Book picks similar to
The Young Man's Guide to Love and Loyalty by Clara Merrick
fantasy
historical
romance
m-m
Sacrati
Kate Sherwood - 2015
He has everything he needs—until he captures Finnvid on a raid.Finnvid is on a secret mission to prevent the Torian invasion of his homeland Elkat. Being enslaved by Torian soldiers wasn’t in his plans. Neither is his horrified fascination with the casual promiscuity of the Sacrati warriors. Men should not lie with other men—and he should not be so intrigued when they do. He definitely should not be most intrigued by the leader of the soldiers who captured him and plan to invade his home.For Theos, everything would have been easier if the infuriating, lying, bewildering Elkati had never come into his life, but he can’t stay away. When betrayal and treachery threaten both their nations, they must work together to stop a war that could destroy their homes forever—even as they begin to question everything they’re fighting for.
The Last Kiss
Sally Malcolm - 2020
Yet over three long years at the front, his dashing batman, Private West, became his reason for fighting—and his reason for living.But Ash’s war ends in catastrophe. Gravely wounded, he’s evacuated home to his family’s country house in Highcliffe. Bereft of West, angry and alone, Ash struggles to re-join the genteel world he no longer understands.For Harry West, an ostler from London’s East End, it was love at first sight when he met kind and complex Captain Dalton. Harry doubts their friendship can survive in the class-bound world back home, but he knows he’ll never forget his captain.When the guns finally fall silent, Harry finds himself adrift in London. Unemployed and desperate, he swallows his pride and travels to Highcliffe in search of work and the man he loves. Under the nose of Ash’s overbearing father, the men’s intense wartime friendship deepens into a passionate, forbidden love affair.But breaching the barriers of class and sexuality is dangerous and enemies lurk in Highcliffe’s rose-scented shadows.After giving their all for their country, Harry and Ash face a terrible choice—defy family, society and the law to love as their hearts demand, or say goodbye forever...
Duking It Out
E.J. Russell - 2020
The grudge match of the century—or a love story of super-heroic proportions?Sander Fiala, Duke of Roses, is fourth in line to the South Abarran throne, even though his rogue power earned him the nickname “The Monster of Roses” and got him banished from the Castle. But right before he’s about to set off on his annual birthday sailing trip, the Queen asks him to meet with the notoriously volatile North Abarran Duke of Arles.Tarik Jaso, Duke of Arles, expects the worst from people because—let’s face it—people are the worst. His superpower bombards him with any and all electronic transmissions, which…yeah, people suck. So when he’s attacked and wakes up in the cabin of a stranded boat, he knows he’s royally screwed. Because the man looming over him—the man he’d gone toe-to-toe with right before the attack—is the infamous Monster of Roses.Tarik is positive the Monster is behind his kidnapping. Sander is sure the whole thing is Tarik’s fault. As they work toward rescue, Tarik realizes that the disturbingly hot Sander is no monster, and Sander discovers that Tarik’s temper masks a caring soul wrapped in a cantankerous (though undeniably sexy) body.For their burgeoning connection to endure, they’ll have to duke it out with political factions, dark conspiracies, and centuries of traditions that keep them on opposite sides of the border.But first? They have to get off this damn island.Duking It Out is a 46,000-word M/M enemies to lovers, opposites attract, superhero rom-com, featuring Only One Bed, a grumpy duke who should know better than to jump to conclusions, a self-doubting duke who’s good with his hands (heh), gossipy seagulls, competent assistants, a guaranteed HEA, and (unfortunately) capes.
The Beauty's Brother
Leon Hart - 2016
The servants are losing their humanity and memory. Crow, a young man surprisingly resistant to the curse, is their only connection to the outside world, observing as a bird. Helene is the latest girl obtained for breaking the spell. Her belligerent brother, Roi, is being held hostage to keep her obedient. When Crow is assigned to help care and keep watch of the brother, he regards it as a sort of punishment… with the exception that he finds Roi quite pleasing to look at. Initially keen to make the other miserable, prisoner and servant reluctantly align to seek an alternative way to break the spell. But this is no simple task with time running short, increasing abuse from the senior staff, and so few to be trusted. Furthermore, Roi’s own interests in Crow grow increasingly apparent, and Crow has no idea how to handle this zealous man. This mature story features a slight twist and different perspective on a classic fairy tale.
The Servant
Mary Calmes - 2011
But destiny is hard to outrun, even for a man who is now more cat than man beneath his robes and cowl. A chance battlefield meeting between he and Ehron, a foreign lord, gives him purpose amidst the darkness of his accursed life. Soon Daemon finds that his true nature cannot be corrupted no matter the form he inhabits.As Ehron’s consul, Daemon plots and plans to shape his new lord's future so that he may leave it blessed when he runs away yet again. But he never counted on his soul hungering for Ehron’s brother Gareth or for his past to catch him by the tail at last.Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B004JU1K9M here.
