Book picks similar to
The Shattered Spell by K. Sterling
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Daddy Needs a Date
Sean Michael - 2017
He’s not complaining—he loves his daughter and the three nieces he adopted when their parents died, and he would do anything for them. He’s caught off guard when his mother and daughter decide to play matchmaker.Alex Bernot works in disaster relief, his job taking him all over the world, helping others, for extended periods of time. He’s staying with his aunt while he’s home, and she sets him up on a blind date. Finding a special someone isn’t really on his mind, but he goes to make his aunt happy.Ryan and Alex enjoy each other’s company more than either of them expected, and they soon make a second date. Their lives are complicated, though, in very different ways, and soon family needs and their jobs conspire to pull them apart. They’ll need to figure out how to work through the things keeping them apart, but first they’ll have to decide if they even want to….
Always Mine
Sloane Kennedy - 2019
Until I met the one boy who changed all that. When we were kids, Xavier Price understood horses, but somehow, he got me too. He’d made me feel like I wasn’t just the overdressed, too sensitive fifteen-year-old geek who loved math and didn’t always say the right thing. But all that changed the night he threw my trust back in my face and betrayed my family in the worst kind of way. And while I’m back in Eden to make sure my uncle’s horse ranch is operating in the black, the one thing I know I won’t have to deal with is the man who’d been on the verge of stealing my heart ten years ago. Because Xavier Price is still in prison for what he did and even if he weren’t, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to show his face in Eden ever again. Right? Xavier Wrong. That’s what returning to Eden after ten years behind bars feels like. But it wasn’t like I had a whole lot of choices. And it wasn’t like I was going to be handed any decent job offers, let alone my dream one of working with horses. But that’s exactly what happened and now that I’m foreman of Black Hills Ranch, I’m not letting this job go for anything. Not even the spoiled little rich kid I’d thought was different when he’d glommed onto me ten years ago. I have no doubt Brooks Cunningham didn’t wait long to move on to bigger and better things the second my jail cell was locked behind me, and that’s just fine by me. I’d been wrong about the sweet, emotional boy who’d had a habit of wearing his heart on his sleeve anyway. Except fate has decided to have another go at me by tossing Brooks right back into my sometimes too small world. Gone is the scrawny, stars-in-his-eyes nerd who used to do math problems just for fun. In his place is a gorgeous specimen of a man who thinks he can go toe to toe with me and once again destroy everything I’ve worked for. Not happening.
Once Burned
Alexa Land - 2018
Ignacio Mondelvano is an artist with a secret that could tear them apart. A year ago, shy, quiet Cameron had his trust shattered by a sociopath who used him to gain information on an arson case. Ever since then, Cam’s been keeping the world at arm’s length, and he didn’t start out as the most trusting person to begin with. Then Ignacio Mondelvano saunters into his life. The sexy Spanish painter could have anyone he wants. Much to Cam’s surprise, what Ignacio wants is him. What begins as a bit of harmless fun at a charity bachelor auction soon turns into so much more. But when secrets are revealed and Cam’s trust is shaken, can their love survive? Or has Cam been burned too badly to believe in second chances? This gay romance is approximately 63,000 words. Once Burned is part of Alexa Land’s Firsts and Forever Series, but it can be read as a standalone. Please note: contains explicit sex and is intended for adults only.
Ricochet
Reese Knightley - 2018
What he didn’t plan on is losing his heart to a man who is sworn to protect him. Battle scarred US Marshal Robert “Mac” Mackenzie has a job to do, and guaranteeing the safety of Noah Bradford is at the top of that list. Mac will do whatever it takes to keep Noah safe, even if it means walking away. Mac and Noah, brought together during extreme circumstances, have been separated by evil. It's been six years, give or take, and Noah is coming for vengeance against the men who killed his mother. He's on a collision course with Mac, who has no idea of the man Noah has become. Sparks fly and the heat sizzles when these two powerful men are reunited, but will they survive the passion the past created?
