Books like 'The Ordeal of Being Known'
Readers who enjoyed The Ordeal of Being Known by Malia Rose also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny forced proximity queer sports found-family
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How to Be a Movie Star by T.J. Klune
Sequel to How to Be a Normal PersonA How to Be Novel Josiah Erickson wants to be a movie star. The problem with that is so does half of Los Angeles. But he’s on his way, what with memorable roles as a TV show background cadaver and a guy in a commercial for herpes medication. All he needs is his big break...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer found-family m-m contemporary humor friends to lovers sunny hero -
![Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne]()
Quitting the Quarterback by Lisa Suzanne
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA steamy Pro Football, Single Mom, Forbidden Doctor/Patient Romance from Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author Lisa Suzanne.I went to Vegas to celebrate my divorce, and the pro football star was there celebrating his new contract. I heard someone call his name, and I wasn't about to miss my chance to get with the man my ex had idolized... -
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![Until You by T.J. Klune]()
Until You by T.J. Klune
Sequel to The Queen & the Homo Jock King Together with their families and friends, Paul Auster and Vincent Taylor request the honor of your company at the celebration of their marriage. Paul Auster and Vince Taylor just want to have a simple wedding. Really, is that too much to ask? As the big day approaches, they struggle to keep everything from spiraling out of control... -
![Miles Bailey Gets Down On One Knee by Jen Atkinson]()
Miles Bailey Gets Down On One Knee by Jen Atkinson
I am Delaney Jones, courageous enough to defy my mother, fearless enough to leave my successful rock band, and daring enough to propose to a perfect stranger.Delaney:Miles wasn’t planned.Which kind of made him perfect.Sure, I’d just said no—to a load of handsome men on a reality show designed to find me a husband, but I didn’t want any of them.I don’t want Miles either—at least, I think I don’t... -
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![Anger Banger by S.M. Shade]()
Anger Banger by S.M. Shade
The residents of Happy Haven Trailer park have been waiting for this for a long time. The slumlord who abandoned this place and let our homes deteriorate has been court ordered to live here while making repairs. Imagine our surprise when the guy who shows up to move in to the dilapidated trailer across the street isn't the sixty year old man we expected, but his son... -
![The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré]()
The Tenacious Act by Marion De Ré
Our contractor declared bankruptcy and we now have to leave our bookstore opening into the hands of a professional hockey team.Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends... -
![Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar]()
Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar
These former friends might be faking their engagement, but revealed crushes prove there might not be anything fictional about their arrangement.In college, I often saw Judd Sylver in the library. He was a cool, broody type of guy who reminded me of a deeply tortured soul who might write poetry... -
![The Complication by Jocelynn Drake]()
The Complication by Jocelynn Drake
It was just a fling.A bit of fun on the weekends. Definitely not permanent.Not that I wouldn’t love to crack the ice around rich and sexy Declan Foster’s heart.And he was the last person I expected to ride to my rescue when I found myself suddenly homeless and a father.Now he’s spoiling my daughter and me at every turn, offering the perfect life on a silver platter... -
![A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans]()
A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...There's always time for tea... unless you've lost your teapot…Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran...Categorized as:
found-family forced proximity grumpy sunshine small town contemporary humor length-medium audiobook -
![Curveball by E.J. Blaise]()
Curveball by E.J. Blaise
Cass Morgan is used to hitting home runs.Sunday Lane is the strike he never saw coming.An MLB legend and a single mom.Ordinarily, their paths would never cross. But when a career-threatening injury and a cross-country move put them in each other’s paths, two pink lines forever entangle their lives.One night.One drink.One encounter that changes everything...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports queer found-family single-mother age difference pregnancy dual-pov -
![Top Shelf by Teagan Hunter]()
Top Shelf by Teagan Hunter
I have two goals this season:1. Prove to the Seattle Serpents I’m more than just the old guy.2. Don’t fall for my captain’s stepsister.In my defense, I had no clue who Vanessa was when we met. We were in a different city. How was I supposed to know she’s my teammate’s stepsister?Now she’s in Seattle, still healing from her divorce, and apparently, she’s here to stay...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity found-family humor hockey contemporary age difference secret-relationship -
![The Nest Before Christmas by Piper Rayne]()
The Nest Before Christmas by Piper Rayne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA grounded plane. A questionable Greyhound bus. A brotherhood on a mission.When the team’s plane gets grounded right before Christmas, the Falcons will stop at nothing to make it home for the holidays, including launching their own Planes, Trains, and Automobiles-style mission across the country to get back to their wives and kids... -
![It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson]()
It's Always Sonny by Kate Watson
