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 queer sports age difference hurt-comfort cowboys
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Junjo Romantica, Volume 07 by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 26 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... -
![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... -
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![Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知]()
Snow Fairy by Tomo Serizawa, 芹澤知
When Hokkaido-born Haruki meets animal photographer Akihito and finds out his accommodations have fallen through, he offers his home as a shelter for the winter. A city slicker, Akihito is smart, charming, and a smooth conversationalist; the polar opposite of country boy Haruki. Despite their differences, Akihito wants to close the gap between the two of them, before the snow thaws in the spring... -
![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 -
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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... -
![Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg]()
Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
![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... -
![Ruined by April Wilson]()
Ruined by April Wilson
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
![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... -
![10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 by Mamita]()
10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 by Mamita
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSuzume Tōjō is just three months away from turning forty and realizes there’s so much he hasn’t done with his life! So, he makes a plan: create a private list of things he’s always wanted to do and check them off before turning the big four-oh... -
![Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan]()
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
![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... -
![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: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![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... -
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![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... -
![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... -
![Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer]()
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when rivals have to work together to earn their spot on the team back?SANTACharlie Heart is many things:An annoyingly good hockey player.The man who the media has pitted me against our whole careers.My rival.The only person I truly hate in the world.And now apparently, my newest teammate... -
![Penalty Zone by Heather Leighson]()
Penalty Zone by Heather Leighson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsCaleb It’s fine. Everything’s fine. I can handle working with Leo Griffin—my idol, my secret obsession… and my best friend’s dad. No big deal.Except his amber eyes track me like prey, and every glance makes me want to drop to my knees and submit. I can resist. It’s the only option. He’d never want someone like me anyway… right?LeoThe complication of Caleb Benz blindsides me, rattling my core... -
![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 WordsSorrow’s my body on the wavesSorrow’s a girl inside my caveI live in a city sorrow builtIt’s in my honey, it’s in my milkDon’t leave my half a heart alone on the waterCover me in rag and bone sympathyCause I don’t want to get over you... -
![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... -
![Hawk by Jacki James]()
Hawk by Jacki James
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAt six foot four, muscles for days, and a take charge attitude, Duncan Hawkins is exactly my type and everything I've sworn to avoid... So when I find myself in trouble, why is he my first call?Mika has run before—first from trouble at home, then from an abusive ex.For the past two years, he’s built a quiet, safe life in Vesper, Texas, determined to never run again...Categorized as:
queer age difference hurt-comfort m-m contemporary daddy-kink height-difference abuse -
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![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![All That Matters by Felice Stevens]()
All That Matters by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 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... -
![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 suitAs 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. And of course, he’s drawn to the extra-anxious director who exudes the need for a Daddy not a boy...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: 4.22 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
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![Igniting His Flame by HJ Welch, Helen Juliet]()
Igniting His Flame by HJ Welch, Helen Juliet
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove makes us all braveDARIOAfter escaping my controlling ex-boyfriend and moving to Redwood Bay, I swear off men for good. The only company I need is my new rescue dog, Queenie. Meeting gorgeous firefighter Lochlan Bell at puppy training class doesn’t count because he’s straight, yet for some bizarre reason he’s decided to become my friend... -
![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... -
![Break the Rule by Lucky Hart]()
Break the Rule by Lucky Hart
Charlie King: As free-spirited as he is chaotic, Charlie's rules to art and relationships are as follows: 1) get messy and 2) move on to the next piece. He lives for the thrill of the new, on canvas or in bed, and just because he's over 30 doesn't mean he needs to settle down. When a pretty boy wearing a scowl and a skirt upends Charlie's life, he brings one more rule: don't fall in love...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort age difference m-m found-family contemporary new adult explicit-plentiful -
![Super Lovers vol. 01 by Miyuki Abe]()
Super Lovers vol. 01 by Miyuki Abe
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsAlla notizia della madre in punto di morte, il liceale Haru Kaido si trova costretto a volare oltreoceano. Ad attenderlo, però, trova qualcosa di totalmente inaspettato: Ren, il suo nuovo fratello minore! Ren è un bambino disobbediente, cresciuto senza regole e Haru decide di prendersi cura di lui. Però, proprio quando Ren comincia finalmente ad affezionarsi, una tragedia li costringe a separarsi... -
![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... -
![Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes]()
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving... -
![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.. -
![Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy]()
Tigers on the Way by Sean Kennedy
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
![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... -
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![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 TWOShinya 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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