Book picks similar to
The Julbock by Dez Schwartz
holiday
m-m
contemporary
bookish-or-writerly-career
Blurring the Lines
J.M. Snyder - 2014
He's inexpensive but has a few ground rules: never reveal his real name, never invite a client home, and never, ever, ever agree to more than three appointments with anyone. Ever. RC is handsome, loaded, and lives in a big house in a swanky neighborhood. Greg doesn't understand why such a guy needs to pay for companionship, but RC’s been burned by men who are interested in only his money, and paying someone takes off the pressure of maintaining a relationship. Their first appointment goes well, and they schedule another. But Greg is surprised when RC calls him a few days later just to hang out. Greg doesn’t pal around with his clients; it’s strictly business. But there’s something about the guy that makes him say yes. At dinner, RC introduces himself as Ryan, and Greg breaks his own rule and shares his real name, too. By the end of the evening, the lines between client and friend have begun to blur. Does this count as their second appointment even if they don’t have sex? By the time they meet up again, Greg is half in love with Ryan. Will this next appointment be their last, or will Greg embrace something he didn’t even know he was looking for?
A Little White Lie for Christmas
Ann Gallagher - 2016
After all, his family can’t be the only one who seasons their get-togethers with fighting, judgment, and guilt. Eric—his coworker and secret crush—has tried to convince him not to go for another round of family drama this year, but to no avail. It’s Christmas. Steve can’t just not go home. But when Eric tells a little white lie, Steve’s Christmases may never be the same again. This holiday short story is 8,500 words.
The Remaking of Corbin Wale
Roan Parrish - 2017
But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.* * * Ten percent of all proceeds from this title will be donated to the Russian LGBT Network.
Dylan
A.M. Snead - 2018
After a drunken night in which he makes out with his gay best friend, Hal -- Dylan is struck with the sobering reality that he may not be as straight as he thought. When Hal convinces him to sign up for Gideon's "Curious Boys" segment, Dylan is both nervous and excited. Until he arrives and finds himself surrounded by the lusty gay porn stars, each of them eager to be the one to usher him across that line that can't be uncrossed. But will it be one of the sexy porn boys who push him past the point of no return—or someone closer to home? **Contains explicit M/M sexual scenes and strong language. 18+ readers only.
Finn's Christmas
Angel Martinez - 2009
The cold, the snow, the ever-darkening days, the hibernation...Finn’s inability to stay awake has Diego worried sick and with Miriam coming to visit, how is he going to explain?Staying awake is hard when one just wants to turn into a badger and burrow until the sun returns. But Finn has his reasons for wanting to escape the long sleep this year. Agonizing over the perfect gift for Diego has him turning mental circles, if he can only keep his eyes open long enough to make it work.
Christmas in the City
L.J. ShenPenny Reid - 2019
Travel through six cities and fall in love with these enchanting love stories. L.J. Shen & Helena Hunting Just The Tip It’s not every day you meet a stranger who knows how to jingle your bells… Corinne Michaels & Melanie Harlow Baby it’s Cold Outside My Christmas list did not include a broken heart, freezing temperatures, or my tree stuck in the door to my apartment building, but that’s what I got. Just when I thought Santa had failed me, I got something I never thought to ask for … Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward Kissmas in New York It was just supposed to be a simple kiss with a stranger. I'd done it to prove a point--that I hadn't lost my sense of adventure. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. Maybe I'd get something in my stocking after all this holiday season... Sierra Simone & Kennedy Ryan The Christmas Crown Noelani, queen of Manaroa, has one mission on her diplomatic visit to the States: forge strategic alliances for her homeland. When she meets brooding security specialist Brock Grimsby, their unexpected alliance heats up the holiday. One night. No promises, but come Christmas, will either be able to walk away? Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway Songbird Two lonely souls find companionship in Dublin for one magical night. Broderick Adams doesn't mind his solitude, until she walks in. Ophelia Kelly sings to heal her heart, but has no idea he's listening. Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy EPIC Jamie and Wes are having a blast living and working in Toronto. Until a scout for another team swoops in to make one of them an offer that might complicate the life they've built together.
A Taste of Christmas
Jaclyn Quinn - 2020
An outrageous suggestion to meet Everett Remington at his family’s home in upstate New York irrevocably changes Mitch’s life. The idea is crazy, right? The last place he belongs is in the family home of the famous chef, but if he wants to meet his deadline and convince his boss he’s right for the online column, At Home With…, he really has no other options.Delayed snow plows, a treacherous covered bridge, and Mitch’s boss finding out he’s snowed in with the Remingtons, creates the perfect storm. When the gorgeous chef invites Mitch to stay for Christmas and document their family traditions for next year’s printed holiday issue, Mitch finds himself in a very unknown place. For one week, he allows himself to experience something he’s never had:A taste of a real Christmas—and a taste of the sexy man who makes Mitch realize how amazing this time of year can be.
My Beck Valentine
Andria Large - 2016
Whoever thought it was a good idea to let Sebastian loose in there has lost their minds. After some craziness ensues, each brother leaves with a black plastic bag of goodies, including Christian. He has never brought toys into the bedroom before, but when Christian brings one home, he and Shea are eager to try them out.
Old Acquaintance
Annabelle Jacobs - 2018
When Sam spots the hot guy moving in next door, he’s all for going round to introduce himself. That soon changes when it turns out his new neighbour is Charles Whitmore, an old school acquaintance. Sam didn’t like him back then, for good reason, and fifteen years haven’t altered that. Splitting up from his long-term boyfriend means a move across the city for Charlie. As luck would have it, his immediate neighbour is a guy he went to school with, Sam Gellar. While Sam is less than welcoming, his best mate is more than happy to invite Charlie into their social circle. Whatever problem Sam has with him, Charlie resolves to get to the bottom of it because, frosty beginnings aside, Charlie likes him. With Christmas just around the corner, fate pushes them together, and they get on much better than they ever did at school. Despite his efforts not to, Sam develops feelings for Charlie, and they appear to be reciprocated. If Sam wants to take things further, he needs to either confront Charlie about their past—a past Charlie seems to have forgotten entirely—or let it go and move on. Sam knows deep down that he can’t let it go, but can’t find the right time to bring it up either.
Broken
Bruce Rodgers - 2018
My new patient, an ex-SEAL is wounded My work as a physical therapist can heal Brad’s physical wounds. But his emotional wounds are what need attention the most. This brave Adonis, who has fought valiantly for our country, will find the biggest battle of his life off the field… when he’s come home. The battle to live as his true, authentic self. Do I have what it takes to rise to the occasion and fill the deep hole in his psyche?
Will he open up his heart so I can show him the man he was meant to be?
Broken is a full length standalone romance novel that contains no cheating, no cliffhangers and an HEA. And plenty of steam. A M/M Bad Boy Romance
3 Dates
Lily Morton - 2019
He’s funny, feisty, and loving. He’s also the only person I’ve ever trusted and the only one who has never let me down. So why, after finding my current boyfriend cheating, am I taking my best friend out on a series of Valentine’s Day dates all over London?Even more importantly, why am I noticing things about him that I’ve never seen in the ten years of our friendship? Like the fullness of his lips, how gorgeous his eyes are, and – maybe most importantly – the way he’s looking back at me? Because Archibald Henry Zhang can never be anything other than my best friend. Can he?From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a romantic comedy about how one wild day and night on the town can change two best friends’ lives forever.
Best Gift Ever
Katey Hawthorne - 2011
It'd be perfect -- if Sam didn't know Hansen has way more on his mind than he's willing to discuss. As in serious life choices.All he can do is hold on tight and hope their first Christmas together won't be their last.A free, fluffy short story following the events of Equilibrium.Warnings and disclaimers:1. Minor spoilers for Equilibrium, particularly in the area of the HEA or not question. It also takes place after "Jealousy", another free short. But the story stands alone, if you prefer to start with this as a sampler. Go for it!2. This story contains NC-17 m/m sex practices, holiday festivities, a large bottle of Jack Daniel's, and a T-shirt kink moment. It is not for children, humbugs, or those opposed to sugarkink.3. This ebook is not associated with Loose Id, LLC, the publishers of Equilibrium. It is a short promotional freebie extra from the author to the reader.
Human Prince
Aja Foxx - 2021
I was more saddened by my grandfather's ill health than I was by the knowledge that my father would get the family title. Having been raised by my grandfather for almost my entire life, I felt as if I was losing more than my grandfather. I was losing my best friend.When my grandfather made a deathbed request, I couldn't say no. I flew to Italy to deliver a message to an old friend of his. I had no idea my little trip would lead me to a world I never knew existed or to a man I couldn't forget.Between my grandfather's death and dodging my money-grubbing father's spiteful manipulations, learning vampires are real doesn't faze me much. Inheriting a vampire coven is another thing altogether. I never wanted to have a title, but the threats against my life leave me no choice. In order to stay alive, I'll have to accept being a vampire prince.
Don't Stop Believing
Gwen Hayes - 2015
Two days before Christmas, he sees the new librarian’s car in a ditch and knows he can’t leave him on the road, but it’s too late to take him back to town. He’ll have something he’s never had in his cabin in the ten years that’s he’s lived there…company.The Book Nerd from the CityAdam Parker moved to the small community to make big changes in his life, but being snowbound with the bearded lumberjack in his rustic cabin was something he’d thought only existed in his fantasies. Simon pushes away anyone who wants to get close to him, but Adam sees what he’s hiding in his heart and he wants it. Badly.A Christmas to RememberAdam smells like cinnamon and redemption and Simon aches to run his fingers over the scrape of stubble on his cheeks. To pull him into a kiss. To reignite feelings he’d denied himself for too long. Life is right there, blazing in the eyes of the town librarian. A man who isn’t afraid of him. But he learned long ago that everything he touches gets tainted, and he’ll do anything to keep his darkness away from Adam’s light.But Adam has something else on his side—he’s been a very good boy this year and all he wants for Christmas is Simon.
Unwrapped
B.A. Tortuga - 2010
In their small Texas town, they're constantly at odds. Which is why it seems like some kind of cruel joke that when both of them go on gay-friendly vacation for Christmas, they keeping meeting up in unexpected places.The thing is, once Ry and Chris see what lies beneath the mechanic's coveralls and the buttoned up school teacher, they're so intrigued that they can't stay away from one another. Can they find any common ground beyond the physical attraction they've unwrapped?