Book picks similar to
Red Hot by M.A. Gray


mm
brother-s-best-friend
contemporary
romance

Untouchable


Kay Simone - 2018
    That’s the plot of a porn, not a romance.” Morton Harper--Harp for short--is 44, divorced, hated by most of his picturesque Colorado town, and more than happy to spend the rest of his life holed up in the cabin he built on Storm Mountain. But when Harp seeks out a massage therapist to help him heal after a car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. Parker is almost two decades younger than Harp, handsome, and full of life--he should be the kind of person Harp hates. Instead, Harp finds himself reluctantly charmed by Parker’s bubbly personality, his patience for all of Harp’s quirks… and Parker’s six-pack doesn’t hurt either. "I know I can trust you. And I know you’re being kind. But I’m rusty at having a friend." Parker James is a miracle worker, both with muscles and with picky clients. But with Harp, he may have met his match. From the moment he sees Harp--axe in hand, glaring at him from the front yard, Parker knows he has his work cut out for him. But though Harp is moody, ornery, and closed off, Parker keeps catching a glimpse of someone who is funny and compassionate... and wounded. As they strike up an unlikely friendship, Parker longs for more--and though Harp has hurts of his own, he’s helping Parker heal his, too. “I’ve never had someone like you before. Someone who wanted to take care of me. Someone who made me feel like I was the most important thing in the universe.” As their sessions progress, both men find themselves falling for the other. But Parker’s confidence was shattered by a cruel ex and Harp is still reeling from a painful divorce and dramatic outing--and their own families and past hurts prove difficult to navigate, even as they come together. It’s undeniable that Parker and Harp make each other stronger and better--but can Parker really reach someone so untouchable? Untouchable is a 275,000 word contemporary slow burn m/m romance with enemies-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, and May/December themes. Please see the copyright page in the "Look Inside" preview to read this work's content warnings (contains minor spoilers).

Handsome Death


Sara Dobie Bauer - 2020
    But I've never needed anyone.---------------In a world where paranormal creatures live amongst us and must follow certain laws, living life as a dangerous loner works for vampire Ethan. Inhabiting his gleaming apartment, wearing his designer suits, jetting around the world as a fanged killer-for-hire, Ethan does it all alone. That is, until he literally runs into Tristan. Tristan, who is clearly trouble wrapped in skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Tristan, with his shock of angelic blond curls. Tristan, who plays piano more beautifully than the old masters-- and Ethan would know; he saw Beethoven.Tristan is gorgeous, a little sassy, and irresistible. Also, Ethan is horrified to note, Tristan has no idea how incredibly tempting he is to things that go bump in the night. Overcome by the urge to keep Tristan safe, Ethan begins to... well, stalk is such a strong word. What starts as an obsession quickly becomes something more, something that Ethan needs. And to his surprise, Tristan seems to need him, too...This darkly romantic tale delivers steamy passion and a happily ever after. Be advised that Handsome Death includes explicit m/m content, stalking, mentions of past abuse, and graphic violence.

The Right to Remain


L.A. Witt - 2022
    Nothing he does is ever good enough for his family, his teachers, his bosses, his drill instructors. He can’t do anything right, so why bother trying?Then he gets caught breaking and entering, and now he’s bound for prison. Or is he?Austin Caldwell isn’t thrilled about being burglarized, but when he finds himself face to face with the intruder, he sees himself in those terrified eyes. He knows more than most how much prison chews people up and spits them out. Maybe, just maybe, he can save Levi from that fate.It starts as an arrangement for Levi to work off his debt to Austin. As trust grows between them, so does an undeniable attraction. Especially as Austin begins to see untapped desires in Levi, and he begins to unlock a whole new world of sensuality for his submissive protégé. Levi’s in heaven. He’s finally wanted. He finally belongs. For the first time in his life, he has something to lose. All he has to do is stay out of trouble.And hope trouble doesn’t find him.The Right to Remain is a 150,000+ word standalone contemporary gay romance with a guaranteed happy ending. CW: criminal activity, brief mentions of past death of a child, brief mention of past suicide, incarceration.

Safe in His Arms


Renae Kaye - 2014
    He’s not looking for anyone, but when Casey offers, Lon doesn’t turn him down. Welcoming the young man in his big, hairy arms, Lon provides a safety to Casey that he has never known, and Casey wants to stay forever. Still reeling from the breakup of his family years ago, Lon’s not sure he’s ready for the responsibility of the comfort and security Casey craves. But perhaps Lon can risk opening his heart again and hoping for a brighter future. Casey has some pretty big skeletons in his past to deal with. And Lon wonders what Casey will do when he finds out how badly Lon failed at protecting the ones he loved eight years ago.

