Books like 'Heart Strain'
Readers who enjoyed Heart Strain by Michele Notaro & Sammi Cee also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mlm lgbtq drama family law-enforcement friends-to-lovers slow-burn
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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... -
![I've Got You by Becca Seymour]()
I've Got You by Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen a single dad and a newly outed veterinarian meet by chance, it takes red-cheeked conversations, a tentative friendship, and the willingness to put their hearts on the line to show these men they’re made for each other. Single dad Davis Jackson is busy balancing his coffee shop and being the best dad he can be. That doesn’t mean he’s not lonely... -
![Love Hurts by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda]()
Love Hurts by Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJun’s not better than me, but we might be perfect together.Jun’s been a thorn in my side for years. Its only gotten worse since we’re both going after the same promotion. Being in the same room with him makes my heart pound. It’s anger, I can’t let it be anything else. My family expects me to be the best. I have to earn this promotion and prove that belong on top... -
![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... -
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![Shaun's Salvation by K.C. Wells]()
Shaun's Salvation by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRomance is the last thing Shaun wants, but what if it’s exactly what he needs – and deserves?A selfless son barely holding onShaun doesn’t have much of a life. When he’s not working in the restaurant in Portland, Maine, he’s home looking after his dad, who has dementia... -
![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... -
![A Series of Rooms by A.J. Barlowe]()
A Series of Rooms by A.J. Barlowe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn the night of his twenty-first birthday, a domino effect of unfortunate events leads Liam Cassidy to a chance encounter with a stranger. What he thinks will be nothing more than a moment of shared refuge in a bar bathroom takes a turn when Liam finds the same stranger waiting in his hotel room that night... -
![Wheels Down by Beth Bolden]()
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year. But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival... -
![Fisher's by Sammi Cee]()
Fisher's by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA MM Contemporary Romance Fisher knows what it's like to be hungry. He’s dedicated his life to feeding those in need, and now that he’s offered sanctuary to two homeless teenage boys, that mission has never felt more personal. Officer Marcus LeBleu is the newest volunteer at Takoda Outreach Center... -
![Wanted: Tender Daddy by Sammi Cee]()
Wanted: Tender Daddy by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSome hurts change the course of your life forever, but with the devoted attention of an older Daddy, can a boy become comfortable enough in his own skin to hold on tight to the life he deserves? As the last boy left from the original crew of waiters at The Tap Tavern searching for his Daddy, Archie’s filled with nervous excitement. And a little dread. Okay, he’s scared to death... -
![Be My Home by Carly Marie]()
Be My Home by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Hometown returns to the studio to record an album, hours become days in the studio. Stressed out, overworked, and exhausted, Derek can’t help but breathe a sigh of relief when a snowstorm threatens to cripple Nashville, and shuts the studio down for the weekend. Unfortunately, in the chaos of recording, Derek forgets about Valentine’s Day until it’s too late... -
![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... -
![Wanted: Understanding Daddy by Sammi Cee]()
Wanted: Understanding Daddy by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIs it possible for a renewed friendship to lead to more? Dylan’s life changed for the worse back in middle school. Because of that, he ghosted his best friend, Brett, out of fear and embarrassment. Now, as things finally come together for him, he’s more concerned with earning a place back in Brett’s life than he is about finding the Daddy his friends think he needs... -
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![Pushing the Limits by Riley Hart]()
Pushing the Limits by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI was fourteen when my dad married Lane’s mom and our families became one, when my favorite moments were those spent staying up all night, talking or watching Lane create art.There aren’t many things more inconvenient than loving your stepbrother. I know the limits, and that’s pushing them too far.Over the years I’ve pulled away from him... -
![Himbo by Emmy Sanders]()
Himbo by Emmy Sanders
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSurely I can’t fail at falling in love? CasNo one ever told me I might meet the love of my life on my knees in a coffee shop.I’m not one of those people who has everything figured out. I work at my dad’s company because it’s expected, not because I enjoy it... -
![Lawless by R.G. Alexander]()
