Book picks similar to
The Secrets We Keep by Mia Monroe
mm
m-m
dnf
contemporary
What Remains
Garrett Leigh - 2016
Lunch twice a week with his ex-girlfriend-turned-BFF and the occasional messy venture to a dodgy gay bar is all the company he needs, right? Then one night he stumbles across newly divorced firefighter Rupert O’Neil. Rupert is lost and lonely, but just about the sweetest bloke Jodi has ever known. Add in the heady current between them, and Jodi can’t help falling hard in love. He offers Rupert a home within the walls of his cosy Tottenham flat—a sanctuary to nurture their own brand of family—and for four blissful years, life is never sweeter. Until a cruel twist of fate snatches it all away. A moment of distraction leaves Jodi fighting for a life he can’t remember and shatters Rupert’s heart. Jodi doesn’t know him—or want to. With little left of the man he adores, Rupert must cling to what remains of his shaky faith and pray that Jodi can learn to love him again.
Surrender
Fiona Cole - 2020
So why did he give excuse after excuse to not set a date to say our "I dos"?Why wasn't he my husband yet?I didn't know, but by the end of the night, I was going to find out. No matter what tactics I had to use. Even if they were dirty. Especially if they were dirty.
The Brothers Bishop
Bart Yates - 2005
Carefree and careless, Tommy is the golden boy who takes men into his bed with a seductive smile and turns them out just as quickly. No one can resist him - and no one can control him, either. That salient point certainly isn't lost on his brother. Nathan is all about control. At thirty-one, he is as dark and complicated as Tommy is light and easy, and he is bitter beyond his years. While Tommy left for the excitement of New York City, Nathan has stayed behind, teaching high school English in their provincial hometown, surrounded by the reminders of their ruined family history and the legacy of anger that runs through him like a scar. Now, Tommy has come home to the family cottage by the sea for the summer, bringing his unstable, sexual powder keg of an entourage and the distant echoes of his family's tumultuous past with him.
Geek Tattoo
R. Cayden - 2020
That’s the first reason he can’t be my boyfriend.Straight tattoo artists with dark histories and sad eyes just aren’t meant for geeky guys like me.Even if he does have killer cheekbones…But when our lives get thrown together one day at the park, he proposes something surprising.Stone needs a fake relationship to get him out of trouble, and I might be the perfect guy to help.The only problem is I don’t understand why a fake, straight boyfriend feels so good to cuddle up close to.And I can’t figure out why a man who scares me to death can also make me feel so safe.Stone marks me forever with his ink, but am I strong enough to make him truly mine?
Saugatuck Summer
Amelia C. Gormley - 2014
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But let’s get real. Walking the fake-it-til-you-make-it road to independence and self-respect isn’t easy. Especially since my mom’s a deadbeat alcoholic, and most of my family expects me to turn out just as worthless. Oh, and I’m close to losing my college swimming scholarship, so let’s add “dropout” to the list.My BFF has invited me to stay at her beach house on the shore of Lake Michigan. That’ll give me one summer to make money and figure out what I want to do with my life. So of course I decide to have an affair with my BFF’s married, closeted dad. Because that always works out.Now I’m homeless, friendless, jobless. Worthless. Just like my family expects, right? Except there’s this great guy, Jace, who sees it differently. He’s got it all together in ways I can only dream of—he’s hot, creative, insightful, understanding. He seems to think I don’t give myself enough credit. And if I don’t watch out, I may start to believe him.
