Book picks similar to
Breaking the Record by Raleigh Ruebins
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The Lighthouse Keeper
Jason Collins - 2020
Now I’m racing to Briton Bay to put my reporter skills to work. Nicholas, the lighthouse keeper, is a rare new face in this sleepy coastal town, and his connection to my aunt isn’t the only reason I’m interested.He’s not just a neighbor I keep bumping into, he’s a former doctor with a puzzling past I’m endlessly curious about—and a face I wouldn’t mind seeing every day. It isn’t long before we feel an undeniable spark, but our relationship is a new complication. Falling in love on the job wasn’t in my plans.I owe it to my aunt to keep a clear head, but I can’t investigate when all I can think about is Nicholas. I’ll need his insights to get to the bottom of this, and the closer I get, the more I risk heartbreak for us both.As it turns out, Nicholas may be the biggest mystery of all.NICHOLAS:I wanted a fresh start, but trouble follows me.I moved to Briton Bay to escape my past. It was never the plan to make friends with the locals, least of all my elderly neighbor. Her passing is a shock, but not as much as her nephew, a reporter, arriving in town to investigate.Alex is as sharp as he is hot, and I can’t keep my eyes off him. The last thing I need right now is romance, but I have second thoughts when our investigation brings us closer than I planned. Now there’s more at stake than I ever expected.But the sooner he solves this mystery, the closer he is to leaving town forever. I should keep my heart out of it—but that’s the one thing I can’t do.The more we’re together, the more dangerous this becomes.Note to readers: This is a standalone MM romance.
Guarded Hearts
Louisa Keller - 2018
Cue Forest Ethridge, my prickly, defensive coworker. I'm drawn to him right off the bat...despite the fact that he seems to find me more of a nuisance than anything else. I fall hard and fast, despite his warnings that I should guard my heart carefully. Just as he's opening his own heart to me, Forest disappears without a trace, leaving me wondering what exactly went wrong. Ten years later I'm still grappling with the repercussions of my first devastating love...and that's when he shows up again. Can I look past my own pain long enough to find out what happened? Or is it better to move on with my life? "I have one rule: don't let anybody in." Forest: As a teenager, I learned the hard way that nobody except my sister Faye can be trusted. Still reeling from our parents' abandonment, we've figured out how to fly beneath the radar. For years I never let anybody in...until I met Blaise Lancaster. He's kind and funny and full of hope. Making out with him is a mistake, and promising to take his virginity is an even bigger one. But before I can make good on my promise, Faye and I are thrust into chaos once more. It's time to leave my hometown once and for all, and there's no time for goodbyes. A decade later I'm still wary and defensive. My solace at the end of each day is listening to Blaise's award-winning podcast. When I find out that he'll be visiting a local bookstore on a promotional tour, I decide to go and skulk in the back of the room. Then our eyes meet, and I realize that my feelings for Blaise have never truly flickered out. Is it too late to rekindle my first love? And will Blaise be able to forgive me? Guarded Hearts is a standalone enemies-to-lovers gay romance featuring a whole lot of mutual pining, a second chance at love, and an HEA.
All Screwed Up
Beth Bolden - 2020
He’s even realized the lifelong dream of owning his own home. Except when he arrives, nothing is what he expected, and Griffin’s celebration turns from triumphant to terrible.Not only is his “cute bungalow” a derelict heap, it needs major remodeling work to be livable. And it turns out there’s only one person in town who’s even willing to commit to the project.The first time David Webber talks to Griffin about his disaster zone of a house, he’d like nothing better than to hang up the phone. But he’s stuck. All his grumpy behavior has gotten him is a whole stack of bad reviews online and no clients. From the moment they collide over a busted toilet, sparks and snark fly. The only thing that might be hotter than their mutual animosity is their intense chemistry.Neither of them wants to admit it at first but as the project evolves and their lives intertwine, maybe what they’re working on isn’t just a house. It might even be proof that a caring partnership can build a strong, long-lasting foundation--and an even fiercer love.
First
Declan Rhodes - 2019
For Mason Matheson, being first-born into a large, prosperous family meant the responsibility to compete to be first in many ways. When Kyle Greene, a childhood friend of Mason and his family, decides its time to broaden his horizons and experiment with men, Mason is determined to be Kyle’s “first.” Mason began the week shoehorned into a minivan with his four adult brothers and one sister on the way to Kyle’s mountain ski lodge for a vacation week. Matheson and Greene, the company founded by the elder generation of two close families, enjoyed a windfall of business, and Mason’s father, John, decided that it was time to gather around, bring the two families together for the first time in years, and celebrate. For a whole week. Away from work. Away from the city. With brothers and sisters. Mason dreaded the upcoming seven days. Then he saw Kyle again for the first time since high school. Former Olympic slalom skier Kyle is hurting from the three-pronged lousy luck of a blown-out knee ending his competitive skiing career, the death of his mother, and the disintegration of his marriage. All that he had left was his family, disapproving father Bentley and loving sister Lily, and his recently purchased ski resort, The Hideaway. He saw the arrival of the Matheson clan as an opportunity to get back on his feet and surround himself with a crowd of people who cared. Mason represented one more opportunity. Kyle’s curiosity about men lingered in the back of his mind since high school, and he knew that it played a role in his divorce. As part of a promise to his mother before she died, he was determined to explore his dreams, even the long-hidden ones. Hard-driving, hard-working gay Mason could help with that. It doesn’t take long for the week to turn complicated. There is a hidden pregnancy, a new ski injury, and bitterness from Kyle’s father to contend with. At the center of it all, two men are falling in love. For Mason, that would be a first. First is a 57,000-word gay romance with friends-to-lovers, first-time themes and steamy scenes. It is the first book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story. There are no cliffhangers, and it includes a guaranteed happy ending.
