Book picks similar to
Hollywood Lighting by J.V. Speyer
mm
m-m
contemporary
dnf
Whiskey Dreams
Sam E. Kraemer - 2021
Will history destroy their ballad, or can two beautiful souls sing in tune?Country music star Kelso Ray Anderson found the passion he craved in his songs. Rejected by his religious family because of his sexual orientation, he regrets his painful visit home just before a massive European tour. But when he encounters his brother’s handsome friend who was his adolescent crush, he’s captivated by the melody stirring in his heart.Tanner Bledsoe’s hopes were broken in prison. Determined to make the most of an opportunity offered by an old high school buddy, he never expected to blush like a teenager when he’s re-introduced to his pal’s magnetic brother. Falling hard and fast for the striking musician, Tanner’s terrified his wrongful incarceration will be a devastating deal-breaker.Hellbent on giving their budding relationship a chance despite his looming international concerts, Kelso pours his musical soul into his troubled new man. But Tanner is torn apart by the agonizing choice between a once-in-a-lifetime love and doing what’s right to protect his partner’s dreams.Will their undeniable spark find its place in loving harmony?Whiskey Dreams, On the Rocks is the touching first tale in the On the Rocks M/M contemporary romance series. If you like captivating characters, sweet attractions, and tortured choices, then you’ll adore Sam E. Kraemer’s delicious escape.
Prodigal
T.A. Moore - 2020
Now he’s back… or is he? Boyd Maccabbee has spent his life second-guessing his actions on that fateful day. What if he’d done something differently? Maybe Sammy would have made it home safe and never become Cutters Gap’s most tragic famous son. Or would it have been Boyd who was never seen again? When the police find new evidence on the disappearance, Boyd hopes to finally get some answers. The last thing Morgan Graves needs is to be dragged into some old case about a missing kid. He doesn’t know why police hit on his DNA, but he’s not Sammy Calloway. He thinks he’d remember being kidnapped. He knows he’d remember firefighter Boyd. Drawn into the complex web of suspicion, grief, and anger that has knit Cutters Gap together in the years since Sammy’s disappearance, Morgan struggles to hang on to himself when everyone already assumes they know him. And somewhere, the truth about Sammy Calloway is waiting.
Morning My Angel
Sue Brown - 2016
Used to working in sole charge of his well-honed team, he clashes heads with the handsome, but pompous Cal, his UK co-operator and superior. Josh’s gut tells him something is wrong. He’s being kept out of the loop and Cal’s agenda is running on a different path.He also has a personal issue to deal with. He’s involved in a cyber-relationship with “Charlie”, an unknown man who connected with Josh by accident. Their banter has led to deeper respect and a sexual interest, but now Josh is faced with a growing attraction to Cal. Between this conflict and the tension of the mission, Josh’s heart and head are overworked and confused. Things can’t get much worse.Then Josh discovers the enemies he’s seeking have a new target: him.
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*
Splinter
E. Davies - 2017
Being a caretaker of his corner of the Smoky Mountains makes him almost okay with having to be on Earth. More importantly, this deep in the woods, Nico's practically a hermit at a remote ranger station. Sure, he has good friends in nearby Knoxville, but he's otherwise free from petty drama and broken hearts... until Deen enters his world.Caught in a compromising position by relentless paparazzi, rock star and international playboy Deen Jayse barely escaped with his career intact. He needs image rehab and a break from fame. His manager strongly suggests a stint in the Smokies, promoting national parks and being wholesome. Which would be a lot easier if Nico weren't there in his sexy park ranger uniform.Nico already has his hands full with arsonists at the park without Deen adding to his workload. He thinks he has to babysit a spoiled celebrity, but when he catches a glimpse of the man behind the persona he sees something he can't resist. They've both experienced the isolation of fame, and while their loneliness brings them together, their worlds threaten to tear them apart. Deen can't just drop everything to go live in the mountains, and Nico can't abandon them... After a taste of being together, how can they possibly face a future apart?Splinter is a standalone gay romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhanger. Book #2, Grasp, will be available August 22nd!