Off Campus
Amy Jo Cousins - 2014
Some are just harder to hide.With his father’s ponzi scheme assets frozen, Tom Worthington believes finishing college is impossible unless he can pay his own way. After months sleeping in his car and gypsy-cabbing for cash, he’s ready to do just that.But his new, older-student housing comes with an unapologetically gay roommate. Tom doesn’t ask why Reese Anders has been separated from the rest of the student population. He’s just happy to be sleeping in a bed.Reese isn’t about to share his brutal story with his gruff new roommate. You’ve seen one homophobic jock, you’ve seen ’em all. He plans to drag every twink on campus into his bed until Tom moves out. But soon it becomes clear Tom isn’t budging.Tom isn’t going to let some late-night sex noise scare him off, especially when it’s turning him on. But he doesn’t want any drama either. He’ll keep his hands, if not his eyes, to himself. Boundaries have a way of blurring when you start sharing truths, though. And if Tom and Reese cross too many lines, they may need to find out just how far they can bend…before they break.Warning: This book contains cranky roommates who vacillate between lashing out and licking, some male/male voyeurism, emotional baggage that neither guy wants to unpack, and the definitive proof that sound carries in college housing.
Abstract Love
Sara Dobie Bauer - 2020
So why do I want to kiss him?Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man. Well, shit happens.After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact. Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?ABSTRACT LOVE is a 71,000 word enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with an age gap.
The Jock's Trap
K. Sterling - 2017
But it is very graphic. *** It's a tale as old as cellphones. A joke goes too far and everything changes for two friends. A dare leads to a wild night of shattering sensuality and lasting consequences. “Sure. Let’s do it,” Jasper said as he turned the key and shut off the car and Grey’s eyes were wide. “What?” He said and Jasper shrugged then unbuckled his belt. “You’re never going to let this go,” he said. “It’s going to get gross if we’re sixty and you’re still asking if you can send me dick pics,” he added and Grey blinked back at him. “You’re serious?” His voice cracked and Jasper saw him tremble. He has to be the one who backs down. Jasper gave him a pointed look then pushed his door open and stepped out. And if he doesn’t? He cleared his throat loudly and the passenger door opened a moment later. Grey stood and he looked confused but he nodded then turned toward the apartment. What if he doesn’t? Jasper’s cheeks puffed out as he followed Grey. Not once in the entire history of Jasper’s sexual consciousness did he entertain the possibility of doing anything with Grey. Not because he wasn’t attractive. It just never crossed Jasper’s mind. Grey pushed the lobby door open and Jasper’s head tilted as he watched the muscles beneath his shirt stretch and bunch before his eyes settled on his ass. Jasper’s lips tilted. He’d seen that ass plenty of times for various innocuous and obnoxious reasons and his jaw twinged. Grey did have a really nice ass. His nerves flickered with anticipation as they waited for the elevator and his brows rose as Grey smiled nervously. It was a massively stupid idea and the consequences would probably be terrible. He’s the only one who can stop this. Jasper waved Grey into the elevator and stood next to him as the doors closed. “You good?” He asked as he studied Grey and he nodded faintly. “Yeah. I didn’t think about what I’d do if you actually said yes,” he admitted and Jasper grinned. “I didn’t think you’d wear me down. I definitely wasn’t planning this,” he said then winced as he pushed his hands into his pockets. “Do you have any condoms?” He asked and Grey jumped then nodded. “In the medicine cabinet in the bathroom,” he said and Jasper grinned. “Great,” he said as the doors opened and Jasper waited then followed Grey out and down the hall to his door. He unlocked it and bit his lip as he looked back at Jasper. “Condoms?” He asked, emphasizing the plural and Jasper’s lips tilted wickedly as he leaned close and pressed his hand against the wall, next to Grey’s shoulder. I’ll either scare him so bad he never mentions it again or I’m about to fuck his brains out. “You pulled my ass out of bed in the middle of the night and you’ve been annoying as fuck about this for like fifteen years. If you think I’m fucking you once and calling it a night, you’re seriously mistaken,” he said and Grey did his best to plaster himself against the door. “I thought I was going to…” His voice trailed off and he swallowed hard as Jasper’s head tilted. He brushed his lips against Grey’s ear and panted. Grey shivered and his nostrils flared as Jasper hummed then inhaled. He could smell Grey’s soap and cologne and the heat coming off of him. “I’m not a bottom,” he breathed and Grey tried to speak but there was just a high pitched squeak. He squeezed his eyes shut and cleared his throat.
