Book picks similar to
Rian's Return by Raven McAllan


besties
considering-singles
m-m-contemporary
angst-hurt-comfort

Perfect Strangers


Nate Tanner - 2015
    When Cole’s train is delayed one morning, a cute guy on a nearby balcony catches his eye. Soon enough, Cole and the stranger are exchanging daily smiles. But how can Cole find a way to meet somebody he only sees for a few seconds a day? At age 27, Tyson has made it as a commercial artist – and solitude is slowly driving him insane. The brightest part of his day is watching forr the handsome businessman who waves to him from the B train. It’s not long before Tyson’s fascinated by his faithful admirer, bBut how is he supposed to connect with a guy he can't even talk to? For Cole and Tyson to be together, they'll need to overcome more than just bad logistics. They'll need the courage to break all their own rules… A 16,000-word novella of gay romance by Nate Tanner, author of Second Chances and Unexpected Family.

Corkscrewed


M.J. O'Shea - 2014
    Marigold Shelley is filthy rich, and her newly found grandson, Isaac Shelley, is poised to inherit her huge estate, complete with a priceless wine collection. Cary concocts a plan to con both of them into selling the crown jewel of that collection to him at a bargain price. Since Isaac is young, single, and gay, part of Cary’s scheme to get close to the Shelleys includes seduction. But Isaac isn’t the sheep he appears to be. He isn't even the grandson he appears to be. Isaac is, in fact, running quite the con of his own. These two masters of the confidence game are pitted against each other, and both are after the ultimate prize—a chunk of the huge Shelley fortune. It’s only when a third cunning player comes in and is ready to outwit them both that they must band together and beat their opponent or see all they’ve worked for slip from their grasp one ruby-red drop at a time.

The Groom, the Bride and the Best Man


James Lee Hard - 2015
    He was the perfect guy: manly, gorgeous and charming. He only had one problem: a long time girlfriend. But that didn’t stop Scott from catching mixed signals from Russell since day one. Could those just be wishful thinking? Things reach a cathartic moment during Russell’s wedding rehearsal. In an episode of foolishness, Scott drinks too much and drops the bomb. It was his last chance to know if his gaydar was right all along. Inspired on a true story, this short is fuelled with heated discussions and physical encounters that will engage readers into a small but enthralling plot. WARNING: This book contains explicit scenes of consensual sex between men as well as some graphic language. It is intended for a mature, adult audience.

Sonoran Heat


Katrina Strauss - 2010
    When he grabs a late-night meal at an old haunt, his trip down memory lane is derailed by gorgeous waiter Josh. Tony finds a fresh start with the twenty-one-year-old, but worries chasing a man half his age will lead to heartache. It’s hard to resist when Josh intrigues Tony on an intellectual level—and fires the landscaper’s libido hotter than the Arizona desert they call home.Josh has goals. Digital design student by day, he waits tables at night, but his true dream is to paint. When he falls for Tony, he starts to rethink his plans and how the sexy older man might fit into them. But Tony’s recovering from a failed relationship, one that lasted nearly as long as Josh has been alive, and Josh must prove that in spite of age and inexperience, his feelings are sincere.As the desert nights heat up, Tony and Josh explore possibilities both in and out of the bedroom, but when each man faces a difficult choice, they must decide on the future. Whether that future is together, or separate, is a matter of reason versus the heart.

Hercules


Cree Storm - 2014
    The other Gods have one chance to free Zeus, however in order to do so the other Gods must be willing to sacrifice their freedom for his. Twelve keys will release Zeus from Icarus and those keys are each a mate to the chosen ones, and the stones will lead the way. Each obstacle is a labor Hercules is all too familiar with. Can they succeed before their time runs out or are they all doomed?Hercules's first labor was to slay the Nemean Lion. Drawn to a Cat Shifter village Hercules finds his panther mate, Micah. The Alpha has been promised strength and stamina in exchange for Micah's death. Micah had accepted the fact he will die until he is saved by his mate. However, when Hercules's life is threatened Micah willingly gives himself up to save his man. A war is about to begin and the question is, who will survive?A Siren Erotic Romance

Accidentally In Love


Jane Davitt - 2011
    This edition offered for free by the authors. It can be downloaded at Archive of Our Own here:Accidentally in LoveWhen fun-loving, social butterfly Calvin Reece moves in with the cute but shy Tom Holden, he doesn't expect anything to come of it but friendship. In fact, his plan is to give Tom a makeover and find him a boyfriend, because Tom's such a nice guy it's just not right that he's alone. As Cal gets to know Tom better, he learns that under the ill-fitting clothes there's a gorgeous body and a kind, generous heart, and Cal starts to feel something new...What do they have in common? Only that they've never been in love. But that may all be about to change.

Broken Rules


Jade Buchanan - 2011
    In a bid to escape his pain, Jonah moved halfway across the country to start over. Now, his mother’s death brings him home where he will discover a shared passion with his childhood best friend. Neil Brogan returns home hoping to reconnect with Jonah and ends up with more than he ever thought possible. They live on opposite sides of the country but the distance between them may be more than mere miles. Neil hopes to convince Jonah that some rules are made to be broken.

Rocky Peaks: The Journey Home


E.M. Leya - 2016
    He spent years searching for something he thought was missing, only to find that life outside the small town wasn't everything he expected, and he realized his heart would always belong in Rocky Peaks and to the man he left behind. Coming home from several years in the Army, he can't wait to settle down, and he hopes life will be how it was before he left, especially with his best friend and lover, Travis, but he fears they might have grown apart through the years. When Austin surprises everyone by coming home early, emotions are high, and as the two friends are reunited, he hopes that leaving didn't change things between them, and he can somehow show Travis that after traveling the world, there’s no place like home. This is a standalone novella with a happy-ever-after and no cliff hangers.

