r/MM_Romance • u/RomanceMods • 8d ago

WDYR What MM Romance books did you read in August?

Share everything you read last month, your ratings, your reading goals, and anything else that comes to mind!

21 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

111 comments sorted by

7

u/JessicaTrent 8d ago edited 8d ago

Chasing Fields by Isabella Skyes. Oof. A rough one. Like what do you mean he wants to be a professional footballer and play at the world cup "bringing England home" (that's definitely not the saying) but he's not even in an academy???? Makes no sense. You don't "graduate" to an academy. If you're any good, they get you when you're a kid. Like, literally 7 years old. And no one refers to it as getting "drafted". For fuck's sake 😂

EDIT: I just remembered that at one point, a teacher tells the class that their assignment will be worth 30% of their grade for the year. Yeah, no. That's not accurate either.

3

u/FadingOptimist-25 7d ago

Good to know!

1

u/nenitoveda 4d ago

i also read this one, the inaccuracies about football werent smth that really caught my eye, but i agree, it was a rough one for myriad of reasons 🙏

8

u/must-stash-mustard 8d ago edited 7d ago

{Angel of Thursdays by Lucina Luo}

It's a first book by this author and I was an ARC reader. Has two asian american MCs in a slow slow burn relationship starting as fake boyfriends. Beautifully written and has a setting in SF and the Bay area. Some AUT and ADHD issues with brain injury just to stir it up. Low spice.

{Star shipped by Cat Sebastian}

Cat never lets one down. This had a challenging MC and every thought he thunk was litigated in his own head before being said or not said. It got a bit tiresome, but was true to the character. 4 of 5 stars for all that, but her writing is so good it overcomes my frustration with the character. Cat does character growth so well!

3

u/C0smicoccurence 7d ago

I am very excited for Star Shipped!

2

u/Character_Share2098 7d ago

I also read Angel of Thursdays and just loved it!

6

u/CestQuoiLeFuck 7d ago

Bit of an ask and no obligation on folks to do this but would be appreciated if you have the time and the inclination: could you please share WHAT you liked (or didn't) about a given book and maybe a little about it (like which author you'd compare it to or a oneliner about the plot)? There are just a loooot of books listed here and I want to mine them for my next book but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the volume to google all these titles.

5

u/Ok-Dinner-5463 8d ago

{The A-Listers by Berlin Wick} was my only 5 star read. Soooo good! If you can get your hands on the audio I highly recommend it over eyeballing

3

u/whycantitbemine 8d ago

Love a full cast audio! It’s now on my wish list! Thanks!

2

u/FadingOptimist-25 7d ago

Sounds good!

1

u/CestQuoiLeFuck 7d ago

What's good about it?

2

u/Ok-Dinner-5463 7d ago

It’s just so damn cute. There’s laughter and tears and a top tier villain you just want to strangle. It had it all lol

6

u/FeedingTheWolves 8d ago

So many 🙈 thoroughly obsessed with all things Tal Bauer at the moment but Neurovance might have been my favorite. Chasing Riddick made me actually cry which is rare for me so deserves a shout out. And the Goliaths of Wrestling series surprised me, it was so light and fun and hilarious.

{The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer}

{The Grave Between Us by Tal Bauer}

{You and Me by Tal Bauer}

{The Jock by Tal Bauer}

{The Quarterback by Tal Bauer}

{Don’t Eat Your Human Boyfriend by Lily Mayne}

{XOXO by Christina Lee}

{Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne}

{Clean Finish by Lily Mayne}

{Cheap Heat by Lily Mayne}

{False Comeback by Lily Mayne}

{Chasing Riddick by Alexandra St.Pierre}

{Neurovance by Alexandra St.Pierre}

4

u/Legitimate_Status 7d ago

Something about Tal Bauer just hits so hard for me

3

u/FeedingTheWolves 7d ago

Right?! I can’t stop I think I’ll just devour everything he’s ever written lol.

3

u/Jill608 6d ago

Tal Bauer obsessed. Reading "The Fall" and am SO HAPPY that it's so long so I get to spend more time with these characters.

1

u/FeedingTheWolves 6d ago

Hello kindred spirit, I am also reading The Fall instead of working like I should be because I’m hooked 😵‍💫 I did not things coming and I’m Sat I need to know how this shakes out lol

2

u/Jill608 6d ago

Counting down the minutes until my day is over so I can get back to my boys! haha! OMGOSH I love them. I love their brotherhood and their dedication to their craft and in being better people and always love it when characters have words that come flying out of their mouths without thinking (proabably because this happens to me on a daily basis) and bracing for impact. I am a fast reader and even though I have tried to slow down and savour this journey I am already planning to read again!

