Books like 'Safe'
Readers who enjoyed Safe by C. Kennedy also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm lgbtq coming-of-age family friends-to-lovers high-school angst drama
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Memorizing You by Dan Skinner
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTwo high school boys from different walks of life: Ryan, a handsome athlete, and David, an average joe from a blue collar family, discover their desires, stealing their kisses under the cover of an old oak at night. Their love begins a secret life, hidden from their families, friends, and classmates. As their passion grows, so does the danger of their discovery... -
![Be Our Guest by CJ Bishop]()
Be Our Guest by CJ Bishop
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBlood is just blood. Family ties are knit in the heart and strengthened by love. With most of whom they consider ‘family’ already right there within their tight-knit circle, the Phoenix couples begin to look beyond that circle and contemplate those from the past who rejected and hurt them. Deep down, Dane longs for reconciliation with his parents... -
![You Are Not Me by Leta Blake]()
You Are Not Me by Leta Blake
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFollow Peter into the summer following his senior year to face new beginnings, new friends, and old baggage. After a tumultuous final year of high school, Peter Mandel needs a break. It's the summer of 1991, and his secret relationship with his ‘best friend’ Adam Algedi is put on hold as Adam goes away to Italy for the summer... -
![The Music of the Spheres by Chase Potter]()
The Music of the Spheres by Chase Potter
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn athlete and introvert from a family touched by loss, Ryan Mattson splits his life between reading and spending time with his dad and precocious younger sister. With the wounds of Ryan’s past almost healed, high school is simple, and so is everything else.But that changes when he’s paired with Adam for a class project... -
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![When I Grow Up by John Goode]()
When I Grow Up by John Goode
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Tales from Foster High Story After graduation, Kyle Stilleno and Brad Graymark move to California to pursue their dreams. But high school sweethearts are called that for a reason, and their love rarely stands up to the test of time. As money, school, sex, and jealousy test their relationship to the breaking point, Kyle and Brad fight to hold on to the love that brought them together... -
![Unbroken by Larry Benjamin]()
Unbroken by Larry Benjamin
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy parents, unable to change me, had instead, silenced me. When they'd stilled my hands, they'd taken my words, made me lower my voice to a whisper. Later, I remained silent in defense, refusing to acknowledge the hateful words: Brainiac. Sissy. Antiman. Faggot... -
![Suffocate: A Senses Series Novel by Xavier Neal]()
Suffocate: A Senses Series Novel by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsER Nurse, Luke Hart, is known for his desire to take care of others and his need to be in control at all times. However, Stuart Ducane knows exactly which buttons to push to make sure Luke relinquishes both. When the chance comes for them to take their delicate friendship that's coated in secret desires to the next level, the timing isn't convenient and neither are the circumstances... -
![Sheets by Sareyen]()
Sheets by Sareyen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings[BxB] Waking up next to someone after having a little too much to drink was no new, riveting story in this day and age. Waking up next to another boy, when you were also a boy, was a little more interesting, but still nothing to write home about. But waking up in Nico Beckett's sheets?To Wesley, it was a nightmare come to life... -
![Wrecked Rose by Leila James]()
Wrecked Rose by Leila James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMax SuttonConfident, witty charmer. Out and proud.I never expected him to cross my mind.One kiss wrecked me for anyone else.And now he consumes all my thoughts.If people find out, my world explodes.He doesn’t want to hide us.And I want him … but I might have to choose her.Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy... -
![Rookie by Eddie Cleveland]()
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well! Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out... -
![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... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Escaped by J.P. Barnaby]()
Escaped by J.P. Barnaby
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFinally together, Brian McAllister and Jamie Mayfield have risked everything in a desperate escape. Jamie is now free of his tormentor, Steven O’Dell... for the moment. But Brian and Jamie know that one wrong choice could lead Steven to their door. With the strength of Brian and his friends to protect him, Jamie hides and finds the one person he is truly afraid of—himself... -
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![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... -
![The Layover by Roe Horvat]()
The Layover by Roe Horvat
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEight years ago, Ondro Smrek fled Slovakia and the bigotry that drove his first lover to take his own life. The demons proved impossible to outrun, though, and now, desperate for somewhere to belong, Ondro is returning to start over. During a layover in Basel, Switzerland, he meets Jamie, an American living in Scotland who is as brilliant as he is beautiful... -