Sugar Daddy


Lucy Hawkins - 2018
    Number Nine had sent a string of morning-afters through the doors of Sugar to caffeinate before making their walk of shame. The details? rarely spared. Elliot knew that Number Nine apparently didn't have a type, except male, and that he always sent them away wanting more. Sworn off a certain type of man and wondering if there was anyone at all out there who would think he was enough, unlucky in love Elliot has put all his energy into Sugar since the demise of his last relationship. On his morning delivery run, he stumbles across a very naughty dachshund running through the apartment building corridor - and a very naked man chasing her. If Elliot had ever been skeptical about love at first sight - this moment might have changed it. Except that the charmingly handsome naked dude happens to live in apartment number nine. Ken Donohugh made the cross-country move to San Fransico after his divorce was final. It was time for a fresh start, a new job, and new friends. Even if they only ever made it through a night in the sack. Ken was done with real love. He'd been there, done that, and had his life completely turned upside down in the process. Now was his time to do what he liked and what exactly that was, he was letting himself take time to figure out. When a handsome long-haired sweetheart helps him wrangle his naughty dog, Penny, he knows exactly who his next conquest will be. Except that much younger Elliot owns the bakery below his apartment and he can't give up the delicious sweet treats he bakes. He decides a friendship will be enough - until it isn't. With two men who want such different things in love, Elliot and Ken must navigate what their feelings mean. Can Elliot learn to love a little less? And will Ken ever be able to tame his ferocious sweet tooth?

Bound in Blue


Spencer Spears - 2016
    After years of falling for men who break his heart, Liam would rather go to bed alone than risk getting hurt again. But when a handsome policeman saves Liam’s life, it’s harder than usual to just walk away. “Is there anything I can do?”“Could you stay with me tonight?” Detective Mike Jeffries is a damaged man, reeling from the death of his partner and lover 8 months ago. After growing up in the projects, he joined the NYPD to make the world a better place; these days, all he can see is what’s wrong with it. But meeting Liam reminds him that some things are worth fighting for. “Part of me wonders if I’m broken, for wanting what I want. But I don’t feel broken when I’m with you.” Something about Liam makes Mike want to protect him, but Mike has secrets he needs to share if he’s going to keep Liam in his life. Liam yearns to surrender to Mike’s strength, but his painful past has taught him to guard his heart. Can they learn to trust the undeniable force between them, or will their fear of falling tear them apart?Bound in Blue is a 45k steamy romance with hurt/comfort themes and light BDSM elements (no sadomasochism). A no cheating, no cliffhanger stand-alone with an HEA ending.

Wild & Unruly


Laurel Alexander - 2015
    yet. He's just a lowly paralegal on an unexpected flight to Wyoming. Oil has been discovered in the wild, beautiful country out near the Bighorns, and Elliot's bosses desperately need him to close the billion-dollar deal on its sale—a task that should be as simple as collecting a signature. Or it would be if it weren’t for Jared Carter, the stubborn, ruggedly handsome cowboy who refuses to sign away his land. Tensions run high as Elliot tries to convince Jared to sell. The rancher is more than his ultra-masculine exterior led Elliot to believe at first glance, sensitive and beautiful in the most unexpected of ways—and undeniably attracted to Elliot. Elliot struggles to ignore the building heat between them, the strange pull that keeps drawing them together despite mounting pressures. When they give in to their deepest temptations and embark on a passionate, physical affair, will oil and money drive them apart?

Conflict of Interest


J.M. Snyder - 2008
    When Father Nate calls him and asks him to work with Jamie as a big brother, Alex envisions a little kid and maybe some hero worship. He's not expecting the beautiful young man only two years younger than he is. Jamie's hot. Very hot, and even if he is eighteen, Alex feels guilty lusting after the kid. But Alex is sending some very mixed signals, and Jamie is getting pretty frustrated with the waiting. Will it take a catastrophe to make these two see that they might be right for each other?

Truth in Lace


Tempeste O'Riley - 2014
    Despite his high grades and plans for culinary arts school after graduation, his parents would hate him if they really knew him.Forced on a shopping trip with his twin sister, Lyric, and her friends, Alex eyes the girls jealously, longing to be able to dress like them—to be them. The constant struggle of being “gender fluid,” wrestling with an identity that seems to change daily, begins to wear on Alex. But all those questions and fears seem more manageable when his sister gives him his first skirt and lace panties.

Escape


Aiden Bates - 2016
    They're an odd couple who can barely find anything they have in common . . . except for the fact that they're smitten with one another. Kody has a dangerous job in a dangerous place, and Miles is used to a life of comfort, and they don't make sense as a couple, but they can't let each other go. No matter how much disasters and hard times find them, they're drawn together over and over again. This is a non-shifter male pregnancy gay romance book. This book contains sexually explicit content not suited for those under the age of 18. The book is approximately 50,000 words, has a happy ending and does not end in a cliffhanger.

In Dreams He Came


Trina Lane - 2011
    There’s always one constant in Gabe’s dreams: a nameless man whose love completes Gabe’s soul. Gabe is waiting for someone special in his “real” life as well, and his best friend Phil is determined to find Gabe his elusive knight in shining armor.Nick Jackson, a university alum and Olympic swimming champion, immediately recognizes the quiet young man from the swim team and convinces Gabe to give them a chance at building something special. Considering the palpable attraction between them, Nick surprises himself by quickly agreeing to take their budding relationship slow. Unfortunately, real life is not a fantasy, and Nick’s demanding schedule as a professional athlete and Gabe’s obligations to the swim team and his degree make finding time to spend together difficult.Have the two men found everlasting love, or will it all prove to be just another dream?