Book picks similar to
Up in Flames (Rags and Riches, #14) by E.M. Leya
crime
mystery
contemporary-mm
firefighters
Easy Does It Twice
Gianni Holmes - 2018
But Gordon’s wife is dead, leaving him with the responsibility of caring for their two teenage children. With the passing of his wife, Gordon found he was given a second chance…a new start to life. But, coming out as a gay man in his late thirties, was not easy for him. With a homophobic son who was a senior in high school and a daughter who was infatuated with her high school teacher, the same man Gordon was in love with, nothing could get worse… Or could it? When a high school in a small town in Louisiana, looking for a native French teacher accepted Beau on a contract, it was the perfect opportunity to start life over and forget his emotionally abusive boyfriend. Everything was moving along just fine for him until he met Gordon, the older father of two who was struggling to keep his family together. But worse, Gordon was struggling to finally embrace himself as a gay man. One night was all Beau wanted to show this man the beauty of accepting himself for who he was but he got more than he bargained for. He fell in love and was happy for the first time in a long while. But does happiness really last? A viral video of Beau kissing Gordon at the local community center left Beau without a job and Gordon with a whole lot of explaining to do? When his kids accused him of ruining their lives, will Gordon stand by what he felt for Beau? Will he be selfish this time and hold onto his happiness or will he return to his pretentious lifestyle to keep everybody else happy? Easy Does It Twice is a contemporary gay romance, featuring real life conflicts of coming out later in life, facing one’s children’s unfavorable reaction and difficulties faced by some instructors identifying with the LGBTQ community. If you enjoy reading stories with depth, and love ultimately conquering, you will love Easy Does It Twice.
The Lighthouse Keeper
Jason Collins - 2020
Now I’m racing to Briton Bay to put my reporter skills to work. Nicholas, the lighthouse keeper, is a rare new face in this sleepy coastal town, and his connection to my aunt isn’t the only reason I’m interested.He’s not just a neighbor I keep bumping into, he’s a former doctor with a puzzling past I’m endlessly curious about—and a face I wouldn’t mind seeing every day. It isn’t long before we feel an undeniable spark, but our relationship is a new complication. Falling in love on the job wasn’t in my plans.I owe it to my aunt to keep a clear head, but I can’t investigate when all I can think about is Nicholas. I’ll need his insights to get to the bottom of this, and the closer I get, the more I risk heartbreak for us both.As it turns out, Nicholas may be the biggest mystery of all.NICHOLAS:I wanted a fresh start, but trouble follows me.I moved to Briton Bay to escape my past. It was never the plan to make friends with the locals, least of all my elderly neighbor. Her passing is a shock, but not as much as her nephew, a reporter, arriving in town to investigate.Alex is as sharp as he is hot, and I can’t keep my eyes off him. The last thing I need right now is romance, but I have second thoughts when our investigation brings us closer than I planned. Now there’s more at stake than I ever expected.But the sooner he solves this mystery, the closer he is to leaving town forever. I should keep my heart out of it—but that’s the one thing I can’t do.The more we’re together, the more dangerous this becomes.Note to readers: This is a standalone MM romance.
The Island: The Vanished
C.J. Bishop - 2021
But they soon discover there is no rest for the weary as they are immediately faced with another crisis—missing loved ones that seemed to have disappeared into thin air. With no leads and no idea if their loved ones are dead or alive, the gangsters are desperate to dig up a single clue—anything to set them in the right direction.As the gangsters are about to lose hope, an unexpected lead takes them to the last place their loved ones were seen. With a reluctant witness and a forced confession, they are left with little to go on… until a group of strangers—in search of their own lost loved ones—provide another piece of the puzzle that ultimately leads the two clans to a place of hellish imaginations… and terrifying revelations.THE BASE... After the unexpected, violent encounter with his arch-enemy Alexander Kane, Ardan MacNamara, the founder of The Base sanctuary for child prostitution victims, finally closes the door on his dark past. His honorary adoptive father, Fabian Bloom, who also suffered horrific physical, sexual and mental abuse at Kane's hands, no longer looks over his shoulder, enjoying his new life to the fullest.But then, Ardan's three sons and their friends are kidnapped in broad daylight, only a few hundred yards away from The Base, and the two men's world collapses. Numerous search parties are organized and no stone is left unturned, but the kids are nowhere to be found. The evil force behind the kidnapping seems to be greater and more dangerous than anything Ardan and Fabian fought against.Desperate situations require desperate measures and, for the first time, the two men search for help outside their circle of traditional allies. Even if they'll find it, Ardan and Fabian are aware that, this time, they may not make it out alive.
