Books like 'Making the Grade'
Readers who enjoyed Making the Grade by Carol Lynne also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance cowboys sports hurt-comfort age difference queer
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Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMiyagi finally gets over his obsession with his late high school teacher by confessing his love for Shinobu in front of her grave. When it comes time for Shinobu to choose which college to go to, his feelings seem to be swaying his decisions too strongly - even for Miyagi's liking. In the end, Shinobu chooses a different college, but the compromise is that he's now living next door to Miyagi! -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 06 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIt's the day of the award ceremony for Usami, but Usami's older brother, Haruhiko, can't keep his hands off Misaki. First an endless shipment of strawberries, then a "kidnapping" as Haruhiko drags Misaki off to his rich estate and locks him up! Meanwhile, a dramatic misunderstanding spooks Shinobu into leaving for Australia. Will Miyagi let him get away? -
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![Vow Maker by Lily Morton]()
Vow Maker by Lily Morton
Dylan Mitchell wants to get married. However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit. Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour...Categorized as:
age difference hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary humor grumpy sunshine explicit-open-door -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
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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![Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker]()
Red Dirt Heart Imago by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen Charlie Sutton’s neighbour Greg is notified by the Queensland government that they intend to run a pipeline through his property, Charlie vows to help him fight it. Then Travis remembers seeing butterflies at the creek near their joining fence line - the same butterflies they couldn’t find in any Australian butterfly book... -
![Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante]()
Nice Guys Collection With Added Bonus Material by Kindle Alexander, Reese Dante
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHave you met the Nice Guys? Available for a limited time! Here's your chance to get the complete Nice Guys collection with an additional 30,000 words of bonus material for the low price of $2. 99 for fourteen days only. Don't miss out on this special pricing! Double Full:... -
![Christmas in Suite 37A by Tiffany Reisz]()
Christmas in Suite 37A by Tiffany Reisz
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOriginally available as a rough draft on Tiffany's website, this short story has now been fully revised and is now collected in the print, ebook, and audio collection Michael's Wings. -
![Junjo Romantica, Volume 03 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 03 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMisaki begins to seriously question the structure of his relationship with Usami, but a high-class date with Usami makes it come to life. In the next Junjou Egoist story, Hiro goes to the extreme to nurse his lover, Nowaki, back to health. But he's unaware that Nowaki was never really sick to being with! -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Living 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. Does an old man with a bleak romantic history have what it takes to satisfy his hot, young partner? -
![All Is Bright (Water, Air, Earth, Fire) by Riley Nash]()
All Is Bright (Water, Air, Earth, Fire) by Riley Nash
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA 10,000 word mini-novella featuring everyone's favorite couples from the Water, Air, Earth, Fire series as they celebrate Christmas. When six very different men and their families meet at a Wyoming lodge to celebrate the holidays, things are bound to get sweet, steamy, chaotic, and a little bit heartwarming. -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe seasons have shifted, and Shin and Seiji are starting their new life together. Living 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... -
![Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton]()
Heart2Heart: A Contemporary Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 7 by Annabeth Albert, Avril Ashton
Once upon a time SIX YEARS AGO, the Heart2Heart app made its first batch of incredibly unlikely (but oh-so-perfect) love matches... -
![All That Matters by Felice Stevens]()
All That Matters by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNico Andretti knows one thing is Love is for fools. Being a tour bus guide in Times Square isn’t his dream job and he yearns for more than living in his mother’s basement apartment, but life is tough in the big city. At least the men on the bus are eye-candy galore, and they’re one and done... -
![Center of Gravity by Neve Wilder]()
Center of Gravity by Neve Wilder
When life comes apart at the seams, love is the only thread that can mend it. Accountant Rob Macomb has a stable job that he’s good at and… that’s about it. A year of nothing but heartache leaves him seeking refuge from loneliness and grief behind spreadsheets, punishing daily runs, and the occasional anonymous tryst... -
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![Junjo Romantica, Volume 12 by Shungiku Nakamura]()
Junjo Romantica, Volume 12 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsAs the end of Misaki's college years approach, he's faced with a difficult choice: living with the ever-popular boys love novelist Akihiko can be ever-so challenging. . -
![Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Rivals by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPlaying for their country in the Winter Olympics is the highest of all honors, but when family members are pitted as rivals and a dark specter from the past turns up in Beijing, tensions run high, and abruptly, it’s not all about the hockey. Jared is torn—assistant coach for Team Canada, with Ryker on the team; he bleeds red and white and wears the maple leaf with pride... -
