Books like 'Lock & West'
Readers who enjoyed Lock & West by Alexander C. Eberhart also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance lgbtq mlm realistic high-school drama friends-to-lovers poc-mc coming-of-age
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A Surplus of Light by Chase Connor
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"He's a psycho." That's what Mike is told when he asks who the kid is with the dark swoop of hair and eyes that look like icebergs floating in milk. From that moment, it becomes Mike's mission to find out everything about this kid. The kid who can fight better than anyone, but doesn't want to. The kid who is the greatest artist Mike's ever met... -
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... -
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 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... -
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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... -
Denim Diaries 1: 16 Going on 21 by Darrien Lee
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAnother great book in the Denim Dairies... -
Loving Lakyn by Charlotte Reagan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLakyn James is sixteen years old and hating every second of it. He was supposed to be done, he'd tapped out. End of story, unsubscribe here. Suicide "attempt", they said. His intentions had no "attempt" in them. Re-entering normal life after ‘trying’ to take his own is weird. Especially when the world keeps going like it never happened... -
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... -
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... -
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 romance young-adult contemporary -
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... -
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... -
He's Come Undone: A Romance Anthology by Adriana Herrera, Emma Barry
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor him, control is everything...until it shatters, and now he's come undone."Appasionata" by Emma BarryPiano technician Brennan Connelly lives to control details: the tension on a piano string or the compression of hammer felt. But he's never faced demands like those heaped on him by Kristy Kwong, the diva who's haunted his dreams for two decades... -
Overlooked by Rose Christo
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Don't tell me you didn't miss me!" Rafael's devilish sister Mary has returned to the Nettlebush Indian Reservation after a year of absence and a failed stint in a rock band. But the reason behind Mary's triumphant homecoming is anything less than sororal: Mary has her sights set on Paul Looks Over, the man responsible for her father's death... -
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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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Glitter by Ayla Starr
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI kept tripping over my feet, tripping over my words, and eventually gave up talking all together. You continued to smile anyway... -
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... -
Becoming His by Mariah Dietz
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes life’s unforeseen paths lead us to discovering sides of ourselves we never knew existed. Home has always been Ace Bosse’s place of solace, but returning home for the summer from college, she finds herself building an unexpected relationship with Max Miller, who’s recently returned home from Alaska...Categorized as:
coming-of-age domestic-drama drama friends-to-lovers realistic book cheating contemporary -
Invisible by Jeff Erno
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsChase Devereaux is a fifteen year old boy under a great deal of stress. He has to give a speech today for his Oral Communications class, and he's terrified of public speaking. Worse yet, he's being bullied by one of the most popular kids at school. He just has to make it through his third-hour gym class and then give his speech, and everything will be all right... -
There Goes Sunday School by Alexander C. Eberhart
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn sixteen-year-old Mike Hernandez’s life, only one thing is clear: Gay is NOT okay. His family’s life revolves around the church, a church run by the vocally intolerant Pastor Myers, so Mike has resolved to spend his life in the closet. His only escape—besides the occasional, anonymous gay make-out session—is his art... -
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Float by Kate Marchant
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA heartfelt summer read for fans of Sarah Dessen and Jenny Han about holding on and letting go.Waverly Lyons has been caught in the middle of her parents’ divorce for as long as she can remember. This summer, the battle rages over who she’ll spend her vacation with, and when Waverly’s options are shot down, it’s bye-bye Fairbanks, Alaska and hello Holden, Florida to stay with her aunt...Categorized as:
high-school realistic coming-of-age friends-to-lovers romance young-adult contemporary fiction -
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... -
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 -
Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSeventeen-year-old Connor works his butt off to maintain the golden-boy persona he’s created. He has the grades, the extracurriculars, the athletics, and a part-time job at his dad’s shop… every detail specifically chosen to ensure the college scholarships he needs to get the hell out of the Podunk town where he lives... -
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... -
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... -
Outrunning The Darkness by Anne Schraff
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThemes: Hi-Lo, High school, neighborhoods, family, loyalty, friendship, urban teen fiction, self esteem, teen relationships, unrequited love. Written for young adults, the Urban Underground series confronts issues that are of great importance to teens, such as friendship, loyalty, drugs, gangs, abuse, urban blight, bullies, and self-esteem to name a few... -
Senior Year by John H. Ames
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAnd you thought last year was full of drama, suspense and romance? You ain’t seen nothing yet! After a summer of love, hard work and…ahem…cohabitation, Nick and John are beginning their senior year. However, putting the memory of last year’s turbulent events at Elite High behind them proves harder than ever. Mysterious notes begin to appear inside John’s locker... -
Running Far Afield by Libby Drew
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAaron thought nothing would be different in his new town of Ridgton. Instead, nothing is the same. When he meets Chris, he finds not only a fellow baseball player, but a close friend – one who gives him the courage to explore the things about himself he's been hiding. Rating R - 16,400 words - Complete. Mild sexual situations between consenting 16-year-olds... -
