Book picks similar to
Hard at Work by J.M. Snyder


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Where Forever Started


Barbara Elsborg - 2021
    Now he’s dodging a posse of angry yobs, his head reeling from more than the missile that just hit him. Just who is this stranger sprinting at his side? By the time it’s safe for him and Raf to emerge from their refuge, there’s a definite connection between them. And yet there’s something about Raf’s story that doesn’t quite add up. Will Barney's I-dared-to-believe dreams go up in smoke or is this New Year’s Eve the one Where Forever Started?

Memories of the Heart


Felice Stevens - 2015
    All words used to describe Dr. Micah Steinberg by the hospital staff for their next head of surgery. When a letter arrives from his grandmother’s friend at the assisted living facility, his orderly world tilts dangerously out of control. Josh Rosen had everything until it was revealed much of his world was a lie. Forced to re-evaluate his life, Josh gives up his career and returns home to New York City to care for his beloved grandmother. What Josh didn’t figure on was an attraction to a man who on the surface, appears to be exactly like the life Josh chose to leave behind.As Micah struggles with the reality of his grandmother’s illness, the bond these two share deepens, as Josh helps Micah heal, then open his heart. Micah discovers there is more to life than work, control and success. Josh is in deep but has yet to tell Micah who he really is.When the fight for the hospital’s head of surgery turns ugly, Josh’s past and present collide. Micah must let go of the past and accept who he is, if his life is going to move forward.Life is full of surprises, and as both Micah and Josh learn, love can happen whether you plan for it or not.

Crack the Darkest Sky Wide Open


Eric Arvin - 2013
    Stories that take some squinting to see through. Unconventional stories. Tales that threaten to break the heart by cruel twists of fate, the dogs of war, or demons that are all too real; whether they be of unrequited love or a karmic slap in the face. Happy endings take a time in coming, and some never arrive. But through all the darkness there is light, a glimmer of hope and wonder…if one has the will to see it.

The Australian


J.O. Mantel - 2020
    Twelve men. Twelve million dollars!When Deacon Brady scored his dream job as the lead actor in an award-winning daytime soap opera, he had the entire world at his feet. Racking up an impressive list of awards and voted People Magazine’s sexiest man alive, the world was his oyster, and he was living it to the fullest at the top of the A-list.But then everything changed ...The latest Global Financial Crisis, and the crash of Wall Street, not only leaves Deacon bankrupt, but single, depressed and millions in debt.But when a TV producer approaches him on the street, he arranges a private meeting and makes Deacon a proposition too good to refuse.With Deacon struggling to make ends meet, the producer offers him an opportunity that will not only pay off his debts, but provide a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that his daredevil heart can't ignore.The deal - Appear in the new reality TV show, Tainted Love. Travel to twelve countries, meet twelve sexy, single guys, and be paid twelve million dollars.But the deal of a lifetime doesn’t come without a price.He can't allow himself to fall in love, or he risks losing not only the twelve million dollars, but his heart, in the process.First stop - Sydney, Australia.$1 from every ebook sold will be donated to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal.

Through The Years


Z.A. Maxfield - 2012
    These stories -- re-edited for quality content and given a Winterheart Designs cover -- were written in 2008, in part as a protest over the passage of Proposition 8 in California. They follow the course of Ethan and Barry's love affair in ten year intervals from the moment they first admit it, at prom in 1978, to a major breakup and reconciliation in 1988, to a family vacation in Hawaii that turns into more in 1998, and election night 2008, a time of deliberation and decision.This version includes the *bonus* holiday (also previously published) story “The Cursed Noel.”

See Right Through


Sara Winters - 2012
    His every desire is within arm's reach, except the one person Devin has always wished would be his in the end. All it takes is one conversation to open his eyes to a new possibility, one moment to change what Devin believes about friendship and love and one person to change the rules of the game.Sam Marshall has been fighting his feelings for his friend and roommate for two years. When an opportunity presents itself, he makes his move, only to be faced with the very real fear that what he sees in Devin, the potential waiting to be realized, may be more than their friendship can handle.

Chance To Bloom


Dillon Hunter - 2017
    In the aftermath of a nasty break-up, though, he’s had trouble believing he’ll find it again… or that he can let himself trust in it if he does. Jack doesn’t know how to love… Ten years ago, Jack Davis ran away from a small town that held nothing but sorrow for him. Joining the Marines took him to the other side of the globe… which didn’t turn out to be far enough to forget all the bitter feelings he’d left behind in Bridgewater, Georgia. Two men connected by loss… When Jack inherits his dad’s old flower shop, his only thought is to sell it as quickly as possible—to take the money, leave the memories, and run as far away as he can get. One chance for love to bloom… Beverly’s Blooms has always been more than just a job to Ethan. Now—while still reeling from the loss of his mentor and friend--he only has a few weeks to change Jack’s mind about the sale. A few weeks to make Jack fall in love with the shop… and with Bridgewater… and just maybe, with a little luck, to fall in love with Ethan, too. Chance To Bloom is a gay romance novel of approximately 74,000 words that contains an abundance of flowers, an ex-Marine whose heart is closed, and an optimistic florist who knows exactly how to make beautiful things bloom. This feel-good standalone novel has a whole lot of sweet, plenty of heat, and a happily-ever-after that will make true romantics swoon.

Checking Him Out


Debbie McGowan - 2014
    He and Elise have been in Boston for eight years, he loves her, and she loves him. They’ve got a great apartment that’s kept its value, they’re both up for promotion, and he can hook up with any guy he likes—all the sex he wants, so long as it’s of the “no strings” variety. And that’s all fine and dandy… until a chance meeting at the checkout. * * * “This isn’t a fluffy m/m filled with stupid misunderstandings…this is a book about the cost of being truly grown up; not in a YA coming of age, but in a turning over a whole new chapter way, complete with love and loss. Excellent read.” “…wonderful and refreshing and just laugh out loud funny at times.” “A powerfully written, life changing book. A beautiful read.” * * * WARNING: this story contains sex acts between consenting male adults. * * * Also in this series: Checking Him Out For the Holidays - a Hanukkah/Christmas novella. Hiding Out - a Hiding Behind The Couch / Checking Him Out crossover novella.* * * * * * First published as part of the Love's Landscapes Anthology (DRiTC 2014, MMRomanceGroup.com), based on the prompt: Dear Author, When I met the love of my new life (his words not mine…ass), I was simply waiting in the checkout line. I might have been caught up in a conversation with my best friend/wife of X amount of years about something, I can’t remember at the moment. So anyway, we were distracted and didn’t notice that the line had moved. So after maybe 30 seconds, or a minute at the most (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that long), Mr. Impatient, with an accent like that character on The Originals (not that I watch that show at my age), got our attention in the rudest way in my opinion, or in my wife’s heart-of-a-ho opinion, the kindest way possible for our insensitive asses. I’m pretty sure his accent, mixed with his damn charm, got him out of more trouble than it should. We had a rough start, but we had quiet moments when we weren’t all over each other or fighting, in and out of bed. Anyway, I would love a story about our first year. P.S. I want a story with interesting secondary characters interacting with the main characters. I want it to be known that the marriage is a *lavender marriage—no one is being fooled here. I want humor mixed in with hot-damn, slightly overwhelming sex. Alpha males with a bad case of the giggles at inappropriate moments. No BDSM please. One other request is that I wish the main characters to be in the age range of late twenties to early thirties. *A lavender marriage is a “beard” marriage of convenience. Sincerely, T

Alex & Drew


Justin South - 2012
    19yo city boy and law student, Drew, happens upon Alex in a distressed state after one such abusive encounter. For Alex, their meeting starts a journey from despair and loneliness through the emotions of his first ever friendship. Two weeks later Alex calls Drew seeking help from a life-threatening situation. From that moment, Alex and Drew’s lives are forever changed. This story was originally published under the same title as part of a 2012 Goodreads writing project. The near-1700 direct downloads recorded as at early April, 2014, signify to its popularity. This version contains a variety of content changes and over 10% additional text. Some original readers’ comments give opinions and insights into the story: > Alex & Drew is a tale of a boy’s journey from utter despair to finding his sanctuary in the arms of an equally wonderful supportive partner. It delves into the mind of Alex trying to cope with his abuse and finding his way in the world of recovery and love. > Very deep and moving story. So much suffering that it makes you hurt for all those who suffer abuse and have no one to help them. > If I could give this this book more stars I would .Simply it was an amazing rollercoaster of emotions for me. It had me in tears numerous times, for the good and for the bad times suffered by these two wonderful souls. > A story of two young men in need of the love and support the other offers to heal and recover. > This is a touching story that transcends the tragedy and darkness at its core. The author did a beautiful job of focusing on the more positive notes of hope, love and healing while still acknowledging the pain, betrayal, fear, hate and anger that you know are present under these circumstances. > Touching - if sometimes difficult - and beautifully written. I just loved Drew and his family, who could so clearly see the diamond in the rough that was Alex.

The Dulcie O'Neil 6 Book Boxed Set


H.P. Mallory - 2015
     With nearly 1,800 reviews across all 6 books and an average rating of 4.5 stars! #1 Ranked Bestseller in Fantasy Fiction on Amazon 1. TO KILL A WARLOCK: Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy. And not the type to frolic in gardens. She’s a Regulator—a law-enforcement agent who monitors the creatures of the Netherworld to keep them from wreaking havoc in the mortal world. When a warlock is murdered and Dulcie was the last person to see him alive, she must uncover the truth before she’s either deported back to the Netherworld, or she becomes the next victim. Enter Knight Vander, a sinfully attractive investigator sent from the Netherworld to work the case with Dulcie. Between battling her attraction to her self-appointed partner, keeping a sadomasochistic demon in check, and fending off the advances of a sexy and powerful vampire, Dulcie’s got her hands full. As the body count increases, Dulcie finds herself battling dark magic, reconnoitering in S&M clubs and suffering the greatest of all betrayals. 2. A TALE OF TWO GOBLINS: When Knight Vander approaches Dulcie with a case regarding comatose victims, she agrees to help him, imagining the most difficult part will be combatting her attraction to him. But, what Dulcie isn’t betting on is the fact that the case becomes personal when she learns all the victims are somehow linked to her. When her best friend falls victim to the Dreamstalker, Dulcie must do everything in her power to ensure her friend’s survival, including associating with criminals and accepting the fact that desperate times do definitely call for desperate measures. 3. GREAT HEXPECTATIONS: Dulcie O'Neil knows she's at fault for failing to arrest a wanted criminal but when her partner gets pinned for the crime, she'll stop at nothing to ensure his innocence. What Dulcie isn't planning on is a trip to the infamous Netherworld where chaos rules. Between battling the affections of a mysterious vampire, protecting herself from monsters and ensuring the innocence of the one man who would die for her, Dulcie's trip to the Netherworld isn't sunshine and strawberry daiquiris. 4. WUTHERING FRIGHTS: Fairy and law enforcement agent, Dulcie O'Neil, has just discovered that her father is the Head of the Netherworld, and a double-dealing, illegal potions importer. Worse yet, she's now working for him. Knight Vander, Dulcie's boyfriend and Head of the Association of Netherworld Creatures, is on to her father, but, in the process, will he discover Dulcie's secret? And if he does, will it mean his life? 5. MALICE IN WONDERLAND: Fairy and law enforcement agent, Dulcie O'Neil, has to face the fact that her father, the Head of the Netherworld, is also Public Enemy Number One. In joining a group of rebels who would see her father dethroned, Dulcie will realize just what it means to go against her own blood. Throw in her tattered relationship with Knight Vander and the shock of a lifetime and Dulcie's life just went from bad to worse. 6. FOR WHOM THE SPELL TOLLS: Dulcie O'Neil thought her luck couldn't get much worse but it's about to get a whole lot worse. Forced into declaring war against the Netherworld and her father, Dulcie will find herself fighting for everything she believes in.

Lucky's Charms


Becca JamesonRosanna Leo - 2013
    Shifters claim their mates, and leprechauns pay unusual gambling debts. Undercover operative solving crime? Advertising executive seducing the boss? All business as usual at Lucky O'Reilly's.

Will & Patrick Wake Up Married serial, Episodes 1 - 6


Leta Blake - 2016
    Patrick McCloud wake up married. A quickie divorce is the most obvious way out—unless you’re the heir of a staunchly Catholic mafia boss with a draconian position on the sanctity of marriage. Throw their simmering attraction into the mix and all bets are off!Episode Two: Will & Patrick Meet the FamilyMeeting the family is challenging for every new couple. But for Will and Patrick, the awkward family moments only grow more hilarious--and painful--when they must hide the truth of their predicament from the people they care about most. Throw in the sexual tension flaring between them and you've got a recipe for madcap laughs and surprisingly heartwarming feels.Episode Three: Will & Patrick Do the HolidaysA couple’s first holiday season is always a special time. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are magical when you’re in love. Too bad Will and Patrick’s marriage is a sham and they’re only faking their affection for each other. Or are they? Sparks fly in this episode of the Wake Up Married serial. Will the sexual tension between Will and Patrick finally explode in a needy night of passion? Or will they continue to deny their feelings?Episode Four: Will & Patrick Fight Their FeelingsWill and Patrick have embraced adding hot sexy-times to their fake marriage, but as their emotions deepen, they confront whether or not they want to be more than friends-with-benefits. The heat is high (and occasionally kinky) as Will and Patrick struggle to accept their mutual affection.Episode Five: Will & Patrick Meet the MobPatrick has finally accepted that he's in love with Will, but his newfound determination to do something about that runs up against his father-in-law's mobster plans. Will must face the truth about his family before he can fully come to terms with his feelings for Patrick. And Patrick has to decide if this whackadoodle world is something he truly wants to be part of forever.Episode Six: Will & Patrick's Happy EndingSure, Will and Patrick are in love now, but they weren’t when they got married in Vegas. For Patrick, that’s no problem, but Will can’t shake his doubts that a relationship started through coercion can ever become the real deal. Since the Molinaro crime family has reversed their position on divorce, Will and Patrick have a chance to rectify their drunken mistake. But is divorce the right choice for them?

The Lake Howling Boxed Set


Wendy Vella - 2015
    Grumpy. Irresistible.Dr Jake McBride loves two things in life. His people, and chicken cheesy-crust pies. Returning from Iraq, he’s done with medicine and strangers… in fact life. He knows all about trauma, and plans on dealing with his, his own way. His needs are simple, solitude and working on his new career as the town recluse. The only problem with that… well two actually, are the interfering towns folk of Lake Howling, and Branna O’Donnell. He’s damn sure that her return means nothing to him… until it does!THE TEXAN MEETS HIS MATCH (Ethan and Annabelle)Hot. Rich. Annoying.Helicopter pilot Ethan Gelderman V is a man who understands woman, both in and out of the bedroom. Annabelle ‘killer’ Smith seems to be the only lady who looks at him like he’s something she got stuck on her stiletto. Sexy, beautiful and colder than a glacier, she lives in the small town of Lake Howling alongside his best friend, and she has a lifetime supply of Texan repellent. But Ethan has one thing in his favor – persistence - and when he gets the chance to infiltrate her defenses he takes it, and to hell with the bite marks!HOW SWEET IT IS (Buster and Willow)Enemies to lovers. And dangerously hot buns.Buster Griffin has zero tolerance for idiots. Annoy him and you’re cut from his life. Unless you’re a friend, then you get two strikes. When Willow Harper from New York turns up in his home town of Lake Howling determined to meddle, he’s ready to move her on. The problems starts when her business woman persona sheds and he discovers the sweet, hot mess beneath. Before he knows it, he’s making plans to keep her.If you enjoy your small town romance sizzling with a side of crazy, then Lake Howling is for you. Meet the real authority in town (the local book club) and remember to stick your nose in everyone’s business! Swim in the ice cold lake, then warm up with a coffee and mystery muffin at The Hoot Café. Plenty of feels and LOL’s, all wrapped up in a town that will have you packing your bags to head there from the opening page. BOOKS IN THIS SERIESA Promise Of HomeThe Texan Meets His MatchHow Sweet It IsIt Only Took YouDon't Look BackA Long Way HomeThen Came You

When Heaven Strikes


F.E. Feeley Jr. - 2017
    The survivor of child abuse disguised as religion, Ted has cut himself off from the world. Then Ted meets Anderson Taylor, and it’s like being struck by lightning. Anderson is a cardiac surgeon whose passion for his work has consumed him. He fears he’ll never find a partner—until he sets eyes on Ted. It’s happening fast, but both men know what they feel is right. Confronted with an angry preacher, a scandal, and an act of God that threatens to destroy everything, their relationship will face its first true test.

Worthy


Lia Black - 2013
    For those not born into the wealthy class, there are few options for work. A position as a slave boy means security and safety from a life of poverty and the danger of the streets.Dystopian - set in a world similar to ours but with a few tweaks. Usually a bit darker or a more frightening version of what our society could become.Photo Description: An agile young slave is bent backward over the knees of his doting master; his bindings are loose and their arrangement is “in the cards”.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" 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.