A Nothing Special New Year
A.E. Via - 2021
Officer Ellis Mason has worked as a beat cop on the streets of Atlanta for over eight years, and he knows what it takes to survive them. But when Lieutenant Godfrey and his infamous narcotics task force issue a dire warning about a lethal drug that’s coming to the city, Mason finds himself fighting a war he’s not trained for, with God pushing him beyond his limits. Mason and his partner are both on high alert, but the moment he stops the tall, handsome drifter who wandered into town—with the saddest brown eyes he’s ever seen—Mason knows he doesn’t belong. Jesse Holstrom is lost and possibly in trouble, but Mason’s instincts tell him that it isn’t the drug-dealing kind. Every night that Mason patrols by and sees Jesse huddled on a park bench, cold and alone, it pulls at his heart a little more. Mason doesn’t know how the young man ended up homeless and lost in his neighborhood, but when Jesse ends up on God’s radar, Mason knows he doesn’t have long to find out. Mason promised himself he wouldn’t let a good thing slip through his fingers again… not this year.
His Truth
Riley Hart - 2018
Leo Mancini was the son of a judge. Roman Cipriani the son of a criminal. So different, yet as they shared stolen kisses and secret moments, they fell in love. One day they would run away together, have the future they deserved, because no one loved Leo like Roman did, or Roman like Leo did. But before they could make their dreams come true, their future was viciously stolen and their lives changed forever. Roman has spent the last twelve years repressing the trauma in his past, trying to pretend it didn't exist, until even he believed his own lies. Leo won't let himself forget what happened because he doesn't ever want to be that person again. He won't become the man his father wanted him to be or the guy who gets hurt when he lets someone in. But in that split second when their eyes meet again, everything changes. Despite Leo's anger and Roman's denial, the connection they shared as teens is still there, too powerful to deny. Now, when their moments don't have to be stolen, they cling to what they've always craved--each other. Roman and Leo aren't kids anymore, though--they can't lock themselves away from the world and pretend nothing exists but each other. A trauma like Roman suffered doesn't just go away, but now that Roman accepts his truth, can the two of them escape their demons before they destroy Roman and Leo a second time? Possible triggers: violence and homophobia
Something Like Heaven
Susi Hawke - 2021
As a guardian angel, Nikolai has one job—to protect his charge. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. Follow the Corporate manual and watch over the charge in his care to the best of his ability. Which isn’t a problem since following the rules is what he does best. Until now. Until this charge. Until Nikolai begins to… feel. Nikolai is stunned when he first experiences human emotions. The next shocker comes when he falls in love with his own charge—his Jonathan. Whether or not to save Jonathan when his life is at risk isn’t even a question, neither is sacrificing his grace to make it happen. This 26k short read novella is the prequel for an upcoming series. Watch out for an adorable demon, dreams coming true, and the biggest shocker two cis males could never expect to receive. Yes, this is an mpreg story! I hope you find all the heart and laughter you can expect from Susi Hawke.
Rise from the Ashes
Noah Harris - 2017
Adam Miller doesn’t have an exciting life. But then, he’s never wanted one. He’s happy to play his small part in the world. He’s a cog in the machine, sure, but an important one that keeps the machine running. He’s happy to remain in the background, a mid-level employee with a cramped cubicle and an amiable friend to those in his pack. But his habit of not making waves also means that he must keep an integral part of himself hidden from those he calls family. Despite being shrouded in secrecy, Adam’s love life takes a distinct turn for the better when he meets Joshua Wetmore. Like the rest of Adam’s life, his romance with Josh appears to be quietly progressing right on schedule. Their sweet courtship is born just as Adam’s pack asks him to step forward into the demanding leadership role of Alpha. Adam struggles to prioritize his developing relationship with Josh, while still keeping their connection private. The spotlight on him is bright, and his secret might be the spark that ignites the tinder of discontent within his pack. As Adam’s doubts about whether he’s truly meant for the Alpha role haunt him, his pack’s safety is threatened by impending turf war. And his seemingly easy going new boyfriend brings his own set of dangerous complications. As the stakes get higher and higher, Adam must find the courage to rise to the occasion. With his pack, with Josh and with himself. Rise from the Ashes is an M/M paranormal romance that explores the boundaries we construct for ourselves and the determination and heart required to break them down. Expect sexy scenes and heartrending emotion as Adam and Josh are called to risk it all for love.
