Book picks similar to
Safe by Mark Zubro
mystery
mm
ya
glbt
The Storm Before the Calm
Cate Ashwood - 2015
It’s his salvation when it feels like the world is swallowing him whole. When his mom secretly secures him a spot in the summer intensive at the Free Rein Dance Company in New York, he is thrilled. He knows that once the summer ends, he'll have to return to Beacon to get a job and help support his family, but for those two months, he can spread his wings. In New York he meets Max, a junior instructor who is everything Charlie wishes he could be. Bold and self-assured, Max radiates pride in who he is. As they spend time together, Max shows Charlie what life can be like past the walls of his closed-minded home town. But Charlie doesn’t know if he’s ready to show the world who he truly is when standing in the spotlight is the last thing he wants.
Rules of Engagement
L.A. Witt - 2009
Enter Brandon Stewart—funny, friendly… and flirty? And Dustin is… flirting back?Forget finding his footing—Dustin is swept right off his feet by this sweet, gorgeous man. Suddenly he’s exploring a whole new side of himself and his sexuality, and for the first time in his life, he’s discovering what it’s like to be in a healthy, functional relationship.But Dustin’s conservative family still isn’t over his divorce, and they aren’t at all interested in accepting him getting involved with a man. As they question him, he second guesses himself. Is this really what he wants? Is he really bisexual? Or is Brandon just attractive because he’s as different as can be from Dustin’s ex-wife?Whatever the case, Dustin had better figure it out soon, because Brandon’s patience will only stretch so far, especially if he’s being asked to hide in someone else’s closet. By the time Dustin realizes he’s in love, it just might be too late.This book was previously published, and has been revised, including a new extended ending.
Double Indemnity
Maggie Kavanagh - 2015
Now Sam spends his days as a landscaper toiling in the New England sun and his nights drunk in bed with the closest warm body. In his limited spare time, he writes about Stonebridge’s local crime and politics on his blog “Under the Bridge.” Then Sam’s favorite client is found dead in her home—shortly after telling him someone has betrayed her trust. Sam can’t believe her grief-stricken husband Nathan would be a suspect, but the investigation hones in on him. Sam has always admired handsome Nathan from afar, but now he puts his libidinous feelings aside to help clear his name. However, the closer he gets to Nathan, the more he’s told to keep away from him and the investigation—by the fatherly police chief, by an officer on the case who's hated him since school, and by Nathan himself. Sam’s determined to expose the real reason his friend died and clear Nathan’s name—even if it’s the last thing he does. Which, considering how fast the death toll is increasing in Stonebridge… it might be.
Chasing Smoke
K.A. Mitchell - 2009
Solving it could tear them apart.In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.At seventeen, Trey was taken in by the wealthy Gardner family after his father was jailed for his mother’s murder. Until he left for the Army, he fought a double-edged battle—for proof of his father’s innocence and against his attraction to Daniel.Fifteen years later, things haven’t changed. Trey is still looking for the real killer. And Daniel has never forgotten how Trey used to sneak into his room at night.Now new clues to the murder are resurfacing—and so is Trey and Daniel’s sexual chemistry. Except this time, Trey has come to terms with his orientation.But their connection may not be enough to overcome the mistakes of the past. Not while a murderer still walks free…Product WarningsAnyone who would rather not read about hooking back up with someone who broke your heart, minor suspense, hot guys who can handle guns and each other, and lots of steamy gay sex probably isn’t reading this warning anyway, but if you are, back away slowly and keep your hands where I can see them.
My Dragon, My Knight
John Inman - 2017
Afraid of what Joshua will do to the dog, and afraid of what Joshua will do to him if he tries to leave, Danny does the only thing he can do.He runs.But Danny isn’t a complete fool. He has enough sense to run into the arms of the man who actually cares for him—the man he’s beginning to trust.Just as their lives together are starting to fall into place, Danny and Jay learn how vengeful Joshua can be.And how dangerous.