![Stronger In Your Hands by Diane Adams]()
Stronger In Your Hands by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEighteen and still trapped at prep school, Alex feels he and Jared will never get together, and then a surprise visit from Jared puts all doubt to rest. After Alex graduates everything seems to fall right into place. The heat between them is scorching, but secrets from Jared's past and his need to take care of everyone around him, jeopardizes their fledgling relationship... -
![A Place To Run by Diane Adams]()
A Place To Run by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSchool’s out and Alex is home, but things aren’t going as smoothly as he hoped. Jared is hesitant about advancing their relationship and fixated on the fact that Alex’s mother doesn’t know he’s gay. When she discovers the truth, her extreme reaction drives Alex back to school early. Jared is stunned... -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
![Heart Strain by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee]()
Heart Strain by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHolden~ When I get a call that my twin brother’s been shot, I’m in shock as I head back to Baltimore to be with him. Seeing him in a coma is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do; sitting here not knowing whether he’s going to live or die is the worst thing I can imagine. But at least Jameson is with me—he makes it more bearable, and I don’t feel like I’m in this alone... -
![fawn by Nash Summers]()
fawn by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDear Author,The guy on the left finds everything beautiful. Creepily so. He makes art out of road kill, writes love letters to people he’s never met, and stares incessantly at pretty men without them ever noticing. He spotted the guy on the right walking his dog through fields, and made him his newest object of affection. Only problem was, when he started staring at this guy, he stared back... -
![Exchange of Hearts by N.R. Walker]()
Exchange of Hearts by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEighteen-year-old Harrison Haddon has grown up alone. Surrounded by wealth, nannies, and material things, all he craves is the approval of his father. Sent away to the boarding school his father and grandfather attended, it’s assumed he will follow in their footsteps from Sydney’s prestigious Ivy League school straight into medical school.But Harrison doesn’t want to be a doctor... -
![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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![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... -
![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... -
![The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow]()
The Last Summer by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"It's not even really a first kiss if you're practicing on a friend." Trapped in a conservative prairie town, Alfie Alder has spent his whole life enduring bullying from his classmates and indifference from his teachers. Only one person has ever seen past Alfie's sarcastic, standoffish exterior—his best friend and the love of his life, Wynn... -
![Breaking the Record by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Breaking the Record by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“When will I see him again? And why do I want to so badly?” Ben Lakeland owns a failing record store in small-town Welling, New York, and it's the last place he wants to be. Everything used to be easy: watching football with his frat buddies, drinking beer, and being popular in school. But at 24 years old, everyone else seems to have grown up but Ben... -
![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... -
![Where the Mountains Meet the Sea by A.R. Breck]()
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea by A.R. Breck
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhere the Mountains Meet the Sea brings you a new standalone romance filled with heart-stopping angst and heartbreak. He's a rock star, she's a ballerina, together they're soul mates, apart they're tragedy. Soul mates. I met mine when I was seven.Roman Hall.I knew the moment my eyes landed on his that my life would change forever...Categorized as:
coming-of-age angst friends-to-lovers university high-school romance new-adult contemporary -
![Theoretically Straight by Alexander C. Eberhart, Amy Bailey]()
Theoretically Straight by Alexander C. Eberhart, Amy Bailey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTheo Briggs is a rule follower. A decent student in his junior year, an appeasing son, and a lifelong Christian, just trying to make it through high school unscathed… and maybe create a viral video in the process.Caleb Raynard is a romantic... -
![Reasons to Love a Nerd Like Me by Becky Jerams]()
Reasons to Love a Nerd Like Me by Becky Jerams
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsScotty Williams is the nerdiest 17-year-old at Havensdale College - and proud of it. However being a nerd can have its downsides, particularly when you're constantly being targeted by the school bully Taylor Raven and his cronies... -
![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCan friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
![The Tight End: Red's Tavern, Book 6 by Raleigh Ruebins]()
The Tight End: Red's Tavern, Book 6 by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s an introverted nerd, and I’m the football player everybody wants.But I only want to drag his shy, adorkable, irresistible self into my bed. All I’ve ever been good at is running fast with a football clutched tight to my side. As a star football player for the KMU Wolves, I’ve had any guy I wanted for years, and I'm more muscle than smarts... -