Lawless by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 8 in the Finn Factor Series Who says love isn’t Lawless? Chief Solomon Finn needed a change. After leaving the force to help his family and think about his future, it doesn't take him long to figure out what it is that he's been missing. Hugo Wayne... -
![The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells]()
The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe sequel to A Christmas Promise… Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions... -
![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... -
![Bound For You by Jayne Rylon]()
Bound For You by Jayne Rylon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBen has lived through hell. He only survived captivity and torture by the brutes who'd been attempting to develop Sex Offender, a potent aphrodisiac used as a date rape drug, because of the guy he met--and fell in lust with--in the drug lord's dungeons.Ryan became Ben's roommate after they escaped. His nearness is constantly tempting Ben to force Ryan to submit to his dark desires... -
![Seeking Freedom by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee]()
Seeking Freedom by Michele Notaro, Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIs it close proximity that has Jovany noticing Seth, or for the first time in his life, does he want a man? Jovany~When I check on the guy that helped with my case and realize he’s in a bad spot, I know I need to help him out. That’s how I find myself with two new roommates—Seth and the baby he’s in charge of... -
![Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe]()
Gravity: Written in the Stars Book 2 by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been... -
![Dreads & Crew Cuts by Sammi Cee]()
Dreads & Crew Cuts by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWelcome to Takoda Outreach Center. Prepare yourself for open hearts, a full belly, and all the love you can handle. When my homophobic, racist father caused a scene at my high school graduation, nobody was surprised, especially me. Getting kicked out the same day? Not a surprise either... -
![A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley]()
A Little Christmas: Morrie by B. Ripley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never made a Christmas wish, but if I could, I’d ask Santa for a Daddy who understands me.I learned early on in life that gentle hands and friendly smiles can hide darkness underneath. I shy away from cuddles and hugs and refuse to let anyone get too close to me. It’s safer if they stay away and I don’t mind putting up as many barriers as I can to keep everyone out of my space... -
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![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... -
![When the Storm Comes by M.A. Innes]()
When the Storm Comes by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDonovan’s day just keeps getting worse. It might not have been the zombie apocalypse, but a tsunami and hurricane hitting the East Coast at the same time was definitely the start to a bad B-movie. Alone and doing his best to run from the impending wall of water that was only hours away, Donovan thought his day couldn’t get any worse. It could...Categorized as:
mlm lgbtq slow-burn friends-to-lovers contemporary forced-proximity new-adult fiction -
![Meant To Be: A Prequel Daddy Novella by Sammi Cee]()
Meant To Be: A Prequel Daddy Novella by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPJ couldn't be more surprised that he needs a Daddy in the bedroom...Joel and PJ met as pre-teens at Takoda Outreach Center. They’ve shared every secret, first as best friends, then roommates. But now that they’ve graduated from college, adulting presents circumstances and unforeseen problems that they never saw coming... -
![Worth the Risk by Carly Marie]()
Worth the Risk by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo single dads in a small town. Is their connection a recipe for love…or for disaster?Mark Murray is used to chaos. Between his job as an emergency room doctor and being a single father to two boys, he’s the definition of exhausted. Yet he always makes it work. When a new job finds him moving to a small town, he’s faced with a different set of challenges... -
![Believing Blue by Nicole Colville]()
Believing Blue by Nicole Colville
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIs there a fated path we follow, or is it simply a series of coincidental events? Police officer Kellan Howard is rumoured to have spent too much time in sub-zero temperatures, leaving him with a block of ice for a heart and women lining up to help thaw it. Mountain climbing is his only love, leaving no time for a relationship, and although meaningless sex satisfies his physical need, it’s empty... -
![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... -
![Mansions & Motorhomes by Sammi Cee]()
Mansions & Motorhomes by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWelcome to Takoda Outreach Center. Prepare yourself for open hearts, a full belly, and all the love you can handle. Sleeping in a motorhome for the winter may not be ideal, but it protects me and my friends from the winter cold, so I’ll take it. Luckily, volunteering at the soup kitchen guarantees warm days and hot food. That’s enough for me... -
![Angel Ink by Ali Lyda]()
