Books like 'End of the Beginning'
Readers who enjoyed End of the Beginning by John Goode also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance north-america usa texas mlm lgbtq high-school sports coming-of-age
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151 Days by John Goode
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWith just 151 days left until the school year ends, Kyle Stilleno is running out of time to fulfill the promise he made and change Foster, Texas, for the better. But Kyle and his boyfriend, Brad Graymark, have more than just intolerance to deal with. Life, college, love, and sex have a way of distracting them, and they’re realizing Foster is a bigger place than they thought... -
Truth Game by Chloe Walsh
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHis silence wounded her pride, but his truth will crush her world... Daryl King was the person I was meant to be with. My best friend since childhood. The peanut butter to my jelly... until I lost him. Now our school's star quarterback is back in my life and our worlds are colliding once more... -
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... -
Fight by Nicole Dykes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt’s always been Shaw and Carter against the world. Life has never been easy, but they’ve found solace in each other. Together they are strong and combat the hell they were born into. School is ending, and choices must be made. But with change comes pain. And both seek a better life... -
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The Crush by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAugustus Walker, Jr. is a problem. Every queer person I know has had a tragic crush on a straight person at some point in their lives, and for the last year, Walker has been mine.Not that my crush on him is serious—I'm just appreciating a sweet, sexy guy who happens to be a big fat goose egg on the Kinsey scale. Le sigh and all that... -
Waiting Game by Chloe Walsh
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDaryl King I lived my life by the three-never rules. 1. Never back down. 2. Never break down. 3. Never look back. The past was behind us for a reason. As for my past? Well, most of it felt like a dream – more like a horrible nightmare – and for years, I allowed myself to believe just that. Denial was my friend because my memories couldn't be trusted...Categorized as:
angst coming-of-age friends-to-lovers friendship high-school sports book contemporary -
The Last Day Of Summer by J.F. Smith
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRett’s done some running away in his life, from family and from boyfriends, and he’s not above doing it again. His current boyfriend wants to take their relationship to the next level, which makes Rett hesitant and doubtful... -
Raise Your Glass by John Goode
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTales of Foster High - Sequel to The End of the Beginning Kyle Stilleno used to be the invisible student. Brad Graymark used to be the baseball star. Then they fell in love and Brad outed them both with a spectacular public display of affection, and now everything is different. After spending a few days lying low, Kyle and Brad are going back to school... -
The Long Run by James Acker
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo track and field athletes find an unexpected but powerful love in this unapologetically blunt and unforgettably real YA debut. Sebastian Villeda is over it. Over his rep. Over his bros. Over being "Bash the Flash," fastest sprinter in South Jersey. His dad is gone, his mom is dead, and his stepfather is clueless. Bash has no idea what he wants out of life. Until he meets Sandro... -
Ineligible Receiver: A Friends-to-Lovers MM Sports Romance by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA sexy and emotional story about two best friends that secretly fall in love, but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task... -
Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBLAINEWhen my name is involved in yet another scandal, I’m told to keep my head down and my stats up. The trade deadline is looming, and I don’t want to leave Chicago.But that night, I meet Alex. The guy with the bluest eyes and the kindest smile.My reputation precedes me, and he’s determined to resist me, but the more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny the chemistry between us... -
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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
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... -
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Fearless Rose by Leila James
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLegendary ladies’ man.I want his brave, beautiful heart for myself.He’s fearless, but he has to make a decision ...One that could change all of our lives.I’ve never felt this way before.But I’m not the only one who needs him.And he’s faced with the choice: me or her.Welcome back to Rosehaven Academy... -
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
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
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
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... -
Love & Other Inconveniences by Catherine Cloud
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 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... -
Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHooking up with your friend is a totally acceptable way to pass the time until your soulmate shows up. Right?I’m on a mission - happily ever after or bust. I just know my handsome, successful, bearded prince is out there waiting for me to find him. I’ve had my cards read a million times. This is my destiny... -
Away Games by Misha Horne
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne step forward… and then what?When you live your whole life just wishing for things to be good enough, suddenly having everything you ever dreamed about is pretty unsettling. Safety, security, love… not the senior year I expected.Coach T calling me into his office, talking about untapped potential, didn’t see that coming either... -
Attractive Forces by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLoganEveryone looks at me and thinks I rule Heath Valley High School. All they see is the captain of the champion rugby team, the guy who has got everything.They don’t see my secret, one I’ll do anything to keep.I’m so used to keeping my sexuality buried I’ve never stopped to think about what it’s costing me.Until I need a chemistry tutor, and Jake Stenton waltzes into my life... -
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
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Snowflake Kisses by Jacki James
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrankie Taylor is a pastry chef in need of a fresh start, and Cap Roberts is a coffee shop owner in need of a pastry chef. Should be a perfect fit. But the delicious pastries he bakes aren't the only thing about Frankie that makes Cap's mouth water, and as a newly single father, Cap can’t afford to risk not only his heart, but his daughter's as well... -
Assisted by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
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...Categorized as:
lgbtq mlm friends-to-lovers coming-of-age high-school friendship romance young-adult -
Forever Man by A.J. DeWall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA bond forged in Catholic school, an unspoken attraction that outlasts years of separation and other relationships. Ren and Cole never acted on that thing that always bubbled beneath the surface of their friendship, not until a chance encounter in a Santa Fe bar and a song that would tip the scales forced them to confront their feelings... -
