Book picks similar to
Cozy by L.A. Watson
mm
m-m
romance
contemporary
Wild Pitch
Sloan Johnson - 2015
The day he acknowledged to himself that he was gay was also the day he vowed to stay in the closet in order to chase his dreams. The problem is, he never counted on Mason Atley.Sean showed rookie short stop Mason Atley the ropes, both on the field and off. The two forged a friendship which continued as both of them moved through the ranks of the farm system and into the majors. Unfortunately, there’s always been one secret Mason never felt he could share with Sean. Until now.For seven years, Sean lived with the fact that he loved a man who would never reciprocate. When Mason admits that he’s always known he’s bisexual but has never allowed himself to pursue a relationship with a man, will Sean be able to put aside his reservations about starting a relationship with the friend he’d always assumed was straight? And more importantly, will they be able to find a way to stay together when their careers keep them apart more than they can be together?
The Visit
Megan Erickson - 2016
Bonus short: Dominic and Luke's visit to see Garrett and Kai.
Love You So Hard
Tara Lain - 2013
He was wearing that damn T-shirt and now I can't get it out of my head. I'm thirty-two years old and have never topped in my life. Guys seem to think I have a sign on my forehead that says “bottom only”. The one time I asked, it didn't go well. But now it seems I see this kid, he's twenty if he's a day, everywhere, and that T-shirt text is burned in my brain. I wonder...Can be any genre you like, and as explicit as you like. I'm not too fussy, but a first time top should be fun.Photo Description: The slim, taut torso of a young man from neck to hips wearing a T-shirt that says “I Would Bottom You So Hard”Genre:contemporaryTags:first time top, age gap, gaining self-worth, bottom you so hard, younger teacher/older student, beautiful boyWord count:20,237This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Stay with Me
S.E. Harmon - 2014
There's only one itty bitty problem—the guy’s not exactly gay. In fact, Jordan Channing is looking for a PI to follow his fiancée. The smart thing would be to thank Jordan for his time, turn Mr. Perfect away (don’t let the door hit you on the rump, thank you very much), and forget he exists.Of course, Mackenzie has never been accused of doing the smart thing. Being smart aleck is more his MO. Relationships aren’t up his alley, never have been. So why’s he so inexplicably drawn to his new client?Jordan has always been the high achiever, a man who lives in a focused, controlled, and carefully constructed manner. But for the first time in his life, he has to admit the impossible—another man is getting his engine running on all cylinders. Despite Jordan’s denial, it’s not long before he can no longer resist the strong undercurrents pulling them together. Now Jordan must decide if he can go against everything he’s ever known to have the only love he’s ever wanted.
In the Rough
K. Sterling - 2016
Unfortunately, his true self is a thirty-six year old man who dresses like he did in high school and has never stepped foot in a nightclub of any sort. Thank goodness for the fabulous, unflappable Mr. Wren. Handsome, confident and refined, Wren takes Hunter under his wing and vows to make him the ultimate player. Things become complicated and confusing as Hunter's makeover proves a little too successful and harmless flirting goes too far. Kisses were the bait Wren used to snare his prey, to melt their resistance and make them his. He perfected kissing but it was just another weapon in his arsenal, it never really did much for him. But he was trapped and melting as Hunter’s lips pressed against his and their tongues twisted and searched hungrily. Hunter’s head tilted and the kiss became deeper and Wren felt much drunker than he did minutes earlier as Hunter’s hand curved around his neck. Wren growled softly against his tongue as he eased Hunter onto his back. His hand slid down his stomach and Wren’s cock pulsed insistently against the front of his jeans. His instincts were about to take over when Hunter panted his name. Oh, no, no, no… “Shit,” Wren whispered as he sat up and leaned back. “Sorry, I got carried away,” he murmured weakly as he reached for his wine and Hunter swore under his breath as he scrubbed his hands over his face. “Yeah… That was…” His eyes were dazed as he sat up and Wren swallowed a large gulp of wine then cleared his throat. “I think it’s safe to say you don’t have anything to worry about,” he said and Hunter raised a brow. “No?” he asked and Wren nodded. “That was a very decent kiss.” Liar. That was so much more than decent. That was probably the most arousing moment of your life. Wren licked his lips and stifled a moan at the taste of Hunter’s lips and tongue. “In fact, if you were anyone else, I don’t think I would have stopped,” he said and Hunter’s lips pulled tight. “I don’t know if that’s reassuring but thanks,” he said sarcastically and Wren gave him a pointed look. “If I didn’t care about you as much as I do, I’d have you bent over the arm of this couch and be riding you like a stolen bike,” he said. “Ummm…” Hunter’s brow rose as he stared back and Wren rolled his eyes. “Tomorrow would be hideously awkward and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize our friendship,” he explained and Hunter frowned. “You don’t think it’s a little late to worry about awkward?” He asked and Wren shook his head. “Of course not. It was just a kiss,” he said and the memory of Hunter’s tongue sliding around his made his balls ache. “I only did it so you would stop worrying, it didn’t mean anything.”
