Book picks similar to
Who We Used to Be by Dara J. Nelson
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m-m
second-chance
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A May-December
Romeo Alexander - 2019
The quiet, small town of Higbee is the perfect place to see the upcoming Northern Lights. People from all over the country are flocking in droves to see the brilliant cosmic show as the town celebrates this remarkable event. Matthew Cole has a reputation as a respectable, hardworking business owner and he’d like to keep it that way. In a town where the pace of change is slow, and the people are close, he brushes off questions about his love life, and gossip about when he’s going to settle down and find a wife. Matthew however, can’t bring himself to tell the town that it’s not a wife he wants. That all changes when aspiring artist, Skye, comes to town to see the Northern Lights. Arriving ahead of his friends to find a prime spot to view the display, an accident sees him staying on Matthew’s couch. Skye’s vibrant, liberal attitude sits poorly with the reserved and conservative Matthew until the two of them find their growing bond brings feelings that could ruin everything Matthew has worked hard for. As the time for the Northern Lights approaches, both men will have to face not only their growing feelings for one another but the consequences of choosing love.
Blow Me
Mari Thorne - 2020
That was, until he kissed me at my graduation party and I freaked out, ran away, and didn’t come back for three years. Now I’m home, conflicted about my future, and determined to repair our broken friendship, though it seems he’ll never forgive me for hurting him.Aaron: Three years ago, I made a huge mistake. I kissed my friend at his graduation party. My very straight friend that I had a huge crush on. Because I couldn’t keep my lips to myself, he ran away and ghosted me. Oh well, his loss, right? Since then, I’ve moved on with my life, or so I thought.Brady’s back in town, and I don't want anything to do with him. Then, he kisses me, leaving me reeling once again. But that doesn’t mean I plan on forgiving him. I didn’t think I’d find myself in a position to need his help, though. When he steps up to help my brass band out, he’s in my life again whether I want him there or not.Blow Me is a 55,000 word friends-to-lovers novel about finding your soulmate through music, the unbreakable bond of high school band, forgiveness, and choosing what makes you happy. It features a bisexual awakening, humorous moments, steamy scenes, a small-town brass band, a pug named Petunia, and trumpets.
More Than Words
T.T. Kove - 2015
Or is it?I’m tired. Tired of being bullied, ignored, and tired of my dysfunctional parents. I clean out my locker, so no one else has to do it for me once I’m gone. But when someone knocks my books out of my hands, it sets off a motion of events that makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before.Andreas is the best friend of one of my bullies, but he’s nothing like any of them. He’s kind and compassionate and charming—and he doesn't seem to mind my scars. When he reveals he’s bisexual and interested in me, it all seems too good to be true.But who am I to look a gift-horse in the mouth? It’s not like I can’t postpone my plans, after all, and go along with him for as long as he’ll have me.
Redemption
Garrett Leigh - 2020
When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness.
The Boy Next Door
Kate McMurray - 2011
Jase had starred in many of Lowell's teenage fantasies, but Lowell is convinced Jase is straight. And yet, as they rekindle their friendship, it begins to look like Jase might not be so straight after all.
Jase has problems of his own: his troubled ex-wife has allowed him full custody of their daughter on one condition: he never exposes her to his affairs with other men. The arrangement works just fine until he starts falling for Lowell and a whole new world of possibilities opens up for him. But how can he have a relationship with a man and still keep his daughter?
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
Loving Noah
Kenna Knight - 2017
When his parents sent him away in our junior year of high school, they didn’t even let us say goodbye. It tore my heart to shreds. Years later, I still drink myself to sleep on the anniversary of his departure. Until now. I met someone online, and although he is guarded and mysterious, he makes me feel again. He is the first person since Noah that I can imagine a future with. Noah Growing up, Liam was the only bright spot in my life. If it weren’t for his friendship and protection, I wouldn’t be here today. He couldn’t be with me all the time, though, and one afternoon during our junior year of high school, a group of bullies decided I needed to be taught a lesson in the form of fists to my face and hurtful words spray painted on my car. My dad refused to accept that I was gay. Without a goodbye to my friends, he sent me to live with an aunt I never knew. I never contacted Liam after that. It was too humiliating. Now, after all these years, I may have found him, and we are meeting in person. But he doesn’t know me anymore. Will he love me when he sees what I have become? **Loving Noah is the first novel in Kenna's "Loving Series" This is a stand-alone full length Gay Romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger**
Tearing Down His Omega Walls
Ava Beringer - 2020
I just might kiss your infuriating mouth. All Alex Kugelschrieber wants is a safe, quiet bedroom free of germs. Is that too much to ask? Sure, Alex can be a little uptight. He knows he’s…intense. So is his desire for Beckett Bradley. Beckett drives him crazy. Alex doesn’t know if he should kiss him or douse him in lysol. Beckett Bradley’s a surfer dude with a knack for fixing wires. He’s happy and chill all the time—except when he’s around Alex. Beckett doesn’t know if he should claim Alex or give him a chill pill. All he knows is Alex won’t let him in, and is keeping a secret from him. What happens when the wall between their rooms comes down? Will the wall between their hearts come down, too? Will Alex solve the mystery of the killer medical corporation? Will oil and water finally mix? Will they finally see what’s been in front of them all along? This is the first book in The Omega Mansion series. I recommend reading the prequel. This book is about 58,000 words and has a HEA. 18+ readers only please! This book contains occasional strong language, MPREG, and hot, spicy grownup stuff. The omegas are heating up and the alphas are very knotty boys. Get a FREE short story when you join the newsletter family!