Angel Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one's ever caught me thinking with my manhood.Being demisexual means attraction doesn't always come easy. And it has a way of knocking me off my feet. I can't want Joel. I'm pretty sure he's scared of me, and we're working together.It's a recipe for disaster.Too bad my emotions say otherwise. And once they start talking, my body starts listening. I've been screwed by love before... -
![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... -
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![Home for Christmas by R.J. Scott]()
Home for Christmas by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan Connor show River a real family Christmas? When Connor finds River on the roof of the campus admin building, he doesn’t know what to do. His friend is drunk, and shouting into a snowstorm, a bottle of vodka in his hand. The easy part is getting River down; the hard part is insisting River comes home with Connor for Christmas... -
![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... -
![The Coincidence by Felice Stevens]()
The Coincidence by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNice guys always finish last, and Coby Epstein is sick and tired of being last. After his boyfriend dumps him, Coby vows to take it slow and not jump into another relationship, no matter what his ninety-five-year-old great aunt says. When Coby sees his ex has moved on, he goes on a series of disastrous first dates and swears off men, determined to be alone... -
![Wild Side by Mari Carr]()
Wild Side by Mari Carr
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNo strings attached? Wrong. So wrong.Layla moved to Baltimore in search of a fresh start. After too many years in a lackluster relationship, she’s ready to embrace her wild side. Casual is her new middle name and the last thing she wants or needs is a serious relationship.Finn and his best friend, Miguel are ALL IN on showing Layla a good time... -
![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... -
![Without You by Lacey Black]()
Without You by Lacey Black
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTuckerI spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that.Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life... -
![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... -
![Unbreak Broken by J.K. Hogan]()
Unbreak Broken by J.K. Hogan
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRory Donovan’s life is a hot mess. His marriage is failing and he’s in intensive psychotherapy, working through the unfortunate side effects of memories from a childhood trauma. The only thing good in his life right now is his job—teaching photography to gifted high school students. Harbor Patrol officer Bennett Foster is co-parenting his teenage daughter with his high school best friend Jessie... -
![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... -
![Star of the Game by Amy Aislin]()
Star of the Game by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFelix only wants two things:1. To make music.2. His best friend, Emery.But he’s not willing to risk two decades of friendship for something more. Besides, a bout of writer’s block is preventing him from creating new material, and he’s got deadlines to meet. He doesn’t need any distractions—and Emery is the biggest distraction of all.Emery only wants two things:1. To play hockey.2... -
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![What You Are by Erin E. Keller]()
What You Are by Erin E. Keller
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlex walks down the road of his life, apparently without any detours. He has a job, friends, a nice apartment and a girlfriend who meets his needs. A smooth life lived on a smooth road. But when Daniel shows up at his door, Alex meets the first bump in road -- which turns out to be more like a boulder -- in his way... -
![As I Am by E.M. Leya, Sara York]()
As I Am by E.M. Leya, Sara York
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKyle has struggled to protect his brother from the darkest things in life, but in doing so, they've lived on the streets, making a life for themselves away from those who would hurt them. It's taken years, but life is starting to look up for Ky. Still, he finds it hard to quit working the streets and the easy money it brings. Carson has everything he could want in life... -
![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... -
![Collar Me by Colette Davison]()
Collar Me by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWill losing my trainer lead me to what my heart desires—a collar and Preston?I’ve found the perfect place to live in London thanks to the My Kinky Housemate app. It’s close to work and my housemates don’t mind me de-stressing from my job as a nurse by being a playful puppy. Life is good until my puppy trainer finds a girlfriend leaving me high and dry... -
![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... -
![The Doctor's Wish by Andrew Grey]()
The Doctor's Wish by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDr. Jackson Burnside is an orthopedic surgeon who made his own way. Always different, he got out of Natchez before his family could throw him out, but still wishes things could be reconciled. He's built a successful practice and a sound reputation in Carlisle. When he's called to the hospital for a consultation, the last person he expects to meet is Wes...
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