![Alone On the Water by MadLori]()
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. -
![Keeping Secrets by Alexa Land]()
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... -
![Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin]()
Christmas Beau by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHank Beaufort's life is a mess. Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he's freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce... -
![Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan]()
Old-Fashioned Cupcake with Cappuccino by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsThirty-nine-year-old Nozue went from living a routine, melancholic life of sleep and work to spending his days in bliss with Togawa, his younger subordinate. Now six months into their relationship, the two have graduated from dates at a pancake shop to spending their nights together... -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving Ficlet. -
![Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Family First by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn injury threatens to end Stan’s career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy... -
![Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Perfect Gifts by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFamily comes first in all things. Whatever the cost. Ten had always heard the saying ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ but he’d not expected it to hit home as it had. After a comment from their daughter, Ten and Jared find themselves pondering an addition to the family. Moving into the adoption process is nerve-wracking and riddled with anxiety—kind of like how the Railers have been playing of late... -
![Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey]()
Family First by RJ Scott, VL Locey
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn injury threatens to end Stan's career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy... -
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![Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDocumentary producer Simon and ex-footballer Declan are taking some big steps toward a lasting life together. They’ve bought a house, and they’ll need it for the family they plan to start. Their friend, Nyssa, has made the generous offer to be their surrogate, and Declan couldn’t be more excited about the idea of a baby... -
![Ruined by April Wilson]()
Ruined by April Wilson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsFinally! Sam and Cooper's long-awaited story is here. .. a second chance gay romance, with a guaranteed HEA. Sam. .. Coming out of the closet was easy. Falling in love with a man twice my age was not. Cooper grew up old-school, hiding his true self. He may be the love of my life, but I can’t be his dirty little secret any longer. He needs to man up and claim me if he wants to keep me... -
![Hay by Lucy Lennox]()
Hay by Lucy Lennox
**NOTE: Hay is a 25k word SHORT. **. When sports journalist Hayworth Buchanan lands the interview of his dreams, he gets the chance to visit famous NFL coach Christian Lasley at his secluded ranch in Wyoming. Despite the cold weather outside, things get plenty steamy inside when sparks fly between Hay and his celebrity sports crush... -
![Surrender Your Heart by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
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 age difference hurt-comfort m-m contemporary military friends to lovers length-short -
![Assisted by Carly Marie]()
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFoolish is judging a book by its cover… or a hockey coach by his suit. As assistant coach of the Nashville Grizzlies, Imil Bouchard has everything he needs, except maybe a Daddy. On the wrong side of forty and not looking for a traditional Dom, he knows there’s no point wishing for what he can’t have...Categorized as:
sports hurt-comfort age difference queer m-m contemporary friends to lovers age play -
![By the Light of Dawn by Adrienne Wilder]()
By the Light of Dawn by Adrienne Wilder
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsThis is a follow up to the novel In the Absence of Light. You must read the first book to fully understand/enjoy this one. A handmade sailboat helped bring Morgan back to Grant but he never imagined they would put it in the water. Then Morgan sees something in the light that sets Grant on a mission to get them to the middle of the ocean. An unknown destination they have to be when the sun rises... -
![Pride By the Book by Jeff Adams]()
Pride By the Book by Jeff Adams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne small-town Pride festival. Two enemies forced to work together. An unexpected chance to find their happily ever after. NHL star Ethan Gallagher faces his worst fear when he's named grand marshal of Maplewood's Pride festival: public speaking. The only thing more daunting? Working with Andre Thompson—the passionate librarian who made his high school years miserable... -
![Catch Me by Emory Weste]()
Catch Me by Emory Weste
As an openly gay Major League Baseball player in Georgia, Travis McKinney has built a life he's proud of. He fights against injustice, lives peacefully with his dog, and he has friends who are more like family. What else could he ask for? That was before he met Roman... -
![Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Christmas Lights by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsUnder the Christmas lights strung outside a snowy Minnesota cabin, Ryker and Jacob face a future where nothing will be the same again. Fortunate timing means that Ryker and Jacob can spend a few days together over Christmas in a cabin on the family farm. What's better is that Scott and Ben are coming as well, with Hayne and Ethan in tow... -
![Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder]()
Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder
I’m fairly sure that when I’m on my deathbed, I’ll still be cursing Benji Gange’s name. My neighbor paints his gate purple. His experiments with organic farming drift onto my land. He feeds me casseroles while we argue about everything from water rights to rugby selections. For five years, I’ve told myself he’s the worst thing to happen to farming since foot rot... -