The 51st Thursday
Mercy Celeste - 2012
Lost, alone, battered, and broken Shelby finds comfort in the local bar called Deacon’s Place. Week after week, he finds himself drawn to Deacon’s for the beer, for the atmosphere, for the solace and for Deacon himself. Deacon can no longer deny the desire he feels for the man he calls Thursday. When Deacon wants something Deacon is a hard man to resist. The problem is, Deacon never planned to lose his heart. Especially to a man who could be destroyed by an unexpected night of forbidden passion.
Heart Trouble
D.J. Jamison - 2016
Too bad he's given the nurse the impression he's some kind of daredevil. It couldn't be further from the truth. Gage is a college journalism instructor writing a series of guest columns that require him to jump into new experiences -- a fun bucket list, but one that does nothing to convince Ben he's not an adrenaline junkie. Fresh off his latest heartbreak, nurse Ben Griggs is wary when one of his patients shows an interest in him -- especially when that patient showed up in the ER after a motorcycle accident. Ben's ex was a biker, a friend with benefits, and he dropped Ben cold when someone more interesting came along. Ben isn't the kind of guy who can hold the interest of an adrenaline junkie like Gage Evans for long. The last thing he wants is to lose his heart to the wrong man again. The more Ben gets to know Gage, the harder he is to resist. He can only hold on for the ride and keep his guard up as much as he can. But Ben's lack of trust seriously gets in the way of building a relationship, and Gage will only be patient so long. Can he trust Gage enough to give his heart, or are they destined to have a fling that goes nowhere? This is a spin-off from the Ashe Sentinel Connections series, where Ben appears briefly in the book "Hard Press." It can be read as a standalone. A previously published alternate cover version of ASIN B01M0DE5N4 can be found here.
Mr. Pretend
Octavia Zane - 2018
With a huge family reunion coming up at the end of the week, he decides to out himself for good by bringing his boyfriend along. The only problem is . . . he doesn’t have one. Taylor is thrilled when his handsome older boss offers him one thousand dollars to pretend to be a couple in love for an afternoon. But as sparks begin to fly between them, Taylor doesn’t have to fake his feelings. It breaks his heart that this is just business for Dawson, or is it?
What If It's Us
Becky Albertalli - 2018
If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?But what if it is?
All the Stars
Duckie Mack - 2021
He’s content with random hookups because dating means too much. That’s reserved for the one person he knows he can never have, his best friend, Cameron.After watching his own family fall apart, Cam longs for someone who will stick it out through thick and thin. He’s had a string of girlfriends that never seem to be the right one. The one person he can always count on is Rider.One night out changes everything between them. When Rider ends up telling Cam the secret he’s been hiding, Cam is left reeling. But will an accident end Cam’s chances to figure out what it means for them?All the Stars is a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and finding the one that was right in front of you all along. The Love Bank Romance series features sweet LGBTQ love stories with a little heat.
Let There Be Light
A.M. Johnson - 2018
Hard work and drive kept Royal O'Connell one step ahead of his competition. His spot on the swim team, keeping his scholarship, was the only plan that mattered. His world was ebony and ivory. Natural talent and ambition set Camden Morgan apart from the other music majors. His dedication scoring him a full ride. Normally, their paths would have never crossed….But when Royal meets his best friend's new roommate, his big plan and Camden’s controlled environment faces a variable that could destroy it all. Attraction. The world they live in had no room for error. That undeniable pull between them was dangerous and neither one of them could've prepared for the choice they'd have to make. Love isn't always an easy road and, when everything they've worked for is on the line, they'll have to decide if being together is worth the risk. Let There Be Light is a full-length standalone.
