Books like 'The Friendship Equation'
Readers who enjoyed The Friendship Equation by J.R. Gray also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance sports new adult friends to lovers class difference secret-relationship queer queer-awakening
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#FinishLine by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEvery race has a finish line. Where you go after you cross it is what matters most. And sometimes, that's the most intriguing. Here at GearShark, we've featured lots of drivers. All of them are well acquainted with the finish line. And as race fans, we're well acquainted with cheering as they cross it. What we aren't privy to is riding shotgun, seeing where they drive once the race is over... -
Adoring Keaton: A Stand-Alone Friends-to-Lovers MM Romance by Siobhan Davis
Rated: 4.47 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA friends-to-lovers new adult MM romance from USA Today bestseller Siobhan Davis. Stand-alone with HEA and no cliff-hanger. Keaton Moving to California was supposed to be my fresh start. A clean slate. An opportunity to drop the façade, escape the lies, find a focus, and just be myself.But I should have realized it wouldn’t be easy, especially when my last name is Kennedy...Categorized as:
new adult sports friends to lovers secret-relationship queer contemporary suspense m-m -
#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful, but never someone to taunt... -
Encore by Eden Finley
BLAKE Never make a bet with Jordan Brooks. That’s how I’ve ended up here, doing a movie that risks my entire acting career. Taking on a gay role when I’m straight is problematic in its own right, but when production gets put on hold, and a fabricated story breaks out in the media, Jordan and I have to go into hiding... -
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Let There Be Light by A.M. Johnson
His world was water and rhythm. Hard work and drive kept Royal O'Connell one step ahead of his competition. His spot on the swim team, keeping his scholarship, was the only plan that mattered. His world was ebony and ivory. Natural talent and ambition set Camden Morgan apart from the other music majors. His dedication scoring him a full ride. Normally, their paths would have never crossed…... -
Tex by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJazz: I’m in love with my straight best friend …Prison changed me, mostly for the better, but it could never erase my love for Tex. Growing up together in foster care he was my one constant, and I hate all the ways I’ve let him down. Now that I’m free my biggest wish is to settle back into our friendship and life in our MC. I know I’ll never have anything more... -
Against the Grain: Auckland Med #4 by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI don’t like labels and I’m happy that way, but it’s taken a long time to get here. A jerk of a father, too many bullies to name, and a string of dipshit boyfriends whose interest in me rarely made it past the skirts I sometimes wear. Suffice to say, my faith in men runs a little thin.The last thing I need is a gruff, opinionated, fiery, closeted, Paralympian jock messing with my hard-won peace... -
You Could Make a Life by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe first thing Dan says to him is, “we’re in the NHL!”, because that’s how he’s been greeting anyone wearing a jersey, and Marc Lapointe, 'the future of the franchise', is wearing Dan's colours.“I think you’re my new best friend,” Dan says, his excitement beating out common sense, social filters, the need to play it cool.“It is nice to meet you, new best friend," Marc says, his mouth twitching...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary athletes -
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
Lovers Like Us by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsTwenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene lives by his actions, and his actions say he’s the best at whatever he does. As a 24/7 bodyguard and the new boyfriend to Maximoff Hale, protecting the headstrong, alpha billionaire has never been more complicated. And one rule can’t be bent: Keep your relationship secret from the public. Farrow is confident he’s the best man for the job...Categorized as:
new adult class difference secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary alpha male found-family -
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 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... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
And Then by Taylor Fitzpatrick
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsDavid Chapman has achieved almost everything he's ever wanted. He may not have been anyone's first pick, and he may not have the respect he knows he deserves, but he also knows he has no shortage of chances to prove himself. And he has Jake. So it doesn't make sense for him to feel so dissatisfied. And it really doesn't make sense for him to feel so afraid... -
Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMorgan Boyle wants two things in life: to play hockey and to be left alone. Noah Andersson is loud, outgoing and probably hasn’t stopped talking since he learned how to say words. When Morgan ends up on a team with Noah at the Olympics, they get closer than either of them expected, and even when they’ve returned home Morgan still finds himself drawn to Noah... -
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Walk With Me by Cardeno C.
