Book picks similar to
Too Close to the Flame by Ryan Taylor
mm
m-m
hurt-comfort
romance
The Sinner and the Liar
Alice Winters - 2019
After losing the love of his life, Sin feels like he has nothing left to live for. Drifting through life, he takes on mercenary jobs by day and drinks away the memories of a happier time at night. Life has no color and little direction until he saves a gorgeous young man from a vicious attack. Sin doesn't trust anything that's too good to be true, but resisting the determined and seemingly innocent young man presents the first challenge Sin has had in ages. Eastyn brings brightness and humor to Sin’s previously dark and grim world, but there’s far more to Eastyn than he lets on.Eastyn is trapped, a victim of circumstance, and he wants only to find a way out. He gambles everything to bend one dangerous man to his will in order to escape another. Falling in love was never part of that plan, but Sin gives him something he’s never had before: hope. With Sin, he suddenly has the power to become the person he has always wanted to be. He feels like he finally has a chance to escape, but how far is he willing to go to get what he wants?In a fractured city poised between order and chaos, two men find in each other the last things either expect to find: friendship, acceptance, happiness, passion, and the chance at love stronger than the evil that surrounds them. But claiming and keeping that love will be the riskiest thing either of them will ever have to do. As a gang threatens to overtake the city, Sin is forced to decide if he will remain stuck in the past or open his heart to the man who has found his way into his life. Because Eastyn is unlike anyone he’s ever met before, and he might be the very thing needed to save Sin from himself.The Sinner and the Liar is a 107k word gritty romance with a side of humor set in the wreckage of a city recovering from war. It has two heroes who refuse to give up, even when they should, snarky dialogue, steamy sex, and a love that is strong enough to overcome even the most impossible of odds.
Auctioned
Cara Dee - 2018
He was just another happy-go-lucky dude, a college student and hockey player, when his ordinary existence was interrupted, and he became a human trafficking statistic.He and seven other young men were taken aboard a luxurious yacht where they were to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Gray was beaten, shattered, and almost defeated by the time his buyer stepped out of the shadows in a swirl of his own cigarette smoke.He was Gray’s new owner.Darius Quinn had vowed never again to find himself in a situation like this. His days as a private military contractor were over. No more missions, no more risks, no more personal attachments. Yet, here he was, after weeks of searching, face-to-face with his broken prize.It was time to get the knucklehead back to his family.Quick and easy was Darius’s plan.Then everything went sideways.----------------------------------------------------Auctioned, book 1. (Does not end with a cliffhanger.)
Redemption
Garrett Leigh - 2020
When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness.
Counting Daisies
Nicola Haken - 2016
Growing up together, they shared everything. By the age of fourteen they were more than best friends – they were in love. They dreamt of their future, of success, marriage…happiness. They were going to grow old by each other’s side.But… “Kids are stupid.”When tragic circumstances forced them apart, Dylan discovered that life wasn’t the fairytale he dreamed of; it was dark, difficult, saturated with pain and shame. Life wasn’t meant to be enjoyed, merely survived, but even that became a challenge.Damaged, worthless, and disgusting, he saw no point to his pitiful existence…Until he came face to face with the boy he used to love.Successful, honourable, and happy, Cameron had achieved the future they planned. He was good, positive, popular…everything Dylan would never be. What would happen if Dylan let him back into his world? Would he destroy Cameron too? Would his poison push him away like everyone else?“Everybody leaves.” “They leave or they die.”But what if…what if Cameron didn’t?Counting Daisies is book one in The Counting Series, but can be read as a standalone novel.(M/M romance. Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content. ***Please note*** This book contains scenes and descriptions of intravenous drug use which may be uncomfortable for some readers.)
Out for the Holidays and Out for Gold
Lane Hayes - 2021
I’ve spent the last two years getting ready for this moment. I can’t decide if the holidays are the perfect time to begin a new venture, but I’m excited. It would be nice if my family were on board too.Gabe-I play water polo. I don’t know anything about the restaurant business, but I want to make sure Derek’s grand opening goes according to plan. I’ll rally our friends, send out invites, and yeah…I’ll even deal with his mother. He’s my number one person and I’ll do whatever it takes to be sure we’re out for the holidays.Out for the Holidays is a low-angst MM romance featuring Derek and Gabe from Out in the Deep…and a host of friends from the Out in College books!Out for GoldChance of a Lifetime…Gabe-Winning a spot on the Olympic water polo team is my lifelong goal and guess what?...I made it! Of course, nothing goes smoothly. This is a bad time for a shoulder injury and an even worse time for my dad to show up out of the blue. I might be doomed.Derek-Family isn’t easy. Trust me, I know. But in my experience, ignoring obvious issues only makes them more challenging in the long run. I can’t solve Gabe’s problems with his dad, but I’ll help if I can. Win or lose, my man is going out for gold.Out of Gold is a low-angst MM romance featuring Derek and Gabe from Out in the Deep in a full-circle quest for the ultimate prize…love.*OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS was originally featured in the holiday collection, Gifts for the Season. Since the anthology is no longer available, I wanted to publish it on my own and add new content. OUT FOR GOLD is a brand-new novella that really brings the whole story full-circle. Both shorts feature Derek and Gabe from Out in the Deep.
