Book picks similar to
By the Book by Maria Vickers
m-m
mm
romance
contemporary
Safe Word
Alice Shaw - 2018
Can you handle the beast? Face pics only. Omegas: call me daddy.” -Leo’s Grindr Profile
Hayden Williams looked at the picture of his parents on his dresser every single night. He never thought he’d fall in love. He never thought he’d wake up in Mr. Right’s arms. He wasn’t exactly looking out for him. But Hayden isn’t gay. He’s a bisexual omega, looking for the opposite of what’s “safe.” When he sends a few pictures to a mysterious alpha online, he realizes he’s found what he’s been looking for: someone dangerous. Now, he can no longer hold back his desires. Leo Kennedy used to be the idol of the leather scene. He used to be a player. Now, he’s somewhat of a legend. Leo is a seasoned alpha. He’s been searching for the perfect omega for years, but he’s beginning to think perfect doesn’t exist. So when Hayden tells him he’ll do anything, he better mean anything. The more the two build up tension, the closer they come to loving each other. When they finally meet in the dim-lit club, they get their release. But Leo’s last relationship broke him, and Hayden isn’t even out of the closet. Are they ready to move from a life of leather and lace into something comforting, safe, and potentially dangerous? Safe Word is a full-length first time gay romance novel with a dash of mpreg. It is 50,000 words. This book contains hot and sexy leather scenes, emotional moments full of mystery and desire, and a beautiful baby to keep you smiling for days. This mpreg book is meant for 18+ readers.
Thief of Hearts
K. Evan Coles - 2019
Mark Mannix doesn’t believe in love or romance, which is ironic given his birthday falls on Valentine’s Day. As he approaches forty, Mark is perfectly content with his life and nursing career in Boston, and—outside of his long-time friend-with-benefits, Alistair—prefers his hookups to be one-night stands. When Mark’s plans for New Year’s Eve fall through, he attends his sister’s party and meets Owen Todd, a graphic designer of Caribbean descent. Owen is more than a decade younger than Mark and, at first glance the two men appear to have little in common. The chemistry between them is potent, however, and Mark breaks his no-strings pattern, seeing Owen week after week. A connection forms between the two men, leaving Mark in uncharted territory and drawn to Owen in ways he’s never known before. Even so, Mark continues his hookups with Alistair but is startled when Owen withdraws out of a desire to protect himself. His foundations shaken, Mark must decide if he can watch Owen walk away or … if the time has come to follow his heart in a new direction.
Stay Lucky
Halsey Harlow - 2018
After all Leo left him for a movie star, and who can compete with that? But now, Leo’s back with his adorable, genius daughter in tow, leaving Grant consumed by three important questions: 1) Did Leo come home looking for a fresh start without the movie star? 2) Does he want a do-over with Grant too? 3) Why else would Leo be hanging around Grant’s hospital so much anyway? The attraction between Grant and Leo is undeniable, and soon their affection reignites as well. But will their luck hold out through health scares and family drama so they can find their happy ending at last? * This book is a single dad, opposites attract, second chance, hurt/comfort, medical romance by Smoky Mountain Dreams author Leta Blake, featuring over 60,000 words of an emotional, moving m/m romance with a happy ending you’ll love! *Originally published in 2018 under the same title using the pen-name, Halsey Harlow.
Silver & Black
Tyler May - 2015
But when a tragic health event leaves him vulnerable, he realizes those things are worthless. He is on a mission to fill the void in his life when he first meets the young, gorgeous Greyson Black, who is working his way through school as a barista at one of his coffee shops.Silver wants Greyson, and he’s used to getting what he wants. Greyson Black is determined to make the best out of his life, but despite his best efforts, life hasn’t played fair, and neither has love. He is nursing a broken heart when Brian Silver walks into his life, and for once, Greyson thinks fate has finally granted him the opportunity for happiness. But fate can be manmade, and Greyson soon discovers that a relationship with Brian Silver comes at a cost. Silver and Greyson emerge on a hot and passionate journey, but danger lurks in the darkness, threatening to destroy everything they’ve worked for. When the mind games make Greyson question Silver’s motives, he will have to determine if their love is worth the risk. Shots are fired, leaving all trust dead. They say love is blind, but Greyson would say, suspicion is the real killer. And sometimes, secrets are worse than bullets. Silver & Black is a gay mystery romance and is intended for readers 18 years of age or older for sexual content, language, and mild violence.Second edition includes: New cover, updated blurb, a chapter added, updated and added scenes, change of tense, added dialogue, new editing and formatting.There is SIGNIFICANT changes to the book, but the plot is the same. First edition, published May 2016; Second edition, published July 2018.