Sunshine always melts ice eventually. And I’m starting to feel the burn.People may call me an “overachieving ice queen,” but I would do anything for the people I love.So when my friends ask me to host an event at their famous farm, I’m more than happy to help…until I discover I’ve been set up.The “event” is actually a reunion for my ex’s family...Categorized as:
forced proximity sports found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine m-f football humor -
![Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott]()
Catch a Wave by Savannah Scott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDid you ever see a guy and just know you had to meet him?That was me and Bodhi Merrick. I couldn't take my eyes off him as he donned his wetsuit at the famous big-wave surf spot, Mavericks. I'll never forget that day. Or every time our paths crossed after that. Big wave surfing is a small world. And, as it happens, Bodhi felt the same tug---this irresistible attraction that drew us to one another...Categorized as:
sports forced proximity multicultural siblings-bff humor contemporary m-f length-medium -
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![Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks]()
Leave Me Breathless by Carrie Elks
She’s his best friend’s little sister. Completely off-limits. And now she’s moving in with him…When Gabe Winter’s best friend calls with an unusual request – give his broken-hearted little sister a roof over her head for a few months – he readily accepts.But he doesn’t expect Nicole to be quite so enticing. Or for her to bring out all the feelings in him... -
![Blitzed by S.E. Harmon]()
Blitzed by S.E. Harmon
NFL tight end Andrew McAdams isn’t thrilled to be sidelined with an injury. He’s even less thrilled about his legal troubles. Community service is the only thing standing between him and jail so...yeah. That’s a no-brainer. It's not all bad news, though. He gets to work with Jesse Fox, who is as gorgeous as he is guarded. And there's no rule saying he can't do his hours and have a little fun... -
![Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart]()
Ella Gets the D by Tanvier Peart
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe end of my marriage was the beginning of my happily ever after. What happens when you hear your husband putting dents in your mattress with another woman?Leave and never look back!Easier said than done when you're a stay-at-home mom, share two kids with the no-good cheater, and have a savings account that laughs in your face on the daily...Categorized as:
found-family sports forced proximity age difference single-mother contemporary black-mc humor -
![Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy]()
Wallflower in Bloom by Elise Kennedy
Painfully shy plant mom Violet Parker is about to experience the thrill of a lifetime when her TV crush lands on her doorstep.Desperate to rehab his public image after a PR disaster, actor / playboy Jack Grant needs a wholesome fake girlfriend for the summer. Violet, meanwhile, needs help stepping out of her comfort zone so her fledgling flower and plant shop, Bloom, will thrive... -
![Stick To Me by Marion De Ré]()
Stick To Me by Marion De Ré
Ever heard of a guy who’s nice, funny, cooks like a chef, boasts a six-pack, and is the best player in the NHL?Well, let me introduce you to Aaron Miles—AKA the biggest test of my self-control.Aaron and I have been friends since sixth grade, sharing everything from school and vacation to helping me start my business. But one thing I did on my own: falling in love with him.It’s hopeless...Categorized as:
sports found-family hockey friends to lovers contemporary humor length-medium glimpses-kisses -
![The Trip by Robin Alexander]()
The Trip by Robin Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWho wants to take a road trip with two old, bickering women and a complete stranger? Not Jill Savoy. She finds herself behind the wheel of her father’s sacred Winnebago anyway, responsible for her grandmother and adopted aunt, both of whom are mischievous teenagers in old bodies, and then there’s Shay. The last thing on Shay Macaluso’s mind was a vacation... -
![The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale]()
The Christmas You Crash by Piper Hale
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOne blizzard. One cabin. One uninvited hockey player. Ho, ho, humbug. Normally I love Christmas. The lights, the snow, the cozy traditions. Then my parents divorced. Intent to avoid awkward holiday drama, I head to our family’s secluded cabin for a nice, relaxing week alone.At least that’s the plan until Ryder Hanson shows up uninvited and dressed like a serial killer... -
![The Valentine's Bet: A Sweet RomCom by Kristine W. Joy]()
The Valentine's Bet: A Sweet RomCom by Kristine W. Joy
What happens when a hopeful romantic bets a grumpy skeptic that love really exists?Now that I’ve landed my dream job in NYC, I’m finally ready to find Mr. Right.What better way to meet new people in a big city than a speed dating event?Or so I thought—until I got stuck with the biggest cynic in the room... -
![So Flocked by Sarah Estep]()
So Flocked by Sarah Estep
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter the wedding, they’ll go their separate ways and no one will ever know what happened in the lighthouse.Jordy Taylor is a disaster. Over the hill by professional football standards, the veteran quarterback isn’t ready to hang up his pads just yet, but his team might have other plans... -
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![When Sparks Fly: An absolutely addictive lesbian romance novel by Kristen Zimmer]()
When Sparks Fly: An absolutely addictive lesbian romance novel by Kristen Zimmer
The room is dark, except for the streetlights coming through the blinds. I can barely see her, but I feel her. She pushes me up against the wall and we kiss harder than we ever have before. I’ve been waiting so long for it to happen, and finally, it’s going to. Then the bedroom door flies open, and someone screams her name…Britton Walsh has never had a home... -
