Book picks similar to
Dark Sonata (Elysium #1) by Claire Marta


contemporary
paranormal
dark-romance
mm-comfort-hurt

Stranded by Lies


Finn Marlowe - 2014
    By the time I got to the market town, I could feel my time running out. I don’t know why— an instinct maybe? Or maybe I was just so tired of running. I thought I could outlast him, I thought he would give up. I’d not counted on how much the predator in him would love the chase. There were times, while I huddled in my nightly hiding place, when I could almost feel his glee at the challenge, his satisfaction as he went about closing off every avenue of escape— seducing my family to his side, convincing my friends that I was mad, that he just wanted to protect me. There were times, usually on the coldest nights, when I wondered if he’s right— maybe I am mad. Maybe I do belong to him. Maybe I should surrender. Maybe I should stop running. At least then I could just rest.Photo Description: A young man lies on the floor, his only clothing a shirt, unbuttoned to reveal his lean frame. His dark hair lays in wisps upon his shoulders. His wrists are loosely bound by a silken red ribbon, but he’s peaceful, his pose suggesting he has bound himself. Perhaps he has offered his submission to the man towering above him, straddling his waist? The scene is set for a dark seduction, but who is seducing whom?This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" 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. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

The Bodyguard, Book 1


X. Aratare - 2013
    When his father is killed in a mysterious plane crash, Dane carries on the family business and continues his passion for the very antiquity that got his father murdered — a golden sarcophagus belonging to an ancient cult known as the Ydrath.Soon, the Ydrath threaten him as well, and Dane seeks to hire a bodyguard he can trust. Someone who can protect him, and someone who will respect his boundaries. While he gets the first two, the third requirement falls apart when he hires Sean Harding.Sean Harding is an ex-detective with a sixth sense for danger. After his entire unit was murdered in a drug bust gone very wrong, he is a broken man who thinks only of revenge until he takes the job protecting the Gareis CEO.Sean’s attraction to the vulnerable Dane gives him new purpose, but his past is not escaped so easily, and his sixth sense tells him that there is more to the Ydrath than even Dane knows.

The Rat


Louise Collins - 2019
    In fact, he’s not an inmate at all. He’s undercover, tasked with gathering information on Sebastian Claw. He’s planning something for his upcoming release, and Rory needs to find out what.Rory doesn’t like the Sebastian of the past—the murderer, or the Sebastian of the future—the plotter. He does like the Sebastian of the present. The one he shares his cell, his body, and possibly his heart with.The line between what’s right and wrong, what’s good and bad, start to blur. But if Sebastian finds out who Rory is, he’s a dead man …

Winter Oranges


Marie Sexton - 2015
    So he gives up Hollywood for northern Idaho, far away from the press, the drama of LA, and the best friend he’s secretly been in love with for years.There’s only one problem with his new life: a strange young man only he can see is haunting his guesthouse. Except Benjamin Ward isn’t a ghost. He’s a man caught out of time, trapped since the Civil War in a magical prison where he can only watch the lives of those around him. He’s also sweet, funny, and cute as hell, with an affinity for cheesy ’80s TV shows. And he’s thrilled to finally have someone to talk to.But Jason quickly discovers that spending all his time with a man nobody else can see or hear isn’t without its problems—especially when the tabloids find him again and make him front-page news. The local sheriff thinks he’s on drugs, and his best friend thinks he’s crazy. But Jason knows he hasn’t lost his mind. Too bad he can’t say the same thing about his heart.-----------------------Twenty percent of the proceeds from this title will be donated to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Help Center.Founded in 1996, the GLBT National Help Center is a non-profit organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Utilizing a diverse group of GLBT volunteers, they operate two national hotlines, the GLBT National Hotline and the GLBT National Youth Talkline, as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that help both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more.To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website: http://www.glbthotline.org/

Class Mate


Yamila Abraham - 2012
    Taggert to fall in love with his capricious student Duncan.Duncan’s numerous absences caused him to be held back three times. At age 19 his last chance to graduate is in Mr. Taggert’s class. He’s happy to be there since he’s had a crush on the sophisticated disciplinarian for a while. Taggert is shocked when the boy flirts with him. No one’s ever looked at the stern man that way before. At first he thinks Duncan is teasing him, but the boy soon makes his feelings clear.Taggert isn’t about to have his career destroyed by a lovesick schoolboy—even one as lovely as Duncan. When Duncan prays to the oracle to intervene the flustered teacher is put in an even more compromising situation!

