Book picks similar to
Romantic Renovations by Blake Allwood
mm-romance
lgbt
m-m
contemporary
Afterburn
E. Davies - 2016
Dylan, the gorgeous twink working in the craft store below his apartment, is supposed to be just that: a hookup. But Liam wants to protect Dylan from anyone taking advantage of him, and it fuels the spark growing between them. Dylan Waters is poised to fall hard—and not just for hunky Liam from his knitting PTSD support group. He’s juggling jobs, a college transfer, and panic attacks that his mother’s alternative medicine won’t fix. He can help others, but he’s never managed to accept help himself. They’re both hiding from their pasts, but the closer they grow, the less room there is to run. When it all goes up in smoke, can they save each other—and the relationship that could make them both believe in love?Afterburn is the first book in the After series, which explores mental health challenges with gentle humor and heart while hunky firefighters turn up the heat. It can be enjoyed on its own, and promises a happily-ever-after.
Penny Wishes
Lucy Hawkins - 2016
After serving in Afghanistan, he finds safety in his routine of making furniture with his Labrador, Jess, by his side. Single again after a relationship that just didn't work, he still holds hope that he’ll find his happily ever after one day. Even if he’s haunted by the distant memory of a fierce teenage love for his older brother’s best friend. “I won’t let you trick me again.” Austin St. James is washed-up. After a successful run as the front man in rock band Vision X, it’s been three years since he’s made any music he’s wanted to share. When his past comes calling, Austin knows he can’t keep running. Returning to his hometown after eight years was not part of the plan and neither was having to call in a favor with his childhood friend, Tyler. All grown and muscled-up, the boy he once swore to protect is now a man and the tether that binds them is still fiercely electric. “What are you doing?”“Making up for all the years I was supposed to be kissing you.” But so much has changed for the two men who lead very different lives. Tyler struggles with change and Austin uses it to cope with his past. When the unexpected reunion reignites the flame between them that never really died, will they be able to keep it alive? Penny Wishes is a sweet and steamy second-chance gay romance. It is a full-length novel with no cliffhanger and an HEA.
Striking Sparks
Ari McKay - 2016
Beau is a proud man, but the stakes are high, and smart, sexy Jake is his only hope, even if being around Jake reawakens the attraction he’s fought for years.Jake left his hometown, determined to build a life somewhere his sexuality wouldn’t hurt his family’s restaurant business—and far away from hunky, obstinate Beau Walker. Then his twin, Josh, is killed, and Jake returns to support his brother’s wife and children. Despite his reservations, he agrees to go head-to-head against Beau on national television. Between stress and grief, as well as pride and determination, only one thing is certain—the heat between Beau and Jake extends well beyond the kitchen.
Bodyguard
Dassy Bernhard - 2021
Fortunately, everyone's focus is on the idols, and nobody looks at him too closely—or so he thinks.Kyo Seung-hyun, the new chairman of the Kyo Group, is looking for a trusted confidant while working on his eccentric playboy billionaire image (he's got the “eccentric” part down cold). When he meets Jun-young, he knows he’s found his man—in more ways than one. Jun-young is too honest for his own good, more intelligent than he lets on, and too attractive for Seung-hyun's peace of mind. The superpowers are a bonus, really.When Seung-hyun tries to correct his deceased father's past misdeeds, the corruption the two of them unearth is the kind many would prefer to be kept quiet. Jun-young would do anything to keep Seung-hyun safe, but this situation might be more than even he can handle.Author's note: Slow burn. Sweet romance. Idiots in love. Mutual pining. MARVEL and Connie Willis references. Corruption. The occasional cat. Happily Ever After.*This novel is a revised, extended version of a novella using the same name and cover*
Bite Me
Beth Bolden - 2018
Working at the celebrated Napa Valley restaurant Terroir is supposed to be the cherry on top to a promising career, but instead it's a creative desert. So when he gets an offer to turn his online video series into a career, he leaves his three best friends in Napa and swaps Terroir for Los Angeles.With the resources now at his fingertips, turning his pastry series into a hit should be easy. Then Miles meets his producer, Evan Patterson, and realizes he’s screwed. And not even in the good way.
It's not a meet-cute . . .
Evan lives to work and loves every minute detail Miles loathes. Not only that, he seems hell bent on micromanaging every aspect of Miles' show despite the fact he knows nothing about the culinary arts. Evan doesn’t even like sweets—until Miles seduces him with a rainbow of delectable confections he can't resist.
