-m age difference contemporary new adult siblings-bff -
Talker's Redemption by Amy Lane
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsTate Walker's past is too painful to just disappear, even if his dream boy, Brian Cooper, is there to hold his hand. Brian does his best, but Talker—always good at avoiding his own pain—is having a hard time facing the truth about what happened when he trusted the wrong man at the wrong time. When that truth resurfaces and lands Brian in the hospital, Talker is forced to make a choice... -
The Redemption of River by Eli Easton
River Larsen is a world traveler, truth-seeker, and tantric healer. He’s a master of loving all—and no one. Both his past and his spiritual path warn him against attachment. When he falls for his surrogacy client and coffee magnate, Brent McKay, River tells himself it’s a temporary idyll, a beautiful encounter they’ll both enjoy and move on from like two ships passing in the stream of life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer queer-awakening contemporary m-m age difference bisexual explicit-open-door -
Checked Out by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLibrarian Charlie Jules really needs to stop falling for straight guys. Every man he’s been attracted to over the past year has turned out to be straight—including Scott, a cute new library patron who comes complete with an adorable puppy. Charlie was almost ready to give up on ever finding love in Hope Springs, but when Scott kisses him… ..
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