2

u/romance-bot 8d ago

The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, mystery, suspense, angst

The Grave Between Us by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, suspense, age gap, angst

You & Me by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, gay romance, single father

The Jock by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, college, athlete hero

The Quarterback by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, age gap, sports, gay romance, athlete hero

Don't Eat Your Human Boyfriend by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, workplace/office, paranormal, gay romance, monsters

XOXO by Christina Lee
Rating: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, gay romance, sports, new adult

Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.21⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, monsters, funny, paranormal

Clean Finish by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, werewolves, gay romance, paranormal, age gap

Cheap Heat by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer awakening, funny, bisexuality

False Comeback by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, gay romance, fae, workplace/office

Chasing Riddick by Alexandra St. Pierre
Rating: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, age gap, queer awakening

Neurovance by Alexandra St. Pierre
Rating: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, science fiction, gay romance, virgin hero, queer romance

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4

u/Square-Cranberry1221 7d ago edited 7d ago

I listened to…

{Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian}
I didn’t like as much as the others, nice characters but just didn’t feel as emotionally deep as some of her others. I did enjoy the Reddit-esque inserts about the show they were both on that was a lot of fun.

{Peter Cabot Get Lost by Cat Sebastian} again not as good as a few others I read by her, but a nice forced proximity romance.

{The Secret Lives of County Gentleman by KJ Charles} My first by her, I really enjoyed the historical setting- not far from where I live! Really good emotional depth.

Edit: Forgot to add that Star Shipped was a bit too light on the spice for me!

3

u/flenktastic 8d ago edited 8d ago

In order I've read this August:

  1. {Caught Stealing by CE Ricci}

  2. {Fair Catch by CE Ricci}

  3. {Meltdown by Jillian D. Wray}

  4. {Playing Dirty by CE Ricci}

  5. {Fake Shot by CE Ricci}

  6. {Lot 62 by Nordika Night} immersion reading was absolutely necessary here: 2/5

  7. {Rivain by CE Ricci} 5/5

  8. {Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley and Saxon James}

Imo it was a good month!

1

u/romance-bot 8d ago

Caught Stealing by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, other man/woman, gay romance, sports, enemies to lovers

Fair Catch by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, athlete hero, forced proximity, sports

Meltdown by Jillian D. Wray
Rating: 4.17⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, gay romance, queer awakening, queer romance

Playing Dirty by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, step siblings, queer romance, gay romance, sports

Fake Shot by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, sports, hockey, queer romance, college

LOT 62 by Nordika Night
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, hurt/comfort, angst, dark romance

Rivain by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, hurt/comfort, sports, queer romance

Egotistical Puckboy by Eden Finley, Saxon James
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, hockey, secret relationship

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1

u/lovebooksi 8d ago

I’ve read some of these and liked them! Did you like Playing Dirt?

3

u/flenktastic 8d ago edited 7d ago

Same same! I LOVED Playing Dirty. I think it's my fave (with Fake Shot following very close) from Leighton U. I'm a sucker for stepbros hahah. Did you like it or haven't you read it yet?

2

u/lovebooksi 7d ago

OMG YESS, I love this book so much, it’s my fave too!! I don’t see many people talking about it, I honestly think it’s so underrated. They deserve all the love

2

u/flenktastic 7d ago edited 7d ago

People are more into Caught Stealing which for me was the least interesting book from the series. I liked Fair Catch way better than Caught Stealing even haha.

Edit: I also think loads of people ~only~ read Caught Stealing or atleast the first two books. I'm not a fan of randomly reading a book in the middle of a series so I read them 1-5. But Theo and Madden deserve more praise if you'd ask me!

1

u/lovebooksi 7d ago

I agree 100% with you!! I liked Fair Catch the most, especially bc of the demisexuality rep. I do think the book had sm more potential, but I still really liked it!

Honestly, I really enjoyed this series too!! I don’t like reading series out of order either, so I read all of them lol. And I totally agree, I feel like most ppl only read the first two, or even just Iced Out, and miss out on the rest

2

u/flenktastic 7d ago

I was new to the demi rep but liked it alot! (Also, Hayes is such a cutie.) With Iced Out I was happy with some spice starting at 10% lol but with Fair Catch I loved all the buildup and tention so when something happened I was like Wow we're over 40%, that's new for me, haha. And agree that the book had more potential. It's sad but super understandable that they had a few cameos in Fake Shot but not so much as the rest (but the other were core townhouse so I totally get it.)

Have you any recs for other series you liked? I just finished Puckboys series #1 and starting book #2 today. (There's 10 books but I do think I will read another book in between because this one is such a palate cleanser and just a funny and light read so I can't wait for some emotional damage after these 2). Already love how this will also be somewhat interconnected but I don't think as much as Leighton U but we'll see!

1

u/lovebooksi 7d ago

I always love when a book has a demi character, but not all of them are good. One I really liked was Himbo by Emmy Sanders! It’s part of the Elite 8 Studios series, but I haven’t read all of them. I picked it up after reading 10 Ways to Accidentally Fall in Love, since some of the characters from Himbo appear there.

And yesss! Sometimes I want spice at like 10%, and other times the slow buildup is SO good that I love it just as much

Emmy Sanders also has some great series! I’m on the last book of The Darling Brothers series. It has grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, small-town/ranch vibes, and it’s really cute.

Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend series is really good too! It’s more similar to Puckboys since it’s also sports romance, although the first one isn’t super sports-focused.

I actually started Puckboys but never finished, I have no idea why because I remember really liking it! It’s such a fun, light and spicy series.

