Book picks similar to
Dark Sonata (Elysium #1) by Claire Marta
contemporary
dark-romance
paranormal
mm-romance
Cup of Joe
Annabeth Albert - 2021
He’s trying to figure out post-graduation life, and a recent breakup hasn’t helped. The one bright spot? The charming blue-collar customer with the simple order and reassuring voice.Electrician Joe Simmons can make anything light up—except his love life. As he gets older, he remains unsure about what he wants from a relationship. But an innocent flirtation with the fresh-faced barista is exactly what his ego needs.Levi doesn’t need a boyfriend. Or a Daddy. But bantering with Joe feels so good, and when their tentative friendship takes a turn for the sexy, a summer fling seems fun. Exploring long-held desires brings them closer with each steamy night, and the idea of parting gets harder.But Levi’s only in town temporarily, and the end of summer is approaching. Both are reluctant to disclose their feelings, but pushing past their fears may be the only way to keep this special thing going. Can they order up a happy ending before time runs out?Cup of Joe is a stand-alone novel in the multi-author Bold Brew shared universe centered around an inclusive coffee shop set in a fictional small city. Each steaming hot coffee shop romance can be enjoyed alone, but collect all ten for the most fun! This 53,000 word age gap story contains a reluctant Daddy, lots of fluffy steam exploring new desires, low angst, and a guaranteed happy ending!
Home for the Holidays
Jerry Cole - 2017
He’s sure that the moment that he arrives his family is going to tell him just how disappointed they are in him. He can’t blame them. They’re right. He’s an abject failure. Even after trying to make it in the city for almost a decade, he still has no steady gigs as an actor and now that he has broken up with his ex-girlfriend—if she can even be called that—he has nowhere to live and no one to pay his bills. Max worries that he might not be able to come back to the city when he goes home if his parents realize just how much he’s struggling. They have never supported his career as an actor and now he’s just going to prove them right. Sitting there in the airport, dreading what’s going to come next, something completely unexpected happens. Max runs into Jason Mayes, his childhood best friend. The same guy who went on to become a teenage frenemy. The very same Jason Mayes that Max is still moderately sure he’s in love with. Of course, Jason wants nothing to do with him. Max knows that he was awful to him when they were kids and he knows that there’s very little he can do to apologize for what he did. But when all flights are grounded and Jason decides to talk to him, all bets are off and the scales start to fall from Max’s eyes. Will Max be able to convince Jason that he means it when he’s apologizing? Will Jason be able to let go of one more egregious offense after he attempts to forgive him? Maybe their long-lasting relationship will end with a tryst in the bathroom of an overcrowded airport. But not if Max can help it. He doesn’t like men—he doesn’t think—but with Jason, everything is different. And he will do anything it takes to prove to him that he has changed. Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 60,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".
Broken
Colette Davison - 2019
Jag’s rules have kept him safe and free since he escaped conversion therapy, but that was before he walked into Heaven and Hell. A no-strings fling with the club owner, Michael, turns into so much more as Jag finds himself breaking one rule after another. Michael hasn’t been able to commit to anyone since his partner died, until Jag walks into his club. Falling in lust with the elfin young dancer is easy, and his heart is quick to follow. Michael gives Jag a reason to stay, but fear rules Jag’s heart more than love. Despite his deepening feelings for Michael, Jag knows he can’t stay. Can he? **Contains adult themes, content, and language.**
Within the Mind
Alice Winters - 2019
He’s smart, sexy, and confident, much to Chevy’s annoyance. They’ve worked with each other for two years, and even though Chevy might secretly find his partner charming and attractive, playful harassment is all they have. Chevy was born with a unique gift that allows him to go into the memories of others. As detective, he uses this ability to find peace for victims who have been hurt or attacked. He delves into their memories and can pick out minute details that will help them put the criminal behind bars. But neither Chevy nor Seneca are prepared when they are asked to go into the mind of a serial killer in hopes of finding survivors. They are even more unprepared for the monsters they find inside the man’s mind. Drawn into a memory where it’s hard to figure out where the truth exists, they realize that there may be more to the serial killer than they originally thought. The dark world draws the two men together in a way they never dreamed. It will take everything Chevy and Seneca can give to stop the darkness that could consume their minds. As the two are forced to face what is keeping them apart, together they realize that there’s more to the mind and heart than either of them know. Within the Mind is a 90k word romantic suspense with lots of snark, an ominous gramophone, and finger cuddling, because we all know spooning isn’t as great as it sounds.
Everyday History
Alice Archer - 2016
He’s used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing.Shy, cautious Henry, Ruben’s former high school history teacher, suspects he needs a wake-up call, and Ruben appears to be his siren. But when Ruben bolts, Henry is left struggling to find closure. Inspired by his conversations with Ruben, Henry begins to write articles about the memories stored in everyday objects. The articles seduce Ruben, even as Henry’s snowballing fame takes him out of town and farther out of reach.Everyday History, a romance told with Alice Archer’s unique style and lush prose, was named a Top Book of 2016 in the HEA USA Today column Rainbow Trends>. Standalone romance. HEA.
Our First and Last
Becca Seymour - 2021
Now he just needs to figure out how to achieve the future he wants, one that will lead to a happily ever after and a place he can call home.Ian Haughton is a loveable, hardworking nurse. He’s ready for a change and wants to escape and start afresh in the small community of towns he’s grown to love—Kirkby being at the heart.When the new annual Pride festival launches in this small-town community, Ian is happy to be involved but reluctant to be the lips needed to draw in the crowds at the kissing booth. That is until one man’s lips save him from an uncomfortable moment and end up turning his world on its head.With miles separating Ian from the future he so desperately wants, he has no idea how he can make it all work out, especially when someone appears to be driving a wedge in his plans.Some surprises are unexpected, while some revelations come with the sweetest of first—and last—kisses.Our First and Last is a sweet and sexy M/M romance in Becca Seymour’s bestselling True-Blue series. It can be read as a stand-alone novella, but it’s recommended you read book four, Thinking It Over, first so you have a better understanding of the wonderful characters in this world.
Grumpy Bear
Slade James - 2021
It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums.The last thing I need is a temporary employee who can’t even put up a tent.Luke Cody’s not my type. He’s too young, too pretty, and too much like my late partner. Another flaky musician? No thanks. But when a storm blows down his campsite, I can’t just leave him outside and soaked to the bone. Now he’s staying in my cabin, sleeping in my bed, and worst of all, he’s completely ignoring the proverbial sign over my head that says Grumpy Bear: Do Not Approach.I’m not quite as immune to his charms as I want him to believe, but he’ll only be here for a few days.Nothing’s going to happen…
Grumpy Bear is a boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine romance set at a gay campground full of bears. (Not shifters; the other kind of bears.) It’s the first full-length book in the Bear Camp series and can be read as a standalone.
Winter's Knight
Mary Calmes - 2021
In fact, they are running by Tucker Flynn’s windows at all hours of the night and day and no matter what anyone says, it isn’t normal. Of course, neither is Tucker being stuck on the sprawling grounds of the shifter sanctuary in Maine, in the dead of winter. He just wants to go back to Phoenix . . . if only his alpha would let him.Tired of his concerns being dismissed, or worse, told that he’s flat-out wrong, Tucker sets out on his own, despite a broken ankle, to find proof of his suspicion—that there’s an apex predator, something far more menacing than any shifter at L’Ange, skulking in the woods behind his cabin.
My Ex's Father: Age Gap Billionaire Romance (Silver Foxes Book 1)
Rosie Raine - 2021
Now he wants to heal me.Connor Blake is too good to be true. Rich, powerful, kind. And hot as hell.When he wants to take me out to make up for his son’s behavior, I can’t say no.When he tells me I’m beautiful, my insides melt.But he raised the man who wanted to humiliate me, to break me.I should run from him.I should keep my heart safe.But the things he does to my body, mind, and soul…I never stood a chance.Will Connor heal me? Or will he break me so thoroughly I can’t put myself back together again?My Father’s Ex is a short and steamy billionaire age gap romance. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a guaranteed HEA.
Northern Star
Ethan Day - 2013
Growing up in a broken home with an alcoholic mother and a revolving door of truly pathetic father figures taught him to keep his expectations low. Now at twenty-seven, on the night before Christmas Eve, his life is turned upside down yet again; his boyfriend has dumped him, he just fled the holiday family reunion from hell, and now to top it all off, a blizzard has left him stranded in an airport hotel. Steve Steele has spent the better part of his forty-four years living a lie, ignoring his attraction to other men in an attempt to fit into the mold of the man he thought he should be, instead of living life as the man he knew himself to be. Recently divorced after coming home from work one day and coming out to his wife, Steve has floundered over the past year, desperately attempting to wade through the guilt and find the courage to start again.That’s when a chance meeting in a hotel bar brings two lonely men together… and what should’ve been a one night stand turns into something much more than either one ever expected.
The Bookish Omega
Kellan Larkin - 2018
Omega Nathan is the anonymous writer behind the popular book review blog, The Bookish Omega. When he gets hired as the assistant to the famous dragon shifter author author Davy Vaughn, he can't believe the opportunity he has for juicy gossip. But when he meets Davy, he realizes the opportunity isn't what he thought it was. Davy Vaughn is an alpha in need of a mate. An assistant, too, sure, but mostly a mate. No omega has caught his attention until the human Nathan walks through his door. Davy can't resist. But Nathan is hiding secrets from Davy, one after the other. First it's the existence of his daughter, Sammi. Then it's the blog. And when Nathan's kooky, shifter-worshiping family spills the beans, the couple is tested. After a night of passion, the couple realizes that they've mated. For life. But how can Davy trust an omega with so many secrets? And will Nathan's family ruin everything? The Bookish Omega is a 40k standalone mpreg romance novel.
The Foxhole Court
Nora Sakavic - 2013
He's short, he's fast, he's got a ton of potential—and he's the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn't need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.But Neil's not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil's new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can't walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he's finally found someone and something worth fighting for.
Base Instincts
Larissa Ione - 2015
The problem is that he doesn’t desire females, and it’s physically impossible for him to be with males. Thankfully, he and his best friend, Fayle, have an arrangement that keeps him alive . . . if lonely. He finds some solace in his work as a medic at Thirst, a vampire club known for its rough clientele. But his carefully structured world turns upside down when he meets a mysterious male who makes him want what he can never have.Slake is an assassin used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Raze. But he also wants to earn back the soul he sold when he was a much different demon. All he has to do is capture a runaway succubus named Fayle and hand her over to her family. What he doesn’t count on is being caught himself by a web of lies—and his attraction to Raze.Raze and Slake must navigate a dangerous world to be together. But as Fayle’s jealousy of their relationship turns deadly, they find themselves embroiled in a battle not only for their love, but their lives and souls.
Thirty Days
Shayla Kersten - 2006
Since Erik’s death from cancer three months before, the will to continue his life as a Dom slipped away. Until now. The forlorn looking redhead seems as lost as Biton feels. Maybe the young man can help ease his tension, even if only for a little while.Cavan never chose the life of a slave, but he doesn’t clearly remember a time when he wasn’t one. Beaten close to death and thrown aside by his former Master, Cavan doesn’t know how to do anything else. When Biton offers him a temporary contract, Cavan doesn’t understand the meaning of his new Master’s words. All he knows is he has a new home and someone to serve. But what will happen to him when the contract ends... In thirty days..Content: M/M, bondage, Domination/submission
A Rebel Rises
R.J. Castiglione - 2017
During the day he was Michael Semione. He worked, spent time with his family, and did everything young professionals were meant to do. At night, he became Creighton Dian-Cecht, a druid healer in Fjorgyn Online. He was head of a company of crafters and adventurers known throughout the game. Things changed, however, when Michael was killed in real life while playing the game. He was reincarnated in a world based on Fjorgyn a level one, alone and naked in the woods. When he played the game, all he wanted to do was craft and heal. Follow his new life and his new adventures and challenges. See how he reconciles his desire to only heal in this dangerous, new world.