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Book in the Home Series When Eli Block steps into his parents' living room and sees his childhood crush sitting on the couch, he starts a shameless campaign to seduce the young rabbi. Unfortunately, Seth Cohen barely remembers Eli and he resolutely shuts down all his advances... -
A Fool and His Manny by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeeing the truth and falling in love. Dustin Robbins-Grayson was a surly adolescent when Quinlan Gregory started the nanny gig. After a rocky start, he grew into Quinlan’s friend and confidant—and a damned sexy man. At twenty-one, Dusty sees how Quinlan sacrificed his own life and desires to care for Dusty’s family... -
Boys of Summer by A.E. Wasp
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTeammates, roommates, friends with benefits. What could go wrong? Boys of Summer is a book about finding the perfect person to ride shotgun with on the crazy road trip called life. It contains a Dolly Parton lookalike, an unfortunate deer versus car incident, and poorly-timed epiphanies. Everybody leaves. That was the first lesson Thunder goalie James McVicker ever learned... -
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved... -
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
The Hardest Fall by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLee trades country ballads for show tunes in the next standalone book of her M/M series, Roadmap to Your Heart. After licking his wounds from a painful relationship, Tate Sullivan is ready to move back home. He picks up where he left off as drag queen extraordinaire Frieda Love in a West Village bar in New York City... -
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
The Making of Matt by Nicola Haken, E. Adams
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsMatt Carter, self-proclaimed sex-god and drummer for world renowned Souls of the Knight, didn’t have the time or inclination for planning his future, preferring to fill his days with music, women and alcohol. He didn’t want or need anything else in his life. Until the band parted ways and he found himself no longer living the dream...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening m-m rockstars musicians contemporary -
Pretty Sweet by Christina Lee, Riley Hart
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSethPortland was supposed to be my fresh start, my chance to live for myself. Unfortunately, it’s not working out that way. I stay in the apartment Mom chose and major in finance like she wants. I let bad memories keep me from hooking up. I wouldn’t know the first thing about finding a guy who gets me, who’s okay with my need to be held and feel safe...Categorized as:
friends to lovers new adult queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary virgin hero daddy-kink -
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Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
Battle It Out by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaster Sergeant Zane Gannon loves nothing more than being a part of his Special Forces unit and kicking ass, but above everything, he values his friendship with Isaac. Sure, they argue and snipe at each other, but it’s all in good fun. Until it isn’t. Now, Isaac is pulling away and something Zane has buried for two decades is resurfacing... -
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist?My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 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... -
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhat happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more… Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
Matched By My Rival by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSimon Prentiss: ex-football star, bitter rival, and...falling for the enemy?I hate my teammate, Parker Reed.I hate that he makes me work so hard for my position on the field. Hate how he always smiles. How easily he shows me up when I'm injured.Most of all, I hate that he made me lose my temper.Next thing I know, football is gone.My scholarship is gone.I'm nearly gone, too... -
Just Be You by M.E. Parker
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhen Scott Cohen got word that he’d been nominated for a Grammy, he wondered if the universe was playing some cruel trick on him. Of all the songs he’d written, why did it have to be that song? Over ten years had passed since he’d written the song and even more since Scott had become obsessed with Marshall Donavan, his brother’s best friend... -
Truth or Darren by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTruth or...whoa, that's not the dare!What happens when my big mouth writes a check it can't cash while taunting my ex's brother in a game of Truth or Dare? I end up with his tongue in my mouth. In my very straight, totally uninterested mouth.While I don't feel anything.Nothing at all.In fact, I barely noticed...Categorized as:
new adult friends to lovers queer queer-awakening m-m from hate to love contemporary bisexual -