Second Chance
E.M. Leya - 2015
There was nothing that would ever come between them… Until something did. Refusing to watch the man he loves marry someone else, Conner leaves town to focus on his own life and career, but he's never forgotten the one person who has always meant the most to him. Ten years later, Conner is back to care for his mother, bringing him face to face with Kendal and emotions that never died. Kendal has spent his life focused on his job, but now, as a single father, there are new fears and worries that risk pulling the two friends apart once again.
The Last Thing He Needs
J.H. Knight - 2014
Since he was fifteen years old, he's managed to keep the children fed and out of foster care. It takes up every ounce of his energy and the last thing he needs is romance complicating his life further. Rookie cop Bobby McAlister doesn't belong in Tommy’s harsh world, but Tommy can’t push him out. As their unlikely friendship turns into a tentative relationship, they weather the daily storm of Tommy’s life with a lot of laughs and more than a few arguments. Tommy isn't used to trusting outsiders, and he's never asked for help in his life. But when a tragedy strikes the O'Shea family and threatens everything he's fought for, he'll have to learn to do both to recover from the brutal hit.
His Brother's Keeper
Ali Katz - 2010
Life couldn’t be more perfect. Enter Jess’s little brother, Teddy.A kid is the last thing the lovers need, especially a sullen, troubled teen with far too much baggage, but Teddy needs them, and when life throws a curve, real men swing.A kid in the house, however, means getting together is no longer just a matter of wrestling to see who’s going to top, or stashing little bottles of lube in convenient places. It takes innovation: they haven’t tried the laundry room in the garage yet. And discretion: it's hard to be discreet if your lover crows when he comes.Still, watching Teddy bloom makes the daily challenges worthwhile. They manage, and their little family is just beginning to take on a healthy new shape when Teddy is viciously attacked and Sal comes under suspicion.Now, where and when take second place to if and but. The ultimate test begins as they fight to hold fast to love and family while merciless forces work to rip them apart.Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.
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.
Bad Boy Babysitter
Liam Kingsley - 2018
A bad-boy omega babysitter. Could they be fated mates? Handsome alpha wolfshifter Gideon had his youth stolen by an arranged, loveless marriage, and despite his affluent lifestyle and a son he loves dearly, there’s something missing. Enter omega Ryan, who is anything but affluent. When Gideon calls on the tasty young bad-boy to babysit Gideon’s son Noah, a spark between them ignites, but will the flames burn bright enough to overcome their differences? Animalistic lust runs deep between these two opposites in The Alpha’s Babysitter, a 50,000-word gay paranormal wolfshifter mpreg tale. Intense sexual content makes this slow-burn gay romance a story intended only for adults.
Bound in Blue
Spencer Spears - 2016
After years of falling for men who break his heart, Liam would rather go to bed alone than risk getting hurt again. But when a handsome policeman saves Liam’s life, it’s harder than usual to just walk away.
“Is there anything I can do?”“Could you stay with me tonight?”
Detective Mike Jeffries is a damaged man, reeling from the death of his partner and lover 8 months ago. After growing up in the projects, he joined the NYPD to make the world a better place; these days, all he can see is what’s wrong with it. But meeting Liam reminds him that some things are worth fighting for.
“Part of me wonders if I’m broken, for wanting what I want. But I don’t feel broken when I’m with you.”
Something about Liam makes Mike want to protect him, but Mike has secrets he needs to share if he’s going to keep Liam in his life. Liam yearns to surrender to Mike’s strength, but his painful past has taught him to guard his heart. Can they learn to trust the undeniable force between them, or will their fear of falling tear them apart?Bound in Blue is a 45k steamy romance with hurt/comfort themes and light BDSM elements (no sadomasochism). A no cheating, no cliffhanger stand-alone with an HEA ending.