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![Hitorijime My Hero, Vol. 6 by Memeco Arii]()
Hitorijime My Hero, Vol. 6 by Memeco Arii
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLove Is a Battlefield. During their couple's getaway, Masahiro and Kousuke grow closer and closer. On the flip side, Hasekura and Kensuke's usually happy-go-lucky relationship seems to be reaching a new low. So when Hasekura unexpectedly gets some alone time with Masahiro, he decides to use it to his advantage. .. ! Meanwhile, a familiar friend becomes a source of much-needed support for Kensuke. -
![Love Tractor by Hmmyongyong]()
Love Tractor by Hmmyongyong
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen family obligations force Sun Yool, a stressed-out law school student, to the countryside, it seems like a great opportunity to escape the chaos of the city. After all, the great outdoors promises fresh air, sunshine. .. and a new romance? ! Soon after arriving, Sun Yool is thrown into a series of strange encounters and misunderstandings with his 20 year-old neighbour, Yechan... -
![Sugar Dog Life by Yoriko]()
Sugar Dog Life by Yoriko
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsSakuraba is a college student, though you'd never know it, with his short height and baby face. Certainly police officer Amazawa thought Sakuraba was a minor, and nearly booked him for being out too late after he was returning from a drinking party. But there's something oddly familiar about him, and the two strike up an odd relationship. .. -
![Masterpiece by H.J. Welch]()
Masterpiece by H.J. Welch
“I want to trust you. ” Koby Duvall always knew his place at school. Art nerds like him were just target practice for guys on the football team. NFL star Vince Russo may never have bullied him, but the two men are still nothing alike. Except when Koby is asked to create a sculpture of Russo, they find themselves stuck together... -
![A Not So Typical Love by Tristen Rowen]()
A Not So Typical Love by Tristen Rowen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsJordan and Jamie’s love is anything but typical. Jordan Cameron is not like most nineteen year olds. He’s never been on a date, he’s never left New England, and he’s never fallen in love. He lives in his own world, or so that's what it seems to the average person. No one, not even his thirty-one year old brother, Tim, has ever given him the chance to break free... -
![A Wedding in a Week by Con Riley]()
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:
age difference hurt-comfort queer m-m friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary found-family -
![Game On by Amy Aislin]()
Game On by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
![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... -
![10 DANCE, vol. 4 by Satoh Inoue, 井上 佐藤]()
10 DANCE, vol. 4 by Satoh Inoue, 井上 佐藤
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYaoi fans, dip into your new obsession! The beautifully-detailed, lithe bodies of the two “kings of the ballroom” fly across the dance floor as rivals build a volatile bond in this red-hot romance! IT TAKES TWO. Shinya Sugiki, the dashing lord of Standard Ballroom, and Shinya Suzuki, passionate king of Latin Dance: The two share more than just a first name and a love of the sport... -
![Tremble by E. Davies]()
Tremble by E. Davies
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe last place Evan Vincent expected to be dumped was at his engagement shoot… in a dude ranch in Tennessee. Four years of working for his ex for free and standing in his shadow leave Evan reeling with the sudden freedom. Escaping here and working for the ranch owner for a few months could give Evan a chance to regroup… and rebound... -
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![The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn]()
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating...Categorized as:
age difference hurt-comfort queer m-m contemporary angst length-long first-in-series -
![Perfect by Jenny Wood]()
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... -
![Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn]()
Advance & Retreat by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA competitive swimmer and a glamorous drag queen … a love worthy of gold or a crushing defeat? Openly gay college swimmer Ian Harrington is fighting against a current of tragedy. He's grieving the loss of his parents and best friend, and now he's dealing with a toxic coach and judgmental brother. But he won't let that stop him from chasing his dream: Olympic gold... -
![Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu]()
Huddle!, Vol. 3: A "Check, Please!" Sketch Zine by Ngozi Ukazu
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to. Huddle! Vol. 3. . If you're brand new here, Huddle zines are 18+ fan Service booklets that feature characters from the webcomic. Check Please. . And for a sketch zine that started on a goddamn whim, the Huddle series continues a strong legacy of spiciness and smut. How did we even get her, folks? .. -
![Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden]()
Hit the Brakes by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCan they fake it til Tate makes it? Tate Ward is in a bind. His food truck hasn’t been the runaway success he’d always dreamt it would be. When he tries to join a new food truck collective to gain a larger following, his sales aren’t even high enough to win a spot. What he needs is a high profile endorsement—and he knows just the guy. Tate hasn’t seen Chase Riley since high school... -
![Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Desert Dreams by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen danger stalks their new home, it’s only their strength as a couple that keeps them safe. Ryker misses Jacob every day he’s away. At the start of a new Raptors season with everything to play for, Jacob, the desert ranch, and their small menagerie of animals have become an oasis of peace in a turbulent world...
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