Book picks similar to
The Practice by Grant C. Holland
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contemporary
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Learn the Rules: Rough Love Parts 1-5
Leighton Greene - 2019
Bound by HimBenjamin Ballard always assumed he was straight - in every way possible. They invented the term 'vanilla' to describe him. But if Ben's so straight, why can't he get his inscrutable coffee-shop co-worker Xander Romano out of his head? And how come Xander's rough-housing on the basketball court gets Ben so flustered?2. Taken by HimXander knows the games he likes to play can have unexpected consequences…but he thought he had everything under control. Sure, Ben’s constant questions get on his last nerve sometimes, but Xander knows he means well. Ben’s just new to the world of kink. Exploring. Experimenting.That’s all it is, Xander’s sure.And then one day, everything blows up in his face.3. Dared by HimXander Romano's career is looking up, and his personal life is too, for once. But when a figure from his past shows up at a party, how will it affect what he and Ben have been building together?4. Marked by HimBen Ballard doesn't believe any scene with Xander could get truly scary. He knows Xander, and he knows Xander would never really hurt him. Xander might play at being the Big Bad Wolf, but underneath, he's a big softie.Right?Find out what happens when Xander blows the house down...5. Loved by HimBen Ballard has found his balance again after a difficult few days. Even better, he knows he has a boyfriend who loves him, a career that's finally starting to go places, and a family that accepts him for who he is.The only problem? Said boyfriend, Xander Romano, has to move across the country to New York for work, while Ben is stuck in LA.And on top of all that, Xander's poisonous ex turns up at his going away party...Will Ben and Xander be able to make sure their love sticks, even from opposite sides of a continent?***Learn the Rules contains the first five parts of the Rough Love series. Join Ben and Xander in their continuing odyssey of self-discovery, experimentation, and steamy fun as they work out the kinks together. This is just the beginning of their wild - and sometimes dark - ride, but never fear: these two will get their HEA. It'll just take them some time to figure out what that happy ending looks like for them...Rough Love can be rough. Please proceed with caution if you have any triggers.Rough Love reading order:Learn the Rules (collected serials)1. Bound by Him2. Taken by Him3. Dared by Him4. Marked by Him5. Loved by Him6. Obey the Rules (novel)7. Break the Rules (novel)8. Flying Free (novel)
Heart Trouble
D.J. Jamison - 2016
Too bad he's given the nurse the impression he's some kind of daredevil. It couldn't be further from the truth. Gage is a college journalism instructor writing a series of guest columns that require him to jump into new experiences -- a fun bucket list, but one that does nothing to convince Ben he's not an adrenaline junkie. Fresh off his latest heartbreak, nurse Ben Griggs is wary when one of his patients shows an interest in him -- especially when that patient showed up in the ER after a motorcycle accident. Ben's ex was a biker, a friend with benefits, and he dropped Ben cold when someone more interesting came along. Ben isn't the kind of guy who can hold the interest of an adrenaline junkie like Gage Evans for long. The last thing he wants is to lose his heart to the wrong man again. The more Ben gets to know Gage, the harder he is to resist. He can only hold on for the ride and keep his guard up as much as he can. But Ben's lack of trust seriously gets in the way of building a relationship, and Gage will only be patient so long. Can he trust Gage enough to give his heart, or are they destined to have a fling that goes nowhere? This is a spin-off from the Ashe Sentinel Connections series, where Ben appears briefly in the book "Hard Press." It can be read as a standalone. A previously published alternate cover version of ASIN B01M0DE5N4 can be found here.
A Way with You
Lane Hayes - 2018
He’s hardworking, dedicated and willing to put in the extra hours required to be successful at his new job at a prestigious real estate firm in the city. There’s no way he’s going back to small-town living and an ex-girlfriend who won’t let go. But his boss isn’t making it easy. Leo Rodriguez enjoys his reputation as a ruthless businessman. He’s a lone wolf who’s scraped his way from the gutter to rebuild his life and launch a distinguished career on his terms. When an opportunity to expand in the market comes up, Leo wants the eager new agent with a sense of wonder on the project. But nothing goes quite as planned. Reeve expected to be intimidated and overwhelmed by Leo, however, the explosive mutual attraction and fierce desire between them is a big surprise. Neither man is looking for love and yet, something special just might happen if they can find their way…together.
Violence Begets...
P.T. Denys - 2013
James starts his junior year of high school without any friends in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. When he meets Kevin Vincent, he’s too distracted by the promise of new friends to see that Kevin has secrets of his own. Having created an environment where he's feared and admired by his classmates, Kevin finds pleasure in using his good looks and violence to control and manipulate those around him. Secretly, he cruises the gay club scene, turning tricks to earn money so he can party and get high. As Rick’s dad becomes increasingly violent and abusive at home, the two form a surprising and volatile trust. In this battle of wills, their precarious friendship will either keep their lives from blowing up around them or possibly light the fuse that will cause the explosion.