Passion in Paradise
Jerry Cole - 2018
As kids growing up in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge neighborhood, he would go out of his way to protect her from danger. And Becca, an outspoken champion for justice and a political activist, has a knack for getting into trouble while fighting for her causes. Some of Becca’s conspiracy theories can seem a bit far-fetched, but Bryan still loves her. In turn, she has been his biggest supporter since he came out as gay. Because of Becca—and following in the footsteps of their uncle, a first responder who had been on the scene during the September 11th attacks—Bryan put his early life-saving skills to work as an emergency medical technician for the FDNY. Trouble never comes in trickles but in waves. When the family loses contact with Becca, an environmental blogger now living in Hawaii, it’s up to Bryan to investigate. He decides to take a few days off from work, and in the wake of an ugly breakup from his longtime boyfriend, he flies out to see what kind of mess Becca has managed to get herself into this time. Bryan soon realizes it goes well beyond the realm of any playground scuffle when, upon his arrival, he makes a shocking discovery: Becca is missing and her apartment has been ransacked. Despite warnings from the local authorities, Bryan refuses to stand by and not do anything to help find his sister. He launches a personal investigation into Becca’s disappearance which puts him in contact with her friend Akoni “Koni” Hoapili, an attractive native tour guide, surfer, and part-time hula dancer. With Koni’s assistance, Bryan tries to find out what happened to Becca—but will he also wind up finding new love with the irresistible, outgoing Koni? Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 75,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".
His Guardian Angel
David Horne - 2018
The next time he meets the handsome trauma nurse, he’s hiding from the world in his twin brother’s luxurious beach house, trying to heal the wounds in his soul. He still can’t wrap his mind around losing his partner on that fateful night. The last thing Caesar wants on his vacation is company. He wants to hide until he can bury his pain. He isn’t expecting to fall for anyone, either. But he can’t hide from his feelings for Lucas. Lucas Cameron has accepted his friend’s invitation to spend his holiday in Gary’s vacation home on a small island, after six years as a trauma nurse in the ER at Bellhaven General. This will be his first real vacation since he started there. He doesn’t expect Caesar Polanco, the hard-nosed police detective he had cared for on that horrific night months ago, to be his vacation neighbor. The man had made an impression on him back then, despite his injuries, and now, six months later, even his grouchiness does nothing to stop Lucas' attraction to him. Neither man is looking to start a relationship, but they’re falling for each other. Can they find common ground, despite Caesar’s overwhelming grief? Please Note: This book contains adult language & steamy adult activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 31,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger."
Undercover Lover
Peter Styles - 2017
With a sexy and wealthy boyfriend, college student Jeremiah Bird will do anything for the man he loves. But things aren't always as they seem. His handsome and rich lover is a cunning and manipulative business man, who plays by his own rules. All Jeremiah has to do is gain intel on his biggest corporate rival by feigning interest in him, and Jeremiah’s boyfriend will finally put a ring on his finger. Piece of cake. The rival, Chris Finley, may have a ton of money and a shrewd business mind, but he is nothing like Jeremiah's boyfriend. Chris is smart, sensitive, and open. As Chris and Jeremiah grow closer, one thing is clear: they belong together. But with Jeremiah's ruthless boyfriend calling the shots, they must fight for the love they've always wanted. Can they beat the corporate king at his own game? In this 50,000 word gay romance novel, two men rediscover what love really means to them. Complete with steamy scenes and hot men, this novel takes you under the covers of passion and desire. With broken families and powerful exes, these men fight for their happily-ever-after.
Accompanied by a Waltz
Andrew Grey - 2011
But Greg’s daughter Jeana has decided she’s had enough, so she rents a small apartment in Vienna for him as a Father’s Day present. Jonathon agrees to go, against his better judgment.Surprisingly, Jonathon finds the change of scenery refreshing, and he even makes a young friend in Hans, his landlady’s son. Then Hans’s older brother returns home, and Jonathon begins to truly awaken. Fabian touches something inside him, especially when the younger man takes it upon himself to woo Jonathon in full Viennese style, with a waltz. But shadows of the past and expectations for the future loom over them both and will have to be banished for their lovers’ dance to stay in step.
Small Town Christmas
Riley Knight - 2018
Andy is a small town Sheriff with a secret. For years he’s been in the closet, hiding the truth about who he really is--and this year, it’s even more important that he keep his secret hidden. His position as Sheriff is up for grabs. Jeffrey Smith is a big city businessman, and he’s only in town to secure an investment. When his luck takes a turn, he finds himself falling for the last person he should--the town’s Sheriff himself. This cozy, sexy standalone gay romance from Riley Knight is 55,000 words and intended for adult audiences only. Merry Christmas!