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Ollie Fitzgerald's Heartbreak Anthems by Charlie Arrigo
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOllie Fitzgerald is finally ready to move on.After spending his entire life crafting the perfect plan for every situation, he wasn't expecting his best friend's brother, Nash, to kiss him on the first day of summer. Something else he wasn't expecting? Nash ghosting him a week later when he left for lacrosse camp...Categorized as:
lgbtq mlm friends-to-lovers high-school coming-of-age romance young-adult contemporary -
Date Me, Bryson Keller by Kevin van Whye
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhat If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com! Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before... -
Rainbow Road by Alex Sanchez
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJason Carrillo came out to his basketball team senior year and lost his university scholarship. Now, with graduation behind him and summer ending, he's asked to speak at the opening of a gay and lesbian high school across the country... -
Here Goes Nothing by Alexander C. Eberhart
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor high school senior Mike Hernandez, everything is finally falling perfectly into place. He’s publishing his first web comic with his new boyfriend, his friends and family are totally supportive, and he’s looking towards a future he never let himself imagine. Chris Myers is a boy on the mend...Categorized as:
lgbtq mlm friends-to-lovers high-school coming-of-age romance young-adult contemporary -
A Secret Edge by Robin Reardon
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI love the long distance run, when you feel like you're about to die...and then you reach this place where you feel like there are no boundaries for you anywhere...In many ways, Jason Peele is like any other teenager. He hits the books, hangs with his friends, flirts with girls, and omits the full truth of his life from his Aunt Audrey and Uncle Steve, who have raised him since his parents died... -
Falling From The Sky by Nikki Chartier
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAll stability in sixteen-year-old Ridge McCoy’s life crashed and burned in the plane crash that killed his dad. This summer-long basketball camp is his chance to improve his skills and escape his problems back home... -
A Really Nice Prom Mess by Brian Sloan
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWell, in summary, your fake date's in the bathroom with a hangover and a crispy hairdo, while my fake date is out wandering the Willard, searching for his heterosexuality or something. High school senior Cameron Hayes gets coerced into going to the prom with a girl, even though he'd rather be with his boyfriend... -
When You Don't See Me by Timothy James Beck
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing Invisible Is Nick Dunill's M.O. For nineteen years, he's been "the one who disappears" to his disapproving, Midwestern family. And now in New York City, a metropolis of anonymity built on not making eye contact, he feels right at home... -
The Biggest Scoop by Gillian St. Kevern
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Biggest Story Milo's ever found is one he can't tell.Everything is going wrong for Milo Markopoulos. The future of the school newsletter is in jeopardy, he doesn't have a single friend among his junior classmates, and his film script has just been rejected again. Worse, he has only one day to find a story that will satisfy newspaper editor, Candice. Enter transfer student, Taylor... -
Heavyweight by M.B. Mulhall
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSecrets. Their weight can be crushing, but their release can change everything—and not necessarily for the better. Ian is no stranger to secrets. Being a gay teen in a backwater southern town, Ian must keep his orientation under wraps, especially since he spends a lot of time with his hands all over members of the same sex, pinning their sweaty, hard bodies to the wrestling mat... -
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My Best Friend's Secret by Crystal Lacy
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYuki has always tried his best to ignore his attraction to Raysen because their friendship is more important than that.Raysen was there for the lowest point in my life. He saved me, and I'll always love him for that. He's my best friend and has been my roommate for years. Even if I do let my gaze linger on his body for way too long sometimes, I would never risk what we have... -
I Knew Him by Abigail de Niverville
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn his senior year of high school, Julian has one goal: be invisible. All he wants is to study hard, play basketball, and pretend he’s straight for one more year. Then, he can run away to university and finally tell the world he’s bisexual. And by “the world,” he means everyone but his mom and best friend. That’s two conversations he never wants to have... -
Breaking Out by Garry M. Tuckwell
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJustin Reed is sixteen and has problems. His mum died during the summer holidays, his older brother, the only person he feels he can talk to, is away at university, and he lives with a father who simply can’t deal with anything emotional...Categorized as:
mlm coming-of-age lgbtq high-school friends-to-lovers romance young-adult contemporary -
Wrong Locker by Mallory Grant
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn a world where Kinsley's the odd one out in his sports-obsessed family, he finds solace in his art and his friendship with Isabella, a talented Latina tagger. When pressured by his parents to find a girlfriend, Kinsley takes a chance and delivers a letter to a girl he finds attractive, only to discover it ends up in the hands of the popular, yet lonely captain of the sports team... -
Ready for You by Crystal Lacy
Rated: 3.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter mistakenly kissing a straight guy, Reggie expects Shohei to run the other way—not continue their fledgling friendship like nothing happened. Now if only Reggie can stop thinking about how Shohei’s lips tasted.Shohei has never thought of himself as anything other than straight, but he can’t seem to forget the kiss he shared with Reggie... -
Never Do a Wrong Thing by Marcus Herzig
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing out is hard enough on its own, but if you have a crush on your best buddy, things get really complicated.Best friends since kindergarten, best friends forever. That was the plan. High school sophomores Tim and Tom know everything there is to know about each other … or at least they should, but Tim has a secret that could change everything he doesn’t want to see changed...
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