A Secret Edge
Robin Reardon - 2007
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. But there's one way that Jason Peele is very different: when he dreams at night, it isn't about girls; it's about David Bowie. At sixteen-years-old, Jason is just beginning to understand that he might be gay.The one place Jason feels comfortable is on the track where he can run fast and hard. He loves the feel of the wind at his back, of his legs propelling him furiously around, the roar of the crowd in his ears. But now, even his sanctuary feels threatening. It isn't just the jerks who call him "faggot" in the locker room. A new guy has joined the team, and everything about him will challenge the way Jason sees life. From late-night showings of "La Cage Aux Folles" to reading Gandhi, he's running a new race on an uncertain course, and only one thing's for sure--his senior year is going to be unforgettable...With "A Secret Edge, "Robin Reardon delivers a sexy, sensitive coming-of-age novel about identity and courage, love and honor, anger and hope, and the many ways the truth can really set you free.
Secondhand Heart
Scarlet Blackwell - 2011
Six months ago, Conrad died, and his organs were donated for transplant. A month later, Conrad’s lover, Christian, receives a letter from the recipient of Conrad’s donated heart.Christian can’t stop thinking about the letter, and he’s not the only one affected by loss. Conrad’s best friend Eban is also brokenhearted, and he’s struggling with his lover Damien, who has always resented living in Conrad’s shadow. Though Conrad is gone, his friends and his lover will have to cope with their grief to move on and find new love.
The Raping of Ava DeSantis
Mylo Carbia - 2015
What she does in response is the basis of this captivating woman’s revenge horror-thriller that will have readers talking for years to come.With brilliantly written characters, bone-chilling, fast-paced scenes and a double twist ending, The Raping of Ava DeSantis is the perfect blend of suspense, thriller and horror—guaranteed to entertain both female and male readers alike.TAGLINE: A poor college student brutally raped by three wealthy fraternity brothers seeks revenge against their families years later.AUDIENCE: Recommended for sophisticated readers due to strong language and brief scenes of graphic violence and sexuality.
The Race for Second
Chase Potter - 2014
Having broken up with his boyfriend the day before his flight, he’s ready to face Europe with no attachments… and no desire for any.But as Ethan gets to know Daniel — one of his three German roommates — his resolve starts to soften. Though Daniel is initially standoffish, unpleasant, and sometimes downright hostile, the two are undeniably drawn to one another. Even Ethan’s conviction that Daniel is actually straight begins to erode as they grow closer, gradually revealing a buried part of Daniel’s past that will threaten to tear them apart. Not to be outdone, the town of Freiburg guards its own secret, a thread of forgotten history unraveling into something far greater than Ethan is prepared for.The Race for Second is a coming of age story that delves into the depths of the young heart and its search for intimacy and acceptance. Charmingly woven into the German university town of Freiburg, Ethan’s story is one of finding the courage to pursue what we truly desire, even at the risk of losing everything.
Finding Home
Leighton Rose - 2014
It was simply where he lived until he was old enough to leave. The day he turns eighteen, he boards a Greyhound bus and leaves Chicago behind for what he hopes will be something better.Upon arrival in Omaha, an unexpected streak of good luck leads him to Banks Motel where he meets sexy tattoo artist Adam Banks. A belated birthday celebration is just the beginning for them, and Adam easily infiltrates the protective wall Dillon has built around his heart and becomes the center of Dillon’s world. Adam and the Banks family take Dillon in as one of their own, and Dillon finds he’s never been happier in his life.That is until becoming a part of someone’s family proves to be harder than Dillon thought. When caring about other people makes him more vulnerable than he can handle, Dillon’s first instinct is to run. Throw in a meddling ex-boyfriend and it all becomes too much for him.Can Adam prove that the positives far outweigh the negatives, or will Dillon let his fear of being hurt ruin his chances at finding a real home?