![Just for Me: A Rugby Romance by Rosalind James]()
Just for Me: A Rugby Romance by Rosalind James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLuke Armstrong doesn’t want to be a pioneer or an inspiration. He just wants to be a prop.What’s it like to be the first All Black to come out while he’s still playing rugby? Luke has spent over thirty years not wanting to find out, but hiding has become so hard. He’s a man who doesn’t get tired, but now, he’s soul-weary... -
![Final Score by Charlie Novak]()
Final Score by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCan one perfect night lead to more?Jordan Green is too busy for a relationship. With the World Cup looming, his focus is on making the England team, not finding someone to spend his life with. His friends may be settling down, but Jordan’s had enough of planning weddings. All he wants is some fun, and Félix is the perfect person for that… even if he is his boss’s brother... -
![Pumped by Linden Bell]()
Pumped by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEverestOwen and I do not get along. He thinks I'm irresponsible and I find him arrogant and uptight. Good thing we only see each other when my sister and his brother pester us into attending family events.But when a fatal car accident leaves our niece orphaned, my brother-in-law and I are forced to raise her together--as long as we don't strangle each other first...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family sports queer from hate to love grumpy sunshine hurt-comfort m-m -
![Silver Linings by Violet Page]()
Silver Linings by Violet Page
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSilver James has perfected the art of keeping everything at a distance—her career, her friends, and most definitely romance. Her motto is simple: keep life carefree and fun. The more she avoids the unexpected, the less likely she is to get hurt... -
![Long Way Home by Melissa Grace]()
Long Way Home by Melissa Grace
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJo Kingsley is having a really bad day, and nothing is going according to plan. After her life goes up in flames—literally—she returns home to Nashville to figure out her next move. Soon after she arrives, Jo finds herself alone in a bar licking her wounds when a knight in a shining leather jacket unexpectedly comes to her rescue... -
![Christmas in Paradise by Brittany Larsen]()
Christmas in Paradise by Brittany Larsen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCould an innocent fling turn into the real thing?I only want two things out of life: a career as a wedding planner extraordinaire and for Mom to stop treating me like a kid. Is that too much to ask? Probably.That is, until I get the chance to plan a televised, Christmas-themed wedding a thousand miles away from Mom in Paradise, Idaho. It seems like all my dreams might be coming true...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family christmas contemporary dual-pov humor length-medium audiobook -
![The Fate Philosophy by Sarah A. Bailey]()
The Fate Philosophy by Sarah A. Bailey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsFollowing the long overdue break-up from her insufferable ex-boyfriend, Macie Cunningham was ready for a fresh start.She thought she’d find that new beginning when she impulsively moved to Los Angeles with her best friend, but after six months here, all she’s discovered is that her life is strenuously the same. The same career—one she’s not so sure she still loves... -
![It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff]()
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about surviving the spotlight, outrunning your past, and choosing love when everything says you shouldn’t.They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return.But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore...Categorized as:
found-family sports football contemporary friends to lovers humor length-long audiobook -
![Buckeye: An MM Romance by Casey Morales]()
Buckeye: An MM Romance by Casey Morales
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom international bestselling author, Casey Morales . . . A traded player, a children's home, and a love to defy all odds. Climbing the ladder of professional baseball is hard. As one of the only openly gay players in the league, Nick Dunlap's path is rockier than most. When Nick is traded mid-season, despite a team-leading batting average, everyone knows his "open secret" is to blame... -
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![By the Book by Gregory Ashe]()
By the Book by Gregory Ashe
A stolen book. A desperate killer. And two very meddlesome parents.Dashiell Dawson Dane might have a problem. It’s not a huge problem. In fact, all things considered, life is good—he’s got a wonderful boyfriend, fantastic friends, and a home where he’s genuinely happy, maybe for the first time ever. He’s even writing regularly. (Okay, mostly regularly... -
![The Trouble with Love and Coaches by Harriet Ashford]()
The Trouble with Love and Coaches by Harriet Ashford
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsApril Baird is determined to finish an Ironman—even if it is 140.6 miles of misery in the form of swimming, cycling, and running. The distance would be daunting enough, but April is certain she has an Ironman curse. What else could explain the events that have caused her to DNF the last three years? Now, her coach has even bailed... -
![A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin]()
A Wedding Mismatch by Kaylee Baldwin
Let’s play a Two truths and a lie.1. I am a self-help influencer who is a hot mess.2. If I don’t get some quiet time between planning my sister’s wedding to finish my book, Happily Single, I’m in hot water with my publisher.3. I’m blackmailing the hot grump next-door into letting me live with him until this book is done...Categorized as:
