Books like 'Nothing to Gain'
Readers who enjoyed Nothing to Gain by E.M. Denning also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance university mlm poverty friends-to-lovers lgbtq friendship
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Censored Soul by Anne Malcom
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI give myself to strangers. When I'm on stage, and when I'm off it. Whether it's throngs of screaming fans or just one man, it's always outsiders. People who don't know me. Not the real me. It's easier, because then it's not so obvious that there is no real me. Just layers of lies. Then I'm peeled back to the nerve. Showing the world my ugly. Everyone sees me for what I am... -
![Old Ink by Ali Lyda]()
Old Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s way too young and he works for me … so why can’t I stay away? I had no trouble saying no to Channing when he left for college two years ago. I’m two and a half decades older than him and he was just a kid. But he’s all man now and it’s hard to stay away. Especially when he takes a job at my tattoo shop for the summer. He’s got his whole life ahead of him. I can’t let him waste it on me... -
![Messy Ink by Ali Lyda]()
Messy Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDane Chris is a great doctor, but he can’t heal me… I learned to look out for myself on the streets and in juvie. I’ve cleaned up my act, but it doesn’t mean that I’m about to start trusting a guy to stick around. Especially not a clean cut doctor like Chris. No wonder I ended things between us the first time around. I’m sure it’s for the best... -
![Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe]()
Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“First Dates”A prequel to The Lamb and the Lion books, this short story shows Jem and Tean as they are set up on blind dates—with disastrous results.“Cheap Seats”Jem and Tean go to the movies. Jem insists it’s an epic bromance date. Tean insists they’re just casual acquaintances... -
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![Wanted: Doting Daddy by Sammi Cee]()
Wanted: Doting Daddy by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan a small-town Midwestern boy find the freedom to be himself in the Big Apple? Nigel has spent years dreaming of spending time with a Daddy, but the small town he lives in barely tolerates him as it is. Now that he’s won a themed holiday in NYC, his chance is finally here to explore his love of fashion and his desire to be someone's boy... -
![Catching Chance by M.E. Parker]()
Catching Chance by M.E. Parker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhat happens when you suddenly get everything you ever wanted? First, you don’t believe it’s real. Then you want more… Let’s be honest, gay nerds from small towns in North Carolina don’t get to date the hot, popular quarterback. It’s just one of those impregnable laws of nature. Even if he was my best friend growing up. Even if it turns out by some miracle that he’s gay too... -
![Handmade Holidays by 'Nathan Burgoine]()
Handmade Holidays by 'Nathan Burgoine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAt nineteen, Nick is alone for the holidays and facing reality: this is how it will be from now on. Refusing to give up completely, Nick buys a Christmas tree, and then realizes he has no ornaments. A bare tree and an empty apartment aren’t a great start, but a visit from his friend Haruto is just the ticket to get him through this first, worst, Christmas... -
![Shouting Match by Pandora Pine]()
Shouting Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter the death of his father, Capone Lombardi was tasked not only with keeping his father’s legacy alive, but also to look after his mother and three younger brothers. Putting his own love life on the back-burner, he’s spent the last five years ensuring the family restaurant, Lombardi’s, thrives... -
![Blooming by Sean Ashcroft]()
Blooming by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsInstagram crush. Instant fling.The last thing amateur food photographer Milo expects to find in the sleepy town of Otter Bay is the cute boy he’s been crushing on from Instagram. He’s in town to help his pregnant sister, not to look for a fling, but his best friend is right—it’s been so long since he got laid that they’ll be reissuing his v-card any day now... -
![Maddie by Annabella Michaels]()
Maddie by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter witnessing firsthand just how dirty and underhanded a life in politics can be, Maddie Vanderhorne steps off the campaign trail to follow his passion. Starting his own event planning business is the best decision Maddie’s ever made, quickly winning over his clients with his vibrant and outgoing personality... -
![All the Stars by Duckie Mack]()
All the Stars by Duckie Mack
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRider doesn’t have a lot of rules when it comes to guys, but there is one- he doesn’t date, not ever. He’s content with random hookups because dating means too much. That’s reserved for the one person he knows he can never have, his best friend, Cameron.After watching his own family fall apart, Cam longs for someone who will stick it out through thick and thin... -
![Little Harbour by Sophia Soames]()
Little Harbour by Sophia Soames
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis is a story about life and death, because there was never anyone else for Jens. He had been with Sofie almost all his life, from the day they met at school when they were fifteen, until the day she took her final breath against his chest. She was always everything to him. As he was to her. He never doubted that. Not for a minute... -
![The Bedroom Coach Agreement by Hayden Hall]()
The Bedroom Coach Agreement by Hayden Hall
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWe’re the least likely couple you’ll ever see. Until the lights go out.ParkerMy brother’s best friend has a secret. And I just happen to know what he does in a hidden downtown apartment at night. In front of a camera. Sculpted like a Greek god, Dayton soon becomes all I want.But a guy like me could never hope to catch his attention. I’ve never been with anyone. I’ve never even kissed a guy... -
![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... -
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![Gin & Sin by Mia Monroe]()
Gin & Sin by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHelping him explore his attraction to men was supposed to be no strings fun, not turn me into a whipped puppy dog, but here we are. The college twink scene is wearing on me. Sure, it works out for a no-commitment guy like myself, but the constant drama and faceless rotation of pretty boys in and out of my bed isn’t as exciting as it once was... -
![Let’s Bi Curious by Romeo Alexander]()
Let’s Bi Curious by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsDalton: It was just a kiss! I didn’t mean anything by it. We’ve always been close, but I’ve barely shown an interest in anyone, and Zane’s only ever chased women. We know what’s what and where we belong. Zane was the one who said we should do it again…just to check…and wow! Now everything’s changing, and it’s great…but it’s terrifying... -
![The Amazing Alpha Tau Reunion Project: The Collected Bonus Stories by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
The Amazing Alpha Tau Reunion Project: The Collected Bonus Stories by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCatch up with the bros from Alpha Tau with this anthology of the bonus short stories.It contains Bro Jobs, Romancing Dalton Beauregard, Make Up Sex, Pinch Hitter, and the previously unpublished Reunion... -
![Tame Me by A.T. Brennan]()
Tame Me by A.T. Brennan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI’ve never felt like I fit in. Why would that change now that I’m in college?Two years ago my best friend broke my heart and left me to pick up the pieces of my self-esteem. I swore I’d never let another person hurt me and shifted my focus to school and getting to where I want to be in the future. I have a job I enjoy, friends who understand me, and a family that loves me... -
![Finding Their Balance by M.Q. Barber]()
Finding Their Balance by M.Q. Barber
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThree’s the naughtiest kind of crowd. Getting to the one-year mark is hard enough in a relationship between two lovers. For three, just getting through the day can be half the battle. Between Alice’s headstrong insistence on pushing her sexual limits and Jay’s need to confront an abusive former lover, Henry has his hands full keeping both his partners safe and happy... -
![Chasing Fate by Mia Monroe]()
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... -
![Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens]()
Beautiful Mistakes by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe other side of loathing might be lust ...Or love ...WolfDesire: What Wolf struggles with from the moment he sees Spencer Hawkins the first day of college.Fear: Not a word in Wolf’s vocabulary except when it comes to facing his feelings for Spencer.Lust: What he gives in to that changes everything between them. And his life forever... -
![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... -
![Operation Makeover by D.J. Jamison]()
Operation Makeover by D.J. Jamison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWill a makeover bring his fantasy to life or lead him to a love he never saw coming? As a professional X-ray tech, Ridley has come a long way from the geeky kid Jace took under his wing in high school. Not that his best friend has noticed. Tired of pining, Ridley decides to show Jace what he’s missing... -
![The Sweetest Thing: The Blackburn Brothers Duet Book 1 by E.M. Denning, Designs by Dana]()
The Sweetest Thing: The Blackburn Brothers Duet Book 1 by E.M. Denning, Designs by Dana
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsScotty St. James has led a complicated life. He was once on the fast track to a career in professional sports but turned his back on a promising future to barge out of the closet in the most dramatic way possible. Now, he’s a hairdresser with a love of feminine fabrics, and a crush on his brother’s best friend, Nathan. Nathan Blackburn is fleeing his over-protective mother... -
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![My Perfect Fit by M.A. Innes]()
My Perfect Fit by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaddox thought the hardest part of his relationship with Bryan would be just getting it started. He was wrong. Learning how to be the Dom and Daddy that Bryan needs is harder than he ever imagined. Each new step in their relationship is a learning experience he’s not sure he’s ready to handle. He wants to make the right decisions, but he’s afraid he doesn’t know how... -
![Our Perfect Puzzle by M.A. Innes]()
Our Perfect Puzzle by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBryan knew going back to college would change things between him and Maddox, but he never expected how much. With new living situations and problems, Bryan didn’t think his junior year would be so difficult. Going from the perfect summer with Maddox to a crazy roommate who doesn’t respect boundaries is pushing him to the edge... -
![Their Perfect Future by M.A. Innes]()
Their Perfect Future by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLiving together had been their only goal, but now what?Bryan and Maddox spent their first weeks back at college trying to keep their relationship from falling apart. Now that they’re living together and learning how to make their unique relationship work all over again, new issues have come up... -
![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... -
![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... -
![Forever Man by A.J. DeWall]()
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... -
![The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden]()
The Geek Next Door by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's always been there, whether I realized it or not.KaiGrowing up, Izzy was the cute, geeky guy next door.He and my twin brother were inseparable, and Izzy followed River around with hearts in his eyes.Fifteen years after I last saw him, he moves in across the street and ends up as my last-minute date to River's wedding... -
![Spiced Kisses by Charlie Novak]()
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... -
![Finding Finn by Charlie Novak]()
Finding Finn by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when a quiet boy with a secret falls for his best friend?Finn has always kept people at arm’s length. Being quiet and shy doesn’t get you many friends outside your family, and it’s even harder when you’re running a spicy, secret side project.But Gem might be the exception to the rule. The game designer is clever, self-deprecating, and appreciates Finn’s affection for all things nerdy... -
![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... -
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![Love by Shaw Montgomery]()
Love by Shaw Montgomery
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs his muscular, submissive boys grow more confident, Dare couldn’t be more proud of them. Each step they take brings them all closer together and gives Dare glimpses of the family they’ll become. They just have a few hurdles to get over first, like the fact that his boys need to move and that they aren’t exactly forthcoming with what they want from a Dom or a boyfriend... -
![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... -
![Couture Crush by Charlie Novak]()
Couture Crush by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeau Barrett is about to become Alt. Bride’s first male cover model, but what about his own fairy-tale ending?When Beau Barrett arrives to shoot for alternative bridal magazine, Alt. Bride, the last person he expects to see is Cash, his long-lost childhood best friend. The spark between them is instant, but with Beau’s calendar splitting at the seams, he’s not convinced a relationship is possible... -
![Pacies and Photographs by Della Cain]()
Pacies and Photographs by Della Cain
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsStepping out from behind the camera isn’t as easy as it seems. Dax needs cash, and he needs it now since his roommate has moved away without notice. Dax has a week to either make up the difference or break his lease. Both options are out of his price range... -
![Beautiful Rhythm by Zarah Detand]()
Beautiful Rhythm by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen life gives you a sprained wrist and a hot new neighbor, make it the best summer of your life. As a successful concert pianist with three million Spotify listeners to his name, Oliver Taylor has it all figured out. He’s got his piano, his routines, and a small but close group of friends even if he doesn’t see them as much as he’d like. Love? No, thanks—he’s just fine without a girl on his arm... -
![Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal]()
Defenseman No. 9 by Xavier Neal
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA New Adult Romantic Comedy. Once upon a time, the Vlasta Vipers hockey team was so incredible — on and off the ice — they were almost mythical. Back then, they were the undefeated conquerors of the rink. Coveted prizes for Puck Bunnies. Their reputation was ironclad until the wrong skates landed on the wrong feet... -
![King of the Mountain by Aiden Ainslie]()
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... -
![Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin]()
Keeping Casey by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCasey Preston is the guy with the plan. The list-maker. The one who micromanages his own life.Spontaneously offering to be his best friend’s fake boyfriend to get Ethan’s annoying team captain off his back?That’s not thinking things through. It’s not even smart given Casey’s been fighting his feelings for Ethan for years.Ethan Rain just wants to play hockey and get his college degree... -
![Oliver Ever After by Spencer Spears]()
Oliver Ever After by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMe, my high school ex, and a five-star hotel room on reunion night. He can’t break my heart twice, right? Oliver: It took me 7 years to forget my high school boyfriend, Luke, and just one night to--You know what? Scratch that... -
![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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![A Place to Go by Kit Oliver]()
A Place to Go by Kit Oliver
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFalling in love was a long, bumpy, wonderful ride.Now, they just have to figure out the rest of it: family, holidays...and what to get each other for Christmas... -
![Full Circle by Michael Thomas Ford]()
Full Circle by Michael Thomas Ford
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHistory professor Ned Brummel is living happily with his partner of twelve years in small-town Maine when he receives a phone call from his estranged friend--Jack--telling him that another friend--Andy--is very ill and possibly near death... -
![Untouched by M.A. Innes]()
Untouched by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrowing up in an unusual family has made adapting to college more difficult for Jay. Sheltered and socially awkward, the only easy part about higher education is the classes. While everyone around him seems to instinctively understand what they’re into and who they are, he’s lost and alone. That is, until his new roommate makes life a little more interesting... -
![Still Water by Ruthie Luhnow]()
Still Water by Ruthie Luhnow
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"What's the protocol for falling in love with your best friend?" Max Hartmann only cares about two things: his university rowing team and his best friend Finn—the one person Max can always count on, the one person who believes in him the most. But now it's senior year and something about Finn is different. Max can't figure out why Finn is pulling away, leaving Max adrift without him... -
![Obvious by R.G. Alexander]()
Obvious by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author R.G. Alexander, Book 10 in the Finn Factor Series! Could he be more Obvious? Matthew Finn is about to find out. He’s got a crush and a prickly pickle of a problem, but with a little help from his newfound family, he’ll convince Oliver “Legs” Garcia that he's the real thing... -
![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...
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