Taunting Tony by Marie James
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRules. They’re a necessity. They make the world go ‘round and help idiots function in society. Most don’t require much thought and are easy to follow— or so I thought… I didn’t realize, however, that the new group of people I became friends with could have so many. No sleeping with group member’s moms? Easy enough. No shirts at the BBQ? I’m all over that... -
Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOne broken collarbone, two stubborn men, three interfering chefs, four weeks to go, five chewed garlands, and The Pear Tree covered in snow…Ben’s Christmas Plans:1. Finish the staff schedules, get the orders done, and make sure the next month runs smoothly because December is hell.2. Break collarbone at rugby.3. Scrap all plans. Drag Ianto in to help.4... -
Changing the Rules by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRule #1: Don’t fall in love with the coach.Gabriel Theriault’s been skating on thin ice for the past two seasons with Toronto but his arrest following an off-ice fight is the final straw.His only shot at redemption is to start over in Evanston and prove that he still has what it takes to be a pro player.No more fights. No more drinking. No more random hookups. Rule #2: The team always comes first... -
No Wrong Moves by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPining for your best friend sucks ass—and not the good kind of sucking. But I can’t back away, and I definitely can’t let go. Eddie Phelps is too damn important to me. He has my heart and soul. Well, he and his daughter, a ten-year-old who one day will run the world.It’s not like I can even blame Eddie for mixed signals or anything. He’s done everything right. He always does... -
Pride by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe world is full of perfectly imperfect people. After being dumped by his longtime boyfriend, Milan finds himself back in the dating scene, and it isn't anything like he thought it would be. Shamed and ridiculed for how he looks, Milan decides that it's time to get back into shape, but stepping foot in a gym is harder than he imagined. Everything in Kelson's life is about fitness... -
In The Wind by C.E. Kilgore
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes you have to get good and lost before you'll have any hope at finding yourself. Dustin Hunter has returned to Alvarado after seven years of military service and one bad shot that shattered his self-assured ego. Struggling to forget what he left behind in the desert, he finds himself drifting in the wind, homeless and without direction... -
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Earned Run by Haven Hadley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAyden Thompson. The pitcher every batter feared.A heart of gold, a laser focus, and a hundred mile an hour fastball. He longed for a happy family. The one he didn’t have growing up as a kid. The son of a single dad, he did whatever he could to help those in need. Especially those less fortunate than him... -
Foul Ball by Haven Hadley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDeclan Armitage. The right fielder Espen got in a trade.A powerful hitter, a hard throw, and an unmatched stolen base percentage. Not expecting to be traded, he was happy to learn where he was headed. If only he didn’t need to find a new place to live. One phone call from his brother and the plan was put into motion. Brock Richmond was loyal to a fault... -
Shoot The Gap by Jordan Ford
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe final book in a young adult romance series about a small town football team and the girls who win their hearts. Tyler Schumann has always been known as Nelson High’s goofy clown, the guy with the big mouth...Categorized as:
high-school friends-to-lovers sports coming-of-age friendship romance young-adult contemporary -
Land On Me by Matthew R. Corr
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLandon Griffin has everything going for him. He’s a high school senior on the brink of receiving a football scholarship, his dad is running for mayor of Madison, Texas, and his future with his girlfriend looks bright. But his simple life shatters when feelings spark for a guy he’s never met... -
Coming Out at the Ball Game by Jax Calder
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor Elijah, a trip to the ball game with his dad and his ex-friend Jaxon is a special kind of torture. He’s always been a disappointment to his dad, and there’s been an awful awkwardness between him and Jaxon since Elijah came out. Elijah hates that he still cares about what Jaxon thinks of him... -
Heartmates by Marcus Herzig
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs childhood friends, Lars and Connor were inseparable. Now, in the social gauntlet of high school, neither boy can even muster a single word to the other. When Connor enters a romantic relationship with Jaden-Dominic Choi, the hottest social influencer in school, a barely healed wound is torn wide open again... -
Easy, Schmeasy! by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThere’s a lot in life that comes hella easy for me. Turning heads with my stellar looks, strutting like a peacock with my smooth moves and adorable charm. Heck, need ideas for party shots or fresh recipes to make your friends jealous? I’m your guy.It’s not even a front—my epic modesty—but that doesn’t mean I’m not a lying liar who lies... -
King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAmerican cycling sensation and heartthrob Clifford Du Frey is riding the wave of success. Brand Du Frey is a multi-million-dollar business, and during the Tour de France, Clifford is mobbed by fans wherever he goes. The superstar must focus on winning the Tour de France and maintaining the image of the athletic hetero alpha male at all costs.But Clifford has a secret... -
The Effects of Falling by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI have loved my best friend for eleven years.Eleven years of celebrations.Eleven years of victories and losses.Eleven years of inside jokes and shared smiles.Eleven years of helping him raise his daughter as a single father.He smiles at me and my world brightens.He ignores me and I forget how to function.He holds my hand and takes more of my heart.He leaves and time stops... -
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... -
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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... -
Scoreless Game by Anna Zabo, L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt nearly thirty-one years old, Pittsburgh Griffins captain Elias Karlsson’s hockey years are numbered. Everything is changing around him, including his eleven-year friendship with Nikolai Sidorov. Elias would give anything for Nisha to be a permanent part of his life, but their once bedrock-strong bond has broken into a million pieces, and Elias doesn’t know why... -
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend.He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet.But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
Scott by R.J. Scott, V.L. Locey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when you try to fix the past and end up threatening your future? Scott is struggling. Grieving the loss of his brother, carrying the weight of his father’s expectations, and getting his ass kicked in the rink, he’s in a downward spiral...
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