Book picks similar to
Guardians of the Pattern Bundle, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3) by Jaye McKenna
m-m
romance
warriors
2nd-chance
Tidal Forces
Cody Ryder - 2016
Not in high school, not in art school, and not since he’d gotten his work into major galleries across the country. It’s not that he doesn’t want it – he’s just never found the right man – until a painting trip to the beach put him right on his canvas. The mysterious surfer in red. He’s charming and sexy, and Cam can’t get him out of his mind…but there’s only one problem: The guy is 100% undeniably straight. The current pulls them together… Lee Castle is a real free spirit. He’s traveled the world with only his surfboard, and now he’s finally back home in the OC. With his camper van set up on the beach, his only worry is how the waves are going to be that day. When Cameron shows up at his private cove, the two are drawn into a close friendship, and Lee takes it upon himself to show the risk-averse painter how to have a little excitement in his life. Magic is real… As Cameron falls deeper in love with his best friend, he finds it more difficult to hide his feelings – and his orientation – from Lee. It seems like he’ll suffer the pain of unrequited love for as long as they’re together – until one day, the tides of fate change their lives forever. Tidal Forces is a steamy contemporary M/M gay standalone story set on the beaches of Orange County, California, and features a HEA uplifting feel-good ending with no cliffhangers!
Clarity
Jourdan Lane - 2011
It's been difficult to ignore his most basic vampire instincts, but he feels he's made progress and is ready for his punishment to be over. When his vampire Master finally allows Caleb his freedom, Caleb's got his fangs set on one person -- Xander, his werewolf lover.
Stasis
Kim Fielding - 2009
Ordinary criminals become bond-slaves, but the Wizard places traitors in Stasis, a dreamless frozen state.Ennek is the Chief's younger son. He has grown up without much of a purpose, a man who cannot fulfill his true desires and who skates on the edge of the law. But he is also haunted by the plight of one man, a prisoner for whom Stasis appears to be a truly horrible fate. If Ennek is to save that prisoner, he must explore Praesidium's deepest secrets as well as his own.
Dragon Ever After
Louisa Masters - 2021
No more hellhounds playing pranks. No more snippy demons demanding my attention. No more cajoling money from the wealthy to support the community. Just peace while I avoid my overbearing father and try to work out what my next steps will be.Although… maybe three years of peace is enough. It might even be starting to get… boring. In fact, an adolescent dragon crash-landing on my landlord’s shed is just the kind of excitement I need—especially when he brings his species leader to my door.Brandt. Wing leader of all dragons, suave, sexy, and … slightly unhinged. It doesn’t take much for him to convince me to give up my solitude and spend some time getting to know him. It’s hard to care about the future when I’ve got a dragon of my own to “play” with. Naked dragon rides for the win, right?But Brandt’s the leader of his people, on call for them all the time, and I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Plus my father insists I should fulfil my duty to the family by getting a nine-to-five job and “marrying well.” That’s not what I want, but riding herd on a group of beings who fly, breathe fire, and could literally crush me beneath their feet would be a huge challenge, especially since Brandt’s kind of loose with rules.It all comes down to how much I want my very own dragon ever after.This exciting spin-off from the Hidden Species series kicks off with Percy's story.
Black Dog Blues
Rhys Ford - 2013
Following the violent merge of Earth and Underhill, the human and elfin races are left with a messy, monster-ridden world, and Stalkers are the only cavalry willing to ride to someone’s rescue when something shadowy appears.It’s a hard life but one Kai likes—filled with bounty, a few friends, and most importantly, no other elfin around to remind him of his past. And killing monsters is easy. Especially since he’s one himself.But when a sidhe lord named Ryder arrives in San Diego, Kai is conscripted to do a job for Ryder’s fledgling Dawn Court. It’s supposed to be a simple run up the coast during dragon-mating season to retrieve a pregnant human woman seeking sanctuary. Easy, quick, and best of all, profitable. But Kai ends up in the middle of a deadly bloodline feud he has no hope of escaping.No one ever got rich being a Stalker. But then few of them got old either and it doesn't look like Kai will be the exception.
Marked by Fire
Mia West - 2016
The last person he wants to see is the cub who ignited his disastrous instinct to protect.Especially when he arrives with Bedwyr's armor and a dangerously hopeful scheme to restore him to his rightful place.+MARKED BY FIRE is the 1st novel of the SONS OF BRITAIN series.Tropes: forced proximity - hurt/comfort - older brother's best friend - virgin heroCW: violence, graphic injury/treatment, death (battle context)2nd Edition Note: This title was originally published in 2016 as a novella. The author has significantly expanded the story for republication.SONS OF BRITAIN seriesThey're a long way from legendary. Amid the volatility of 6th-century Britain, Arthur and Bedwyr are just two young men, born to fight and bound to their warlord by blood and oath. But when fierce hearts collide, loyalties can shift, creating bonds far stronger—and ideas far riskier—than their world may be ready for.
The Alpha and His King
Kiki Clark - 2020
As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near. Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate. Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together. The Alpha and His King is the first book in the Kincaid Pack series and features a quick-tempered and possessive alpha; a sweet and feisty alpha-mate; shifters, seers, and witches galore; massive amounts of hurt/comfort; and a happily ever after.