Conspiracy Theory
Elle Keaton - 2019
Right?Bitter and dispirited after years investigating homicides, Niall Hamarsson heads for the only place he’s ever called home.A body is discovered in the waters off Piedras Island and Mat’s first priority is investigating the murder. He doesn’t need the help of the ex-detective, what he wants from the man is entirely different.Detective Niall Hamarsson remembers Mat Dempsey, but he’d prefer to avoid him.Too bad Mat is one piece of his past Niall can’t escape…Their chemistry is electric, and two heads are better than one, but will Mat’s pride get in the way?Conspiracy Theory is a dual POV about a broody introvert and a somewhat patient Sheriff--It’s hard to come in from the cold when that’s all you've known. Veiled Intentions is a series following the same couple as they grope their way to their happily ever after.
Tainted Life
Mel Gough - 2018
Desperate to forget his sorrows for a while, Pete seeks refuge in a Soho bar where he is approached by a sexy, funny, and clearly interested stranger. Photographer Liam Jackson is just the ticket for one oblivious night of perfect passion. However, their attraction proves too intense for a one-night-stand. To his surprise, Pete finds that he’s game for something more – but his baggage soon gets in the way. Then Liam’s own dangerous secrets claw their way to the surface, and threaten to derail the budding romance. Is their growing bond strong enough to weather the violent storms ahead? A sweet and angsty m/m romance novella.
Protecting Elliot
Sloane Kennedy - 2017
Until it wasn't.Two years after surviving a brutal attack from members of his own unit, former Special Forces soldier Cruz de la Vega has found new purpose working for an underground vigilante group that offers justice when the law can't. When he's assigned to figure out who attacked a local gay rights activist, Cruz expects it to be just another job.But when it comes to protecting Elliot Wittier, he soon learns that the last thing he wants is for the intriguing young man to be just another job.At twenty-five years old, Elliot Wittier is well on his way to having the perfect life. As the head of a hugely successful investment firm and the founder of a prominent foundation, he should be on top of the world.But looks can be deceiving and Elliot knows how to play the game. With the fear of failing the two most important people in his life always at the forefront of his mind, Elliot keeps an iron-grip on the control that has served him so well in the past. But when a violent attack leaves him vulnerable, Elliot's carefully constructed world starts to fracture. As he struggles to keep the threat under wraps, he's thrown off guard when a gorgeous stranger takes an interest in him at a Halloween themed benefit. Throwing caution to the wind, Elliot decides to allow himself the freedom that being with the enigmatic Cruz de la Vega brings for just one night.But what happens when one night isn't enough? Or when the past catches up with the present? Can what two men found in each other in just twenty-four hours really last a lifetime?***Although it features several characters from my other books and is part of the "Protectors" world, Protecting Elliot is a stand-alone novella that can serve as a great way to get a feel for the Protectors/Barretti/Finding universe I've created. In regards to the timeline of events, Protecting Elliot occurs after Book 9 in my Protectors series, but it is not necessary to read any other books to enjoy this novella. I've specifically written this book to give new readers a chance to meet my guys and for loyal fans to check in with old favorites while still meeting a new couple.***
C*ck Blocked
K.C. Kassidy - 2021
As an American actor turned heartthrob, Gray rose to superstar status as a romantic lead on a popular streaming service – but it’s getting harder to hide who he really is.To his legions of female fans, he’s a handsome, single and straight man.But it’s all a made-for-TV lie.Needing a holiday during the show’s summer hiatus, Gray books a stay at a rural Ireland B&B, where he hopes the scenery and solitude will spark creativity to finish his first screenplay. And allow him time to figure out who and what he wants to be to the world.Gruff and steady Niall O’Reardon wonders if this is all life has to offer him now that he’s retired from the Gaelic football league and has taken over his family farm in Boyle, Ireland, where hard work is simply a fact of life. A place where dreams get shoveled up along with the sheep muck. He has no illusions that he’ll find the perfect love or start a family someday.Until his new handsome American B&B guest shows up, messing with his ideas on what love is supposed to be, giving him hope that he can have it all and that perfect isn’t just a fantasy.But choices must be made, and the truth has consequences. And hearts and reputations are on the line and need to be protected.