Briefly Buddies


Chase Connor - 2021
    In less than twenty-four hours he’s going to graduate from high school. His parents and friends have always given him their full support and unconditional love. He’s always had plenty of friends in school, he’s attractive, always gotten good grades, and he’s headed into a new chapter of life—university after his last summer of working at a local ice cream joint. His life has been…blessed.There’s just one thing. He’s never had a boyfriend. Never gotten laid. Never even been kissed. Well, not like that, anyway. So, life has been good, but it’s been boring. When he came out, Dustin imagined his own rom-com, teenage, coming-of-age scenario playing out, finding a boyfriend in high school, and being crowned dual Kings of the Prom.Nothing ever works out the way he imagines, though, and he’s getting pretty tired of it.On the night of his graduation, Dustin and his friend, Miguel, come up with a plan while sharing a few beers swiped from the neighborhood barbecue. If you can’t get laid through skill and swagger of your own, you can always turn to a professional. All you need is the internet and a device.So, buzzed from the beers, Dustin logs onto Briefly Buddies to find the perfect guy to help him achieve his first real gay experience.And that’s where everything really started to go wrong…

Fall Guy


Felice Stevens - 2022
    Hurt by people who should love him no matter what.Gabriel’s discovered my secrets, yet the more I push him away, the closer he stands by my side.And when his past crumbles, leaving him searching for answers, I’m right there for him, holding his hand.Holding him up.Because love is catching someone when they fall.And never letting go.From Lambda Literary Award-winning author Felice Stevens, comes an irresistible bodyguard romance about two men busy fighting the demons of their past—and their attraction to each other.

Sixteen Weeks Later


Taylor Rylan - 2020
    Two separate worlds. It was only supposed to be a single night of steamy sex. Dax Phillips has never known stability, so he does his best to work toward it. But when he falls for the one man he shouldn’t, he’s so unsure of himself he has trouble believing that someone that grounded could possibly be interested. Anderson Engleson has a lot to show for his hard work. He has a successful career, nice house, a close best friend, but he’s yet to find that one person he can call his. Can a one-night stand turn into more? When Professor Anderson Engleson and his new student Dax Phillips realize what could happen if anyone found out, will they call it quits? Will they make it sixteen weeks or are they willing to break all of the rules? Sixteen Weeks Later is the full-length novel that started as Sixteen Weeks. It has been both expanded and lengthened. This book is a complete standalone.

Country Cop, City Boy


Mia Terry - 2018
    He’s excited to be part of a rural community, even knowing that eligible gay men are going to be thin on the ground.Giving up his love life is one thing, but he doesn’t expect the outright hostility he receives from the local police officer. Jai can’t help but wonder if he made a mistake taking a job so far from home. Sgt. Luke McClain definitely doesn’t want to desire Jai. Luke long ago decided being gay wasn’t an option as long as he was a country cop in a small town. It’s easier to be rude to the attractive radiographer—until some painkillers and a slip in Luke’s tightly held control reveal too much. Jai decides the closeted cop needs a friend who knows his secrets. With no other likely candidates around, Jai pushes his friendship on prickly Luke. When friendship turns to something more, both men have to decide whether their histories and fears for their futures are worth giving up hot sex and possibly love. Country Cop, City Boy is a 72,000-word m/m romance with its own happily ever after. It contains a sexy use of satin pillowcases, a trip to Sydney’s Mardi Gras, and a hot Australian cop.

Kiss Me, Daddy


Quinn Ward - 2019
    When he takes a job at a local gay bar, he doesn't expect the first person to catch his eye to be the man he's been dreaming about since a chance encounter. Joshua's comfortable in his life. He has an amazing son who's wise beyond his years, an ex-wife who's one of his best friends, and a great job. Now, if only those closest to him would quit hounding him to start dating again after the divorce. Joshua finds what's been missing with the other people he's tried dating the first time Andy slips up and calls him Daddy. What starts as a slip of the tongue could lead to what both men really need and want. An Age Gap Romance.

Letting Go


Morningstar Ashley - 2017
    Then piece by piece, all the good in his life was taken away until Alex was left alone as guardian to his much younger sister. Suffering and loss scarred Alex, causing him to withdraw from the world. Struggling with anxiety and trust issues, Alex attempts to help Evie heal from their shared traumatic past, but each day is harder than the last. To make matters worse, Alex’s best friend, Ben, is pushing him to get out of his rut, confronting him with the fact that what Alex thinks is contentment is just stagnation and fear. The last thing he needs is for an old acquaintance to reappear in his life, making him feel things he hadn’t dealt with in years. The executive of the marketing department at graphic design firm Vivid, Kelley has his life together. While not perfect, he’s happy with his career and his three best friends. A chance encounter with Alex, the guy he was once attracted to, is icing on the cake. Fighting through Alex’s defenses to find the breathtaking man underneath will be hard, but Kelley is up to the challenge. Kelley believes that the things most worth fighting for never come easy. To accept all that Kelley is offering means Alex must drop his barriers. Kelley will need to keep trying and prove that Alex can trust him, even when grief and anxiety try to pull him back.

