Book picks similar to
Home Skillet by Cate Ashwood
m-m
mm
romance
m-m-romance
Heart of the Woods
Grant C. Holland - 2018
It makes it impossible to fly.” When Levi left college to convince his grandmother to pack up her off-the-grid life in the Northwoods of Minnesota and return to civilization, he never expected to lose an argument and stay. He didn’t expect to fall in love either. In the small Missouri farm town where he grew up, Levi was a skinny gay kid with glasses scared of his own shadow and the tormentors who lurked in the hallways of his high school. A rugged life on Lone Cedar Lake helped him blossom into an attractive, muscular young man, but the underlying insecurities remained. Brandon fell in love with the lakes and woods during a spring break visit with a college friend. Upon graduation, he began building a wilderness guide business that gave him the capital to buy his first house at age 24. A downturn in the local economic atmosphere sent him scrambling to shore up the bottom line. He thought a new wilderness route to the mysterious Lone Cedar Lake would be just the ticket to lure in new clients. While exploring for the new route, Brandon spotted Levi in another canoe. Their first encounter led to a physical battle on the forest floor, but soon, an attraction they couldn’t ignore blossomed. Unfortunately, romance won’t be so easy when the mysteries of the past threaten to stand in their way. Heart of the Woods is a 55,000-word ugly duckling romance set in the Northwoods of Minnesota. It includes steamy scenes, a happily-ever-after ending, canoes paddling in the wilderness, and some of the best stargazing on earth.
Born for Leaving
Jude Munro - 2020
Too bad distractions, like the hot little convertible he has his eye on, cost megabucks. And Oliver is flat broke. Renting the spare bedroom in his rundown beachfront cottage is his only option to pick up the cash he needs--a risky proposition, as Oliver is the polar opposite of a people-person. When he responds to a bizarre ad in the Waterfront Gazette seeking summer housing, he gets more than he bargained for. But Oliver can cope... After all, how much harm can a single quirky tenant do to his tightly guarded life in three short months?Where Oliver is a loner by design, urban cowboy Bodie is a loner by necessity. A family dispute long ago dropkicked him onto the path of a lifelong wanderer. This changes when Bodie moves into the tiny beachfront cottage and starts working the door at Oliver's bar.Despite Oliver and Bodie's nearly paralyzing instinct to avoid commitment, they fall into a wary romance. And to their surprise, life as a couple is sweetly satisfying; that is, until their jealous boss devises a cruel plan to destroy the tentative bond they've built. True to form, Bodie hits the road, leaving Oliver to lick his wounds alone.Can these wounded souls defy their urge to flee and fight for love?**Trigger Warning: discussion of childhood sexual molestation of adult character, graphic physical violence, off-page coerced sexual relationship
More to Life
Annabella Michaels - 2021
Of course, all the late nights and weekends he spent at the office had their price, which he paid dearly. He no longer has any friends or social life to speak of, but none of that matters when he’s finally given the chance for an executive promotion, one that will grant him the financial security he so desperately craves. Kieron Parsons loves his life. He’s got a great family, friends he can count on, and a job that he enjoys. He works hard, but he also knows how to have fun, and for Kieron, there’s nothing more fun than teasing the sexy, surly man that comes into the deli every day for lunch. In fact, making the man blush has become the one thing he looks forward to most. He would love the chance to crack that hard exterior and see if there’s any sweetness inside. When Shaw’s boss invites him to attend an exclusive company vacation for executives only, he is thrilled. That is, until his boss tells him how important it is to have a balanced work and personal life then asks who his guest will be. Worried that not having anyone might cost him the promotion, Shaw makes up a lie, using the only person he can think of, the outrageous guy who’s always flirting with him at the deli. Thankfully, Kieron agrees to Shaw’s plan, posing as the uptight man’s boyfriend, but how are they supposed to convince everyone that they’re a couple when they barely know each other? Will Shaw’s rigid nature end up exposing their lie or will Kieron finally be able to convince him that there’s more to life than just work?