Twice In a Lifetime
R.M. Neill - 2021
The other crushing feelings of inadequacy.Fate knew they needed each other.DominicFor the longest time, I believed we get one shot at true love. A single person that sets our soul on fire. I had that with my wife until she died, then I was lost in a dark sea of grief. In need of companionship, I decided to adopt a dog.What I found at the shelter was so much more. Micha, the volunteer, is insanely cute and ridiculously funny. He awakens feelings within me I never knew existed. Is it possible I may get a second chance at real love?MichaLove just isn’t in the cards for some people. And I’m among those unfortunate few destined to be alone. I trusted the wrong man with my heart once and had it shattered into a million pieces. I won’t make that mistake twice. Instead, I pour every ounce of my energy into building my business and trying to convince myself I’m not lonely.But Dominic could be the one to tear down the walls I hide behind. He’s the most handsome man I ever met and unbelievably kind. I know he experienced a horrible loss. Is that what’s behind his attraction to me? Or has the connection between us led to his bisexual awakening?Twice in a Lifetime is the first book in the Sheltered Connections Series. This book involves themes of hurt/comfort, bisexual awakening, and an age gap. Swoon-worthy moments, laugh-out-loud humor, and scorching chemistry make up this 70k word story. Oh, and don’t forget the cherry flavored icing.
Favourite Hello. Hardest Goodbye.
E.S. Carter - 2020
Hardest GoodbyeEllis.I feel him.Before I even lay eyes on him, I sense him.The air in the room seems charged, my awareness of him heightened, but he is a stranger to me.Unfamiliar, yet familiar.Unknown, yet known. And something inside me says, “Hello, I’ve been waiting for you.”Macsen.I see him. I've seen him a hundred times before and I know this will not be the last, but each time I do, I feel it. That invisible tether. I remember everything.I remember him.His eyes lock with mine and then move away too quickly. I am nothing more than a stranger, another face in the crowd.While he is my favourite hello, and my hardest goodbye.
Lust & Longing
E.M. Denning - 2020
First love especially.Unfortunately for Noah Davis, it doesn’t get easier as he gets older.Noah lost Ian years ago, when life took them in different directions. Not knowing how to let go, he relied on the friends he made while living in the city. His friends helped pull him out of his despair, but it was at a club where he found himself. He threw himself into his new identity. Being a Dom gave him the control he desperately needed and helped him put the pieces of himself back together.But time changes things. Noah left the club scene behind years ago. He’s back home in Silver Springs and suddenly Ian Osborn, the one who got away, is there, too. Love isn’t easier the second time around. Noah and Ian must reconcile who they used to be with the men they are now, and it won’t be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.
Totally Trucked
B.J. Blakely - 2020
If you’re not careful, you can even fall in love.I hate relationships. It’s why I became a trucker.Long nights on the road mean you’re never in one place long enough for a guy to break your heart.But when my rig breaks down in the small town of Bear Springs, I discover my ideal life might not be so ideal after all.How can I keep truckin’ after the anonymous man at the local rest stop steals my heart?I find myself falling for him more each day, until I learn a secret about him and I can't keep pretending it's a casual fling.He's stolen my heart, but can I push past my fear of rejection and make him mine?Or will I fall flat on my face like last time, and end up totally “trucked?”Totally Trucked is an opposites attract low angst MM romance with an age gap, high levels of heat and steam, and a happily ever after that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy as "truck." It is the first in a series of four age gap novels slated for early 2021 release.