First Moon
Richard Amos - 2020
Half-werewolf. One hell of a baker.Need someone, or something, hunted down? Akira Murakami is your man! No target is too small for him to get his energy-sucking blades swinging, and all jobs are welcome at the right price.The bills have to be paid after all.Living in a world where the apocalypse almost happened can be complicated, as is being the hybrid son of the High Werewolf of, well, everything. But Akira likes to live a relatively simpler life than dear old papa would like, shunning all the political crap, living by the sword and perfecting that recipe for dark chocolate and raspberry brownies.Killing is easy.Brownies are easy.Too easy.To hell with the simple life!There’s a werewolf killer stalking the city, and Akira is about to be caught in the middle of everything.Step into an alternative London where the London Underground is above your head, Hyde Park a prison for some creepy shadow creatures, and plenty of baking goes down in a tiny flat on Grays Inn Road.A kick-ass Urban Fantasy adventure with a slow-burn MM Romance.
Prince of Air and Darkness
M.A. Grant - 2019
Born with the rare ability to tap into unlimited magick, he finds both Faerie Courts want his allegiance—and will do anything to get it.They don’t realize he can’t levitate a feather, much less defend the Faerie Realm as it slips into civil war.Unseelie Prince Roark Lyne, Phineas’s roommate—and self-proclaimed arch nemesis—is beautiful and brave and a pain in the ass. Phineas can’t begin to sort through their six years of sexual tension masquerading as mutual dislike. But Roark is also the only one able to help Finn tame his magick.Trusting Roark’s mysterious motives may be foolish; not accepting his temporary protection would be deadly.Caught in the middle of the impending war, Phineas and Roark forge a dangerous alliance. And as the walls between them crumble, Phineas realizes that Roark isn’t the monster he’d imagined. But their growing intimacy threatens to expose a secret that could either turn the tide of the war…or destroy them both.
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting
K.J. Charles - 2021
Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury’s heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn’t impressed by good looks, or fooled by false charm. He’s sure Robin is a liar—a fortune hunter, a card sharp, and a heartless, greedy fraud—and he’ll protect his niece, whatever it takes.Then, just when Hart thinks he has Robin at his mercy, things take a sharp left turn. And as the grumpy baronet and the glib fortune hunter start to understand each other, they also find themselves starting to care—more than either of them thought possible. But Robin's cheated and lied and let people down for money. Can a professional rogue earn an honest happy ever after?
Soulseeker
J.C. Owens - 2016
Prince Rian is desperate to escape his abusive and tyrannical brother, Arran, the king of Rashma, and save those he loves from his brother's madness. But after recapturing Rian, the king is taking no chances when he forces the prince back to his duties as general. Arran has hired the Hawks, a group of hardened Zala mercenaries renowned for their battle prowess and skill with horses, to watch the prince. Broken and forced to submit, Rian endures these new bodyguards he knows are spies loyal to his manipulative brother. But Rian has a secret about to be uncovered. At night, when his mental barriers are lowered, he is guarded by the wraith of his dead twin. He can't hide the wraith from Hamon, the powerful leader of the Hawks who tangles all the emotions within Rian and makes him believe he just might be worthy of love. When Hamon agreed to guard the prince, he believed it would be a simple task...and allow the Zala to gather information on the expanding kingdom of Rashma. But after witnessing the prince's unique powers, he suspects Rian might be one of the legendary soulseekers, despite the fact that Rian is not of the Zala and a soulseeker hasn't been seen in decades... But more than that, he finds himself fascinated and attracted to the prince. Soon he begins to suspect the king has lied about the prince from the very beginning. Yet, how can he convince Rian he's the true soulseeker and bring him safely to where he's needed most... Contains intense emotional elements. Reader discretion advised.
Original Sin
Shannon West - 2022
He’s trying to get answers about a person he’s desperately searching for—an old love who had been attacked and turned while Jonah was imprisoned. But instead, he finds himself alone with her in a dark alley with her. fangs in his neck. Seconds later, she’s dying on the ground at his feet, poisoned by his toxic blood, and her followers are chasing him all over the city. The vampire's venom burns much of his memory away, though they're tantalizingly close. His mind is a blank as far as most of his personal history is concerned, so questions like, what are you, have to remain unanswered. Jonah's stripped naked and brought before a handsome, powerful vampire lord whose blood instantly calls to him, while deliciously erotic images of the two of them flash through his mind. This is the man he’s been seeking, which is unfortunate on many levels, since he only wants Jonah dead.What do you do when the love of your life demands answers—and you don’t have any? Do you meekly accept your fate, or do you fight like hell to cleanse the bitter taste of life without him from your soul? A complicated web of lies threatens both Jonah’s and his vampire lover’s lives, and they must fight their way to happiness through a confusing maze of intrigue and deception. Can Jonah’s vampire lord put aside his bitterness so they can save themselves? Or do they both go down fighting?
