Books like 'Playing Around'
Readers who enjoyed Playing Around by Suzanne Clay also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance friends-to-lovers lgbtq mlm steamy university coming-of-age friendship
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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... -
The Race Is On by Lily Velden
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBook Two: How the Light Gets In Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff and Liam Lassiter are finally on the same page: committed and in it for the long haul. Now they just have to prepare for the inevitable fallout when they reveal their relationship... -
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... -
Plaything by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan being Beau’s housemate and plaything, transform into forever love?A one-night stand with my housemate wasn’t the best idea, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting seconds.Beau is unexpectedly everything I want. He respects me and accepts me the way I am. He takes charge but relinquishes control to me when I feel the need.Nothing’s ever simple... -
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Dirty Daddies Pride 2023 by Siobhan Smile, Maggie Ryan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese Daddies take Pride in being dirtier than ever. Love has no limits or restrictions in this collection of stories from some of the hottest authors in the Daddy genre.No matter how these Daddies or their little ones identify, they'll find their happily ever afters inside these pages... -
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... -
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... -
Exploring Daddy by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI’ve never had a Daddy. Can he teach me how to be the perfect boy?I have three problems.No jobNo direction No clue what I’m doing next.Following my best friend to LA is the only thing that makes sense. I’ll start a new life, figure out a career, and learn how to be an adult. Meeting Matteo is intimidating but exciting. I know he wants a boy. I also know I’m far from what he’s looking for... -
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... -
Proficiency Bonus by Charlie Novak
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOrganising yourself is harder than it looks—Lewis may be a highly proficient PA for two very successful cosplayers, but that means nothing when you’re living at your parent’s house after yet another failed relationship and trying to find some stable ground. Jason Lu, star of Celestials, is stuck between a rock and a hard place... -
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
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
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... -
Concussion Protocol: A Short & Spicy MM Romance by Rebecca Rathe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA sweet and spicy short story by Rebecca RatheHe's a ten, but he's my ex-boyfriend's straight teammate and my patient... -
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Healing the Wounds: Neighborly Affection Book 3 by M.Q. Barber
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStrength lies in surrender.When Alice leapt into sexual games with her neighbors Henry and Jay, she didn’t plan to fall in love. She sure didn’t expect she’d be the switch between Henry’s commanding mastery and Jay’s submissive playfulness. But now she’s moving in with them, and she’d better figure it all out — fast.Trouble is, she’s never been a live-in girlfriend... -
Catch Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 4 by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIt’s never worked with two. Is three the magic number? Cairo has been my bestie for years. He’s sexy, charming, and absolutely gorgeous. Even though the attraction is strong, my track record taught me to keep the line between friendship and more intact.But then Luca entered our world with his southern drawl, bedroom eyes, and sexy smirk, quickly making a play for not one but both of us... -
Free Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 3 by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
Stronger In Your Hands by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEighteen and still trapped at prep school, Alex feels he and Jared will never get together, and then a surprise visit from Jared puts all doubt to rest. After Alex graduates everything seems to fall right into place. The heat between them is scorching, but secrets from Jared's past and his need to take care of everyone around him, jeopardizes their fledgling relationship... -
A Place To Run by Diane Adams
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSchool’s out and Alex is home, but things aren’t going as smoothly as he hoped. Jared is hesitant about advancing their relationship and fixated on the fact that Alex’s mother doesn’t know he’s gay. When she discovers the truth, her extreme reaction drives Alex back to school early. Jared is stunned... -
Brock by Dani René
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI am strong, athletic, and son to a man I always wanted to be. I had made plans, thought I was on that path, and then a bullet stopped not just my father’s heart, but mine too. I’ve been living a life I’m not meant to. I want more. I want to escape. And I found someone who’s given me a love I never thought possible. My name is Brock Pearson... -
A Pancakes Kind of Morning by M.A. Innes
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes losing your job is the best thing that can happen.When Elliot’s left without a job or a plan for what should come next, he thinks the universe might be trying to tell him something. Luckily, his best friend’s father is right there with advice and whipped cream-topped pancakes to make everything better... -
Exchange of Hearts by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsEighteen-year-old Harrison Haddon has grown up alone. Surrounded by wealth, nannies, and material things, all he craves is the approval of his father. Sent away to the boarding school his father and grandfather attended, it’s assumed he will follow in their footsteps from Sydney’s prestigious Ivy League school straight into medical school.But Harrison doesn’t want to be a doctor... -
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 friendship romance young-adult contemporary -
Una maldita confusión by América Rodas
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJean intenta confesar su atracción hacia Olivia en una fiesta, pero por culpa del alcohol termina declarándose a su mejor amigo, Oliver. ***Cuando invitaron a Jean a la fiesta de una desconocida sabía que debía decir que sí, sobre todo porque necesitaba liberar el estrés de la escuela, de su casa, de su equipo de básquetbol y de él mismo... -
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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... -
Love, Never-Ending by Michele Notaro
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJax~ Years ago, I picked myself up and started a new life after having my heart broken. And now I love it, I love my life. But it still isn’t enough. Something is missing. When I meet Symon for the first time, I know there’s something special about him, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s my missing piece. But everything’s confusing because my ex shows back up in my life... -