All For Show
Rachel Kane - 2017
There’s just one problem: The show only features couples, and Nat is single! How can bashful Nat get a fake boyfriend quickly? Owen's meddling ex won't leave him alone, constantly giving him advice after their breakup. All Owen wants to do is sit on the pier and people-watch with his Boston terrier, Mr. Thurgood, but when he hears that Nat needs a fake boyfriend for TV, he thinks the idea is just the ticket to get his ex off his back. It’ll look like he’s getting on with his life, the perfect revenge! And Mr. Thurgood really likes Nat--that's a good sign, right? It should have been the perfect fake relationship...except Nat can’t stop thinking about Owen. He wishes he were brave enough to ask the sarcastic, confident guy out in real life. But Owen puts on this shallow, superficial act, and it’s hard to get underneath it to the real person. Meanwhile, Owen is scared of getting hurt again, and feels like Nat’s hesitation around him means Nat secretly hates him. But there's no more hesitation when Owen accidentally walks in on Nat’s shower, and everything gets very real, very quickly. Now things are tricky, because they’re falling for each other, but on camera they have to act like they’ve known each other forever! But between Owen’s meddling ex trying to pull them apart, and their own insecurities, can they keep it together, or will their fake relationship end in a real break up on national TV? All For Show is a gay romantic comedy with a lot of steam and no angst (okay, a little bit of angst)! There's no cliffhanger and no cheating, but there is an on-camera HEA! (And Mr. Thurgood gets lots of snow peas because they are his favorite treat.)
The Boyfriend Act
Parker Elliot - 2018
Especially when it involves spending five nights in his home state of Texas with his dysfunctional family. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he’d been laid off from his job at the bank and was working at a coffee shop to make ends meet, he’s going through a romantic dry spell. With no date and no exciting news to bring back home, Toby is dreading his family reunion. Liam moved to Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Instead, he manages a coffee shop and can’t quite manage to land a role that will get him his big break. When his coworker and friend, Toby, tells him about his dilemma, Liam comes up with a plan he thinks is genius. What better way to get acting experience than to play the part of his best friend’s boyfriend. Toby isn't quite convinced Liam's plan will work, but with enough arm-twisting, he's will to give it a shot. After all, he has nothing to lose. To everyone's surprise, Toby's family fall head-over-heels for Liam. He plays the boyfriend role so well, it's hard to remember it's all just an act. As the lines blur between reality and role-playing, Toby and Liam have to face tough questions about their friendship. Because if this boyfriend thing is just an act, then why does it feel so real? And why can't they keep their hands off each other? The Boyfriend Act is a fun, sexy and sweet romance novel. It is a standalone, has no cliffhanger and a very satisfying happily ever after.
Shouting Match
Pandora Pine - 2022
Putting his own love life on the back-burner, he’s spent the last five years ensuring the family restaurant, Lombardi’s, thrives. It’s pretty sad that the closest he’s gotten to cuddling is nearly being arrested by a ridiculously hot cop with a hard-on for speed limits.Forty years old and sick of one-night stands and prowling the bar scene, Detective Fuller Sims goes to local Italian restaurant, Lombardi’s, one night for drinks. What he’s not looking for is the youngest Lombardi brother to talk him into his matchmaking scheme. But Fuller is tired of being alone, and Brando Lombardi insists he knows exactly where to find the man of Fuller’s dreams—his overworked older brother, Capone—the guy Fuller almost arrested a few hours earlier.Taking a chance on each other, Capone and Fuller find out that Brando might have matchmaking skills after all. When a blizzard sets its sights on the rugged Maine coast, a shouting match between the new lovers sends Fuller out into the raging storm. Can Capone find him before it’s too late?Shouting Match is book one in the exciting Amore Matchmaking series. It features four gay brothers, their eccentric mother, an ornery goat, and way too much pasta.
Too Many Chances
Lavinia Lewis - 2012
First his boiler breaks down in the middle of his shower then he learns his beloved cat would rather live with his crotchety old neighbor. But while he’s in work, at a job he hates, a phone call from the hospital gives Matt the worst news of all—his father has just passed away. When the man he’s been ‘dating’ for the past five months tells him he’s getting married to a woman, Matt doesn’t know if he can take any more bad news. Thoroughly dejected and sick with grief, he packs a bag and makes the six-hour drive home to Missouri to arrange his father’s funeral. While out near his childhood home, Matt runs into James, his ex-best friend and the last person on earth he wants to see. James was Matt’s first crush and the person who hurt him more than any other when they were just eighteen. However, James has an apology for Matt and a confession that could tilt Matt’s world on its axis. Can Matt forgive the person who broke his heart ten years ago and learn to trust him again or has he already given him too many chances?