Pickup Men
L.C. Chase - 2013
Sometimes loving someone just isn’t enough, and after a year of hiding what they are, Marty finally sees the light—and it’s no longer shining on Tripp.Tripp Colby would do anything for Marty. Well . . . almost. He’s never loved anyone before, and isn’t quite sure how to handle it now. But he knows Marty is his everything, and in order to win him back, Tripp will have to overcome his darkest fears and step into the light.But no matter Tripp’s intentions, the cost might be too high and the effort too late for these two cowboys to ride off into the sunset.
Adam's Song
Spencer Spears - 2017
But since when do I say no to bad ideas?
Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented. We moved to New York after college to break into the music business and of course Ben got signed by a major label—they’d be stupid not to want him. But even though he’s a famous popstar now, he still wants to be friends with a nobody like me. Honestly, if he didn’t want me falling for him, he should have been less goddamn perfect.Well, except for the part where he’s straight. Did I forget to mention that?In my defense, responsible decision-making has never been my strong suit. Case in point—collapsing on stage, guitar in hand, after discovering my then-boyfriend, now-ex was cheating on me, and downing a bottle of bourbon in response. But I’m cleaning up my act—no more hiding in the closet and no more bad life choices. But that also means no more waiting around for the day Ben magically decides he likes di…sgustingly sappy guys with secret crushes on him (aka me).So why did Ben have to pick now to make me question everything I thought I knew about us?
“I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you right now. When I see you, something inside me lights up.”
Ben: It’s not like I planned this. I was on tour when Adam collapsed back in New York and he wouldn’t even let me come home early to visit him. But that’s Adam for you—brilliant, breathtaking, and pathologically afraid of vulnerability. All I wanted was to be there for him—and him coming out didn’t change that in the slightest. Yeah, I couldn’t help seeing him a little differently. And no, I couldn’t quite explain why I was suddenly noticing the curve of his back, the freckles on his cheeks, or wondering what his lips tasted like. But whatever weird awakening I was having, Adam needed support, not more confusion.And then I kissed him. Whoops.And I know it’s fast. I know it’s unexpected. I know my label would be livid if they found out I was dating a guy. But I also know—deeply and inexplicably—that this could be something real. I just have to convince Adam of the same thing. Beautiful, broken Adam who looks at the world through 14 layers of irony. Adam, who’d rather get an appendectomy than admit that he needs someone. Adam, who still doesn’t know all of my secrets.So do I convince him to risk everything—on me?Adam’s Song is Book 1 in the 8 Million Hearts series. While each book can be read on its own, they've even more fun to read together. Adam’s Song is a 120,000 word m/m romance full of snark, sweetness, and a healthy serving of steam. Friends-to-lovers and hurt/comfort themes. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed HEA.
Straight Boy
Alessandra Hazard - 2014
When his cellmate offers him protection, Sage accepts the offer, even though he doesn't trust the guy. Little does he know how much it will change his life.When he's released from prison, Sage finds himself needing and wanting things he shouldn't want. Sage is straight. He really is. He has a girlfriend. What happened in prison stayed in prison--or so Sage tells himself.Until he meets his former cellmate again. Xavier. The guy he hates and craves.This short novelette contains explicit language and very steamy M/M sex. For mature audiences only. ~12,500 words
When One Door Opens
J.D. Ruskin - 2012
At first Logan thought those three simple rules would be easy to follow. But that was before he accepted a side job assisting his boss’s housebound agoraphobic nephew, Caleb.Caleb is deceptively normal for a guy who hasn't left his apartment in three years, and his friendly, caring personality tugs on heartstrings Logan didn’t know he had. But hitting on his boss’s nephew is asking to be unemployed. Logan has enough problems with booze on every corner and a supervisor trying to jump into his bed. He doesn’t need to work out how to free Caleb from the anxiety that keeps him in his apartment; he needs to keep his nose clean, attend his AA meetings, and make a fresh start—alone.If only his heart would get with the program.