Books like 'Act Cool'
Readers who enjoyed Act Cool by Tobly McSmith also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance lgbtq realistic trans-mc coming-of-age mlm
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Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsMiloUnusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. Maybe not anyone.When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life.Turns out, I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store for his tattoo parlor but my apartment too... -
Fall Again by Ann Lister
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDagger Drummond and Ryan Pierce have been married for years. They've experienced firsthand what living under the lights at center stage can do to even the strongest relationships, but somehow they've managed to remain on solid ground – until now. Ryan realizes he wants more from their marriage, but Dagger is too fearful to give it to him... -
Pride High : Book 1 - Red by Jay Bell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat’s it like being a teenager in the 90s? Let’s ask the characters of Pride High:Anthony Cullen: My life would be perfect, if I wasn’t in the closet. And in love with my straight best friend. Do you think he’ll ever notice me?Omar Jafari: Dude! I’m flunking out of most of my classes, but you know what really matters? A girl talked to me... -
Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAristotle and Dante meets The Hate U Give meets The Sun Is Also A Star: A stunning YA contemporary love story about a Mexican-American teen who falls in love with an undocumented Mexican boy. Finding home. Falling in love. Fighting to belong. The Santos Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas, is all Ander Lopez has ever known. The smell of pan dulce... -
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A Little Bit Naughty by Reese Morrison
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRemi has a plan. Head to a singles weekend in the Oregon mountains near his home. Finally find the right guy to be his partner and baby boy. Live happily ever after. The only problem? The naughty, irresistible little he meets lives on the other side of the country.Isaac has a plan. Finish his degree. Finish his residency... -
Gay Club! by Simon James Green
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst - and ultimately their best - from one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Barney's a shoo-in for his school's LGBTQ+ Society President at the club's next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention... -
The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA funny and heart-warming queer Indigenous YA novel, set in a rural Australian community, about seventeen-year-old Jackson finding the courage to explore who he is, even if it scares him.'I don't paint so much anymore,' I say, looking to my feet.'Oh. Well, I got a boy who needs to do some art... -
Ready When You Are by Gary Lonesborough
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA remarkable YA love story between two Aboriginal boys -- one who doesn’t want to accept he’s gay, and the boy who comes to live in his house who makes him realize who he is.It's a hot summer, and life's going all right for Jackson and his family on the Mish. It's almost Christmas, school's out, and he's hanging with his mates, teasing the visiting tourists, avoiding the racist boys in town... -
Muffin a čaj by Theo Addair
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDaniel a Kit jsou dva šestnáctiletí spolužáci, kteří snad ani nemůžou být rozdílnější. Jeden je nejlepším studentem na internátě, k okolí se chová odměřeně a úzkostlivě si střeží své soukromí. Druhý má umělecké nadání, pořádek považuje tak trochu za zbytečnost a často dřív mluví, než myslí.Zdálo by se, že přátelství mezi nimi je nepravděpodobné a cokoli hlubšího rovnou nemožné... -
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... -
Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIn this YA pop-punk debut about queer romance and destroying labels, a teen risks everything to write his own story. Perfect for fans of Sonora Reyes and Adib Khorram. Stonebridge High’s resident bad boy, Wesley “Big Mac” Mackenzie, is failing senior year—thanks to his unchecked anger, rowdy friends, and a tendency to ditch his homework for skateboarding and a secret photography obsession... -
Forever by E. Davies
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJake Gray always wanted a real family. He left his own behind when he began his transition, but if he wants a baby he'll need to come off testosterone and get his life in order. The tips he makes as a waiter are barely enough to pay L.A. rent, let alone raise a child. But he’s made his own way for so long that he doesn’t want to rely on others now... -
Candy Hearts: Volume 1 by Lee Blair, Becca Seymour
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat's sweeter than a low angst queer romance at Valentine's Day? How about sixteen of them brought together in one anthology to help support a good cause?Each novella in the Candy Hearts Anthology is overflowing with red-hot romance and all the good feels. And this time around, every story has a secret—a secret admirer... -
The Saint and the First-Time Sinner by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGay natural caregiver meets arrogant first-time gay.My job isn’t easy but taking care of sick people in the comfort of their own homes is so worthwhile. I like to think I’m professional and know I’m good at what I do, regardless of the circumstances, the patient, or even their families. Maybe it’s because I’ve known loss in my own life, or maybe I was just made for the job... -
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Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology (Collection), Volume 2 by R.G. Alexander, May Archer
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratings**LIMITED TIME ONLY! Get it while you can.** Once upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if the Heart2Heart dating app put on a charity raffle in cities around the globe, and random guys in each location were paired up for an adventure? The dates could go terribly wrong…or spectacularly right... -
Spreadsheets by Jaclyn Quinn
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan one night change your whole life? When Jeremy Anderson goes into Ace’s Wild, it takes him completely out of his comfort zone. So, he is in no way prepared for the gorgeous, raven-haired man who walks through the doors. A chance encounter turns into an amazing night he’ll never forget, with a man he’ll never see again... -