Measure of Devotion
C. Faron - 2012
Leaving behind his father's cattle ranch in favor of the posh, gaslit streets of Perdana, Jason is determined to climb the social ladder and forget his country roots. If only his father had gifted him with a more upscale slave.Kale's been a country slave his whole life. All he wants is to keep his head down and live as comfortable an existence as possible. Unfortunately, his dramatic master despises him and makes life difficult at every turn.Humbled by his first breakup, Jason grows to appreciate his ever-faithful slave and soon discovers that Kale is everything he's ever wanted. Now he needs to prove to Kale that his love is genuine.Kale, meanwhile, tries to convince himself that he simply feels the devotion of a slave to his master, but his actions prove what his mind is unwilling to accept: he's falling in love. When Jason's future happiness is in jeopardy, Kale sets himself on a course to make Jason's dreams come true, even if it means facing up to the fact that, for the first time in his life, he loves someone else more than he loves himself.Measure of Devotion is a bittersweet love story set in an alternate world and contains sexual content and adult language.
Incoming
A.E. Wasp - 2016
Salvation beckons in the form of a job opportunity in California.What newly-discharged army veteran Troy Johnson wants is simply to lay down - lay down his weapon, lay down some roots, and lay down the memories that haunt him. Red Deer sounds like the perfect place to do it.Sparks fly when their paths cross one hot Fourth of July weekend, and suddenly they find that what they need is each other.But the memories Troy is running from are hot on his heels and, whether Troy wants it or not, Dmitri is determined to save him from the demons he hadn’t even realized he was fighting.
The Secret
Ashley John - 2014
After giving Harvey his cellphone number, he soon receives a call from Harvey asking if he can intern under George. Reluctantly, George says yes, and agrees to let Harvey into his home for a whole month.As they spend more and more time together, Harvey shares his heart-breaking story with George and his eyes are opened up to a whole new world with whole new emotions. George soon discovers something he never thought he'd find in another man...love.----Word count: 29,000This is book 1 in the George & Harvey series. Contains a cliffhanger, so cannot be read as a standalone.----Warning: This novella is the first part of The George & Harvey Series, and contains a cliffhanger, leading into the 2nd part, The Truth (out now). Contains an age-gap relationship between a 32 year old married man and a 19 year old high school student.
Finley
Ella Frank - 2016
But that’s all about to change.On his thirtieth birthday, he receives the one thing he never dared hope for. Something that was promised to him years earlier—a note. One simple sentence from the man he’s never been able to forget.Six words will forever change the course of their lives.Brantley Hayes has it all. Or so he thinks. When he first made the decision to take a job down in Florida, his family thought he was crazy. But, after years of living in the quiet beach town, he finally feels a sense of community. He’s surrounded himself with friends who are like family, has a job he loves, and owns a spectacular beachfront property that is his sanctuary.Yet he still feels unfulfilled, as if a piece of the puzzle is missing, and he knows exactly which piece it is. On an impulse, he follows through with a promise he made years earlier. A promise to call home the one he sent away.Nothing is as simple as it seems.After years of separation, the former lovers are reunited, but Brantley wasn’t expecting to encounter the high walls now guarding Daniel’s heart. Daniel may not be the same person he was when he left, but he knows that the first step to healing is the note in his hand.
Remember Me, Omega
Lorelei M. Hart - 2018
Omega Ethan loved being a parent. But now that his son is moving away from home, Ethan has decided to recapture his identity as the strong, intelligent, determined, and fun omega he used to be—and to follow his artistic dreams. A home studio, an art class at the local college, and soon enough, Ethan's dream will be within reach. But the last thing he expects is to reconnect with his high-school sweetheart. Alpha Rhys loved Ethan from the moment they met in high school. Being taken from him before they’d fully explored their feelings was his life’s biggest regret. But now that Ethan’s adult son is interning at his tech company, Rhys just might have the chance to remedy that loss. For the first time in twenty years, Ethan and Rhys must confront their shared past—and when Ethan learns he’s pregnant, they’ll have to decide if a shared dream is enough to build a future together. Remember Me, Omega is a super-sweet, romantic, steamy standalone romance that brings the knotty heat, perfect for readers who love stories with second chances, beautiful dreams between two men, male pregnancy, cute babies, and amazing HEAs.