. . . it's a collision.
With every confrontation, the intensity between them flares even hotter until they're not sure if it's hatred they feel . . .or something else. Is it possible for two people with nothing in common to discover common ground and romance?
Bite Me is a 80,000 word standalone m/m romance featuring enemies to lovers. Don't read hungry!
Verified Kill
Patricia Logan - 2014
When a young lover is viciously taken from him, he begins to reevaluate his connection with Emilio. Could he have saved the young man, had he resisted the deep seated desire to belong to someone? Lost and uncertain for the first time in his life, his bravado is slipping away. When he’s given his next filthy assignment, he remembers Emilio’s final words to him… “Who will grieve for you when you are gone, Walker?” His next choices set him on a dangerous path where there is no turning back and when an old friend gets in the way, he has an impossible decision to make. Callum Tryst is a dangerous man in his own right. Young and cocky and undeniably one of the finest assassins alive, he goes after a target not knowing that there is one painted on his own back. When he crosses paths with a career sniper, he finally meets his match… or does he? Callum learns the hard way that perhaps the best weapon against his enemy is another enemy. He finds himself asking the question, “If I’ve never ever cared about anyone, did I ever really matter?” Join the pair as they meet out justice as only they know how, in a desperate fight to the finish… and the discovery that the fight is not as they always assumed it to be. Assumptions get you killed… and dead men cannot love.
The Palisade
Rosalind Abel - 2017
It was supposed to be just one night in town to close the deal, and sleeping with one of the local men, no matter how gorgeous, meant nothing more than a few hours of fun.Andrew Kelly is perfectly content with the life he has in his hometown. So much so that the only thing missing is someone to share it with. Going to bed with a tourist was never meant to be the answer to his dreams, just a beautiful distraction. He could get back to looking for Mr. Right the next day.Both Andrew’s and Joel’s worlds are turned upside down when a few hours of pleasure get extended to a couple of days. Even that shouldn’t have been a big deal. You can’t fall in love in that amount of time. That isn’t how it works. However, if destinies collide, a few short days may be all it takes to find your soul mate. Even so, when secrets and motivations get tangled, fate may do nothing more than leave two hearts in pieces.
Because We Fell in Love
Ian Finn - 2019
They combine humor, heat and heart, and they have no cliffhangers and very happy ever afters.This box set contains the following books:1) Because You Came Back: A Coming Out Male/Male Romance;2) Because You Came Along: A Single Dad Male/Male Romance;3) Because You Loved Me: A Valentine's Day Male/Male Romance; and4) Because You Protected Me: A Bodyguard Male/Male Romance.
Not Used To Cute
Becca Seymour - 2020
A lost soul who’s afraid to trust. When Elijah and Seb meet, sparks fly. But will either of them find the courage to take what they want?Pouring his all into his business, Elijah is perfectly content running his bar. With its prime location and its infamous drag shows, Bar QK is the place to be. Elijah is used to meeting new and sometimes interesting people, but it’s rare anyone catches his interest for anything longer than a five-minute conversation.It takes a wandering, unfiltered surfer, who’s tired of the chase and dog-tired of people taking advantage of him, to spark long-buried interest in Elijah.While kindness runs through his veins, Seb doesn’t believe in fairy tales. He has a past he’d rather forget and has no real expectations for his future. He believes it’s safer to not make assumptions about anything or anyone; that way, he’ll remain safe.It takes his elusive, aloof boss, whose mixed messages are more confusing than Ikea furniture instructions, to show Seb that opening his heart can be worth the risk.When Elijah and Seb find themselves working on a common goal, the high stakes may be just the nudge they need.Not Used To Cute is a low-angst, beach-town gay romance set in the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Made in Portugal
Ana Newfolk - 2018
Not to mention he’s keeping a big secret from everyone he knows.An old travel journal.A road trip in a temperamental red car.Pastries, lots of pastries.When the two childhood friends reunite, emotions re-ignite. But when the bubble bursts and secrets come out, will their love be strong enough?Made In Portugal is a MM romance with a best friends to lovers theme, a meddling family, lots of steam and a HEA.Made In Portugal can be read as a standalone but will be better enjoyed as part of the Made In Series as characters and stories from previous books appear in this story.Series reading order:Made In New York - Book 1 (Max and Isaac)Made In Portugal - Book 2 (Joel and David)Made In Paris - Book 3 (Dorian and Jean-Paul)Made In Manhattan - Book 4 (Max and Isaac)Made In Lisbon - Book 5 (Vítor and Tiago)Made In Love - Coming Autumn 2019
Wild Pitch
Sloan Johnson - 2015
The day he acknowledged to himself that he was gay was also the day he vowed to stay in the closet in order to chase his dreams. The problem is, he never counted on Mason Atley.Sean showed rookie short stop Mason Atley the ropes, both on the field and off. The two forged a friendship which continued as both of them moved through the ranks of the farm system and into the majors. Unfortunately, there’s always been one secret Mason never felt he could share with Sean. Until now.For seven years, Sean lived with the fact that he loved a man who would never reciprocate. When Mason admits that he’s always known he’s bisexual but has never allowed himself to pursue a relationship with a man, will Sean be able to put aside his reservations about starting a relationship with the friend he’d always assumed was straight? And more importantly, will they be able to find a way to stay together when their careers keep them apart more than they can be together?