Heart of the Steal


Avon Gale - 2017
    Right and wrong, justice and injustice—the differences are clear, and Will has spent his career drawing a line between them. Maybe his convictions have cost him relationships, but he’s not willing to compromise what he knows is right. Until the night he meets Amory Vaughn.As the head of his family’s philanthropic foundation, Vaughn knows very well that being rich and powerful can get him almost anything he wants. And when he meets endearingly grumpy and slightly awkward William Fox, he wants him more than he’s wanted anything. Vaughn is used to being desired for his name and his money, but Will doesn’t care about either.When Vaughn falls back on old habits and attempts to impress Will by stealing a painting Will admires, their nascent bond blows up in his face. But Vaughn isn’t willing to give up on the glimpse of passion he saw the night he took Will apart. Before Will knows it, he’s falling for the man he should have arrested, and Vaughn has to realize that some things can’t be bought or stolen. Love has to be given freely. But can a man who lives by the rules, and a man who thinks the rules don’t apply to him, ever see eye to eye? Heart of the Steal is a standalone romance with a happy ending. It features a Southern gentleman who thinks he’s always right, a buttoned-up FBI agent who secretly likes his buttons unbuttoned, and wall sex. And desk sex. And picnic blanket sex.

Roping His Hero


Sue Brown - 2021
    Some return, most don’t.The Cowboy Daddy is in Hollywood…and totally out of his depth in a town where everything and everyone is shiny and on show, including the BDSM club.But one sub doesn’t fit the mold. The huge submissive in the mask is ignored by most of the Doms. He’s too big and too much of a challenge. But for Ronan, he’s perfect.Why does Aidan bother? Another night on his knees being ignored. At least his humiliation is hidden behind the mask.The Cowboy Daddy doesn’t blend in with the smooth and polished Doms. He’s a rough diamond. But he ignores the sweet twinks and asks for Aidan. For one night, Aidan is with someone who treats him like a precious gem.But Ronan receives an unexpected job offer and Aidan gets a bodyguard. Only one of them knows the truth. What happens when the truth comes out? Will the Cowboy rope his hero, or will he ride off into the sunset?

Bully Rescue


Ki Brightly - 2021
    For years the former back-alley boxer has not only been terrified men from his past would exact their vengeance, but also of his sexuality. After an incident with the cops, Peter is on his way to prison. Behind bars, he won’t be able to repress his fears by being a reclusive alcoholic—or hide himself from the men who once preyed on him.The Protective Prison GuardDrew Greene has been working at Trident Falls Correctional for one reason: to keep track of the facility’s most dangerous inmate. The day Peter arrives at the prison, Drew’s solitary mission becomes something more. Peter gradually charms him and he wants to keep Peter safe. When he learns they share a dark secret, one that has ruled and ruined both their lives, Drew’s horror makes him even more determined to protect Peter.Targeted by Their PastThings look up when Peter is released from prison. Drew takes Peter home and helps him finish his long physical recovery that alcoholism derailed. Stronger and happier, Peter is ready to move on with Drew and try to repair the damage he caused. There is only one problem—Peter and Drew aren’t able to outrun their past for long. Can they come together to withstand the fallout from the truths they reveal, or will they both end up in prison… or worse, dead?Bully Rescue portrays a hate group that has been invented. The people in the hate group are not good and are not presented as such; however, Bully Rescue does explore some of the ways individuals might enter and leave those types of harmful associations. As the author, I do not condone or support the ideologies or activities of any hate-based organizations, and this book is in no way meant to romanticize them. Please do not read Bully Rescue if you’re sensitive to this type of material.

Abel


Katee Robert - 2020
    Seven Brides. A revenge seven years in the making.Eight years ago, my family was betrayed by those closest to us. Now we’re back in Sabine Valley, staging our return during the feast of Lammas, where I step into the ring and ensure we’re given what we’re owed. Who we’re owed.Our enemies send their seven best warriors against me. With each victory, I win a Bride for each of my brothers. And for me? I’m saving the best for last. My Bride is Harlow, the woman claimed by the man I used to call friend—the one responsible for our exile. Eli.And if Eli has a problem with it? Well, then I’ll take him as my Bride, too. All the better to enact my revenge…and bring Sabine Valley to its knees.The Paine brothers are back, and we’re here to stay.

Summer Sons


Lee Mandelo - 2021
    Six months later, only days before Andrew was to join him in Nashville, Eddie dies of an apparent suicide. He leaves Andrew a horrible inheritance: a roommate he doesn’t know, friends he never asked for, and a gruesome phantom with bleeding wrists that mutters of revenge.As Andrew searches for the truth of Eddie’s death, he uncovers the lies and secrets left behind by the person he trusted most, discovering a family history soaked in blood and death. Whirling between the backstabbing academic world where Eddie spent his days and the circle of hot boys, fast cars, and hard drugs that ruled Eddie’s nights, the walls Andrew has built against the world begin to crumble, letting in the phantom that hungers for him.