Save Me
Aria Grayson - 2017
That was before he made a crucial mistake that cost the life of the man he loved. Now he’s living without purpose and drinking to forget... until he sees a stranger about to lose an unfair fight, and finally has a reason to put his life—and his heart—on the line again. Liam cares about two things in life: using his law degree to make the world a better place, and keeping his younger brother Jamie out of trouble. He doesn’t need anything—or anyone—else. But when he confronts Jamie’s abusive boyfriend and finds his career and his life in jeopardy, Liam is forced to admit there are some threats he can’t handle on his own. After Aidan saves Liam from the hired goons sent after him, Liam thinks he’ll never see his mysterious rescuer again. But Aidan sees a chance to make up for his past wrongs—and his one meeting with Liam has awakened a spark inside him that he thought was gone forever. When he offers to become the brothers’ live-in bodyguard, Liam swallows his pride and accepts... but he soon discovers that Aidan represents a new kind of danger, one that threatens to tear down the walls Liam has built around his heart. Save Me is a full-length steamy gay romance novel with no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a happy ending. Note: This book contains references to physical and emotional abuse.
Polar Reaction
Claire Thompson - 2009
A love that shakes them to the core... M/m ménage a trois passion at its most sizzling. The savage Antarctic winter is closing in, and three research scientists are scheduled for the last flight out - until an unexpected blizzard traps them in the compound. Thrown into a dangerous situation, the three of them turn to each other for survival, solace... and more.Word count: 60,000
Marking Time
C.J. Anthony - 2012
. . a faggot? A queer? A sissy? About a dozen more words meandered through my brain, every word I’d ever heard from my friends, from adults, from TV. Was that who I was now? Were those words me now?"While most gay men grow up living in the closet until they are brave enough to step out and be themselves, Adam Shepherd experiences the opposite. After living almost all of his young life out and gay, he goes into the closet, willingly, in order to have the career and life he wants and needs. He thinks he can handle it, but he soon discovers how much he has truly given up.Chase Michaels was always there for Adam, a substitute “big-brother” and true friend in his growing up years. Adam has always harbored a secret involving Chase, but it conflicts with the closet he now lives in as an adult. When the pressure becomes too much, Adam chooses to stay in his closet . . . but at what cost? And can he change things before it’s too late?Original Prompt:Dear Author,I've missed him so much and I'd hoped he be there when I came home. I just didn't want to expect too much. After so many years of being just friends, we became more and then I got my orders. Before we could start anything, it felt like everything was over. But he came, he's here! I just couldn't contain myself and ran right into his arms.Can someone please tell me how these two began, how they survived apart and what's next? :)Photo Description: Military homecoming: Marine dressed in fatigues greets his civilian lover with a passionate embrace, arms and legs wrapped around him, as they kiss passionately, framed by a large, vibrant American Flag behind them.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 6.
Don't Plan to Stay
Kaje Harper - 2017
Now he's twenty-four, out of prison, and bitterly determined to start over. But with the holidays approaching, he can't resist a quick trip home to Tallbridge, North Dakota, and the man he left behind. Just a fast look, to make sure Adam's doing all right, before Donnie starts his new life. He doesn't plan to stay.Adam Lindberg's been waiting six years to get closure with Donnie. He missed that chance after the accident, fighting for his life in a hospital bed as Donnie pled guilty and disappeared into the justice system. Without so much as a letter back from Donnie in all this time, Adam's tried to move on. And yet, he never found another guy he cared about the same way. So when Donnie shows up in Tallbridge, Adam's ready to fight for more than three words of goodbye. Of course, Adam's brother and dad don't want Donnie to stick around, but it's the busy Christmas season at the family store. If Adam asks for Donnie's help, maybe he'll stay long enough to finally talk about the future, and the past.
Captive Hearts
A.E. Ryecart - 2018
Protector. Lover.Dashiell acts first and thinks second when he uses his fists to stop a vicious assault. The victim’s young, blond and beautiful — and the bratty kept boy of a gangland thug. Dashiell’s not offered thanks. Instead, he’s offered a job as the boy's bodyguard. Out of work and short of cash, it’s tempting to say yes. But there are strings attached, and Dashiell’s not sure he wants to get entangled.Billy knows his place. He’s the property of a violent criminal, and just one wrong word means a beating, or worse. He yearns for a man who will love and protect him, keep him safe, and catch him when he falls. Dashiell could be that man — but only if Billy has the courage to follow his heart. Their love is forbidden, and danger stalks their every move. Escape is the only option but as the walls close in, is time running out for Dashiell and Billy?Captive Hearts is the first in the Deviant Hearts MM Romantic Suspense series. Expect a hard fought for HEA. No cliff hangers.Note: this book was previously published under the name of A E Ryecart. The cover and description may (or may not) have changed, but the book title and contents remain the same as before.
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.