Snapshot
Reegan Ellis - 2016
Outed to the public eye after what was already a rough breakup, the actor is more than glad to flee to a small Washington town to film his next movie so he can try to put himself back together. When he runs into a cute local, well, what’s the harm in a rebound? He can have fun for a few weeks, then walk away when filming ends and never have to think about James again. Except thinking about him is all Owen can do, and as time ticks down until filming is over Owen isn’t sure if he can walk away…or if he even wants to. “We’re all wrong for each other…aren’t we?” Burned in the past by the ugly side of fame, James Fahey wants nothing to do with the movie and all the chaos that disrupts the little town he lives in. Let the other townsfolk gawk at the actors and dream of lives full of paparazzi and glamour; James plans to keep his head down and count down the days until the movie rolls back out of town. But staying away from the charming lead actor is harder than he expects, and he can’t help but give in. Owen is perfect…for someone who wants a life full of media attention. It isn’t just a fling, and suddenly the future of their relationship hinges on one little snapshot… “Because you, me, us? We’re worth fighting for.” Snapshot is a 57,000-word standalone gay romance novel with no cliffhanger and a HEA. The books in the Leading Light series can be read in any order.
Hard to Let Go
Jaclyn Quinn - 2018
He has a rewarding life consisting of three very supportive—not to mention feisty—women, and a successful bakery that he owns and absolutely loves. Yet, Owen can’t seem to shake this emptiness inside or the intense feeling that something is missing. A sudden encounter with a man from his past, one he despises, turns his entire world upside down. When Owen finds himself attracted to that sexy man, he questions everything, including his sanity. After all, only an incredibly disturbed person would find that he can’t stop thinking about his high school bully. Brody Walker never expected to return to Haven’s Cove. He’s made a life for himself in Boston, where he can truly be the person he was always meant to be. But an unexpected call has Brody facing all the demons he’d left behind so long ago. Now, he’s faced with not only a difficult goodbye, but one long overdue apology to a man who is no longer that lanky kid from high school. The challenge is to convince the guy he’s changed—and also prove he’s worth taking a chance on. When passions ignite truths are exposed, changing the beliefs these men have held on to for years. Faced with the knowledge that things aren’t always what they seem, will they choose to hold on to the incredible thing they’ve found…or is it easier to give in to the fear and let go?
Strung Tight
Ann Lister - 2020
We’d more than earned our spot in the lineup. We had the talent and Dagger groomed our stage swagger. All that was left was to wow the socks off of the audience.It should be easy, except I had major anxiety issues and it’s frowned upon when lead singers collapse on stage from panic attacks. Another detail adding to my anxiety level, I recently fell in love with a man. Imagine that, a straight guy falling for a dude. It’s the stuff stories are made of – and yet it’s my life.Rocktoberfest was supposed to be fun but our trip turned sour when my guy went AWOL. Now my concentration is shot and my is heart heavy thinking his absence might have more to do with him not wanting to be with me than missing the bus. One way or another, I had to give the performance of my career – regardless of what was going on inside my head or my heart.Strung Tight is the 1st book in the multi-author Road To Rocktoberfest series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not stay and enjoy the whole show? If you like scorching tales of hot rock stars and the men who love them, then you’ll adore the untamed musicians of Rocktoberfest!
Devoted
Sierra Riley - 2016
He just never realized how much. As a single dad, he’s tried to balance paying the bills with making time for his son, Ryan. He’s been treading water for a long time and right now, his best friend, Jake, is the only thing keeping him afloat. But when his son needs major surgery, Russ isn’t sure anyone can save him from going under.“I’d do anything for you. You know that.”Jake Larson has been in love with Russ since college, but he knows they’ll never be more than friends. Even so, he can’t seem to stop himself from coming to Russ’ rescue. With Russ facing bankruptcy thanks to his terrible insurance, Jake concocts his most desperate plan yet: A sham marriage to get Ryan on his policy.“You’re the only thing that feels real to me right now.”It was supposed to be temporary, but when an insurance agent questions the validity of their marriage, Russ and Jake are forced to get a whole lot closer. Jake knows that once their time is up, they’ll go back to being friends regardless of what they’ve shared. But after having Jake as a partner both physically and emotionally, Russ isn’t ready to let go. Can they manage to turn their fake marriage into something real?Devoted is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
More Than Friends Collection
Aria Grace - 2014
When he finally decides a fling might be exactly what he needs to move on, he expects to find it in a woman. But when he meets Drea's hot cousin, he feels an attraction that he's never felt before. But Drea's cousin is a guy...and Ryan isn't gay.In Book 2, Drunk In Love, Ryan and Zach have been together for eight blissful months. Just as they are about to take their relationship to the next level, a visit with Zach's ex changes everything. They each make mistakes that could destroy everything they've built together.In Book 3, Choosing Happy, Steve lives his life in a cycle of work, hookups and regret. He's ruined every relationship he's been a part of and knows he's not cut out for love. The highlight of each day is seeing the hot college kid that walks by his waffle truck every evening. When Steve suspects abuse, he steps in and makes the situation even worse. He has to fix what he's screwed up, and maybe he can fix himself in the process.For mature readers. Includes an MMM scene.
