Books like 'Whatever It Takes'
Readers who enjoyed Whatever It Takes by Max Walker also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance queer friends to lovers office forced proximity mystery found-family siblings-bff anal sex
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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:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer found-family m-m contemporary humor sunny hero -
![The Magnolia Murders by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
The Magnolia Murders by Aimee Nicole Walker
Everything old is new again in love and murder.Work together, live together, and play together is the name of the game for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. But one of those things changes when Chief Mendoza taps Sawyer to lead the newly formed cold case unit. His first task: solve the Magnolia Murders that spanned three decades and suddenly stopped in 2000... -
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![Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsListening Length 9 hours and 57 minutesA red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex...Categorized as:
queer second chances forced proximity friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love angst -
![The Fire by May Archer]()
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... -
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![Would You Die With Me? by L.A. Cannon]()
Would You Die With Me? by L.A. Cannon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter eight years, Kaj Larsen did not expect to be here staring his past in the eye, much less having to work with him.Noah Sørensen, Artificial Suicide’s new vocalist, had once been everything for Kaj, but they fell apart in the most catastrophic way. Now they’re two scarred souls finding each other in the crux of all the secrets and resentment floating between them.He doesn’t need this...Categorized as:
found-family friends to lovers queer from hate to love m-m hurt-comfort contemporary length-long -
![Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams]()
Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing... -
![Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe]()
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... -
![The Bargain by Jocelynn Drake]()
The Bargain by Jocelynn Drake
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHe’s a golden retriever with a billion-dollar bank account. Sebastian is a brilliant, thoughtful boss who’s also too sexy for words.And for some crazy reason he has set his sights on me—his lowly, boring, always-proper assistant.I should say NO.I need to say NO.But YES is so much more delicious and fun... -
![Second Shot by Con Riley]()
Second Shot by Con Riley
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecond Shot (Second Chance School #2)Welcome back to Glynn Harber School for another steamy, swoony romance between two bruised souls.Passion always leads to heartbreak for Hayden Novac. Nice guys always get picked last. That’s what my coach at a soccer academy once promised... -
![Wheels Down by Beth Bolden]()
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 -
![Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox]()
Wilde Fire by Lucy Lennox
Otto: Seth Walker was my first love and I always swore he’d be my last. Even after he moved away our senior year in high school, we vowed to reunite after graduation. But when he suddenly broke things off without explanation and crushed my heart, it was my turn to run. After a decade in the navy, I’ve finally come home ready to move on with my life as Hobie’s newest firefighter...Categorized as:
mystery friends to lovers second chances men in uniform queer m-m contemporary military -
![Newly Tied by Mary Calmes]()
Newly Tied by Mary Calmes
For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers anal sex found-family men in uniform m-m contemporary queer-awakening -
![Rising Tide by E.M. Lindsey]()
Rising Tide by E.M. Lindsey
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOnce upon a time, Ghost was the best enforcer the Reapers MC had ever known—until the Hydra appeared and destroyed everything he’d worked for. After witnessing corruption down to the very core of their club, his only option was to take off his cut and leave...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer found-family siblings-bff m-m age difference contemporary -
![Hard Ink by Ali Lyda]()
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men.When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.He saved me.Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.I can’t ask for more of my friend.Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m age difference contemporary length-short audiobook -
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![The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins]()
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 office queer found-family m-m contemporary queer-awakening length-short -
![Grinding by Sean Ashcroft]()
Grinding by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo childhood best friends. One accidental fake engagement. One Labrador puppy. One week to fall in love.When Harvey runs into his childhood best friend—literally—on the way into Otter Bay for his cousin's wedding, he doesn't plan to end up playing the part of the guy's fiancé... -
![Roman by Annabella Stone]()
Roman by Annabella Stone
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFact: Six years ago, former Force Recon Marine Roman Walsh made the biggest mistake of his life and chose duty to his country over love. Fact: He was an idiot. Now the one he loves is missing, and Roman has only one thing on his mind. Get him back alive... -
![The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton]()
The Boyfriend Comeback by Lauren Blakely, Teddy Hamilton
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsA sexy, emotionally-charged, rivals-to-lovers, second chance sports romance… Some men are just off-limits. Like, say, all the other football players in the league. But I’ve been crushing hard on one quarterback in particular for the last year. When Jason invites me to his place the night before my first pro football game, I say yes so fast...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers secret-relationship second chances forced proximity m-m sports contemporary -
![Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSecond wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need... -
![The Parting Glass by Josh Lanyon]()
The Parting Glass by Josh Lanyon
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsTwo and a half years ago, travel writer Timothy McShay let NYPD Detective Luke O'Brien talk him into hiking into the New Jersey Pine Barrens to face down a monster. Now Tim and Luke meet again under very different circumstances. The old attraction is still there -- but so are some of Tim's monsters...Categorized as:
men in uniform mystery queer contemporary cheating m-m other-man-woman length-novella -
![Dauntless by Victoria Denault]()
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 secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary angst length-short audiobook -
![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:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer found-family m-m age difference hurt-comfort contemporary -
![Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone by Ripley Hayes]()
Murder in Shades of Wood and Stone by Ripley Hayes
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn early morning phone call. A dead teenager. A bunch of hostile witnesses with a wedding to attend.Charlie Rees was enjoying the calm after the storm in Llanfair. He thought he and Tom Pennant might get some peaceful time together. Maybe even fall in love. Not a chance.As Charlie battles to get justice for a murdered boy, Tom has his own battle to save the art college and his career... -
![His Protector: a First Love, M/M Romance by Sue Brown]()
His Protector: a First Love, M/M Romance by Sue Brown
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat kind of courage does it take to travel two thousand miles just to say hello to a man who doesn’t know you exist? At thirty years old and never been kissed, Walker is about to find out. After a rocky start to his life in the agency, newly trained operative Walker takes the biggest chance of his life before his first mission. He returns to J.T... -
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![Spencer by M. Tasia]()
Spencer by M. Tasia
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDIVINE RETRIBUTIONEveryone has secrets. Especially a Navy SEAL. But Spencer has found the one man who seems to be hiding more than him. And that just doesn’t fly.Rick reinvented his life fifteen years ago, and has no intention of revealing why. But, in the back of his mind he’s been waiting for the other shoe to fall, and now it has... -
![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
![North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe]()
North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShort stories from Borealis: Without a CompassNorth and Shaw: Out of Office Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“Couple Friends”As a (relatively) new couple, North and Shaw learn what it means to have friends as a couple—and how to be friends in a relationship. This story takes place before Indirection... -
![By the Book by Gregory Ashe]()
By the Book by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA 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... -
![Rushing In by Alice Winters]()
Rushing In by Alice Winters
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI finally have a chance to team up with Bradley, the hot fellow police officer that I've been longing to get closer to. Somehow, I haven't scared him off, even with my awkward flirting and my father telling him that I mimed giving birth to a cat as a child... -
![Charlie's Doctor by Jocelynn Drake]()
Charlie's Doctor by Jocelynn Drake
A second chance to say ‘don’t let me go’.When paintings for an artist who disappeared roughly fifty years ago suddenly surface, Charlie and his friends decide it might be worth looking into what really happened. Besides, who isn’t up for adventure and fun in Buenos Aires?But things go horribly sideways when Charlie stumbles across Dr...Categorized as:
forced proximity men in uniform second chances mystery queer found-family sweet-hero m-m -
![Only You by Aimee Nicole Walker]()
Only You by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsTwo completely different men and one powerful attraction. Sebastian Blake is a cynical, self-made billionaire who has only known rejection and abandonment in his personal life. Adam Johnson is a closeted gay man who works for the law firm representing Sebastian in a civil lawsuit filed against him by a former employee... -
![Liar's Gambit by Kelly Fox]()
Liar's Gambit by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHe’s a liar. I’m a hitman. And there’s a game afoot.After seeking sanctuary at The Anonymous, an elite club for lawless types, the elegant, beastly Wilhelm invites me to help him with a simple mission: retrieve the priceless artifact that was stolen from one of his billionaire friends... -
![Snowed by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey]()
Snowed by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA second chance at love is all Kyle wants for Christmas, but a dark menace from his past wants him dead, and love is second to staying alive. Kyle Lourenco has carved out a comfortable life and career for himself in Boston. With the holidays quickly approaching, he's heading home for the first time in several years. Home to his loving parents and the small Canadian town where he was raised... -
![In the Gray by Christina Lee]()
In the Gray by Christina Lee
FosterI moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit...Categorized as:
forced proximity friends to lovers second chances queer anal sex found-family contemporary m-m -
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![His Warrior: a Second Chance M/M Protector Romance by Sue Brown]()
His Warrior: a Second Chance M/M Protector Romance by Sue Brown
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWill an alpha guy like Si willingly give his heart to Howie for a second chance at love? Si Raines thought his plans were set for the future. He’d marry his fiancé, the bar-owner Howie Gray, continue with his covert ops career, and when he was ready to retire from that, find a new job and settle down to life together... -
