Book picks similar to
Fake Groom by Avery Ford
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romance
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The Boyfriend Act
Parker Elliot - 2018
Especially when it involves spending five nights in his home state of Texas with his dysfunctional family. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he’d been laid off from his job at the bank and was working at a coffee shop to make ends meet, he’s going through a romantic dry spell. With no date and no exciting news to bring back home, Toby is dreading his family reunion. Liam moved to Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Instead, he manages a coffee shop and can’t quite manage to land a role that will get him his big break. When his coworker and friend, Toby, tells him about his dilemma, Liam comes up with a plan he thinks is genius. What better way to get acting experience than to play the part of his best friend’s boyfriend. Toby isn't quite convinced Liam's plan will work, but with enough arm-twisting, he's will to give it a shot. After all, he has nothing to lose. To everyone's surprise, Toby's family fall head-over-heels for Liam. He plays the boyfriend role so well, it's hard to remember it's all just an act. As the lines blur between reality and role-playing, Toby and Liam have to face tough questions about their friendship. Because if this boyfriend thing is just an act, then why does it feel so real? And why can't they keep their hands off each other? The Boyfriend Act is a fun, sexy and sweet romance novel. It is a standalone, has no cliffhanger and a very satisfying happily ever after.
Bounty of the Heart
Cody Ryder - 2016
His heart and his trust wounded, Roy struggles to redefine his views on life and love, believing he’ll never love again. Everything changes when, at a local farmer’s market, a vendor selling fresh vegetables turns out to be someone from Roy’s youth—the only boy he’d ever loved.
“It was like every plant that grew was healing me, giving me life again.”
Dakota Heart has dealt with hardship his entire life. He lost his mother as a child, and after his father passed away, he decided to put all of his energy into one project: The Heart Lifespring Gardens, a permaculture food forest spanning the entire half-acre of his suburban backyard. He always viewed the gardens as his source of healing and love, but he never thought that his fruits and vegetables would bring him back face to face with his high school sweetheart—the one who got away.
“This whole thing has just gotten me all turned around.”
The two former lovers find passions quickly rekindling, but Roy needs healing, and Dakota doesn’t know if he can let himself fall in love with him again. It may be up to Rosie, Dakota’s clever border collie and sole emotional companion, to quietly keep the two men together. But can one dog, the healing power of nature, and the warm memories of a past love keep fragile hearts from pulling apart? Bounty of the Heart is a steamy contemporary M/M gay standalone story set in Southern California, and features a feel-good HEA ending with no cliffhangers!
Devoted
Sierra Riley - 2016
He just never realized how much. As a single dad, he’s tried to balance paying the bills with making time for his son, Ryan. He’s been treading water for a long time and right now, his best friend, Jake, is the only thing keeping him afloat. But when his son needs major surgery, Russ isn’t sure anyone can save him from going under.“I’d do anything for you. You know that.”Jake Larson has been in love with Russ since college, but he knows they’ll never be more than friends. Even so, he can’t seem to stop himself from coming to Russ’ rescue. With Russ facing bankruptcy thanks to his terrible insurance, Jake concocts his most desperate plan yet: A sham marriage to get Ryan on his policy.“You’re the only thing that feels real to me right now.”It was supposed to be temporary, but when an insurance agent questions the validity of their marriage, Russ and Jake are forced to get a whole lot closer. Jake knows that once their time is up, they’ll go back to being friends regardless of what they’ve shared. But after having Jake as a partner both physically and emotionally, Russ isn’t ready to let go. Can they manage to turn their fake marriage into something real?Devoted is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
The Guarded Heart
K. Sterling - 2016
There was a place for everything and everything was in its place. Clint learns that something might be missing after an encounter with the last man Clint could possibly fall for. Ryder Alexander is a vegan, teaches the second grade, enjoys making granola and is perfectly content with his thrift shop wardrobe. A drunken kiss in a nightclub bathroom pushes Ryder outside of his comfort zone and into the arms of the last man anyone expects. “Here,” Ryder declared before he ducked behind the flag and Clint frowned as he looked around. No one was paying attention and he quickly followed. Ryder was leaning against the brick wall and red and blue light slanted across his face as the sun bled through the flag. They were completely shielded from the street and Clint felt like they were miles away from humanity as he stepped closer. “What are