Corrupt


Chase Potter - 2018
    Political connections and lucrative city contracts have turned his unassuming company into a powerful development firm, and Matt has never been afraid of bending the rules to get what he wants. All that changes when he collides with the city’s new district attorney, Alex Price. Dedicated to cracking down on years of shady politics, Alex enlists Matt as an insider ally. But when a spark of chemistry and a less than honest collaboration quickly spiral into something more, Matt finds himself falling for Alex faster than he’s prepared for. As Alex’s investigation leads him toward a corruption scandal rooted deep in the past, Matt realizes he might not be able to protect both his business and his heart against a man who could take everything from him. And as the two men find their professional and personal lives increasingly entangled, they begin to understand that the law can cut both ways.

A Little Healing


Zane Fox - 2022
    A Daddy who won't love. Until they meet each other... Sammy Tully recently came out of an abusive relationship. His last so-called ‘Daddy’ didn’t even deserve to be called by that name. Now, submissive Sammy – a talented but chaotic interior designer – can’t trust anyone except his two best Little friends, Kurt and Damon. Most of the time that’s enough. His sense of fun is more than catered for by the mischievous duo. But sometimes… Sammy wants more. Dr. Adonis Ranger is a gruff workaholic who never lets himself get too close to people. As a kink-allied therapist, he spends his days helping others with their intimate problems. But his knowledge of BDSM is purely academic. He doesn't live the lifestyle himself. And until he meets one special patient, he doesn't even know he's a Daddy yet. When a cute, innocent Little shows up for therapy, Adonis goes above and beyond to offer guidance. He orders Sammy to follow a strict routine as part of his treatment. But when Sammy abruptly ends the therapy, Adonis thinks he’ll never see him again. However, a chance meeting at the local BDSM club throws Sammy and Adonis back together – under very different circumstances. Can they work out how to give each other what they so desperately need? Can Sammy handle Adonis' stern hand of discipline? Can Adonis allow his feelings to blossom for this Little? Or, when an old, dangerous face turns up trying to destroy everything, can their trust – and love – withstand the ultimate test? This is an MM Age Play romance featuring consenting adults who are perfect for each other. It includes spanking, suspense, sweetness, and a full-blooded Happy Ever After. Enjoy!A Little Club NYC book that can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger.

Lava Red Feather Blue


Molly Ringle - 2021
    But the Highvalley witches have rarely done things the way they're supposed to. On the north Pacific island of Eidolonia, hidden from the world by enchantments, Prince Larkin has lain in a magical sleep since 1799 as one side of a truce between humans and fae. That is, until Merrick Highvalley, a modern-day witch, discovers an old box of magic charms and cryptic notes hidden inside a garden statue.Experimenting with the charms, Merrick finds himself inside the bower where Larkin lies, and accidentally awakens him. Worse still, releasing Larkin from the spell also releases Ula Kana, a faery bent on eradicating humans from the island. With the truce collapsing and hostilities escalating throughout the country, Merrick and Larkin form an unlikely alliance and become even unlikelier heroes as they flee into the perilous fae realm on a quest to stop Ula Kana and restore harmony to their island.Content warnings: Magic used nonconsensually to compel others; violent attacks, including some blood and fire; death and grief; imprisonment; untrustworthy governments.

Bully King


Andi Jaxon - 2020
    Please proceed with caution.*

His Cocky Valet


Cole McCade - 2018
     At twenty-three years old, he's suddenly the head of a multibillion dollar global corporation he is in no way equipped to run. His father is dying. His mother's run away. He's spent his entire adult life playing fast and loose with his life and his loves, but when he's dragged into a position of responsibility with the fate of the company on his shoulders, he goes spinning into freefall. And Brand Forsythe is the only man to catch him. Icy, detached, nearly twice Ash's age, the massive monolith of a British valet is impossible to deal with and like no servant Ash has ever met. Domineering and controlling, Brand quickly puts Ash's life in order. And quickly takes Ash in hand. Even if by day Ash has to project authority, leadership, and calm...by night he's discovering the breathless pleasure of giving up control. The shivering thrill of surrendering to Brand. The sweet taboo of being submissive to the man in even the smallest things. Ash can't quite understand why it feels so good to put himself in Brand Forsythe's capable, commanding hands. He only knows, as he faces the hardest decisions of his life...the only thing that can save him is the love of his cocky valet. Author's Note: If you're reading this, you likely know why this book exists. Bask in the petty, my darlings. Bask.