The Violet and the Tom
Eve Ocotillo - 2009
Nygell, a Lord of the Northern Isles, is given the gift of a Grecian slave by the King. Nygell wants no such responsibility.A homoerotic romance. Set in an alternate universe with institutionalized slavery, thus consent is by nature dubious at best. Elements of BDSM.Status: CompleteWord count: approx. 100,865
Death by Silver
Melissa Scott - 2013
But the latest Londoner to seek Ned’s magical aid gives him pause: Mr Edgar Nevett, an arrogant banker, is the father of the bully who made Ned’s life hell at boarding school. Nevertheless, Ned accepts the commission to ensure the Nevett family silver bears no ancient or modern curses, and then prepares to banish the Nevett family to unpleasant memory again. Until Edgar Nevett is killed by an enchanted silver candlestick—one of the pieces Ned declared magically harmless.Calling on his old school friend Julian Lynes—private detective and another victim of the younger Nevett—Ned races to solve the murder, clear the stain on his professional reputation, and lay to rest the ghosts of his past.Assisted by Ned’s able secretary Miss Frost, who has unexpected metaphysical skills of her own, Ned and Julian explore London’s criminal underworld and sodomitical demimonde, uncover secrets and scandals, confront the unexpected murderer and the mysteries of their own relationship.In Death by Silver veteran authors Melissa Scott and Amy Griswold introduce a Victorian London where magic works, influencing every aspect of civilized life, and two very appealing detectives.
Capture
Annabelle Jacobs - 2014
Destined from birth, and forged by magic at the age of twenty-one, he earns his place in the king’s army. But it’s not the only thing he dreams of. Lusting after the king maybe be foolish, but that doesn’t stop Nykin’s pulse from racing whenever he’s near.Ryneq always knew he’d rule Torsere one day, but never expected it to happen quite so soon. The death of his parents forced him into a role he wasn’t prepared for and a romantic attachment is low on his list of priorities. Yet still Nykin manages to catch his interested and hold it.With his land under threat from the lowland armies, an alliance with the elves seems Ryneq’s only option to protect the kingdom. But seeing it to fruition is fraught with danger and even the best laid plans can be thwarted. With hope all but lost, Nykin embarks on a deadly mission, willing risk everything for his duty and his king.Featuring forced proximity, fake relationships, all wrapped up in a romantic fantasy full of suspense and intrigue. Capture is the first book in the Torsere trilogy.Previously published with Dreamspinner Press.
Axios: A Spartan Tale
Jaclyn Osborn - 2017
At age seven, I left home to train with other boys where we were taught obedience, solidarity, military strategy, and how to withstand pain. My harsh upbringing stripped me of my weaknesses and forced me to become strong. Ruthless.But, I craved something greater—a life I could never have.Against all odds, and the toughest training a warrior could endure, I found an unexpected love in the arms of a fellow Spartan. He was the very air I breathed and the water that sustained me. Fighting side by side with him, we were invincible. Where he went, I followed.However, there was no place for love in Sparta. Feelings were for the weak. The only life for a Spartan was one of battle and brutality with no guarantee of tomorrow. In times of war, all men were put to the test, but the greatest challenge for us was not one of swords and spears, but of the heart.*M/M Historical Romance set in Ancient Sparta*
Gingerbread Spiced Daddy
Leona Windwalker - 2020
I’ve screwed up in every single department they put me to work in back at the Pole. Assigned to the general labor pool to do whatever grunt work of the day that’s needed, I was just handed the joy of going into the human world to serve as a candy cane patrol monitor at a shopping mall Santa’s grotto for the whole of this holiday season. It’s depressing as all get out, seeing all of those loved up couples and happy families enjoying the festive atmosphere while I go back to the crappy motel room I share with another failure of an elf. Is it too much to ask to have someone of my own to cuddle up with in front of a roaring fire and have sexy times with next to the Christmas tree? That’s when I see him, a breathcatchingly handsome man standing there in line, holding his kid’s hand, naturally. Still, I can dream, right? He looks just like my ideal notion of the perfect Daddy. Cliff I don’t know how I let myself get talked into taking my niece Laurette to go see Santa. Okay, yes, I do. I made the mistake of telling my sister that I was going out to do some personal Christmas shopping, pick up the gift baskets my boss ordered for our department heads, and to order the decorated giant cookie for the staff Christmas party. As soon as she realized I would be stopping at the mall, that was all she wrote. So, here I am, standing in line wearing the Santa hat Laurette insisted I wear, wondering just what the hell that guy in the elf costume handing out candy canes to the kids as they leave is staring at. He better not be some weirdo thinking about trying to get Laurette alone later or snatching her from the parking lot or something. No, wait, it's me he's looking at. I know I look ridiculous in this hat and it doesn’t go with my leather jeans and bike jacket but he looks pretty stupid too in those small shorts, striped tights, and let’s not forget his elf hat which has bells on it. Bells! Gingerbread Spiced Daddy is a Christmas romance following one Winter Elf fresh from the North Pole as he finds his HEA in the human world over the holiday season thanks to a little magic called love.