Tyler and Jason


Payne de la Cour - 2018
    or the best.Broke and without a job, Tyler has been sleeping in his car. When he’s offered a job at Bound in Silk, it might just be the change in luck he needs. What he doesn’t expect is for the club owner to be so hot and dominant. He ticks about every of Tyler’s boxes - even though a relationship is the last thing Tyler needs right now.Dominant and experienced, Jason’s whole life is Bound in Silk, his very own BDSM club. It takes one look at his new employee, and he knows he needs Tyler. Badly. And not only as an employee, though Tyler is perfect for the job.If you like hot, sizzling romance spiced with a healthy dose of submission, then Payne de la Cour’s new series Bound in Silk is for you. Come on and join her in the wonderful world of kink.

Tight End


M.D. Saperstein - 2019
    Oh, and he’s still in the closet. Unwilling to sacrifice his career or livelihood - not to mention the fact that not even his family knows - his personal life remains on the back burner. Dr. Wyatt Carrington lives his best life out and proud. With the love and support of his friends, families, and coworkers, he has never questioned his decision to come out. He dates often but has been unable to find his true love. Or at least a man that understands his crazy work schedule. When Wyatt is tasked with the unfortunate and unenviable responsibility of telling Brick that some of his players may have genital warts, the meeting has both men feeling...well, uncomfortable. After a series of coincidental run-ins, Ben decides to bite the bullet and ask Wyatt out. Though very discreet, secrets - and gay men - come out of the closet sooner or later. It’s always best when it’s done of your own volition. But that’s not always how the cookie crumbles. Or in their case, the pizza.

Intoxicating


Onley James - 2019
    Babysit the spoiled son of a conservative senator, keep him out of trouble, and receive a six-figure paycheck. A paycheck he desperately needs. Wyatt’s father claims he needs Linc’s firm hand and discipline. One look at him and Linc agrees. Wyatt needs discipline.Being the closeted gay son of a family values senator has left WYATT EDGEWORTH with a reckless streak and a love of partying that just cost him eight months of his life and might cost his father his re-election. So now, he has a babysitter. A very sexy babysitter.When Wyatt drunkenly tells Linc he’d make an excellent Daddy, they reach an understanding. Wyatt gets a Daddy and Linc gets a paycheck, then they go their separate ways. For this to work, discretion is key, but with a reporter dogging Wyatt’s every move, that might prove impossible.Staying together was never an option, but with each passing day, their feelings only grow. Will they risk it all for what’s supposed to be a harmless fling?INTOXICATING is the first book in the Elite Protection Services Series and contains age-gap, Daddy-kink and BDSM elements complete with a HEA and no cliffhangers.Warning: This book contains scenes which may trigger some people including self-harm, suicide attempt, past and present physical abuse, and implied past sexual violence.

Swallowed in the Sea


K. Sterling - 2018
    The time of the ton came to an end and rakes gave way to new, more modern heroes. What if there were still some rakes left in the world? What if they were every bit as devastating and irresistible as the rakes we’ve loved and longed for but modern? K. Sterling believes there are still some rakes out there and their time has come. The rakes have returned. Gideon Drake is not a rake. He’s a journalist. He’s covered every modern battlefield over the last decade because war scares him less than the pain of his past. An impossible lead, a myth and an assassination attempt introduces Gideon to an Israeli Butcher who isn’t Israeli or a butcher. Rami Ali is a rake. His story is very different. He is as mysterious as he is sensual and irresistible and he’s not what Gideon expected to find when he set out to uncover the elusive arms dealer. He wasn’t expecting the passion or the reckoning with his past and being in the middle of the ocean can’t save him from the heat.

Confounded: Alasdair's Dilemma


Harrison Phillips - 2018
    Six loud boisterous alpha brothers made family life hell for a quiet alpha and as soon as he could, he moved out into his own home. Now the only thing missing was his mate. His wonderful submissive beautiful little mate who was out there somewhere. He just knew it. And Fate answered him. Just not the way he had it planned out. Now he’s stuck reforming his biker bum alpha mate into something that will fit into his life. Dash, short for Dashiell Williams Parkes III, was testing the new prototype motorcycle his company was going to produce when his mate, an alpha, slammed into him with a car. And then he proceeded to yell at him for breaking his ’61 Corvette! After the first whiff of mate, there was no way he was letting this wolf get away even if he was a prig. He let his mate assume he was an out-of-work biker bum who fixed motorcycles to pick up cash while he worked on his mate’s attitude and plan to reform him into being a suitable Alpha Mate.