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.
Lust Marry Kill
K. Sterling - 2018
He's the man you can't resist. He's the voice that gives you chills and you ache to touch him. Marry. Is he the man you give your heart to? Can he ever truly be yours? Kill. Is he the man you kill? Is he next? This isn't Lake Cliff. Reginald and Paul find themselves on a very different kind of adventure and England will never be the same. Now that his secret is out and he's being forced to play the part, Reginald's not settling into his title quietly. He's determined to be his own marquess and Paul has to keep him in check while he figures out how to fit in the world of the modern rake. Is Reginald ready to make peace with his past? Can they solve the mystery of his father's murder? "It might be better if I went alone,” Reginald suggested carefully and Paul’s brows pulled together as he looked at him through the mirror. “What? Why?” He asked and Reginald’s lips twisted as he considered then rubbed his forehead. There was a tickle of anxiety and it was all over Paul’s ass. They wouldn’t be able to keep their hands off it. “There’s a very good chance it could get out of hand or a bit…sketchy,” he warned and Paul snorted as he turned back to him and hugged his chest. Reginald hissed as he straightened Paul’s arms. “The pins!” He reminded him. “Don’t pull them out or we’ll have to wait for Marco to re-pin it,” he scolded then offered him a sheepish wince. “Out of hand and sketchy is my bread and butter. It’s my happy place but I don’t know if I want you there,” he admitted and Paul blinked back at him. “You’ve got better odds on pulling a leprechaun out of your ass than walking into whatever this is without me,” he promised and Reginald swore as he scrubbed his face with his hands. “I have a terrible feeling about this,” he said and Paul chuckled as he poked at the items on the tray. “Definitely not going alone,” he stated firmly and Reginald swore as he slapped his hand away and reached for a pure white velvet pocket square. He presented it dramatically before folding it then slid it into the pocket on Paul’s chest. “I won’t be in any danger but you might,” he said as he left just enough of the white showing. “I’ve ran just about every type of undercover operation imaginable and survived your employer, I can handle whatever this party thing is,” Paul said and Reginald hummed in amusement. “It’s going to require all of my focus just to keep you from getting mauled. A gorgeous, impeccably built, circumcised American in a tuxedo this exquisitely tailored…”
Heat
R.J. Scott - 2014
Can Lewis and Devon overcome their mutual dislike to fight for Laurels and their lives?
Betrayal and grief have left Master Chef Lewis Mandineau a broken man. As the primary carer for his sister, injured in the crash that killed their parents, she is his priority, and nothing will stop him from creating a safe place for her to call home. But, when an ex-lover embezzles from the company accounts, his fragile hold on life disintegrates. However hard he works, he can't balance the books and his only solution is to sell the family restaurant to an American hotel chain.
Hard-headed businessman, Devon, heir to the Trelawney Hotel empire, is sent from the US to assess the viability of Laurels. Debts swamp the restaurant, and his first reaction is to sell the real estate and call it a financial win for his family. He understands tradition, but sentiment has no place in his business plans. Until he meets innocent Rachel with her love of beautifully simple things, and Lewis, who shows him that anything is possible with enough love.
Temptation Ranch
Jodi Payne - 2021
So when he heads out to his favorite neighborhood gay bar for a more casual Friday night, he’s looking to drink, dance with his friends, and maybe have a little sexy fun on the side. Tad certainly doesn’t expect to run into a man like Strait McMasters, a stunning, deep-voiced, stoic cowboy who seems to be everything Tad wants in one studly package. Billionaire Strait intends to have a drink in honor of a friend who passed away when he stops in at the bar, but he’s not one to question his gut, and his instinct says that Tad, the young man with the unruly blond hair, is worth a second look. When their one-night stand turns into a several-day binge, Strait knows he’s found something special, and he hopes to keep it. Tad is sure Strait can give him a stern look and a firm hand if only Tad can find the right way to tell him what he needs. Strait, meanwhile, isn’t sure Tad is ready for what it means to be part of his life, which includes a private island and full-time security. Will they find a way to truly understand each other, or is this temptation short term?
Romantic Renovations
Blake Allwood - 2020
When this surprising success is jeopardized by an unscrupulous costar, his world begins to crumble until coming face to face with his new costar, the muscle-bound and ridiculously handsome Leslie Cooper.Just as things are heating up between Les and Bennett, Bennett's abusive past emerges. But this time, it puts both their lives in jeopardyWill Bennett’s will to survive, and Les’s inner strength be enough to keep them alive and save their fragile relationship?