Three Is the Luckiest Number by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsElliot Cowell spent his entire life training to become a superstar.A prodigy on the ice, likely the future captain of his team, there’s no room for mistakes when it comes to Elliot’s career, but knowing all that didn’t keep him from falling in love with Blake Samuels...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers new adult secret-relationship queer m-m contemporary hockey -
Nice Guys & First Times by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsYou Always Remember Your First…Come along for a sweet, steamy compilation of 4 MM romance novellas by the queen of swoon herself: K.M. Neuhold... -
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Rewritten by J.R. Gray
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMovie star 102: The headlines are never what they seem. Quellcrist wasn’t new to fame or the effect it had on a relationship. He’d been married in the spotlight for as long as he’d been famous. But that was before Hale. He knew it was going to test him but even he hadn’t known the toll that months apart would take on his fledgling relationship... -
Boyfriend Freeze by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI've made a lot of mistakes, but you can't be one of them...Dear Graham,After crossing too many lines for my self-respect, I made a promise to myself: no hookups for sixty days.But I didn't count on meeting you.Who knew a smart, cardigan-wearing geek would be such temptation? You're all wrong for me, except you're also kind of exactly right... -
My Only Reason by Leigh Lennon
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRyderIt's a cliche' really, falling in love with my best friend, my very straight best friend. And to add more complications, I'm a football player, about to be drafted. We're manly men. We aren't supposed to be gay. But I am and I love the one person I'll never have. Until fate forces us together six years later... -
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
Campus Cravings by KyAnn Waters, Whitley Gray
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings*****NOMINATED FOR BEST ANTHOLOGY IN GOODREADS M/M ROMANCE GROUP'S MEMBER'S CHOICE AWARDS***** Welcome to Cathia University, where school is in session! Nine of today's hottest gay romance authors have crafted brand-new interrelated novellas celebrating everything wonderful about college, including sophisticated professors, sexy teaching assistants, ambitious grad students, and spirited... -
Into the Blue by Pene Henson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTai Talagi and Ollie Birkstrom have been inseparable since they met as kids, surfing the North Shore of Oahu. Now they live with their best friends and Ollie’s kid brother in a pulled-together family, all of them piled into a run-down beach house. They share cooking, bills, and the saltwater running in their veins... -
The Sweetest Goodbye by Christina Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBillie Montgomery was always known as the sick kid with the therapy dog. Dylan Bowden never had two nickels to rub together, let alone a true home to call his own. The two have been best friends since high school. They’re always there for each other, so when Billie opens his own bakery called Montgomery’s Sweets no one supports him better than Dylan... -
His Uptown Guy by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Jesse Grace-Martin loses his father on 9/11, his charmed life is gone forever. People look menacing, and the streets no longer seem safe. After experiencing a brutal mugging, Jesse retreats to his apartment in the landmark Dakota building... -
Mud & Lace by Jay Northcote
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Wicksy falls for drag queen Charlie, they discover that both sexuality and gender can be fluid. Simon Wicks—Wicksy to his rugby teammates—has only ever been interested in women. But when he sets eyes on Lady Gogo, a drag queen who performs at Rainbow Place, he can’t stop thinking about her... -
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Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
Signs of Love: Winter by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWhat happens when a clueless hero believes in star-sign compatibility? What happens when there’s only one sign left to try? Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer... Caspian’s tried the lot, compatibility nil. Leo is his last hope for happiness. He just has to find one. Maybe his Virgo best friend will help? He should sneak over next door and see.. -
I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.Who will win, heart or hurricane?Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town... -
Liam Davis & The Raven by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLiam Davis is a serious journalist, and he’s good at it. Or at least, he was... -
As I Am by A.M. Arthur
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWill Madden is healing. Thanks to therapy and a growing support system, he's taking baby steps into a promising future. One of those steps leads him to an online chat room, where he quickly bonds with fellow PTSD sufferer Taz Zachary. Despite their virtual connection, Taz is initially freaked out at the idea of meeting Will face-to-face...
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