Outback Treasure: Book One
Ann Grech - 2021
He’s also way too young for me. But he’s so much like me too. He loves this desolate land, and he fits right in with station life. My family. Me.There are a million reasons why we shouldn’t be together. But I keep forgetting them when he’s near.If only he’d told me why he was really here… Outback Treasure I is the first part of the Pearce Station duet. Pete and Scottie’s story concludes in Outback Treasure II.
His Command: The Complete Series
Piper Scott - 2018
Follow the lives of ten broken men as they couple off and find true love in each other. This collection includes all five books of the His Command series, and features five bonus epilogues never before published—one for each book. Obey: Omega rehabilitation counselor Owen doesn’t need an alpha in his life... but that doesn’t stop Crawford from giving him his collar. Beg: Recently liberated from omega rehabilitation therapy, Lucian’s only just learned to say “No.” It’s too bad that night after night, Marcus makes him whimper, “Yes!” Stay: When an accidental pregnancy forces troubled omega Adrian to bond with Sterling, the alpha he hates, the arguments aren’t the only thing bound to get hot. Heal: Broken omega Gabriel needs an alpha to hold him together, to love him, and to give him a family... and professional Dom Cedric just might be the man for the job. Breathe: When a scorching online relationship leads to an unexpected pregnancy, Oli has to decide whether Marshall’s terrible secret is something he can shoulder, or if he’s better off alone.
The Last Thing He Needs
J.H. Knight - 2014
Since he was fifteen years old, he's managed to keep the children fed and out of foster care. It takes up every ounce of his energy and the last thing he needs is romance complicating his life further. Rookie cop Bobby McAlister doesn't belong in Tommy’s harsh world, but Tommy can’t push him out. As their unlikely friendship turns into a tentative relationship, they weather the daily storm of Tommy’s life with a lot of laughs and more than a few arguments. Tommy isn't used to trusting outsiders, and he's never asked for help in his life. But when a tragedy strikes the O'Shea family and threatens everything he's fought for, he'll have to learn to do both to recover from the brutal hit.
Hard Target
Kelly Fox - 2020
I have other reasons—he still mourns his late husband, I’m way older, he’s a foot shorter, my tattoo shop is a front, he’s an assistant professor at UT. Still, I can’t help but think we’d be perfect for each other if I didn’t kill people (very, very bad people) for a living. Rafi: How the f*ck did I not realize how hot my best friend is? Yeah, grief, or whatever, but were my eyes not working? Silver fox, check. Tattooed hotness, check. Cuddles with me on Monday nights while we watch Australian melodramas, check. Says he’s not a good person but totally is, check. New goal: Get Everett to stop looking at me like a grieving widower and start seeing me as someone he’d like to pin against the wall. Now if I only knew what was behind the door marked Portal to Nowhere…Hard Target is a mercenary MM romance set in Austin and the Texas Hill Country. It features tattooed hotties, adorably complicated twinks, best friend antics, an illegally confiscated vineyard, and a team of killer do-gooders. This is the first book in the Wrecked: Guardians Series. Several characters from the Wrecked series make an appearance, but the Guardians books can be read as stand-alones.
Passion in Paradise
Jerry Cole - 2018
As kids growing up in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, he would go out of his way to protect her from danger. And Becca, an outspoken champion for justice and a political activist, has a knack for getting into trouble while fighting for her causes. Some of Becca’s conspiracy theories can seem a bit far-fetched, but Bryan still loves her. In turn, she has been his biggest supporter since he came out as gay. Because of Becca—and following in the footsteps of their uncle, a first responder who had been on the scene during the September 11th attacks—Bryan put his early life-saving skills to work as an emergency medical technician for the FDNY. Trouble never comes in trickles but in waves. When the family loses contact with Becca, an environmental blogger now living in Hawaii, it’s up to Bryan to investigate. He decides to take a few days off from work, and in the wake of an ugly breakup from his longtime boyfriend, he flies out to see what kind of mess Becca has managed to get herself into this time. Bryan soon realizes it goes well beyond the realm of any playground scuffle when, upon his arrival, he makes a shocking discovery: Becca is missing and her apartment has been ransacked. Despite warnings from the local authorities, Bryan refuses to stand by and not do anything to help find his sister. He launches a personal investigation into Becca’s disappearance which puts him in contact with her friend Akoni “Koni” Hoapili, an attractive native tour guide, surfer, and part-time hula dancer. With Koni’s assistance, Bryan tries to find out what happened to Becca—but will he also wind up finding new love with the irresistible, outgoing Koni? Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 75,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".