you doing?” He asked softly as he braced his hand on the wall next to Ryder’s shoulder. “Seeing if it was my game or a fluke,” Ryder murmured as his hand slid around Clint’s neck. Clint hummed in agreement as he lowered his head and Ryder’s hand fisted in his shirt as their lips brushed. It was like kissing a flame. Heat fanned across Clint’s face and seeped into his skin. He gasped into Ryder’s mouth and their tongues fluttered against each other tentatively. A golden current of warm need rolled through Clint and he heard Ryder moan as their tongues swirled and flicked urgently. Clint angled his head and felt dizzy as his hand slid around Ryder’s waist. He pulled him against his chest and the smell of soap and clean clothes wreathed around Clint and he wanted to wrap himself in Ryder. He pulled his head back and they were both breathless and stunned. Ryder licked his lips and his cheeks puffed out as he blinked at Clint. “Wow,” he huffed and Clint nodded jerkily. “Definitely my game,” Ryder panted and Clint rolled his eyes. “Shut up,” he muttered as he pushed his hand into Ryder’s hair. He pinned him to the wall as he claimed his lips and Ryder growled softly as he gripped and pulled at Clint’s body, trying to get closer. Clint rolled his hips and silently cursed. They were both really hard and really ready. He didn’t know what to do. If this was a guy he’d flirted with at a club, he would have pulled him into an office or storage room. Or, he would have planned it better and they would have met at a bar close to a decent hotel because Clint had a feeling this was one of those times he’d need a bed and a lot more time. But he knew that Ryder wasn’t that sort of guy. You didn’t bend super sweet elementary school teachers over a sticky desk or push them onto their knees between cases of beer. You strolled with them on sunny Saturday afternoons and made out on quilts under apple trees or next to a river or some other stupid cliche. “We should have sex,” Ryder murmured. Or not… Clint thought as Ryder’s lips slid along Clint’s cheek. “Like, really soon,” he added before he pulled Clint’s earlobe between his lips and sucked. Apparently, his ear was connected to his cock and it throbbed painfully in response. Clint bit his lip to keep from moaning too loud and struggled to think and his eyes rolled as Ryder’s teeth grazed his neck. His game was definitely improving. “I don’t live very far from here,” Clint whispered and immediately regretted it. He rarely invited anyone to his home. He never brought one night stands over. Ryder’s hand slid down the front of Clint’s jeans and cupped his hard-on. “We could go there now,” Clint said quickly and Ryder nodded as he sucked on the corner of Clint’s neck. Holy shit.
Sun-Kissed
E. Davies - 2016
His closest friend was Luis, their maid's son... until Ethan's parents whisked him away so Luis couldn't sell him out to the tabloids. Now a closeted A-list actor at twenty-three, Ethan dreams about running his own life. His parents force him out even further when his tongue slips: out of a family, job, money, and home. There's only one place he can run.
“I know what grief looks like.”
Luis Fitzgerald was supposed to make something of himself, but when his mother got sick, his dreams were traded for hard ranch work. After she died, he never told the Summers that he took over her housekeeping while he studies free online courses. They haven't visited since his first love left him without a word, and he needs the job. When gorgeous, expressive Ethan stumbles in, he's both everything Luis never stopped wanting and everything he fears.
“You aren’t responsible for keeping me safe.”
At first, neither can afford to risk telling the other what troubles him, but old feelings and wounds are hard to ignore. Luis will help Ethan win back everything he lost, but once-coddled Ethan has to learn to stand up for himself when he can barely make soup. Can they forgive and support each other in the glare of camera lenses, or will their fears keep their worlds apart? Sun-Kissed is a steamy, stand-alone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger.
Family Unit
Z.A. Maxfield - 2009
When new love comes knocking, will he have the courage to answer?Richard is an artist. A liberal pacifist who is pathologically afraid of guns. Retired marine Logan is methodical and conservative. Yet the minute Logan sets eyes on Richard, his heart turns over like an old car engine and it isn't long before his motor is revved and Richard is in the driver's seat--even if it seems like each man is driving a different car.Richard Hunter gave up on love to parent his grandson. The kid--Nick--has had it rough. Richard vows nothing will stop him from creating a loving and stable home. Not even a tempting, red-hot relationship with a very attractive man. However, when Richard looks into Logan's blue eyes it's tough to stay focused.It's never easy to become a family, what with a temperamental eight-year-old, disapproving outsiders, and outright extortion attempts. But when push comes to shove, both Logan and Richard are committed family men who want to make a loving home for a little boy who needs them. Together, they're planning to form a Family Unit, and they won't let anything stand in their way.
An Unforgettable Love
Jerry Cole - 2019
He has plenty to do, being the head ranger of the Tahoe National Forest, but living alone in a cabin in the middle of the woods isn’t exactly the most riveting life. He’s known excitement, too. For many years he served as a sniper in the marine corps, but a devastating shoulder injury has reduced him to civilian duties. These days, a walker’s twisted ankle or a trapped raccoon is about as exciting as it gets. Nothing can prepare him, though, for the day he comes across a man lying in the middle of a lonely forest road. The man is alive, but he’d certainly been left for dead. When he wakes up in the hospital, it becomes obvious that he’s suffering from amnesia. With nothing to identify him save for the huge angel tattoo that spreads across his shoulders, the hospital staff name him Gabriel, and tell Hopper that with nowhere else to send him, once he’s recovered from his injuries he’ll have to be sent out into the world. Against his better judgement, but always a sucker for swarthy looks and piercing blue eyes, Hopper agrees to allow Gabriel to stay with him. Perhaps, together, they can work at finding out who this mystery man is, why he was left lying in the forest, and who could possibly have attacked him so badly. What Hopper can never prepare himself for is how deeply he will fall for this handsome stranger, and how he will be able to let Gabriel go when the past, as it always does, comes to catch up. Please Note: This book contains adult language and steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approximately 82,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger." Themes include: Forest Ranger, Amnesia, Angel tattoo, Lake Tahoe, Falling in love, ex-marine
The Weight is Over
Jason Collins - 2018
Since gorgeous men don’t usually go for guys like me, I tend to indulge in the latter. When I score a week-long job as the hospitality manager for a private island resort, it’s the wakeup call I need. I’m surrounded by hot, sculpted bodies—men who look like they’re straight out of fitness magazines. I stand out, but not in the way I want to. Even though gyms have never been my thing, I decide to try the island’s workout center. That’s where I stumble into what must be the hottest guy at the resort. He’s exercising shirtless, but hell, I would too if I was him. Of all the men on the island, this one takes the cake. Chiseled. Perfect. Out of my league. But through a treadmill accident of embarrassing proportions, the hottest guy on the island suddenly becomes my hero. I don’t know if I’m his type, but I find myself wondering if a night between the sheets counts as cardio. NICHOLAS: I always seem to be drawn to the sculpted, Adonis types. More than just that, they have to be shallow. That’s how I protect myself—by finding guys who would rather hit the gym than actually get to know me. The real me...not just the physical. Lately, though, I’ve been hoping for more than that. And then I meet Evan. There’s an instant connection. The chemistry is there, but with him, it’s much more than physical. He’s sweet, funny, and adorably clumsy. I’m excited by the idea of building a future, and I want to explore it with him, but the notion of letting someone in terrifies me. Evan doesn’t know it yet, but he’s the guy I’ve been fantasizing about. I don’t want to rush it, but the spark is undeniable, so I decide to start with a private invitation. Maybe it’s time to show Evan my idea of a workout. Note to readers: This is an extra spicy MM romance. Readers can expect two passionate men and several steamy scenes that will leave you breathless.
No Going Home
T.A. Chase - 2006
Broken, hurt, and rejected, Les has focused his energies on rebuilding his life. Les's accident has shown him that the most valuable treasures are usually found under an imperfect surface, and his reputation for taking in strays starts to grow. But it's one of these strays in particular, injured rodeo cowboy Randy Hersch, who captures more than just his compassion. Between his disapproving father and his chosen career path, Randy has always felt the need to deny his passion. But when Les takes him under his wing, Randy begins to realize that he is truly strong enough to admit his true self-to himself and the rest of the world. But in the arms of a broken man, can he find acceptance.and love?