Trusting Cade
Luna David - 2016
A former Army Special Forces Captain, Cade leaves the military to create Custos Securities, a burgeoning protection agency that provides unparalleled security for both civilians and corporations across the U.S. After a string of disastrous relationships—and a narrow escape from an abusive partner—Braden Cross is finally putting his past to rest. Combining both his passion for baking and his knack for business, Braden owns the Sugar n’ Spice Café with his best friend who concocts exotic coffees and teas that pair perfectly with his decadent confections. When a stalker sets his sights on Braden, the young pastry chef’s world is turned upside down. More frightened than he cares to admit, and not knowing where to turn, Braden is relieved when Cade steps in to offer his protection. Caught up in a maelstrom of threats, break-ins, and vandalism, the two draw closer together. Braden eventually realizes that he can trust Cade with his life, but he finds himself wondering… can he trust him with his heart? Author’s Note: For those of you that prefer warnings (trigger or otherwise) for your books, please use the “Look Inside” feature to find the warnings within the first few pages. For those of you that hate warnings--don't “Look Inside” . . . Happy reading!
Wait for Me
Kris Jacen - 2017
First it wasn’t too safe to find a partner and now his schedule is a nightmare with training soldiers and deployments. Scott Ash has found where he always was meant to be after a brief bout of idealistic do-gooder after college. He loves his job as a childcare director, if he could just find someone to love – perfect might cover it. A chance meeting when Scott is doing a favor for a friend starts them on a journey that could take them to forever, it’s just a matter of waiting.
Fire and Water
Andrew Grey - 2014
His job policing the streets of Carlisle, PA, only adds to the ugliness, and lately, drug overdoses have been on the rise. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a drowning accident involving a child. Arriving on site, he finds the boy rescued by lifeguard Terry Baumgartner. Of course, Red isn’t surprised when gorgeous Terry won’t give him and his ugly mug the time of day.Overhearing one of the officer’s comment about him being shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought. His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.Red and Terry’s worlds collide as Red tries to track the source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. Together they might discover a chance for more than they expected—if they can see beyond what’s on the surface.
Right Back Where
C.E. Kilgore - 2015
Sam's ended up right back where he started - the small Texas town he swore he'd never step foot in again after making fast tracks to SMU. He's not the young, gay kid he was when he left. He has a music degree now, with no job and is about to lose his dorm room... When an old friend has him coming back to where he started, Sam struggles to deal with muddled memories and an unexpected reality. Things in Alvarado aren't exactly how he remembers them, and neither is his arch nemesis Cody Greene. The two men get stuck together by a promise, and the bitter memories that Sam had held onto for five years begin to unravel. When the dust settles, Sam and Cody have to decide if they can let go of the past to build a future.
Cake Clash
Claire Castle - 2018
When his co-worker sends in an application for him to compete on the reality baking show, Cake Clash, he’s nervous but also excited for the opportunity. Even if he secretly wishes he was competing alongside Josiah. Chef Jos, one of the youngest, renowned celebrity chefs, and a notorious recluse, is surprised when he’s asked to be a judge on the reality television baking show, but takes the opportunity as a fresh start. He’s blown away when he recognizes Finn as one of the contestants. The years separated from Finn have transformed him from Josiah Stevens to Chef Jos, and seem to disappear in the presence of his first love. Can they make up for lost time, and reconnect for love on the rollercoaster ride that is Cake Clash?
Cost of Repairs
A.M. Arthur - 2012
When he's not out walking his beat as a police officer, all he wants is peace, a manageable routine, and time to fix up his newly-purchased project home. And Samuel absolutely does not have room in his new routines for a relationship. Except a chance encounter with a handsome diner cook unexpectedly shakes his resolve. Rey King lives for his work as a short-order cook, part-time hardware salesman, and full-time handyman. He’s in debt up to his eyeballs, so he isn’t looking for complications. And the gorgeous blond cop who comes to Rey’s rescue is a complication he definitely doesn’t need. Lucky for him, Samuel feels the same way. But what starts as an afternoon of no-strings sex inevitably complicates itself, as the two men learn how deeply each other’s emotional damage goes. When Rey is seriously injured protecting a friend, their already shaky foundation cracks a little more. Samuel barely pulled his life back together after his first lover's death and falling in love again isn't part of his recovery plan. He knows renovations are always a gamble, but this one isn't about risking money—it's about Samuel risking his heart. NOTE: This book was previously published under the same title. This new edition has been lightly edited to address minor continuity problems, but the overall story is the same.