Relay
Layla Reyne - 2018
A last chance at swimming gold, a second chance at lasting love.
Team captain.Olympic medalist.Devoted son and brother.Alex has it all, and all the demands that go with being the best.The last thing he needs on his crowded plate—and on his team—is his closeted ex.Dane is swimming’s biggest star.Carefully crafted from crib to pool, his fame feeds his celebrity parents’ empire.He dropped the act once—the summer he fell in love with Alex.Ten years later, the performance is crushing his soul.So is resisting the man he still loves.As the team struggles to gel, Alex and Dane clash in and out of the pool.Forgive and forget is easier said than done.But something has to give, if Alex and Dane want a shot at gold.And a second chance at love.Team captain and team celebrity square off in this enemies to lovers, second chance MM sports romance between two elite swimmers fighting against their hearts and fighting for Olympic gold.
Schooled by the Professor
Ashlynn Mills - 2021
I planned on drowning my sorrows at the bottom of a beer or two, not in the bedsheets of one of the beautiful dancers but something about the way he moves has me nearly saying I do to the wrong person.TaylorI am never one to bring my work home with me but lastnight I found it hard to resist the sexy man in a tuxedo sitting alone at the bar. I never thought I would regret my decision of a quick fling until that fling winds up being my Chemistry professor.When lines cross between teacher and student, will they be able to put it behind them or will they be tempted to cross that line again.Schooled by the Professor is a fun and steamy 40k MM short that involves age gap, that is equally steamy as it is sweet. There is no cheating in this book. This book contains a guaranteed HEA.
A New Day
K. Sterling - 2017
The world is his but the only man he wants is about to leave. Cash Watts is old(er), wary, wealthy and ready to call it a night. “Hey!” A voice protested and Cash stopped as a hand pushed against his chest. His heart raced as his eyes clung to perfect, pouting lips before he fell into vivid blue. “Are you leaving?” He demanded and Cash blinked in confusion for a moment before he shrugged and waved over his shoulder. “This isn’t really my kind of place, believe it or not,” he offered with self-deprecating smile. The younger man’s eyes narrowed as he bit his lip thoughtfully. “Every man in this place has tried their luck but the only man I want wouldn’t take the hint and buy me a drink,” he complained and Cash’s cheeks puffed out as he pushed his hands into his pockets. “He might be bad at taking hints and really out of practice,” he admitted then bit back a groan as the hand against his chest spread and the fingertips pushed into his pecs. “Where are you going?” He asked and heat washed over Cash as the younger man’s eyes slid down his body. Cash was mesmerized as he watched the younger man’s tongue slide across his lips appreciatively. “My hotel,” he rasped. “Take me with you.” Holy shit. Cash nodded jerkily as he was turned and guided toward the door. “You’re not going to tell me your name?” He asked as he looked over his shoulder. He seemed legitimately confused and Haiden laughed. “Are you serious?” He asked. “Why wouldn’t I be serious?” Mr. Big And Brooding asked and Haiden gasped excitedly as a car stopped next to them and the driver opened the door. “It’s Haiden Day,” he said as he shoved him into the backseat. “And I’m planning to be covered in your DNA by the time the sun comes up,” he vowed as he attacked. “That’s…messy. I’m Cash,” he said then groaned as Haiden climbed onto his lap. “Wait,” Haiden said as he sat back. “Are you telling me you’re an actual cowboy and your name is Cash?” He asked and Cash nodded. “Sure. I ride horses and work with cattle,” he said slowly and Haiden couldn’t stand how excited he was. “Do you have a hat in your hotel room?” He asked as he imagined Cash shirtless, wearing a hat, tighter jeans and a pair of boots. “No. I came down to San Francisco to meet with some local restaurant and grocery store owners,” he explained and Haiden was a little disappointed. But a hot, rich cowboy was still really nice. He wound his arms around Cash’s neck and settled against his chest and there was just a breath between their lips. “You’re so sexy, Cash,” he sighed as their lips brushed and a current of warmth rushed from Haiden’s lips, down his body. “I’m sorry,” Cash whispered. His voice was gravelly as his hand curved around Haiden’s jaw and eased him back so he could see his eyes. “Are you…?” He asked cautiously and Haiden’s head tilted. “Am I what?” He asked and Cash cringed. “Are you a… An escort?” He said and Haiden’s eyes widened before his head fell back and he cackled like a madman. “That’s awesome!” He declared before he reached for the button and lowered the privacy glass. “Excuse me,” Haiden said loudly. “Yes, Mr. Day?” The driver asked and Cash’s brows jumped to his hairline.
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.