Undeniably Yours
Brittany Cournoyer - 2020
But when there was no hope of Brody feeling the same way, Solomon took his place in the friend-zone and stayed there for thirteen years.Serial dating was only ever a sport to Brody, but even then, he sucked at it. No matter who he went out with, something was always missing. Perhaps what he’s missing is the man who’d been standing beside him for the last twenty years.
Feelings can only stay buried so long before they surface.
Were Brody and Solomon always meant to be together? Or will giving into their feelings transform their friendship completely?Undeniably Yours is a contemporary gay romance. It has adult language, and situations meant for an audience over eighteen years of age.
Everything to Lose
E.M. Denning - 2020
It shouldn’t be a problem but being around Dante makes Zane question everything he thought he knew about himself. The more time he spends around Dante, the more alluring he becomes. But… Zane is straight. Right?Dante is alone in a strange city. He didn’t have much back home, but at least he had his best friend. Zane’s increased presence in Dante’s life comforts him and stops him from feeling adrift and alone. There’s one complication, however. Dante’s years-old crush on his best friend’s brother is back. While struggling to put his feelings behind him for good… Zane kisses him.Pursuing their mutual attraction isn’t without risks. Zane could lose his heart, but loving Zane could cost Dante everything.
Sugar and Shakedowns
Peter Styles - 2017
But working for the mob isn't exactly a prime way to meet a kind and loving gentleman. When he finally branches out and encounters, Luke, a quiet, gentle baker, everything changes. As they grow closer and their desire for one another intensifies, Sonny fears that telling Luke the truth about his job will destroy everything. And when danger strikes, Sonny knows he must choose between a future with the man he loves and the family who's carried him his entire life. But how can he choose between two things he loves? Sugar and Shakedowns is a 50,000 word novel that takes you through the sweetest and most dangerous waters of the mafia. With strong sexual content and explicit scenes, you are guaranteed to squirm and beg for more of the hot men who claim each other one shakedown at a time.
The Boy I Love The Most
J.J. Riley - 2020
Hiding among the choir, he was content to be ignored at school. But in order to make his singing dreams come true and win the scholarship, he has to push aside that shyness and stand out. When new kid, Maverick Cole shows up, all of Ashton’s plans are thrown into chaos. Now he has to work with his new duet partner to perfect their song for the biggest choir competition in the country. The moment things start to look up, Ashton suddenly finds himself at the lowest point in his life. His new friend steps in to save him, proving their friendly rivalry might be more than friendship, on and off the stage. If only he could tell Maverick how he really feels. With his heart and his future on the line, will Maverick and Ashton be able to work together to make this work or will the pressure of winning tear them apart? The stakes are high, so Ashton will have to be ready to not only stand out, but come out. Especially if he wants to win both the competition and his Maverick’s heart. Besides, who needs therapy when you have harmony? *The Boy I Love The Most is a young adult gay romance*
Holiday Fling
Crystal Lacy - 2019
Naturally, I don't hesitate to volunteer as tribute to be his first kiss. He politely declines, but then we run into each other in the hotel bar. Thus begins a hot holiday fling with Bennett. Bennett's on the rebound and I've never had a serious relationship. This thing between us can only be casual. But just because this is temporary doesn't mean I can't help salvage what's left of Bennett's Christmas. If only I didn't have to keep reminding myself not to catch feelings. A sweet and sizzling-hot holiday vacation romance set in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Irresistible
Jerry Cole - 2018
He makes a good living from his craft and lives a quiet life, keeping to himself, avoiding the limelight as much as possible. But sometimes that is hard to do, given the family he’s part of. Carrington Home Designs has been in business in Harperville for over a hundred years. Ben uses 100% recycled and reclaimed wood to make unique furniture that both protects the environment and provides pleasure for the owners. Which is how he meets the famous interior designer Caleb Hardwick. In conjunction with a statewide initiative to provide affordable housing for the urban poor, Cal is supplying design consulting services at a significantly reduced fee for an apartment building that is being fully refurbished in Harperville. He chooses Ben to build a unique piece of furniture for each of the twenty apartments that will keep the costs low and still impart the best aesthetic quality. Their attraction to each other is instantaneous, but each man resists it. Ben has never been in love and does not trust that what he feels is more than a need to scratch an itch with an eligible and desirable man. Cal, who is a widower, won’t accept that he’s feeling more than friendship for the talented carpenter. So why can’t they stay away from each other? Why is their attraction growing? And what will happen if they keep refusing to acknowledge that something real is developing between them? Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 70,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger."