Jon's Downright Ridiculous Shooting Case
A.J. Sherwood - 2019
A student in trouble. A shooter on the loose. I’m Jonathan Bane, a licensed psychic who consults for the police. I routinely help the police put the bad guys away and, for that reason, the criminal world doesn’t like me much. People like to take a swing at me, or go stabbity, or try for a gun. It makes for interesting times. My psychic ability prevents me from handling anything electronic—and I do mean ANYTHING, I fry it in seconds—so calling for help isn’t always a possibility. I need an anchor, a partner, but I’m resigned: it’s just wishful thinking. At least, I thought so until he walked through the door. Donovan Havili looks like a thug and has the soul of a superhero. He shines so bright in my vision it’s like watching a supernova. He definitely has the right mindset and skills for this crazy job. But asking anyone to take me on long-term is a bit much. And now we’ve got multiple cases to handle, a Chinese exchange student falsely accused who needs our help, and someone taking random shots at me. It’s a bit much for any new guy to handle and I’m half-afraid that my new partner will run for the door. But in Donovan Havili, the criminal world has met its match. And maybe, just maybe, I have as well. Trigger Warnings: Your average cop show violence and criminals. Tags: Companionable snark, Flirting, Kissing, Jon needs a hug, Donovan gives the best hugs, Getting together, Self-esteem issues, Explicit content, Anal Sex, Romantic Sex, Random shooting, Which Donovan isn’t happy about, Donovan is a gentleman, Sort of, Jon just makes it REALLY REALLY HARD Okay?, Bisexual character, Public displays of affection, Muscles, Communication, Healthy relationships, The fluff might kill you, Supernatural elements, Modern with Magic, Feels, All the Feels, Mostly accurate medical stuff, Multiple electronics died in the creation of this story, blame Jon.
Cloak and Silence
Sherrilyn Kenyon - 2013
And once his deadly secret was exposed, it cost him everything—his birthright, his family, and his stellar military career.Ture Xans spent his entire life hiding from everyone around him—his family, his friends, and anyone who wanted to get close to him—while trying desperately to fit in and keep his head low. Badly hurt by everyone he’s ever known, he trusts no one except his own best friend. But honestly, he can’t understand why he trusts her. Nor can he believe her when she describes a loyalty between the League allies the likes of which he’s never seen.Yet when Ture is captured by the League in a coup he wanted no part of, his life is saved by a hero he thought only existed in fables. A man who is every bit as scarred and mistrusting as he is. One who has no interest in being dragged into another war for any reason. Having spent his life as a living study of doomed relationships, Maris is well aware of the fiasco that invariably follows. Still, there is something about Ture he can’t resist. Something that won’t let him walk away when he knows he should. But when old enemies return to threaten them both, they either have to stand together or die alone.
Counterpoint
Rachel Haimowitz - 2010
Depleted by generations of war with a dark race, the human kingdoms and their ancient alliance stand on the brink of extinction. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.Elfkind, estranged by past crimes, watches and waits for nature to run its course.And then the two collide.Ayden's life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. When he's captured in battle, he must for his sister's sake swallow his pride and endure slavery in the service of a human prince, Freyrik Farr.Freyrik's always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. Can his life of service to his people leave room for this attraction? Dancing on a dagger's edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance and their love.Note: This edition is a re-release of the same novel first published in 2010 by Guiltless Pleasure Publishing.This title is #1 of the Song of the Fallen series."Warning, this title contains the following sensitive themes: explicit violence"
The Struggle Within
Tyler May - 2017
His struggles were theirs. He just didn’t know it. A tragic accident changed Dr. Ryan Jacobs’ life and freed him from a past he thought he’d never escape, but with that freedom came the realization: he could escape the man, but would be bound to the torturous battle within his mind. Fighting for control of his thoughts, he lived recklessly in a life of addiction and the next good time. Wearing a mask of deception, and hiding it beautifully behind his playboy ways, he fooled himself into thinking this was the real him, but he couldn’t fool everyone. Dr. Michael Jonas considered Ryan more than just a friend, he was his family. With the support of his wife, Michael held Ryan’s hand, listened to him cry, and helped him through the hardest events of his life. He could see through the fake smiles and playboy attitude, seeing his best friend for the man he really was. After Michael’s wife had given birth to their first child, Michael vowed never to let pain affect his family again, Ryan included. But Michael carried his own burdens and watching Ryan struggle was harder than he thought. It tore him apart, silently, until there was only one choice. Save his best friend before it was too late. As a high-powered attorney, Jayson Alexander thrived on easy thrills both in his professional and personal life, but when his heart broke the rules, he had no choice but to break it and run from the pain. Obsessive about controlling his own life, he set goals and rules and tried to ensure his own happiness, but life had a different plan. So he sought out answers and took on a case that would eventually change everything. He was drawn to Ryan from the moment he laid eyes on him. With a magnetic connection he couldn’t deny, he found Ryan irresistible, but he found out quickly the connection was more than physical. Jayson wanted Ryan, but how could he fight the demons Ryan’s mind was creating and stop them from pushing him away? Ryan built a force field around his heart, vowing after that tragic day, no man would be allowed close enough to ever hurt him again, but with the support of his best friend and the man he loved, could Ryan beat The Struggle Within once and for all? Due to strong sexual content and language, The Struggle Within is intended for mature readers 18 years of age or over. Trigger warning: The Struggle Within may contain a subject matter that is sensitive to some readers as it deals with domestic abuse, self-harm, and addictive behavior. The author asks that the reader please take these warnings seriously and requests discretion be advised.