In the Rough
K. Sterling - 2016
Unfortunately, his true self is a thirty-six year old man who dresses like he did in high school and has never stepped foot in a nightclub of any sort. Thank goodness for the fabulous, unflappable Mr. Wren. Handsome, confident and refined, Wren takes Hunter under his wing and vows to make him the ultimate player. Things become complicated and confusing as Hunter's makeover proves a little too successful and harmless flirting goes too far. Kisses were the bait Wren used to snare his prey, to melt their resistance and make them his. He perfected kissing but it was just another weapon in his arsenal, it never really did much for him. But he was trapped and melting as Hunter’s lips pressed against his and their tongues twisted and searched hungrily. Hunter’s head tilted and the kiss became deeper and Wren felt much drunker than he did minutes earlier as Hunter’s hand curved around his neck. Wren growled softly against his tongue as he eased Hunter onto his back. His hand slid down his stomach and Wren’s cock pulsed insistently against the front of his jeans. His instincts were about to take over when Hunter panted his name. Oh, no, no, no… “Shit,” Wren whispered as he sat up and leaned back. “Sorry, I got carried away,” he murmured weakly as he reached for his wine and Hunter swore under his breath as he scrubbed his hands over his face. “Yeah… That was…” His eyes were dazed as he sat up and Wren swallowed a large gulp of wine then cleared his throat. “I think it’s safe to say you don’t have anything to worry about,” he said and Hunter raised a brow. “No?” he asked and Wren nodded. “That was a very decent kiss.” Liar. That was so much more than decent. That was probably the most arousing moment of your life. Wren licked his lips and stifled a moan at the taste of Hunter’s lips and tongue. “In fact, if you were anyone else, I don’t think I would have stopped,” he said and Hunter’s lips pulled tight. “I don’t know if that’s reassuring but thanks,” he said sarcastically and Wren gave him a pointed look. “If I didn’t care about you as much as I do, I’d have you bent over the arm of this couch and be riding you like a stolen bike,” he said. “Ummm…” Hunter’s brow rose as he stared back and Wren rolled his eyes. “Tomorrow would be hideously awkward and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize our friendship,” he explained and Hunter frowned. “You don’t think it’s a little late to worry about awkward?” He asked and Wren shook his head. “Of course not. It was just a kiss,” he said and the memory of Hunter’s tongue sliding around his made his balls ache. “I only did it so you would stop worrying, it didn’t mean anything.”
Our December
Diane Adams - 2010
Deeply in love, Jared and Alex are such a couple, but the path to true and lasting love is rarely smooth. At fifteen, being gay isn't the best thing that ever happened to a guy. In fact, Alex Ross thinks it's down right scary. Then he meets twenty year old construction worker Jared Douglas, and Alex starts to think the gay thing might not be so bad after all.The attraction between them is intense, but -- mindful of Alex's age -- Jared is determined to keep the sparks from igniting. The stress of controlling his feelings makes it almost a relief when Alex's father ships him off to prep school. Jared expects Alex to forget him and find a boy friend his own age; he doesn't anticipate how much it will hurt. When Alex comes home for Christmas, just turned 16, with his heart on his sleeve, Jared knows he can't continue to keep everything he feels a secret.
Jonathan's Hope
Hans M. Hirschi - 2013
Dan has been fighting his own demons since the death of his lover Sean. Having retreated from big city life, he is content to live in solitude, but he never counted on meeting Jonathan. Given the dire circumstances, Dan must set his own needs aside to help Jonathan reclaim his life, but he soon finds that the ghosts of both their pasts won’t die so easily.
Aries: Riddle Me Wicked
Vivien Dean - 2010
The only way to save his life is to run for it, but luck is not on his side. At least, not until he meets Lucas Arpini, the brash American photographer who seems to have some sort of clue what’s going on. Together, they’re supposed to be the tools in finding an artifact nobody believes is real—nobody, that is, except Lucas and the man who has kidnapped both of them. Ian doesn’t know what to believe. His colleagues are dead, he’s injured, and he has no choice but to put his faith in a gorgeous stranger. Their escape should lead them straight to the police, but when Lucas shows him pieces of the puzzle they were meant to solve, Ian is too intrigued to walk away. He wants to solve the riddle as badly as Lucas does. Unfortunately, they’re not the only ones...
Sweet Reunion
Shawn Lane - 2009
With his mother’s final days approaching, Jason returns to make peace with his mother and his past. Part of that past includes former best friend and lover, Danny Yarrow. Danny’s satisfied with his life as a drama teacher at the local high school, but the one thing missing is the love of a good man. He’s only too happy to be reunited with Jason. They’ve both grown and changed since their broken teenaged relationship. Jason hasn’t had an easy time of it since leaving Sutter’s Bay, but Danny intends to convince his friend and lover their love is worth taking chances.