Can't Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratings"A charming, inspired story about being true to who you are." - Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of UsAn empowering and emotional debut about a genderqueer teen who finds the courage to stand up and speak out for equality when they are discriminated against by their high school administration.Carey Parker dreams of being a diva, and bringing the house down with song... -
Beautiful Thing (Modern Classics) by Jonathan Harvey
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeautiful Thing explores pre-teenage homo-erotic sensuality and the frictions and intimacies of living cheek by jowl on a Thamesmead housing estate... -
The Road to Amazing by Brent Hartinger, Josh Hurley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"I think gay guys like weddings more than anyone. And it's not because we want to destroy marriage, like some people say. It's because we really, really want to get married!"Russel Middlebrook is gettin' hitched! The wedding is taking place in a remote lodge on an island in Puget Sound... -
Hot Date (Memories with The Breakfast Club) by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOnce again, Julian Cornell is at the zenith of his career; not only have his designs helped the young men and women in the burn unit, he’s about to ink an exclusive deal with the hottest model for his new high-fashion menswear collection... -
Not a Boy by Elle Keaton
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHenry should have kept on walking by when he spotted the younger man sitting alone on the beach. He should never have stopped, never sat down, and certainly never kissed him. Because now Henry is experiencing feelings. And he doesn’t like it one bit.Things happen for a reason, even random hook-ups. Ben was supposed to get off work early that night... -
A Boy Like Me by Jennie Wood
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBorn a girl, Peyton Honeycutt meets Tara Parks in the eighth grade bathroom shortly after he gets his first period. It is the best and worst day of his life. Determined to impress Tara, Peyton sets out to win her love by mastering the drums and basketball. He takes on Tara’s small-minded mother, the bully at school, and the prejudices within his conservative hometown... -
Braeton & Drew by A.D. Ellis
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBraeton Reed left his small-minded hometown and disapproving family long ago and never looked back. Andrew Hines has nothing against a solid, loving relationship; he just isn’t sure he’ll ever find one. Braeton has been told he’s a bit of a diva. Andrew has heard he’s not flashy enough... -
Gorgeous by Jason Collins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAVERY:I wear dresses for me, not for straight guys.Two things make me stand out: my femme clothes and my long hair. When a jerk catcalls me, I don’t expect a stranger to step in—and I certainly don’t expect a rescuer as handsome as Eric.I thought he was straight until our plan to get drinks after work turns into something more... -
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Hidden Truths: Mpreg Romance by Giovanna Reaves
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThey say your past always show up when you least expect it. Brenden Smith made a promise to himself that he would never put his heart on the line again. He swore off romance after his last breakup... -
Afterglow by Phil Stamper
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter a summer of life-changing, these four friends are finally ready for senior year.Gabriel is thrilled to create his school's first LGBTQ+ advocacy group, but his long-distance relationship is fading from summer love to something else... Heath feels secure for the first time in years, but with his future riding on a baseball scholarship, each pitch triggers his anxiety.. -
Trashed to Treasured by Aria Grace
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBrody was back with his high school sweetheart, Geo, and he believed that this time would be different. But Geo isn't a one-man guy, and he made Brody feel ashamed of the side of himself that never fully grew up. Even though Brody wants to act Little sometimes, he knows Geo isn't going to ever be a good Daddy for him... -
A Dino Nuggets Kind of Date by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSometimes the only thing that will make a date better is dino nuggets and superheroes.After one spectacularly disastrous date, all Robyn wants is to ignore the way he’s drawn to the confusing man who leaves him with more questions than answers... -
Cherish by Garrett Leigh
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJoeA decade changes a man, but one thing never falters: how deep and hard I love Harry Foster. He’s my husband. My best friend.My everything.But life evolves, and so do we. I can’t pinpoint the day we wake up and know for sure that we want more, but it happens and it scares us. Until it doesn’t and we have to wonder if we’re asking too much of the world.We’re already happy. My heart is full... -
Queerceañera by Alex Crespo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis irresistible and hilarious rom-com from acclaimed author Alex Crespo is a whirlwind of telenovela-level drama and hijinks when Joaquin Zoido finds himself fake-dating his childhood crush and newly minted date to his queerceañera.Joaquin Zoido is out and proud of it... -
An Umbrella Drink Kind of Night by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSometimes being stood up is the best thing that can happen.Two men sitting at a bar is supposed to be the setup for a joke, not the start of a perfect relationship. But when the confident Ryker and the curious Corey find themselves with more in common than just being stood up, sparks fly... -
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... -
And They Lived . . . by Steven Salvatore
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsChase Arthur is a budding animator and hopeless romantic obsessed with Disney films and finding his true love, but he's plagued with the belief that he's not enough for anyone: he's recovering from an eating disorder and suffers from body dysmorphia fueled by his father, and can't quite figure out his gender identity... -
The Ghosts We Keep by Mason Deaver