Out of the Shade
S.A. McAuley - 2019
That he hooks up with just as many men as he does women is a secret Jesse's been hiding for years, fearful of losing his family and tight group of friends. He's a Kensington boy--a group of guys that grew up in the same neighborhood and somehow all ended up back in their hometown. They, and his family, are the only things that still matter in his otherwise soul-sucking life.Chuck Dunn, a tattooed and pierced sports photographer, has refused to step back into the closet since he was disowned by his family, but he keeps choosing men who can't fully be with him. Finally free from a long-term relationship he should've ended years ago, he quits his high-profile gig in favor of getting back to the art of sports photography--documenting a local boxing club that works with at-risk teenagers. He may not have the same swagger anymore, but he's working to be happy with who he is.When Chuck joins one of the Kensington boys' community center sports leagues, Jesse's self-imposed rules are systematically demolished. But there's one barrier Jesse can't find the strength to break through--coming out to the other Kensington boys. Chuck knows hooking up with Jesse is a bad idea. Falling for him even worse. But he can't stay away.Chuck is damaged by his past. Jesse is frightened about his future. But, together, they may just be able to come out of the shade.Reader Advisory: Out of the Shade is a standalone novel with an HEA that carries the following warnings--alcoholism, mentions of sexual and physical abuse, mentions of drug addiction, mentions of rape, attempted suicide by a minor character, violence, homophobia, closeting
From the Ashes
C.M. Valencourt - 2018
At their friend Justin's funeral, once-best-friends Derek and Hunter meet again almost four years after their monumental falling out. Hunter kissed Derek, and Derek freaked out and chose a college on the other side of the country. If they had a choice, both of them would walk away and never see the other again. Except Justin has given them a mission: an epic road trip to scatter his ashes all over the Midwest, complete with cryptic notes, new friends, and a whole lot of sexual tension. Can Derek and Hunter finish Justin's road trip without ripping each other's heads—or clothes—off? This is a stand-alone 65,000-word m/m novel with an HEA ending.
Flourish
Avery Ford - 2017
He got into the education system in order to help other children, after all, and if one single child can be spared the torment he went through growing up, well, then he’s fulfilled his life’s work. So when he notices several red flags regarding one of the students at his school, he’s determined to help the boy any way he can - by reporting those red flags to the authorities. Hudson White is the epitome of a gentleman farmer, and though he’s never found a good man to settle down with, he’s always grown up with the absolute love and acceptance from his family. Which is why he wants to share that love by becoming a foster parent. When he accepts a young boy, Brand, int his care, he doesn’t realize how much his life is going to change. Sparks fly from the moment Lee and Hudson meet while discussing Brand’s educational needs, but both of them know that it’s not a good time to act on any new feelings they have. But as Brand continues to bring them together, neither man can deny that they are willing to change everything to make their own little family a reality.
Hot Chocolate Kisses
Jackie North - 2019
Now he’s weathering his first Christmas in a small town in Colorado.Cory had a boyfriend and now he doesn’t, which means the Christmas holiday is turning out to the the loneliest he’s had in years.When they meet at a Holiday Fair, Alex finds himself being drawn into Cory’s world. A world where there is grace to be found in a simple, home-cooked meal, books read out loud by firelight, and the golden glow of welcome.Alex has never wanted anything as tame as hearth and home. Now that he wants it, it’s not anything he can have. Nothing feels he deserves, at any rate.Can Cory and the Spirit of Christmas Present prove to Alex that love is love?An m/m romance with cakewalks, blizzards, hurt/comfort, a snow globe, hot chocolate kisses, and Christmas!Although this book is part of A Snow Globe Christmas series, it is a complete stand alone and it isn’t a requirement that you read the previous books to follow along.
The Love Song
Kay Simone - 2016
Casey has plenty of friends, supportive parents to pay for college, and a solid future ahead of him. It should be easy to ignore a new outcast on campus.But try as he might, Casey is drawn to Grant—and the more he learns, the more he wants to learn.How do you go back to being strangers with someone who has seen your soul?Grant left a broken life behind him in Georgia. When his mom moves them to Middle-of-Nowhere, Nebraska, he wants a fresh start, setting his sights on a future when he’ll be done with school, helping his mom make ends meet, and able to forget all of his mistakes.The last thing he needs is someone getting in the way of that—someone feeling sorry for him. So why can’t he bring himself to stay away from Casey Dunne?I don’t want us to be strangers again.When circumstances tear them apart, it seems unlikely that they’ll ever be reunited. But when their paths do cross again, against all odds, their positions are reversed.Casey doesn’t believe that Grant will recognize—or want—the person he’s become since high school.Grant doesn’t know if he can give Casey the life he deserved all along… But he’s damned well going to try.The Love Song is a steamy and emotional standalone romance with second chance themes, hurt/comfort, and a happy ending.