Future Fake Husband
Kate Hawthorne - 2018
For the past seven years, Cole has dedicated himself to managing Mallory Vineyard, the winery his family owns. It’s not that he hasn’t had time for a relationship so much as he’s never found anyone he wanted to devote time to beyond the initial getting to know you stage. But that all needs to change—and fast—because if Cole wants to inherit the vineyard, he needs to be married. Rhett Kingston is about to have a new life dropped into his lap. What started out as a night of lonely drinking in a local bar ends with Rhett agreeing to "fake marry" his twin brother’s best friend. Rhett will act as the perfect future fake husband for Cole and, in turn, Cole will help Rhett launch the event planning business he’s always dreamed of owning. Before they know it, their totally fake relationship is tangled up with completely mutual desire. After a destination wedding forces Cole and Rhett into the same bed, sparks fly and fictional feelings escalate and threaten to turn into something very, very real and more than either of them bargained for.
Anticipating Disaster
Silvia Violet - 2019
Oliver hates cold weather, sports, and socializing, but he loves his grandmother, so when she organizes a family reunion at a ski lodge in Wyoming, he reluctantly agrees to go. He promises her he’ll take one ski lesson, though he plans to spend as much time as possible in his room. After a registration mix-up places Oliver in a children’s lesson, a hot stranger comes to his rescue and offers to teach him. Oliver indulges in all kinds of fantasies about the tall, outdoorsy man, even ones including Oliver’s biggest secret, the satin and lace he likes to wear under his jeans. The mention of a past girlfriend makes Oliver assume his fantasy man is straight until the man starts making innuendos and looking at Oliver with heat in his eyes. David has never been one for casual hookups. For the last few years, he’s focused all his energy on starting his own business, but now he’s ready to make a real connection with someone. As he gets to know Oliver, he realizes there’s the potential for something special between them. Most people see Oliver as a nerdy guy who talks too much when he’s nervous and knows far too many trivial facts. David sees the real Oliver, a man bursting with creativity and intelligence who needs someone to show him how special he is. Just because David hasn’t been with a man before doesn’t mean he hasn’t wanted to. Can he start a relationship when Oliver’s only staying in Wyoming for a week? David plans on spending every moment he has convincing Oliver that David can keep him warm, no matter what the weather—or the world—sends their way.
Boy Shattered
Eli Easton - 2018
I swear. I had everything—school quarterback, popular with girls, and my dad was proud of me. I told myself it didn’t matter no one knew the real me. And then I nearly died. Landon saved my life. He’s the bravest guy I know. He came out a few years ago, proud and fierce, and he ran into gunfire to help others. Me, I’m a mess. Can’t even stand to be in a room with the curtains open. But here’s the thing about losing it all: You get a chance to start over and be someone new. Only how can I move on when the two shooters who attacked our school were never caught? And why do I feel like I’m still in the crosshairs? Landon Will you kiss me? When I came across Brian Marshall,the hottest guy in school, dying on the cafeteria floor, I did what anyone would do. I tried to save him. His request surprised me, but I figured he needed comfort, so I kissed him on the forehead. When he survived and came back to school, he was broken in body and mind. He still needed me, and soon we were unlikely besties. But what I saw at school that day woke me up. I want to demand action on gun control, lead protests, raise my fist. I’ll tear the world down if I have to. And if I can get the man of my dreams and save the world at the same time? I’ll take it. Only I didn’t understand that the horror at Jefferson Waller High wasn’t over.