![Punch Drunk Love Vol. 1 by Moscareto]()
Punch Drunk Love Vol. 1 by Moscareto
Get this Mature-rated Boys’ Love webtoon/manhwa in English print for the first time! A full-color romantic comedy about a soft man hoping for some hard love…and maybe getting it from the new guy at work.Seon-woo knows he’s painfully average in every way, but he can’t help pining for the hot new manager at work, Tae-moon... -
![North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe]()
North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNorth and Shaw: Out of Office is a collection of short stories. It includes the following: “Bad Boys at the Radio Girls” Radio Girls is a lesbian bar. A group of straight guys thinks it’s funny to crash. North and Shaw are hired to take care of this problem (and they try not to fulfill the white savior stereotype while doing so). This story takes place before Orientation... -
![Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott]()
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... -
![Beautiful Temptation by Christina Lee]()
Beautiful Temptation by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsBlair Anderson only thinks of Caden Bell as his best friend’s younger brother, a straight-laced jock still dating his high-school sweetheart. They are as different as night and day. Caden has always considered Blair an enigma, the way he lights up every room with his self-confidence and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. But since childhood they’ve drifted worlds apart...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer siblings-bff m-m christmas contemporary height-difference -
![Lucky by J.M. Dabney]()
Lucky by J.M. Dabney
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Twirled World Ink where the crazies run the asylum. When someone was asked to describe crazy, if they knew Lee “Lucky” Trenton they’d point at him. Accident prone and without a filter of any kind to tell him to shut up before he says something inappropriate he’s no one’s idea of a perfect partner... -
![Murder in Shades of Blue and Green by Ripley Hayes]()
Murder in Shades of Blue and Green by Ripley Hayes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDS Charlie Rees wants a fresh start.He wants to make his name as a serious, professional, detective.Two students disappear. This could be Charlie’s chance. If he can find them.But the university doesn’t want to admit they’re missing, and his personal life is a disaster.The fresh start is turning into a hot mess... -
![Sweet Things by Mia Scott]()
Sweet Things by Mia Scott
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis bad boy Chef just lost the only home he’s ever had. I spent the last decade building a restaurant and running a kitchen I’m proud of, but with one selfish choice, my brother destroys it all. I’ve sacrificed everything—including any chance at a love life—and I’ve ended up with nothing.Well, not exactly nothing... -
![His Until Christmas by Con Riley]()
His Until Christmas by Con Riley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome back to London for another snow-dusted and super-emotional holiday romance from Con Riley's Christmas collection."What do you mean I'll be someone else's PA?" I slump, the bell on my Santa hat tinkling. "For how long?""Just until Christmas," Rex promises. "Don't worry, Jack. You'll like him... -
![Knox by Laura John]()
Knox by Laura John
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKnox Hanes has always kept his feelings for his older brother’s best friend, Gunnar, a secret. When Knox is forced from his home Gunnar invites him to live with him until things are sorted out. Trapped in close quarters, their hidden desires ignite, but the danger around them escalates, forcing them to confront their feelings and protect their newfound love...Categorized as:
mystery queer forced proximity siblings-bff friends to lovers m-m contemporary hurt-comfort -
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![It's Not You by Becca Seymour]()
It's Not You by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen a protective ex-cop helps his gorgeous tenant through his recovery, their complicated history is asking for trouble. Will the fear of the past repeating itself destroy any possibility of happiness?Daredevil drifter Lawrence Crawford is hunting for a place to call home. After ten years of looking, he believes he’s found what he’s been searching for... -
![Queried Sick by Dallas Smith]()
Queried Sick by Dallas Smith
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor fans of Casey McQuiston and Always Only You, Queried Sick is a slow-burn romance about two bisexual disasters finding love while working at a publishing company during the pandemic—complete with grumpy/sunshine vibes, found family, and an attention-seeking cat...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office queer contemporary m-m new adult grumpy sunshine length-medium -
![Miracle by R.J. Scott]()
Miracle by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn abandoned baby, a poignant note from his long-lost twin, and unexpectedly, Jax’s world is turned upside down...Categorized as:
friends to lovers mystery queer found-family contemporary m-m single-father dual-pov -
![Saving Him by Sara Hurst]()
Saving Him by Sara Hurst
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen the one you love but shouldn’t is taken, you fight like hell to get them back.Adam DuBois is a true hero—a Navy SEAL dedicated to his team and country. You can see it in everything he does.That’s what I tell people when they ask me about him.To me, though, he’s so much more than a hero. More than a SEAL. He’s the love of my life.I met Adam when we were eighteen and headed to boot camp... -
![Heartbreak Honey by Tammy Subia]()
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 forced proximity queer angst contemporary m-m length-long explicit-plentiful -
![RIDE by Nellie Christine]()
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...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity queer sweet-hero found-family m-m contemporary sports
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