forced proximity found-family contemporary grumpy sunshine humor glimpses-kisses length-medium -
![Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens]()
Make My Heart Malt by Gia Stevens
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsA sizzling hate to lovers, unrequited crush, standalone sports romance by romantic comedy author Gia Stevens… Dessa should have been mine... until my brother kissed her first. Ten years is a long time to be infatuated with your former best friend, especially when she’s dating your brother... -
![Slow Pitch by Amy Lane]()
Slow Pitch by Amy Lane
Tenner Gibson has a job he enjoys, a prickly ex-wife, and an adorable daughter he wouldn’t trade for the world. With no romance, no sex life, and no other hobbies, a rec league softball team is as close as he gets to hedonism. But life throws him a curveball when cocky Ross McTierney sets his sights on getting under Tenner’s skin... -
![Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack]()
Game On by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack
CARTER Relationships--who needs 'em? As a personal-assistant-extraordinaire to one of the top PR firms in Los Angeles, I've dedicated most of my life to errand-running and people-pleasing. But when it comes to men, as much as I love to please them in the bedroom, I'm way too busy to give more than that. Fortunately, as far as my options go..Categorized as:
forced proximity queer m-m humor contemporary from hate to love friends-benefits explicit-open-door -
![The Misfits of Copper County by May Archer]()
The Misfits of Copper County by May Archer
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhen you burn down your contractor’s home… and kind of, accidentally invite him to move into yours.First things first, that fire was a fluke. A tragic, completely unintentional byproduct of high emotions, an ill-timed backyard grilling… and one very shirtless man.I only meant to confront Brewer—my maddeningly stoic contractor—about a few small concerns with the renovation of my historic money pit...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer m-m contemporary from hate to love humor length-medium audiobook -
![Whenever You're Ready by Rachel Runya Katz]()
Whenever You're Ready by Rachel Runya Katz
After reconnecting on a road trip, two friends must decide if love is the ultimate risk worth taking in this funny, emotional sapphic romanceNia and Jade had been inseparable ever since their best friend, Michal, introduced them at her tenth birthday party...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer found-family humor contemporary f-f friends to lovers length-medium -
![The Reno by Maggie Grant]()
The Reno by Maggie Grant
The Reno is a grumpy-sunshine romcom for fans of Tessa Bailey and Talia Hibbert, with the quirky characters of Gilmore Girls. Love wasn’t in the plan…When self-proclaimed flop Kat Williams moves miles north to Everly Heath to refurbish her late father’s childhood home, she thinks it will be a quick fixer-upper... -
![Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsThe most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film—in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more... -
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![Giving It All by Christi Barth]()
Giving It All by Christi Barth
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChristi Barth’s smoking-hot contemporary romance series continues as the five best friends who survived a tragedy as teenagers take to their Naked Men podcast to open up about women. In Giving It All, the group’s globe-trotting hunk discovers that you need to go home to find love. Logan Marsh never stays in one place for long... -
![The Handy Nanny by K. Sterling]()
The Handy Nanny by K. Sterling
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThey call Pennsylvania Tucker the human Band-Aid because he can fix just about anything and make anyone feel better, but can Penn mend a broken heart? Reid Marshall thinks so and sends his master nanny on a very important and sensitive mission. A close friend is grieving and caring for his newborn niece after losing his twin sister... -
![The Hotel Inspector by Sienna Waters]()
The Hotel Inspector by Sienna Waters
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRoom service has never been so much fun...Ice queen hotel inspector Isla Seymour loves nothing more than her career. She’s demanding, critical, and terrible with people. Until a buy-out means she’s on shaky ground and about to take on what could be her last assignment.Hotel owner Katie Taylor is a washed-up singer with a heart of gold...Categorized as:
forced proximity queer f-f age difference from hate to love humor contemporary length-medium -
![Legally Brawn by DJ Jamison]()
Legally Brawn by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy boyfriend left me a year ago...but sometimes you have to fight for true love, right?When Clayton breaks off our relationship to find someone more "serious" in law school, I'm devastated but not defeated. I just have to show him I have brains as well as brawn.I study hard to get into law school and prove myself. But when I get there, ready to reclaim my man, he's moved on.. -
![An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden]()
An Unexpected Path by Megan McSpadden
Sometimes unexpected paths lead to the best destinations.Highly sought after conflict photographer, relationship-averse Marley Cunningham thrives on adrenaline and the chaos of her nomadic life. But when the passion for her career starts to wane, she decides a hike far from the noise of life is the best way to shake the doubts from her mind and focus on what she wants...
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