He's Mine
Claire Thompson - 2018
An ex with revenge on his mind...
Ben’s not in any hurry to fall in love. Sure…he misses the passion and the sweet caress of someone special in his life, but after freeing himself from his last mistake of a boyfriend, it’s time to reevaluate his choices. Until a gorgeous, fascinating guy slips into the seat beside him at a mutual friend’s wedding…then all thoughts of going slow vanish.Adrian keeps the men in his life at arm’s length…it’s safer for everyone. Casual hookups without emotional entanglements are his specialty, and the guy sitting next to him looks to be perfect for the job. But as the evening progresses, a hot, steady flame of desire flares within him, and Adrian has to tamp down the sparks. Because Ben has the potential to become something different…something more. When old secrets are revealed, Adrian and Ben must come together to heal past wounds, and that includes dealing with a dangerous ex who won’t take no for an answer. When threats to their personal and professional lives escalate into violence, they will have no choice but to take action to protect their newfound love.
A Perfect Christmas
Kiki Burrelli - 2017
He has vowed to give his mate, Pippen, one perfect Christmas. His first perfect Christmas. Conner has the entire pack behind him to help so it should be easy…right? Farley is excited to help, it will give him a chance to ignore how his second pregnancy isn’t going quite as well as his first. He should be happy with sugar plums and fairies dancing in his head, instead, he’s stuck thinking he isn’t good enough and isn’t working hard enough to be a good enough mate for his alpha, Oscar. As if things in The Den weren’t hectic enough while they prepare for Christmas an angry neighboring pack returns with more than mistletoe on their minds. A Perfect Christmas is an mpreg romance novella stuffed with steamy moments, snowball fights and absolutely no fruitcake.
Stolen Omega
Canis Blackfang - 2015
Zan longs to explore on his own, a wish that comes true in a way he never could’ve expected.Kyrt Ripfang is the alpha leader of the most notorious bandits in the waste. Just his name can send shivers down the back of the strongest alpha—and that’s exactly the way he wants it. To survive it’s easier to hide behind a mask than let people know the truth. When Kyrt and his men raid a pack’s encampment, he gets a little more than he bargained for: a hot-headed, stubborn omega as a prize.Held captive at Kyrt’s hideout, Zan’s only option is to endure the alpha’s company. But as time goes by, it becomes apparent there’s a powerful force connecting them. Zan may hate his kidnapper, but he can’t deny the heat growing inside of him. It’s his most primal omega urge: he must have this alpha’s child.Stolen Omega is a paranormal mpreg romance that will grab you with its fangs and pull you right in. Expect fast-paced action, a unique fantasy-esque setting, and sizzling-hot chemistry between a strong omega and complicated alpha. A satisfying HEA, guaranteed. This is an Ashe Moon novel at its absolute best!
Pranked
J.J. Riley - 2019
Living in Echo Bay again was not how he saw his life going and opening a bar was never in the plan. Despite that, he does his best to learn to appreciate what he has and works hard to make a life for himself. When the adorable geek next door inadvertently starts a prank war, he doesn’t hesitate to show him how to lighten up. Ezra wanted to own his own bakery more than anything. Taking over his favorite childhood bakery only made the dream that much sweeter. What he hadn’t bargained for was the sexy and frustrating bar owner next door. When he develops feelings for his cocky neighbor, he realizes he may be in over his head. When one of their pranks goes hilariously wrong, they realize they just might mean more to each other than they anticipated. But can a quiet geek and an outgoing playboy make things work? This is a mm romance that contains sexual themes and is intended for readers 18+