Bonfires
Amy Lane - 2017
He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.
It's Just You
R. Phoenix - 2021
I am who I am: flamboyant, androgynous, comfortable in my own skin — well, there’s that one thing, but generally I am me, and I love it that way. It’s easy to ignore scars from the past, especially when they can be covered up and forgotten. What I don’t love is having to spend time in my hometown after having escaped the bullies there years ago. The only plus side is meeting up with one of my best friends again… and his brother Kane.Who the heck expected him to end up as a hunk of a guy, tattooed and sexy and all that? It’s just a pity he’s straight. Or maybe not interested in anyone at all? Or…?I can’t figure him out. But I never back down from a challenge, that’s for sure, and I want to see what’s really going on behind those beautiful, troubled eyes.This 74k slow burn romance features a sexy guy who’s never really been attracted to anyone before (let alone another man) and a man who needs to accept that he can be loved despite for who he is beneath the makeup and lingerie as well as in it.
Unforgiven
Ruth Clampett - 2017
They’ve always had each other’s back, but when one walks in on the other with another man, everything changes. How do you explain to your best friend that he’s the one you’ve always wanted, that until now your life has been a lie? Desperation and shame are two dirty words that run through Jason’s veins. He carries the scars from a wayward priest who stole his innocence and left him shattered. Meanwhile for years he’s watched Dean pursuing woman after woman, as his own heart slowly breaks.When their world blows apart, they learn the powerful bond between them has more fire than either understood. Can two broken souls find the light in their darkness and come together to make a whole, or will sins of the past be forever unforgiven?This standalone is a M/M love story with graphic sex. Trigger warning.
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.
Press
Nora Phoenix - 2020
So why can’t he stay away?Five years ago, Levar survived a terrorist attack. The bombing left its scars, but he’s picked up his life. He loves working for the vice president—who is openly bisexual—as his press secretary.Levar can’t afford a pesky attraction that proves to be frustratingly stubborn. Worse, those highly combustible sparks are with the very last person he should be falling for: Henley Platt, a well-known reporter covering the White House.Henley may not be Levar’s enemy, but he’s definitely not his friend. He can’t be, not when their jobs put them on opposite sides. Henley is absolutely off-limits, even when he shows his appreciation for the sexy lingerie Levar loves to wear.When the terrorists strike again with a devastating blow to the White House, Levar and Henley lean on each other for support. The sparks become a raging fire that won’t be doused, but what happens if they’re found out?Press is the first book in the White House Men series, a romantic suspense gay romance series set in the White House. Think The West Wing but gay, and with less politics. Each book has a new love story with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot will continue throughout the books, so the series needs to be read in order. Press has 100k words. TW for terrorism and violence.
Out of the Blue
Lila Rose - 2018
What he doesn’t expect is instead of a wife in the picture, his mind keeps conjuring up images of two men. One, his partner in the force, who is as straight as they came, the other an ex, who he’d hurt but never forgot. After an incident leaves Lan injured, the two men rally around him… only maybe they shouldn’t have. It seems a medicated Lan is a truthful one. Parker Wilding is pissed at the world. His anger builds when his partner refuses medical care after an attack. Instead, Lan entrusts his neighbour to take care of him—a guy Parker doesn’t trust. While he’s aware they share a history, when the past is revealed, the truth shocks the hell out of him. Being emotionally crushed ten years ago, Easton Ravel hoped he would never have to see the man who broke him again. Hope is a fickle b*itch. And now he’s not sure how to handle being face-to-face with the man he once loved. Add in the mix the annoying, testy Parker, and Easton finds his limits are pushed. Just not in the way he thought they would be. What happens next sure does come out of the blue. *PLEASE NOTE* For 18+ only.
Goodbye Paradise
Nealy Wagner - 2015
But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home. In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world. But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves. It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires. Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels? Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord's name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone.