Book picks similar to
Mergers & Acquisitions by Jodi Payne
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Yes, Captain
Ann Grech - 2018
A dancer who tempts him to toss the rulebook overboard…Will Preston lives by one edict: don’t date staff. But the new dancer onboard has the silver fox sailing into unchartered waters. Young, sexy, and with a penchant for lipstick and heels, the man pushes all Will’s buttons. It’s not just the tropical sun that’s heating things up; their chemistry is sizzling. Will’s been burned before. Can he throw caution to the wind and chart a new course with Eddie by his side? Or will an interfering crew-member steer them into stormy seas? Yes, Captain is a stand-alone, steamy age-gap MM romance set on a cruise ship in the South Pacific, with a flirty dancer who loves pole dancing and his shy captain. Yes, Captain was previously published as Dance With Me. This re-release includes over 30,000 words of never-before-seen bonus content.
Falling for the Pet Doctor
Crystal Lacy - 2022
Out of his depth and dealing poorly with grief, Felix turns to compassionate veterinarian Tyler for comfort.Losing the love of his life in an accident has made Tyler Hayworth afraid to risk his heart again. When Felix walks into his life, Tyler tries his best to steer clear of temptation--but lowers his guard when he realizes Felix is only looking for a temporary fix for his loneliness.Felix is going back to the mainland soon. They can both take what they need from each other without compromising their hearts, right?An emotional romance featuring a singing African grey parrot, lots of cats and dogs, and a sweet, well-deserved happily-ever-after. This 44,000 word novella was originally published under Radish Fiction under the name Finding Home. It has been revised and edited for re-publication here.
The Secrets in My Scowl
A.E. Via - 2016
This is the last time I’m going to remind you about breaking sections of the lease. If there’s a next time, I won’t stop until you and your frilly, white wedding shit is thrown out of here. Do you got it?!”Wylde looked in Jacob’s pained eyes and answered in his deep voice. “Yeah, counselor. I got it.”From high school, up until he became a successful attorney Jacob Snowden was convinced that love had it out for him. “Everyone left,” were the words he lived by. His mother, his high school sweetheart, his father, and his fiancé, all left Jacob just when he felt it was safe to let down his guard. Not any longer. Jacob was a determined man, set at keeping people at a distance. If his six foot one, military-made body didn’t scare people off, his permanent scowl surely did. At almost forty, Jacob’s social life was non-existent, but he told himself his work fulfilled him. He helped people get out of their loveless marriages. Jacob Snowden was one of the best divorce lawyers on the east coast and was damn proud of it. So, imagine his disdain when a wedding planner moves into the suite directly adjacent to his… an insanely masculine, male wedding planner.Wylde Sterling had made quite a name for himself in his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia, working for a wedding planner that catered to the elite. He was known for his charm and impeccable taste. Yep, he was incredible at giving couples the wedding of their dreams. But he wanted nothing more than to plan his own. After striking out in love more times than he cared to admit, Wylde decided to start his own business in a new city, hoping Richmond would give him a fresh start. Things started out wonderfully – until he started to piss off the angry divorce attorney next door. Wylde could see past Jacob’s mean scowl, knowing there was a reason for it. It was the man’s defense mechanism, his means of keeping people away. Everything in Wylde told him to stay away, but he believed Jacob just needed to meet a man who had been hurt as badly as he had.Standalone gay romance that ends in an HEA and no cliffhanger
Inseparable
Sloan Johnson - 2017
As only children, they grew up as close as brothers, but their love grew to something more. Something they couldn't talk about because their parents wouldn't understand. Gabe is gay and unapologetic about his sexuality. He refuses to live his life in the shadows, but that doesn't mean he isn't harboring secrets. Trevor is his parents’ miracle child and he doesn’t want to hurt them. Coming out, admitting he's in love with Gabe, could ruin everything. Heading off to college was supposed to finally free them to be together, but nothing is as easy as it seems. Can they find a way to navigate this new world, living and loving openly?
On the Rocks
Garett Groves - 2018
A country singing sensation. A small town second chance. Jason Smith has spent his whole life trying to escape Beauclaire, North Carolina, the tiny town where he was born and raised. But when his father passes away and leaves the family’s troubled bar to him, Jason’s sure he’s never going to escape the town and the painful memories that haunt him. Dan Montgomery never wanted to audition on America’s Next Top Singer, but gave in when he felt Beauclaire sink its dream-killing hooks into him. His unexpected success on the show launched a smash country music career—but it also cost him the only man who loved him before he was famous: Jason. After two exhausting, tumultuous years on the road, Dan longs for Jason and a quiet life in sleepy Beauclaire with all its quirks. So when he learns his mother is ill, he rushes home to care for her—and to croon his way back into Jason’s heart. Though they’ve both changed for the better since Dan’s been gone, Jason’s afraid to give their passionate but rocky romance a second chance. With a struggling bar to save and the eyes of the world watching Dan’s every move, it seems downright reckless—but Jason’s never been able to resist Dan. Can the two find a way to be together again? Or will they water down like whiskey on the rocks? On the Rocks is the first in the Southern Comforts series of small town, southern romances. Though each can be read and enjoyed alone, they fit together like butter on a biscuit when read as part of the series. If you like your romances with healthy sides of sweet tea, town gossip, “bless your hearts,” and scenes so steamy they’ll make your Mama drag you to church, you’ll love this latest book from Garett Groves!
Against Fate
Damian Bloom - 2020
Luckily, his hunky mentor can teach him much more than just how to write a book. Too bad it all comes with a price.By the age of twenty-three, I’ve read enough romance novels to fill up a library. My own love life is yet to start, but I’m in no rush. True love comes to those who wait, and I won’t settle for less than Happy Ever After. So what’s the point in kissing any frogs?But when my clairvoyant grandmother sees heartbreak looming in my future, I learn that life is rarely that simple. And when bestselling author Adam Allister offers to help me write my first novel, I’d be a fool to say no, even if every cell in my body warns me to stay away.After all, as long as I don’t fall for him, I’m safe. And, with a man as cynical and unromantic as Adam, that shouldn’t be a difficult task.Is he hotter than all the cover models of my favorite novels combined? Yeah. Do I sometimes forget to breathe if he looks at me a certain way? I guess…Is one smile from him enough to fill my mind up with pulse-quickening daydreams of unknown pleasures? Um, I’d rather not answer that.None of this matters, anyway. Now that I know what fate’s got in store for me, I won’t be foolish enough to put myself in harm’s way. Not when my heart is on the line.Against Fate is the slow-burn, heart-warming story of two men who learn to put their conflicting ideas of love aside in order to discover the real thing together. Peppered with extra-steamy scenes, the book is guaranteed to make you blush and swoon all the way to the Happy Ever After. This is the first book in the Prince Castle series, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
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.
The Shutout
Dianna Roman - 2022
Life after loss is too difficult for surprises, which is why Max would be lost without his reliable best friend and neighbor, Jack.Best pitcher in the MLB, Jack Spears, is at the top of his game. He has it all, except for the one thing he wants most, which happens to be the one thing he can't have if he doesn't want his private life to overshadow his career: love. When an emotional evening reveals his biggest secret, he's faced with losing everything that matters most to him.Can Max see him for the man he truly is, or will Jack forever be doomed to live in the shadow of the image he created as America's favorite pitcher?Heartfelt and human, The Shutout is a story of friendship, loss, love, and the rough road to new beginnings.
Moored Heart
I.M. Flippy - 2020
There are plenty of hot women on the beach to choose from.There are also a lot of men throwing him winks and calling him “daddy.”Jason can’t deny he’s thought about men, but that attraction is something he’s never had to confront before... until he meets Charlie.Charlie is gorgeous and more than that, he makes Jason laugh. He’s also smart and genuinely kind.Jason feels a zing around him he hasn’t felt in years.Zing…Charlie Benton likes his life. Sure, he works in a tourist trap shop, lives with his mom, and rarely bothers to leave tiny Catalina Island. But he’s got friends, he loves his town, and hot guys come in on boats all the time. Tourists always want to bang a cute townie.But Charlie wants more.Charlie wants the great gay romance.Charlie did not expect true love to come in the form of Jason Winters.Jason’s an injured, divorced cop from L.A. He’s got history and baggage. Even worse, he’s probably straight.So much for the great gay romance.The last thing Charlie needs in his life is to get his heart broken by a straight guy.Too bad love never listens to reason... especially on Catalina Island.
Cowboy Seeks Husband
Leta Blake - 2019
To get the money, his family schemes to make Walker the star of a new bachelor reality series: Queer Seeks Spouse. How hard can it be to fake interest in a dozen handsome men for a few weeks in exchange for enough money to solve all of their problems? Roan Carmichael never got his Masters degree after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. With medical bills piling up, and a costly experimental treatment available, Roan signs on to be a suitor on Queer Seeks Spouse. While he hates having to leave his sick mother long enough to win the cash for her treatment, he's willing to do whatever it takes. Can two men who are just in it for the money fake their way into real and lasting love? Cowboy Seeks Husband, the latest book by Vespertine authors Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn, features a cowboy, a hipster, opposites attract, steamy scenes, and heart tugging moments that will leave you wanting more.
A Way with Words
Lane Hayes - 2017
He works for his uncle’s Brooklyn-based construction firm. And he knows from experience that keeping his head down and doing his job is the best way to deal with the meddlesome family members he sees daily. They think he’s quiet and maybe a little awkward but the truth is more complicated. Tony has a secret he isn’t ready or willing to share. He’s an expert at avoiding familial scrutiny. At least he was until the sexy guitar player showed up. Remy Nelson is a small-town, free-spirited guy looking for a new life in the big city. He stays busy playing his instrument on a busy Manhattan street corner during the day and bartending at night. Remy is more interested in finding steady employment than a mate, but he can’t deny his attraction to the dreamy construction worker with soulful eyes, a kind heart, and a unique way with words. Falling for Remy wasn’t what Tony expected, but keeping him will require courage. And an end to keeping secrets.
Secret Admirer
D.J. Jamison - 2020
You won't believe me, because I'm just your brother's best friend, but it’s true. Each day my feelings for you grow, confusing but undeniable.With a few anonymous love tokens, I finally have an outlet for all the things I can't say. And with each gift and note, you smile. For me. Not your brother's straight friend, but something new. Something more. Something that will change everything if we can both find the courage to believe.All I have to do is confess who I really am:Your Secret Admirer
Always the Groomsman
Raleigh Ruebins - 2018
So... why do I keep wanting to kiss him?
Weddings used to be fun... but then I had to be a groomsman in one. Then two. And now ten. The last place I want to be right now is in this Nowhereville, Idaho small town for my friend’s wedding, still single, and still a groomsman, yet again. And even worse: the best man, Sebastian, makes my blood run hot. Sebastian is a charming, energetic social butterfly--in other words, he’s exactly the opposite of me. I just got dumped by my ex-boyfriend, and right now what I want is time alone. The last thing I need is some over-eager small-town guy to be constantly flitting around me, trying to get me to participate in bachelor party festivities. But Sebastian isn’t afraid to challenge me. And some primal part of me loves every minute of it. When he shows up at my hotel room on the night of the bachelor party, hot and desperate, I can’t say no to him. Suddenly, it’s like fire when we’re together, and I can’t keep my hands off of him. But I can’t ever be with him. The other groomsmen don’t know we’ve been ending up in each other’s beds. And besides, he’s a small-town guy, and I live and breathe the city. I can’t commit to anything, and Sebastian could have any other guy he wanted. Am I destined to forever be just a groomsman, never the star of my own show? Always the Groomsman is a 78,000-word gay romance novel, complete with a jaded city slicker, a small-town guy with a heart of gold, and a friendly little pug named Jelly. There’s plenty of steam, sleeping-bag cuddling on camping trips, small-town charm in the middle of nowhere, and a happily-ever-after ending.
Forgive and Forget
Charlie Cochet - 2016
He's dangerous. And he can't remember anything.As the owner of Apple’n Pies, Joe Applin leads a quiet, uneventful life, content to spend his days serving customers who come from all over to eat his delicious homemade pies. Along with his motley crew—Bea, Elsie, and Donnie—Joe couldn’t be happier in his little kingdom of baked goods and java.Experience has taught Joe that love is overrated—and at times dangerous. He has no intention of repeating past mistakes. But then he meets a mysterious, handsome man with amnesia, and Joe can’t deny something sweet is in the works. He isn’t one to take risks, not with his heart and certainly not with his life, but the more time he spends with the man he knows as Tom, the closer he is to losing both.
The Road Home
L.A. Witt - 2020
He’s made decisions that have left him estranged from his once tight knit family. Even now, when David is clean and sober and working his way through medical school with a promising future ahead, his parents refuse to forgive or forget. When he gets some grim news about his father, David realizes he’s running out of time to make amends. As he comes home for the holidays and his sister’s wedding, he knows it’s going to be tense, but he’s desperate to prove they’re wrong about him. And since they won’t take his word for it, he’s bringing reinforcements. Hunter Scott will do anything for his childhood best friend, but he never thought that would include posing as his boyfriend. Except David’s family has always respected Hunter. Maybe if they see that David is good enough for Hunter to love, they’ll realize he’s good enough for them too. But as Hunter and David lean on each other through snowstorms, family drama, and visits from personal demons, maybe this relationship isn’t as much of a performance as it was meant to be. The Road Home is approximately 82,000 words long. CW: Recovering addict struggling on-page, references to meth use, combat PTSD, discussions of suicide