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... -
Bassist With Benefits by Jenna Galicki
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA friends to lovers rock star romance. Bandmates and best friends since they were teens, Jeremy Kagan and Alan Delgado share everything – including men. Their brotherly bond was shattered during one incident of mistaken identity in a darkened bedroom when a line was crossed. With boundaries broken and the line of friendship blurred, they struggle to move forward... -
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
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... -
In Vino by Alexis Hall
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings**Author note: In Vino is a Spires Universe extra – but it’s not currently available as the entire Spires series has found a new home at Sourcebooks! Ahhh!**A novella about Jasper, a character from FOR REAL. A giveaway to folks who sign up for Hall's mailing list... -
Haven by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Mike is the painfully straight man who made me realise I was painfully bi.” After four years away, Mike returns to the Wild at Heart animal sanctuary for Oscar and Ryan’s wedding—only to run straight into Ezra, his old best friend. Dreading facing his ex-girlfriend at the wedding festivities, Mike jumps at the chance when Ezra jokes about going as his date... -
Accidentally August by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAugustI’m not supposed to have a crush on Crispin Tate. He’s my brother’s best friend, and he’s also gorgeous and perfect in every way... except for his horrible taste in men. And the fact he’s ten years too old for me. Falling for Crispin at sixteen was a surefire way to break my own heart, but I convinced myself one day I’ll get over my unrequited crush. Only, I don’t... -
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... -
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Perfect Blend by Lee Blair
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMoving on after a divorce sucks, especially in a small town where everyone’s all up in your business. And they’re always in my business, given that I run the only coffee shop in town. I miss having someone to come home to, but focusing on my work gives me a purpose and won’t end in heartache. I couldn’t have made it this far without my friend Bricker from the online queer divorce support group... -
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... -
Break Free by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCaleb : Nobody’s better at being alone than me. I’ve perfected the art of isolation: I go to work at Luna’s Diner, come home, and I definitely don’t go on dates anymore. But then Beck walked into my diner looking like the textbook definition of a hot, single dad--tall, bearded, and the kindest eyes this side of the Rockies. And I let my guard down for the first time in years... -
Chance's Choice by Anna Sparrows
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsChance Baker has spent the last few years watching his friendship circle find their happily ever after relationships. He’s happy for them, but he has to admit that he’s starting to feel a bit lonely. At 38, he’s starting to think it might never happen for him. That is until a blast from the past comes hurtling back into his life at the most unexpected moment... -
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... -
Straight Boy by Jay Bell
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI love him. And I’m pretty sure he loves me back… even though he’s straight. When I first met Carter King, I knew he was something special. I imagined us being together, and we are, but only as friends. Best friends! I’m trying to be cool with that, even though I know he has secrets, and there have definitely been mixed signals. I don’t want a crush to ruin what we already have... -
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... -
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... -
Always Together by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThey’ve been best friends since they were little. Can their relationship survive the secrets one of them has been keeping?No one believes Matt when he swears he and his roommate are just friends. That probably has something to do with the way he looks at Brandon when he thinks no one is watching and the fact Brandon doesn’t balk whenever Matt teasingly calls him Daddy... -
Perfect Matcha by Erin McLellan
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter years of focusing on his career, Theodore Punch is tired of being alone. But landing a good man isn’t easy. When Theo needs a date for an ex-boyfriend’s wedding, he knows just the solution—a matchmaker. And there’s no better matchmaker than his social butterfly best friend, Camden Ray... -
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Fielding's Fa-La-La by Eli Easton
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis story features the main characters from the 2013 Christmas novella, “Blame It On The Mistletoe”. It takes place during Fielding and Mick’s second Christmas as a couple, just before the epilogue of “Blame It On The Mistletoe”. It was written for RJ Scott’s Christmas story posting... -
Wish Come True by Keira Andrews, Joanna Chambers
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFirst love. Young love. Holiday love... Wish Come True is a collection of contemporary, new adult, holiday short stories by some of our favorite authors! Included in this anthology: "A Very English Christmas" by Keira Andrews "Mr... -
Half As Much by E.M. Denning, Designs by Dana
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRider Dillinger likes who he is, and he knows what he wants. He works hard for one of the toughest teachers on campus and he likes to unwind the same way any other twenty-something does; with sex. When his friends with benefits arrangement ends badly, Rider finds himself at the school health clinic where he meets campus nurse, Eli James... -
Fling by Baylin Crow
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOur time together has an expiration date. HAYDEN: I don't remember a time when I didn't love him. The only guy I've ever wanted sees me as nothing more than the kid next door and his younger sister's best friend. But when Dean comes home after college graduation, things are different. I've grown up, and the way his golden-brown gaze scorches a path over my body tells me he's noticed... -
Anson's Awakening by Anna Sparrows
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTis the season for a Little self-discovery. Doctor Anson Meyers has decided that Christmas is not for him. He’s lonely and discontented with all his most recent attempts to ‘find himself’ in the world of kink and BDSM. So, when Drake, a fellow Daddy at his local kink club, invites him to hide from the world in a remote cabin over the holidays, Anson jumps at the chance... -
Oblivious by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIsn’t it obvious we’re just best friends?Adrian is my best friend. We live together, hang out, and he’s the best cake taste tester I could want. Hugs are the norm, along with cuddles while watching horror films. I need someone to protect me during the scary bits, so why not Adrian? He’s almost a foot taller than me, so he makes a good armchair too...
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