Books like 'What It Takes'
Readers who enjoyed What It Takes by Jude Sierra also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm lgbtq coming-of-age friends-to-lovers angst family
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Unwanted by Marley Valentine
Rated: 5.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo halves of a whole, Arlo Bishop and I were both unwanted kids brought together by the foster system. Dealing with the aftermath of neglect and abandonment, we grew up side by side and found solace in one another.We wanted.We needed.We loved.Desperately.But somewhere along the way, Arlo wanted and needed and loved drugs more. So, I did the only thing I could and broke my own heart to save his... -
![Shattered Pieces by K.M. Neuhold]()
Shattered Pieces by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratings“I was sure my heart had withered away years ago, but then you smiled at me, and I felt it beat again.” ~Gage Years ago, I fell in love with my best friend’s little brother. Then, he took his own life, leaving me shattered and unable to piece my heart back together. I’ve been a zombie for nine long years... -
![Letters Book One by Michael Robert]()
Letters Book One by Michael Robert
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York City financier, thirty-nine-year-old Perry Jackson, discovers a letter from his deceased husband, Jack. Jack’s recent death leaves Perry reeling and alone. After eighteen years together, Perry has no idea how he can move forward.Lucas Jenson, a nineteen-year-old residing in Beaufort, South Carolina, has lost both his mother and the man he dreamed of sharing his life with... -
![Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land]()
Take a Chance on Me by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFree-spirited ballet dancer Quinn is sure he made a terrible mistake by agreeing to be Duke’s roommate. The big cop is the most uptight person Quinn’s ever met, and both men begin driving each other crazy from day one. Before long though, an undeniable spark of attraction ignites between them... -
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![Caldwell Brothers: The Complete Series Bundle by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda]()
Caldwell Brothers: The Complete Series Bundle by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNico is it for me...too bad he’s my brother’s best friend. Friends and brothers are off limits. That’s always been the rule in our house. In a big family it’s the only way to keep the peace. That doesn’t stop my heart from belonging to Nico, my older brother’s best friend... -
![Aaron's Awakening by K.C. Wells]()
Aaron's Awakening by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAaron isn’t looking for love, but it finds him – and it has a few surprises in store…A laidback man who goes with the flowAaron is happy for his friends who’ve found love, but he’s starting to feel as if he’s an endangered species – a single guy. Not that he’s looking for anyone... -
![The Life We Have by Kelsey Kingsley]()
The Life We Have by Kelsey Kingsley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter the untimely death of his single mother, Greyson found himself orphaned at fifteen. That is, until the discovery of his father, Sebastian - a world renown drummer in a famous rock band. Overnight, Greyson's world had been turned upside down, taking him from rags to riches. And now, six years later, Greyson's only goal is to follow in his dad's footsteps... -
![Stryke First by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
Stryke First by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis book is part of a series. It contains homosexual relations, violence and coarse language. It is preceded by Falcon's Fox. Rebel Stryker has had to fight to survive from the moment he was born to a heroin-addicted mother. Raised by his grandparents, his only mission in life was to succeed where his mother had failed... -
![Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes]()
Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrant Kostas made a career based on his looks before joining his family’s real estate firm. He may not love his job but he’s better at sales than he thought. And when he’s poised to bring in the biggest account of the company’s history, even his father is impressed. Unfortunately, the extra attention highlights Grant’s personal life. His parents accept that he’s gay... -
![Family Rules by Jacki James]()
Family Rules by Jacki James
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJustin had three simple rules for dating: No co-workers, no repeats, and absolutely no men with kids. He was happy with those rules. And no one had ever tempted him to break them. Until a night on the prowl had him crossing paths with an adorably geeky accountant. Mark spent the last year being the best dad possible to his little girl while enjoying life as an openly gay man for the first time... -
![Drawn to You by Jaclyn Quinn]()
Drawn to You by Jaclyn Quinn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLeaving his enormous family behind, native New Yorker, Elijah, decides to move to Brighton Pier for a fresh start. Being part of a large LGBTQ community and landing his dream job at Inkubus, a local tattoo shop, is too big of a draw for him to turn down... -
![String Boys by Amy Lane]()
String Boys by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeth Arnold learned at an early age that two things in life could make his soul soar—his violin and Kelly Cruz. In Seth’s uncertain childhood, the kindness of the Cruz family, especially Kelly and his brother, Matty, gave Seth the stability to make his violin sing with the purest sound and opened a world of possibility beyond his home in Sacramento... -
![Kade & Cameron by A.D. Ellis]()
Kade & Cameron by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCameron Lewis is left reeling when his perfect life—two beautiful children, an adoring husband, and a house on the lake—is ripped apart by loss. Kade Ramsey is living the American dream with a wife, two amazing children, and a comfortable job. But dreams are often only illusions, and Kade discovers his life isn’t all he thought it to be. Kade and Cam have been friends for years... -
![The Long Way by DomLuka]()
The Long Way by DomLuka
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNote: Book cover incorrectly titled.After tragedy strikes at home and he loses a special friend, is betrayed by someone he trusts and his father discovers he's gay, Owen Dovan moves in with the brothers he hasn't seen in two years. Even in a loving environment things aren't always easy... -
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![过门 - Guomen by Priest]()
过门 - Guomen by Priest
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” -Matthew 7:14Guomen, 過門/过门, meaning marriage in Chinese. If explained literally, it means going past the gates/door-a reference to the Bible(see above).“Through the Strait Gates”: to me, it’s the best way to explain it.The gate’s narrow, the road small for them... -
![Until Jude by Briar Prescott]()
Until Jude by Briar Prescott
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm the first one to tell you doing the right thing has never been high on my list of priorities.Same goes for respecting the law. And ethics in general.It's more like guidelines anyway.Until him.Jude Riley.I invite myself into his life and refuse to leave. I know it's wrong. I know I shouldn't.I do anyway.It's never meant to turn into anything serious.It's never supposed to matter.Until it does... -
![Fearless by Chris O'Guinn]()
Fearless by Chris O'Guinn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt fifteen, Justin is already a cynic. He’s experienced too many betrayals, too many disappointments. He doesn’t want to be involved in anything. He doesn’t want to be popular. He doesn’t even want friends anymore, since they only ever let you down. He just wants to get through high school and the best way he can come up with to accomplish that goal is to simply be invisible... -
![If the Stars Fall by Diane Adams]()
If the Stars Fall by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSixteen years have passed since Jared Douglas surrendered his heart, accepting Alex Ross as an integral part of his life. Each moment since seems paved in gold leading them toward an inevitable happy ever after. When calamity comes, it hits hard. The couple is left shell-shocked in the aftermath of disaster. Alex struggles to recover from his injury and the resulting depression... -
![Once Burned by Alexa Land]()
Once Burned by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCameron Doyle is an arson investigator who’s learned he can’t trust anyone. Ignacio Mondelvano is an artist with a secret that could tear them apart. A year ago, shy, quiet Cameron had his trust shattered by a sociopath who used him to gain information on an arson case... -
![Fancy Free by Mia Monroe]()
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
![Marriage Rules: A Breaking the Rules Novel by Jacki James]()
Marriage Rules: A Breaking the Rules Novel by Jacki James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter one incriminating photo outs him to his parents, Stevie loses everything: his family, his home, and his shot at finishing his degree. He’s at a loss what to do until the guy he’s been crushing on makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Coming off a jilted engagement, Casey is done with relationships, swearing off marriage forever... -
![Operation Meet the Parents by K.M. Neuhold]()
Operation Meet the Parents by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTeddy is ready to pop the question, but can he find the perfect movie-moment proposal for Harlow? And more importantly, will Low survive meeting the parents? Oh, the joy of Christmas... -
![Any Given Sunday by Mari Carr]()
Any Given Sunday by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWild Irish, Book Seven.The child who is born on the Sabbath day, is bonny and blithe and good and gay. Sean Collins is happy working at the family pub and sharing a house with the woman of his dreams. He and Lauren are equals in every way, including in bed, where they burn the sheets. Life is good. Even if he must hide a couple of secrets to keep it that way.Lauren is madly in love with Sean... -
![Henry Hamlet's Heart by Rhiannon Wilde]()
Henry Hamlet's Heart by Rhiannon Wilde
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA sparkling queer YA romance set in Brisbane, Henry Hamlet’s Heart follows one guy and his sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking journey to love.Henry Hamlet doesn’t know what he wants after school ends. It’s his last semester of year twelve and all he’s sure of is his uncanny ability to make situations awkward. Luckily, he can always hide behind his enigmatic best friend, Len... -
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![My Ride, I Love You by Patrick Rangimant]()
My Ride, I Love You by Patrick Rangimant
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThis is a love story of Mork, who is a motorcycle taxi driver in Bangkok, and Tawan, a junior internal medicine resident doctor in the university hospital. Seems like they both have a small chance to meet, let alone the falling in love, but it did happen... -
![Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart]()
Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTom, shy office clerk by day and drawer of foxes by night wakes up one Monday knowing the most extraordinary week of his life is about to begin. In five days time a lifelong ‘secret’ will be made gloriously public—but will it mean losing the person he loves most? Getting married… It seems like only yesterday Tom changed nappies and sang nursery rhymes to a laughing baby... -
![Bodies in Space by Shukyou]()
Bodies in Space by Shukyou
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIsaac didn't make mistakes. He was a very thorough and hard worker, and had been praised for that by his supervisor on so many occasions that he'd lost count, and something had to happen very many times before Isaac lost count of it.Words: 21382 in two partsAlso on Ao3:http://archiveofourown... -
![Tutus and Tinsel by Rhys Ford]()
Tutus and Tinsel by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsZig Reid-Harris has everything an eleven-year-old girl could ever want: a great home, two fantastic fathers named Deacon Reid and Lang Harris, and all the books she could possibly read. When a school assignment about holiday traditions unexpectedly broadsides her, she discovers burying the past isn’t as easy as it looks, and the stark reality of her life before her adoption sinks in... -
![Hair Balls by Tara Lain]()
Hair Balls by Tara Lain
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when a blue-collar dude who hides behind his Sasquatch hair gets sheared by a toppy femme in pink lace bikini panties?Contractor, Rick Ronconi can’t admit what he really wants because it’ll lose him his job, his father, his few friends, and maybe even the one thing he really cares about—his sister, Alice... -
![Second Act by Alexa Land]()
Second Act by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter pursuing my big break in Hollywood for more than a decade, I’ve finally landed the role of a lifetime. The only downside--it happened just as sweet, gorgeous Lorenzo and I were taking the first tentative steps from friendship to so much more. Our brand-new relationship barely had a chance to get off the ground, and now the pressures of my new-found success are coming at us from every angle... -
![Encore by Shira Anthony]()
Encore by Shira Anthony
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Blue Notes Novel Cool kid violinist Roger Nelson doesn’t give a damn about anything. Wannabe conductor John Fuchs is awkward, effeminate, and just figuring out he’s gay. Despite their differences, they become friends—then lovers—and after college, they try to make it work. But it’s the 1970s, and Roger can’t bring himself to admit he’s gay... -
![Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper]()
Jericho Candelario's Gay Debut by R. Cooper
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJerry Candelario, known as Potts to almost everyone, has spent his entire adult life focused on raising his siblings and his niece. But the home he fought hard to make feels empty since everyone has grown up and moved out, and his precious baby niece is now a teen with a life of her own... -
![Love Me by K.C. Wells]()
Love Me by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTrent Sutton doesn’t ‘do’ monogamy. He spends his days on the road in his truck, and his nights hooking up with anyone who catches his eye. Casual sex, no strings – Trent likes his life just the way it is. He sees what his friend Connor has, but he’s just not interested... -
![This Time for Always by Andrew Grey]()
This Time for Always by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPolice officer Finnigan Pettaprin’s life is his job. He’s driven to be the best, always. Past relationships have largely been heartbreaking, so he keeps to himself. The last thing he expects is for a near-disastrous car chase through town to bring him in contact with Mark, the one who got away.Mark Wallace hasn’t had the best luck in life... -
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![Mondays with You by K.J. Lewis]()
Mondays with You by K.J. Lewis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHigh-school teacher West Connors struggled to put the pieces of his heart back together after the sudden departure of his best friend, Blake Thomas, from his life ten years ago. While loves have come and gone, West has never quite filled the hole in his heart Blake left behind. Blake Thomas gets things done... -
![Room for Recovery by D.J. Jamison]()
Room for Recovery by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew Edition found hereBeau James isn't out, but he's not fooling anyone. When he's cornered by two bullies, he's rescued by none other than the broody Wade Ritter, who he's crushed on from afar. Despite their family connection, Wade has resisted all of Beau's attempts at friendship -- until now. His protective streak gives Beau an opportunity to get past Wade's prickly exterior... -
![Undercurrent by Pandora Pine]()
Undercurrent by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTWO LOST MEN, ONE SAFE HARBOR…Internationally best-selling author, Landon Fairchild struck gold with his first novel, but can’t seem to string two words together now... -
![Haven by Sean Ashcroft]()
Haven by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Mike is the painfully straight man who made me realise I was painfully bi.” After four years away, Mike returns to the Wild at Heart animal sanctuary for Oscar and Ryan’s wedding—only to run straight into Ezra, his old best friend. Dreading facing his ex-girlfriend at the wedding festivities, Mike jumps at the chance when Ezra jokes about going as his date... -