Pins and Needles
A.J. Thomas - 2017
He’ll never be able to work in his field again, his education is all but useless, and his surgeons are pessimistic about whether he’ll ever walk again. He needs someone in his corner, but most lawyers take one look at his tattoo-covered foster father and turn their backs. It’s just Sean’s luck that the one attorney willing to give him a chance is also the hottest guy he’s ever seen.As a trial lawyer, Nate Delany has a lot to prove—to his father, the world, and himself. Sean intrigues Nate, and he struggles to reconcile the gifted tattoo artist he can’t stop fantasizing about with the quiet, brilliant engineer. His investigation reveals facts left out of the accident report—including an illicit affair, greedy coworkers, and a vicious corporation that will do anything to protect its bottom line. When Sean’s life is threatened, winning Sean’s case, and his heart, becomes a lot more dangerous.
Accompanied by a Waltz
Andrew Grey - 2011
But Greg’s daughter Jeana has decided she’s had enough, so she rents a small apartment in Vienna for him as a Father’s Day present. Jonathon agrees to go, against his better judgment.Surprisingly, Jonathon finds the change of scenery refreshing, and he even makes a young friend in Hans, his landlady’s son. Then Hans’s older brother returns home, and Jonathon begins to truly awaken. Fabian touches something inside him, especially when the younger man takes it upon himself to woo Jonathon in full Viennese style, with a waltz. But shadows of the past and expectations for the future loom over them both and will have to be banished for their lovers’ dance to stay in step.
Mended with Gold
Lee Welch - 2017
Forty-five-year old, Alex Cox worked as an international photographer until a deadly explosion left him with post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotionally wounded, and desperate for a sense of safety, he's run all the way to wild and remote Kahawai Bay, New Zealand.Under the worst possible circumstances, Alex meets Joe, a shy young comics artist. Joe lets Alex into his playful, gentle world of comics, and soon Alex is falling for him, hard. Alex longs for more. Joe is reticent. But is it shyness? Or does Joe not want a much older lover with 'issues'? Or is something else keeping them apart?This is a tender and uplifting story about creativity, adversity, true love, and comics.
Hush
Tal Bauer - 2017
marshal running from his past.A trial that can plunge the world into war. Federal Judge Tom Brewer is finally putting the pieces of his life back together. In the closet for twenty-five long years, he’s climbing out slowly, and, with the hope of finding a special relationship with the stunning Mike Lucciano, U.S. Marshal assigned to his DC courthouse. He wants to be out and proud, but he can’t erase his own past, and the lessons he learned long ago. But a devastating terrorist attack in the heart of DC, and the subsequent capture and arrest of the terrorist, leads to a trial that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of America’s national security. As Russia beats the drums of war, intent on seeking revenge, and the United States struggles to contain the storm before it races out of control, secrets and lies, past and present, collide in Judge Tom Brewer’s courtroom. With the world’s attention fixed on Tom and this case, he suddenly discovers he may be the only person who can put everything together in time to stop the spark of a new world war.
Bad Habits
Onley James - 2020
Now he’s one of the most sought-after black hat hackers in the world. Jonah is a ruthless contract killer with only one weakness, the vibrant runaway he took in years ago: Caspian. But Cas bailed when he turned 18 and Jonah has maintained a steady diet of eat, kill, sleep since then.
Jonah had always been the fatal flaw in Cas’s code, the bug that froze the part of his brain separating logic from emotion.
A threat to Cas’s life brings him back years later—not as the boy Jonah remembers, but as a hardened computer hacker with a price on his head and a list of names everybody wants.The chemistry between them is as undeniable as it is dangerous. In a world of secrets and murder, trust is a liability and feelings can get you killed. But Jonah let Cas go once, and he’s not willing to do it again. Even if it means confronting his past, solving a twisted puzzle, and taking out half of New York city’s seedy underbelly to keep Cas safe. Bad Habits is a steamy, action-packed thrill ride of a romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It features morally ambiguous men, dirty, dirty lovin’, pancakes drizzled with snark, chosen family, drive-in movies, and the kind of love that drives a guy to murder in order to protect. In short: all the emo, heat, and sarcasm you'd probably expect from an Onley/Neve collab. This is book 1 in the Wages of Sin series. Each book will follow a new couple.