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsPerfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli, this book will rip your heart out before showing you how to heal from tragedy and celebrate life in the process.When Liam Cooper's older brother Ethan is killed in a hit-and-run, Liam has to not only learn to face the world without one of the people he loved the most, but also face the fading relationship with his two best friends... -
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Pride High : Book 3 - Yellow by Jay Bell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAnother year is winding down for the students of Pride High, but the drama is just ramping up!Ricky is finally dating dangerous Diego Gomez, but when they keep getting into trouble, he wonders if he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Anthony has decided to come out to his school in a big way and faces backlash, not just from his fellow students, but the principal as well... -
True Letters from a Fictional Life by Kenneth Logan
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsIf you asked anyone in his small Vermont town, they'd tell you the facts: James Liddell, star athlete, decent student and sort-of boyfriend to cute, peppy Theresa, is a happy, funny, carefree guy.But whenever James sits down at his desk to write, he tells a different story... -
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAll it takes is one missed step for your life to change forever.Luca Mason knows exactly who he is and what he In six months, he’s going to be accepted into the Australian Ballet School, leave his fancy private high school, and live his life as a star of the stage―at least that’s the plan until he falls down a flight of stairs and breaks his foot in a way he can never recover from... -
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA moving YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himselfDean Foster knows he’s a trans guy. He’s watched enough YouTube videos and done enough questioning to be sure. But everyone at his high school thinks he’s a lesbian—including his girlfriend, Zoe, and his theater director, who just cast him as a “nontraditional” Romeo... -
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... -
The Before Now and After Then by Peter Monn
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDanny Goldstein has always lived in the shadow of his identical, twin brother Sam. But when a hurricane of events forces him into the spotlight, he starts to realize that the only thing he's truly afraid of is himself... -
Jeremiah's Lost Paci by Della Cain, Kaytea Kat
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsI saved up all my tip money for months in order to buy a day pass for Chained, the hottest club in town. I’d never been to one before, but after stumbling upon a munch while I was waiting for a tow truck one rainy night, I was intrigued. Intrigue quickly morphed to needing to go and see if I wanted more than just to have a paci and a stuffie at bedtime. Maybe I was little and needed a daddy... -
Spy Stuff by Matthew J. Metzger
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAnton never thought anyone would ever want to date him. Everyone knows nobody wants a transgender boyfriend, right? So he's as shocked as anyone when seemingly-straight Jude Kalinowski asks him out, and doesn't appear to be joking.The only problem is ... well, Jude doesn't actually know.Anton can see how this will play out: Jude is a nice guy, and nice guys finish last... -
Into This World We're Thrown by Mark Kendrick
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“While Desert Sons deftly handles the difficult and sometimes dangerous coming out process of young lovers Ryan and Scott, the sequel finds that lingering tensions remain, while new challenges continue to surface. Infidelity, jealousy, town gossip, and buried feelings threaten to destroy their relationship. Worse yet, the threat of violence looms constantly in their lives... -
Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams by Brent Hartinger
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“There was no way moving to Los Angeles was going to make me give up my soul. After all, I’d already seen all the movies about Hollywood. I knew how things worked.” Twenty-four year-old Russel Middebrook and his boyfriend have moved to Los Angeles so Russel can try to make it as a screenwriter... -
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The Rebel's Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen the mayor of a small Alabama town starts targeting Pride events, bad boy Zeke begins hosting a series of “Pride Speakeasies” in this joyful queer coming-of-age!There’s nothing Zeke Chapman wants more than to tarnish the perfect reputation his father is so obsessed with. He quit the baseball team, started fighting at school, and nearly flunked junior year... -
Bump Start by Eve Holmes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen control slips and chaos calls, some collisions are inevitable.Cade Cormier is a brilliant quantum mechanics professor who can easily explain how energy behaves in the universe. But he can’t explain its absence within himself. Numbness has become his only constant, and he’s chased every force he can find to push back against it... -
Here's to You, Zeb Pike by Johanna Parkhurst
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFact: When Zebulon Pike attempted to climb what is now known as Pikes Peak, he got stuck in waist-deep snow and had to turn back.That's the last thing Dusty Porter learns in his Colorado history class before appendicitis ruins his life... -
Suit Yourself by Susan Mac Nicol
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsScarred both physically and emotionally after a motorcycle accident, twenty-five year old ex fashion model and porn star Oliver Brown is about to be stripped bare by flamboyant twink Leslie Scott—and they’ll rebuild love from the bottom up. BARING THE BEASTTwenty-five year old Oliver Brown is addicted... -
D*U*C*K by Poppy Z. Brite
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPoppy Z. Brite’s first piece of original fiction since the levees broke, the long new novella D*U*C*K revisits Brite’s popular characters Rickey and G-man (The Value of X, Liquor, Prime, Soul Kitchen)... -
His for Hanukkah by Reese Morrison
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMost people like vacations. And Christmas. They both make Adam want to scream. And kick things. Anxious, lonely, Jewish, and in serious need of a Daddy, Adam finally loses it in the lobby of his favorite BDSM club--right in front of the guy he's been crushing on. Tate's been dreaming about Adam for a long time...
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