Best Man
Lily Morton - 2019
The product of a disorganised and chaotic childhood, Zeb likes order and control, and as the boss of his own employment agency he can give that to himself. Life runs along strict lines and he never mixes business with pleasure. Everything in his life lives in neat, alphabetized boxes. Until Jesse. Jesse Reed is Zeb’s complete opposite. He’s chaos personified. A whirling cyclone of disorder. He’s also charming and funny and a very unwanted distraction. Which is why it comes as a complete surprise to Zeb to find himself asking Jesse to pose as his boyfriend for a few days in the country at a wedding. Zeb doesn’t do impulsive, but as the time away progresses, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the merry and irreverent Jesse. But can he bring himself to break the hard-won lessons he’s learnt in life? And even if he can, how could Jesse be attracted to him anyway? He’s so much older than Jesse, not to mention being his boss. From the bestselling author of the Mixed Messages and Finding Home series comes a warm and funny romance about one man’s fight for control and another man’s determination to circumvent it. This is the first book in the Close Proximity series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Alpha Barman
Sue Brown - 2016
Since then he’s found a kind of peace running a rural bar. The last thing Jake Tyler expects is his former team to turn up with grim news. Jake’s ex-brother-in-law has escaped from prison and is heading Jake’s way. The team is here to protect Jake, whether he likes it or not – a decision reluctantly shared by their leader, Jake’s ex-lover Mitch Mitchelson. Mitch is angry and hurting. The man he trusted – the man he adored more than anything – abandoned both his team and Mitch. Jake never gave Mitch a chance to help or come to terms with his desertion. Regardless of mission protocols, Mitch isn’t about to open his heart again to that kind of pain. But the strong attraction between them can’t be denied. How are they ever going to work together when Mitch still resents Jake’s disappearance, and to Jake, the team represents everything that destroyed him in the first place? And meantime they wait for Riley to find them... and to settle the threat once and for all.
Center of Gravity
Neve Wilder - 2018
A year of nothing but heartache leaves him seeking refuge from loneliness and grief behind spreadsheets, punishing daily runs, and the occasional anonymous tryst. He wants only to bury the past and focus on his career, but he has one last task to complete: pack up his parent’s quaint beachside house and put it on the market. Alex Andrews is a budding artist with a penchant for Converse, Cracker Jack, and piercings. Family turmoil sidelines his dreams of finishing art school and building a career in three-dimensional design, and now he’s doing whatever he can to keep everyone afloat.When Alex shows up as a part of the moving crew hired to help Rob clean out the house, what should be a simple move becomes far more complex. Because it’s not the first time they’ve met, and their last encounter was memorable for all the wrong reasons. The attraction between them is undeniable and intense, but Rob’s hell-bent on pushing everyone away, and Alex is on the verge of spinning out of control. Can a grumpy accountant and a bootstrapping artist find their center of gravity together, or are they on a collision course to heartbreak?**An emotionally-charged, slow burn m/m romance featuring an age gap, hurt/comfort themes, and a very hard-won happily ever after. This is the standalone first in the Nook Island, Georgia series.**
Abstract Love
Sara Dobie Bauer - 2020
So why do I want to kiss him?Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man. Well, shit happens.After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact. Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?ABSTRACT LOVE is a 71,000 word enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with an age gap.
Top Shelf
Allison Temple - 2019
Well, not really, but he might as well be. Job gone, home gone, self-respect gone, and no one even seems to notice. The only person who really sees him is Seb, the artist who lives above the used bookstore.Seb haunts the edges of Seacroft in search of beauty. He knows how to excavate the hidden value in abandoned things--whether it's in the pages of forgotten books or in Martin's stuttering attempts to rebuild his life--and transform them into works of art.Two lost souls, Seb and Martin discover the strength they need to face eccentric townies and their dysfunctional families together. But as friendship sparks toward something more, neither man wants to risk what they've only just found. It takes two to fall in love, but it will take the whole community to bring their beauty to life.Top Shelf is an 81k slow burn friends-to-lovers MM romance. It features an anxious professor, a drama queen artist, a bookstore that might be haunted, and a full-blown heart-eyes HEA.
The Hate You Drink
N.R. Walker - 2019
Despite his inherent wealth, he holds his own. He works hard, he’s grounded, he’s brilliant. He’s also secretly in love with his best friend.Monroe Wellman lost his parents three years ago and never grieved, never recovered. Inheriting the family company and wealth means nothing, and his spiral of self-destruction is widespread and spectacular. Dubbed Sydney’s bad boy, he spends more days drunk than sober, and the only person who’s stuck by him through it all is his best mate.But when Monroe hits rock bottom, Erik gives him an ultimatum, and his entire world comes to a grinding halt. It’s not until the haze lifts that Monroe can truly see what he’s been searching for was never in the bottom of a bottle. It’s been by his side all along.An 80,000-word friends-to-lovers story about fighting the demons within and trusting in the love that takes its place.“Because when all you drink is hate, that’s all there is inside you.”