![Fem by Seth King]()
Fem by Seth King
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPeter Martin is living two lives inside one body. Although he is openly gay, a lifetime of taunting from his family and community for being “too feminine” has still left him clad in false armor, portraying a character that is entirely fake, but keeps him safe from ridicule all the same. Stand tall, speak deeply, keep a strong handshake, never draw attention, never be “too gay... -
![Friction by Kindle Alexander, Jae Ashley]()
Friction by Kindle Alexander, Jae Ashley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeau Brooks The guy of my dreams sweeps me off my feet and over my handlebars, quite literally. But our budding relationship takes a turn when my troubled past resurfaces, shattering any hope for a future. Now, I feel like a hollowed-out version of myself. Memories of piercing blue eyes and sweeping blond hair are all that remain to get me through a day... -
![Something Like Rain by Jay Bell]()
Something Like Rain by Jay Bell
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNice guys finish last, but that doesn’t mean they give up the fight. Sometimes it’s necessary to keep trudging through the rain in the hopes of finding a break in the clouds. William Townson is a good person. He’s kind, considerate, and the last thing he ever wanted was to hurt anyone. Accidents happen though, and when they do, all that can be done is to pick up the pieces... -
![Dauntless by Victoria Denault]()
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 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 Best Man's Secret by Ana Ashley]()
The Best Man's Secret by Ana Ashley
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing the best man is hard. Being in love with the groom is worse.A note under my door, and suddenly, I have to tell my best friend he’s been jilted on his wedding day. When it comes to Adam, there’s nothing I won’t do. I’ll go on his honeymoon, invite him to live with me, and forget I’m keeping secrets that could destroy our friendship... -
![Lima Oscar Victor Echo and The Truth About Everything by Suki Fleet]()
Lima Oscar Victor Echo and The Truth About Everything by Suki Fleet
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrowing up in a small village in Wales with a domineering homophobic father, Oscar has always believed he has to hide his real feelings. He's hidden his heart from everyone, but most of all from his best friend, Jamie--who also happens to be the boy he's in love with... -
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![One Step Further by Felice Stevens]()
One Step Further by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAlex Stern has it all; good looks, charm, a job he loves and everyone calls him a friend. He lives life to the fullest at a breakneck pace, in the city that never sleeps. But Alex is also a master pretender; not even his best friend sees the pain that Alex hides so well. Alex himself isn’t sure who he is or what he’s searching for, he only knows that he hasn’t found it yet... -
![Rare by Briar Prescott]()
Rare by Briar Prescott
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne summer changes their lives forever…Alex Ellison is well-educated, rich and good-looking. Too bad the ingredients of success haven’t mixed too well for him and instead of having the world at his feet, Alex has, once again, landed himself in a hot mess of trouble... -
![Desert Sons by Mark Kendrick]()
Desert Sons by Mark Kendrick
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA coming-of-age novel for gay males ages 15-30. Scott Faraday is 16, gregarious, talented, never been in a relationship, and is out to only a select few. Ryan St. Charles is 17, hot-tempered, has already has been in a long relationship, yet is barely out to himself. Behind Ryan's carefully fashioned façade is emotional scarring from a past he's never been able to reconcile... -
![Fin & Rye & Fireflies by Harry Cook]()
Fin & Rye & Fireflies by Harry Cook
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratings“It started with a kiss…as love stories often do. Jesse Andrews had the arms of a Greek god and he was on the track team. The night of our kiss fell on a Friday.”Then, only a few days later, Fin’s world is turned upside down - and not in a good head-over-heels-in-love way - when Jesse cruelly outs him. An event which ultimately leads to his family leaving town... -
![Sol by Con Riley]()
Sol by Con Riley
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSolomon Trebeck’s heart broke the night of his bi-awakening. Fifteen years later, Sol’s back in Cornwall where it happened, single, shy, and oh-so lonely. Teaching art to kids wasn’t his life plan. Neither is raising a teenage nephew, but with no family left to support him, a live-in job at a boarding school becomes his life raft.Problem: that life raft is sinking... -
![His Temptation by Jaclyn Osborn]()
His Temptation by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCASONWhat do you do when you think you might be falling for your best friend's dad?Emery Cross is everything I never even knew I needed until the night I accidentally met up with him in a hotel room. Now he's all I think about. All I want. But after a kiss that sends my head spinning in the best way, he turns as cold as his glacier blue eyes. Refusing to let me close to him...
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