Textual Relations
Cate Ashwood - 2017
But when he receives a wrong-number text confirming the details of a date, he does what any considerate person would—he goes to meet them and explain why they've been stood up. Asher Wescott hadn't expected his blind date to go well, because when do they ever? Henry shows up instead, and things are suddenly looking up. Socially awkward and attached to his routines, Henry is nevertheless one of the most charming and kind men Asher has met in a long time. Too bad he's not Henry's type. An accidental date, an impulsive kiss, and a few conflicted feelings later, can Asher get Henry to see the world—and him—in a different light?
Manic Pixie Dream Boy
K.A. Merikan - 2017
You can’t hide the cracks under the spotlight .---Dusk. Leader of The Underdogs. Destined for greatness. Lives in the now.Abe. AKA Lolly. Iridescent. Unicorn.All Dusk wants out of life is for his band to become world famous. He also wants to have a lot of fun along the way. And to get his rocks off. When he wants something, he goes for it, consequences be damned.So when he sees a gorgeous pink-haired guy who is the human equivalent of tattooed cotton candy, he can’t help but have a taste. But it’s when Lolly ends up on their tour bus that Dusk knows their meeting was destiny. Abe is the kind of guy who goes with the flow. He was hitchhiking anyway, so why not spend the week with a hot piece of rocker beefcake, getting smothered by his sexy long hair? And why not play the part of the supportive cutie while he’s at it? It’s not like he’d be sticking around for long anyway.All plans hit a wall when photos of Abe and Dusk emerge online, suddenly pushing the band into the spotlight. To take advantage of the sudden popularity, the band offers Abe money for staying. Which means money for being in a fake relationship with Dusk.Which isn’t even fake.Or is it?POSSIBLE SPOILERS:Themes: rock band, alternative lifestyles, tattoos, bisexuality, commitment, instalove, abandonment issues, fame, outing, coming out, life on tourGenre: Contemporary M/M Rocker RomanceHeat level: Scorching hot, explicit scenesLength: ~52,000 words (Can be read as standalone, HEA)
Exploration
Quinn Ward - 2018
Running a business that isn't his passion and trying to do it without asking for help leaves him turning to less-than-legal means when he wants to surrender control.Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn't only about whips and pain?
Alex
A.M. Salinger - 2019
Can the two men make more of the fake marriage they enter into?
When Alex's business partner runs off to Mexico with their company funds, the lawyer has little choice but to return to his hometown of Twilight Falls to marry someone he’d never met in order to raise the money to save his business. What he didn’t expect was that the woman he was meant to wed would turn out to be a gorgeous, brooding man.Finn had resigned himself to a life without love after his wife’s death from cancer. Wracked with guilt at never being able to satisfy her in bed, Finn is shocked when his body and his heart starts responding to the man he is tricked into marrying to stop his aunt from dissolving his trust fund.Passions collide when the two men start exploring their relationship in ways neither of them anticipated. Can Alex convince Finn to embrace his sexuality and take a chance on them? Or will Finn run away from his only chance at true love?
Discover Alex and Finn’s story in the enthralling first novel in Twilight Falls, the new series by the author of the bestselling, contemporary romance series Nights.
How Not to Blend
Susan Hawke - 2019
Corbin Davis is a busy guy just trying to do his best as a single parent. He may be oblivious to a lot of things, but surely he would’ve noticed something as important as his fifteen-year-old son, Grayson, being bullied, right? And what the heck is non-binary, and why hasn’t Gray shared this all-important part of himself with his own dad? Plus one sassy Southerner… Andy Ferguson, or Kandi as the Thursday night drag community knows him, is just trying to get along in a small town and hold things together while he takes care of his beloved Gam-Gam. If she’d just get off his back about finding himself a man, that would be fantastic, thank you very much. He’ll get around to love… one of these days. Equals a pair of fake-boyfriends who will keep you in stitches. When Corb gets the wild idea to ask Andy to pose as his boyfriend to let Gray know that his dad is bisexual and open-minded enough to talk to about his nonbinary status, Andy is amused and just intrigued enough to say yes… especially since he seems to be in the market for a fake boyfriend himself, if it will get Gam-Gam to quit nagging. This is the first book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18+ readers, this is an mm romance fill with all the fun, fluff, and feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.
Stay
Savannah Brooks - 2015
No longer willing to hide who he is, Blake gives in to a life of loneliness, filling the void only as needed with temporary, no-strings-attached relationships, as he treks across the country looking for a place to eventually call home. Asher Collins knows he needs someone in his life, but he’s tired of debilitating break-ups that leave him hurting for months. Nearly a year after his last boyfriend left him, Ash has convinced himself he’s content waiting for the right guy to fall into his life, even if he really isn’t. Ash and Blake’s paths cross on an eastern Arizona ranch turned campground and within hours, Ash breaks through the first of Blake’s walls, giving him a glimpse of the damaged soul buried within. When Ash tries to help, Blake’s fear of abandonment drives him to push Ash away and run as he’s always done. Blake’s heart is closed off and broken. Ash’s heart was invested the moment they met. If Ash can find his way in, both might find exactly what they’ve been looking for.