Up and Coming
Andrea Dalling - 2016
Emmett Cross doesn't have time to date. A college quarterback on a path to turning pro, he can't afford distractions, especially with the academic challenges he faces. When he's blindsided by a growing attraction to his friend Jake, he fights it—rumors that he's bisexual could wreck his draft prospects. But he can't stop thinking about the cute blond with the warm heart and gentle smile. Biochem major Jake Schott has had a straight-boy crush on Emmett since freshman year. Emmett's cool logic is the perfect complement to Jake’s sensitive nature. He’s sure nothing can come of his longing—until a scorching kiss turns desire into hope. Although the tall, sexy athlete with the trim waist and thick biceps denies that there’s a chance for them, his lustful looks and stolen touches tell a different story. Passion ignites between them, but Emmett insists on hiding the relationship. When their secret threatens to come out, will Emmett give up Jake to protect his career? Or will he risk everything for love? This steamy friends-to-lovers, straight-to-bi M/M romance is for a mature audience. It's a full-length novel with a happy ending and no cliffhanger. Previously published—expanded edition
Country Cop, City Boy
Mia Terry - 2018
He’s excited to be part of a rural community, even knowing that eligible gay men are going to be thin on the ground.Giving up his love life is one thing, but he doesn’t expect the outright hostility he receives from the local police officer. Jai can’t help but wonder if he made a mistake taking a job so far from home. Sgt. Luke McClain definitely doesn’t want to desire Jai. Luke long ago decided being gay wasn’t an option as long as he was a country cop in a small town. It’s easier to be rude to the attractive radiographer—until some painkillers and a slip in Luke’s tightly held control reveal too much. Jai decides the closeted cop needs a friend who knows his secrets. With no other likely candidates around, Jai pushes his friendship on prickly Luke. When friendship turns to something more, both men have to decide whether their histories and fears for their futures are worth giving up hot sex and possibly love. Country Cop, City Boy is a 72,000-word m/m romance with its own happily ever after. It contains a sexy use of satin pillowcases, a trip to Sydney’s Mardi Gras, and a hot Australian cop.
Bad Company
K.A. Mitchell - 2011
It’s been thirteen years since Kellan Brooks’s father crushed Nate’s family on his climb to wealth and power. Even longer since he entrusted Kellan with the confession that he might be gay—only to have his best friend out and humiliate him to their entire high school. The last thing Nate expects is Kellan begging for his help.Breaking off his engagement to a senator’s daughter was the last straw for Kellan’s CEO father. Frustrated at being cut off, his father’s stinging words—that he wishes Kellan had never been born—still ringing in his ears, Kellan turns to Nate. In a move worthy of a corporate raider, Kellan plans the ultimate revenge. Come out as the boyfriend of the man his homophobic father betrayed.Convincing Nate to play along isn’t easy. It’s even harder to figure out why the lie feels so close to the truth.Warning: Contains old friends, old enemies, a dramatic cat rescue, soft drink references and a lot of teasing before the steamy sex. Readers are cautioned against drinking any beverage while reading to avoid accidental snorting or spraying of said beverages.
Can't Live Without You
Andrew Grey - 2016
But it hasn’t come without sacrifice. When Justin’s father kicked him out for being gay, George Miller’s family offered to take him in, but circumstances prevented it. Now Justin is back in town and has come face to face with George, the man he left without so much as a good-bye… and the man he’s never stopped loving. Justin’s disappearance hit George hard, but he’s made a life for himself as a home nurse and finds fulfillment in helping others. When he sees Justin again, George realizes the hole in his heart never mended, and he isn’t the only one in need of healing. Justin needs time out of the public eye to find himself again, and George and his mother cannot turn him away. As they stay together in George’s home, old feelings are rekindled. Is a second chance possible when everything George cares about is in Pennsylvania and Justin must return to his career in California? First they’ll have to deal with the reason for Justin’s abrupt departure all those years ago.
Fugitive Color
Z.A. Maxfield - 2010
Between secrets from his past and the fact that he's altering his paintings in his sleep, Max is worried that he's lost his mind. By the time forensic artist Sumner Ellison arrives as part of the investigation even Max can see himself in the role of "person of interest." Sumner Ellison doesn't believe that Max killed Elena, yet he isn't certain Max is entirely sane. Sumner offers Max oblivion in bed and unflinching honesty. Max takes what Sumner offers, losing himself in the younger man's body while hiding his heart from Sumner's love. When doubt pulls them apart, it takes the all of Max's passion and the purity of Sumner's faith to find answers create a love that won't fade away over time.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.