Daring Fate
Megan Erickson - 2016
I wake up chained to the wall of a dark cell aware of two things: I failed my sister, and I smell my enemy.When I’m taken to meet Dare, the alpha of the Silver Tip pack, I’m sure I’m about to lose my throat. The last thing I expect is for the Alpha to recognize me as his fated mate. No way is he going to let me go now, and I still have to find a way to rescue my sister.As I plot my escape to save her, I find that if I leave, Dare could be killed by power-hungry members of his pack. And now he’s more to me than my fated mate—my heart is involved. With time ticking by on my sister’s life, I have to make a choice I never thought I’d face—my sister’s life or my mate’s? That’s if I can survive the undead shifters intent on killing me first...
Wolf's Mate Box Set
Kiki Burrelli - 2017
Follow these sexy alphas as they do what it takes to claim their mates. From a young man trying to find his way in life to a dangerous shifter with a dark past who needs saving from himself, these five full-length stories will introduce you to a world of dominant wolves and their mates. Finding Finn Fresh out of the institution, Finn's ready to crawl back up and reclaim life. He'll stick to his plan and get back into grad school. That’s all he thinks about until he meets his new roommate the older, intimidating Luke. Kicked out of his pack for being gay, alpha wolf Luke sees no way out of the solitary life he leads. That is, until he sees Finn, bent over the kitchen island, and the need to claim him, take him, becomes too much. One thing Luke knows for sure--there is no going back, not after finding Finn. Claiming Christian Christian’s nice ways have finally landed him in the worst kind of trouble. After agreeing to help his friend, Finn, Christian becomes a target for a sadistic pack leader. He is saved from a beating by a sexy stranger. Derrick has never been mistaken for a homeless person, but seeing how he met Christian after being passed out behind a dumpster, he can forgive the confusion. What he can’t forgive is how the sweet, sexy man attempts to ignore their connection. When Christian agrees to return to his home, Derrick can breathe easily. Christian’s nice ways are his worst enemy, but Derrick has already decided Christian is his mate and will hold nothing back while claiming Christian. Saving Sorell Sorell may only be twenty-three but he knows how bad things can be and he’ll do anything to protect his new pack--his family. Even if that means ignoring his feelings for a sexy doctor and staying in a toxic relationship with a dangerous and violent man. Felix wasn’t trying to find love, especially not with a younger man. He’s never been attracted to a man before Sorell and he’s still recovering from his last tour as a doctor in rough, foreign lands. His days are measured and controlled but he can’t stand by any longer and watch Sorell get hurt for the sake of others. Sorell is set on sacrificing his own safety for the greater good. But Felix is growing stronger and he’ll face the world if that’s what it takes to save Sorell. Protecting Pippen Conner is an alpha with a secret. He’s not running from his past though, he’s looking forward to his future with Pippen. From first sight, Conner was attracted to Pippen’s rough yet lithe exterior. As likely to stab you as anything, Pippen’s trust is not easily given and Conner will do everything he can to gain it. Because despite his past, he knows Pippen belongs in his future. Pippen’s childhood taught him how to be hard, how to hurt before you got hurt. Except, Conner makes him feel like there could be a different life for him, one where he is protected and maybe even loved. But the past never stays in the past and Pippen’s has returned with one thing on his mind, dragging Pippen back to the life of violence he thought he left. Now that Conner finally has Pippen in his arms and in his bed, he can’t imagine a life without him. No matter what, he’ll put it all on the line while protecting Pippen. Theirs to Love Francesca is great at finding mates--for other people. Her one big love ended in tears, shame and flames, literally. Now Frannie lives for her pack family and uses sarcasm to keep men at bay.
The Cottage
Ariana Nash - 2021
Niko just wants his prince to be happy. But when has Vasili made anything easy? * The more Niko tries to to carve out a perfect life, the more Vasili pulls away. Niko has one last chance to save them, one surprise that will cement their love forever or have it crumble to dust. * Vasili knows Nikolas is lying. If that weren't insulting enough, he also understands why. What can he offer Nikolas, but nightmares and trauma? Nikolas needs a good man for his good heart. As much as Vasili desperately wants to keep Nikolas close, he also knows he doesn't deserve him. But how to tell the only man he's ever truly loved that it's over? *** The Cottage is a romantic 30k word novella that takes place after the main events in the trilogy. It cannot be read as a standalone and should be read after Curse of the Dark Prince. There is 'misunderstanding angst', but The Cottage ends in a HEA.
In Safe Hands
Victoria Sue - 2019
When his sister asks for his help on a private protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heartbroken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of protecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.Cover Artist: Jay Aheer