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![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... -
![Enlightened by J.P. Barnaby]()
Enlightened by J.P. Barnaby
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLittle Boy Lost is the story of Brian McAllister, the boy next door. Brian goes to school, does his homework, and helps his foster parents around the house. Brian also has a secret: he is in love with his best friend, Jamie. But in Crayford, Alabama, being in love with another boy is the worst kind of sin. Brian and Jamie will discover just how deep their emotional bond runs, and at what cost... -
![Our December by Diane Adams]()
Our December by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSometimes two people fit together so well it seems their love was preordained, as if every step taken led inevitably to a happy ending. Deeply in love, Jared and Alex are such a couple, but the path to true and lasting love is rarely smooth. At fifteen, being gay isn't the best thing that ever happened to a guy. In fact, Alex Ross thinks it's down right scary... -
![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... -
![Playing with Fire by Avery Cockburn]()
Playing with Fire by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“I don’t want options. I just want you.”Robert McKenzie has a secret. As the only straight player on an all-LGBT soccer team, he’s known to fans as “McWhatAWaste.” No one would guess Robert’s actually bisexual. At twenty-one, on the verge of a brilliant career in video game design, he’s finally ready to be his true self... -
![Champagne Kiss by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Champagne Kiss by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe was sweet and hot, but totally straight. ...Until he kissed me on New Year’s Eve. Andy: Working at the convenience store isn’t exciting. I’m just here to help out my grandmother, take care of the store, and try to stay out of fights with shoplifters. But when Chase, the hot flower delivery guy, walked through our door, my world turned upside down... -
![A Mark on My Soul by Jordon Greene]()
A Mark on My Soul by Jordon Greene
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoah Andrews hates to lie, but that′s exactly what his life is. One big lie.At least that′s how he feels as a nerdy, closeted, gay high school senior in a suburban North Carolina town.But after months of fretting and hiding behind his quotes, Noah finally does it. He comes out to the world, and realizes he had nothing to fear after all...Categorized as:
lgbtq mlm high-school friends-to-lovers coming-of-age romance young-adult contemporary -
![Stacked by Linden Bell]()
Stacked by Linden Bell
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPreston and I have been best friends and roommates since the first day of boarding school. If it weren’t for me, he’d never step away from his precious dissertation, not to eat, not to shower, not for anything.I might have been in love with him for ages, but Preston has never expressed any interest in anyone other than his research... -
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![Lane’s by Nash Summers]()
Lane’s by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaps doesn’t believe in growing up.He believes in his experiments, Benji’s new driving skills, Perry’s knowledge of “adult things”, and his interstellar boyfriend, Lane.Maps certainly doesn’t believe in graduating. And he especially doesn’t believe in his friends attending separate colleges.Because if Maps believed in any of those things, it would mean he was growing up... -
![Being True by Jacob Z. Flores]()
Being True by Jacob Z. Flores
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTruman L. Cobbler has not had an easy life. It’s bad enough people say he looks like Donkey from Shrek, but he’s also suffered the death of his policeman father and his mother’s remarriage to a professional swindler, who cost them everything. Now dirt poor, they live in the barrio of San Antonio, Texas... -
![The Trouble With Elves by Therese Woodson]()
The Trouble With Elves by Therese Woodson
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCal Martin loathes Christmas music, especially the clichéd carols pumped through the mall speakers on endless loop. Even worse is the holiday-themed hell of Santa's Village that looms right in front of the sports store he manages... -
![Taking Chances by John Goode]()
Taking Chances by John Goode
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Tales from Foster High Story Fearing the backlash of living as a gay man in Foster, Texas, Matt Wallace runs away to California, only to find it isn’t the Promised Land he’d hoped for. Christmas sees Matt returning to Foster, where he bumps into his old flame, high school jock Tyler Parker... -
![Shawn's Voice by Project Amy]()
Shawn's Voice by Project Amy
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSince kindergarten, Ryan has wanted only one thing for Christmas, his best friend, Shawn... -
![Top Shelf by Allison Temple]()
Top Shelf by Allison Temple
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMartin is a ghost. Well, not really, but he might as well be. Job gone, home gone, self-respect gone, and no one even seems to notice. The only person who really sees him is Seb, the artist who lives above the used bookstore. Seb haunts the edges of Seacroft in search of beauty...
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