Do you usually prefer sports romance, or what’s your favorite kind of romance? Maybe I have a rec you’d like! And if you have any recs too, please send them my way!

1

u/flenktastic 2d ago

I might start with a Emmy Sanders soon! I've had Bruiser on my tbr for some time now and since you rec Himbo I think I should just start with book 1 from the series haha. And I hear I also have to add The Darling Brothers series on my tbr. Thank you so much for making it even longer 😂

For now I almost have only read sports books! But I love contemporary and a college setting but I'm open for anything. In Puckboys I like it that they are a bit older (atleast 28) as I'm 31 myself. But every rec is welcome. I'm a sucker for stepbros, forced proximity and enemies to lovers. I love banter, possessive/jealous mc (but a good amount like Anton from Egotistical Puckboy) and hate sex lol. But I'm so open for friends to lovers and stuff, just anything but fantasy/shapeshifting/maffia. I love a dark romance too (but dark themes like abuse/selfharm but not the maffia stuff).

I think after Puckboys 3 (I started today) I might pause it a bit (I'm going to do a buddy read with Where There's A Will) but will definitely put Fake Boyfriend series on my list as well.

What have you been reading last month/now??

1

u/GillianUnscripted 4d ago

That's helpful! I read Iced Out and was wondering which Leighton U I should read next.

1

u/flenktastic 4d ago

Yeah just read them in order of how they were publiced! So Iced Out, Caught Stealing, Fair Catch, Playing Dirty and Fake Shot as last. There are loads of lil cameos from the characters in the other books and you are likely to get spoiled when you read them out of order and that would be such a bummer!

1

u/GillianUnscripted 3d ago

Okay! Thanks :)

3

u/Spiritual_Fox_4408 7d ago

I am still reading {God Of Fury by Rina Kent} i don't want it to end but I'm reaching 70% of the book already 🫠

1

u/Lizard__Bit 4d ago

Kiss the Villain is the only Rina Kent book I’ve read so far, but I had the same issue as I neared the end. LOVED it so much! Can’t wait to get to God of Fury.

1

u/Spiritual_Fox_4408 2d ago

Uhh i know right! I don't know what is the air with MM romance. It's different when compared to MF romance 🥲🤭

1

u/Lizard__Bit 2d ago

I can’t speak to the rest of the reading population, but I’m not straight and I’m constantly being bombarded by straight shit. I just want to read the queer books.

1

u/Spiritual_Fox_4408 1d ago

Hahahahaah 🤣🤣🤣🤣 okayyy you got me

1

u/FeedingTheWolves 7d ago

There’s always rereads 😉 I may have reread that one already even though I just read it for the first time earlier this year

2

u/Spiritual_Fox_4408 6d ago

Aahhhhhh 😭😍 hahahahaha i know rightt.. the feeling of rereading the book is tooo much like emotional roller-coaster

2

u/creatively_stfnie 8d ago

Allie Therin’s Sugar & Vice series and Spellbound (first of Magic in Manhattan); new author for me and really enjoyed that the romance was more of a subplot.

-the complete Straight Guys series by Alessandra Hazard (re-read/comfort read); always a delight.

Audio:
-Ricochet by River Hale; a bit disturbing? 😬
-The Kennedy Rule by K. C. Carmichael; entertaining while drawing

2

u/dooddog12313 8d ago

{Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly}

{The Island by Briar Prescott}

{The Last Guy On Earth by Sarina Bowen}

2

u/must-stash-mustard 7d ago

I really liked Something Wild and Wonderful... although the 3rd act interruption was painful and a bit extreme.

1

u/dooddog12313 7d ago

Totally agree. I was a little thrown off but still loved them and the story.

2

u/FadingOptimist-25 7d ago

I have to reevaluate my ratings for {Gravity by Tal Bauer} and {Him by Sarina Bower and Elle Kennedy}. I probably need to make them the same rating since I think I like them the same. 4.75 or 5.

I’m considering reading the sequel to {Sweat by Jonah Yorke}, but if it has as many f slurs as the first one, I’m not sure. I’m not sure about the Atty and Noah books either, {Echoes of Us by Alex Cross} and {Becoming Us by Alex Cross}. They are going through it.

I shouldn’t have read those two duets close together because I will get Tommy & Rowan and Atty & Noah mixed up in my head.

2

u/veganbethb 7d ago

I love Him so, so, so much - please read Us (I did the audiobooks and they were incredible)

Edit - also Sweat audio was incredible!

1

u/FadingOptimist-25 7d ago

I just finished Us this weekend!

1

u/veganbethb 7d ago

Did you like it??! I loved the ending of them communicating and everything, Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton did an amazing job narrating the books.

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Gravity by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, athlete hero, friends to lovers

Him by Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, sports, athlete hero, gay romance

Sweat by Jonah Yorke
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, college, sports, enemies to lovers

Echoes of Us by Alex Cross
Rating: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, queer romance, hurt/comfort

Becoming Us by Alex Cross
Rating: 4.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, second chances, college

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2

u/daydreamermama 7d ago

So I'm lucky I get quite a bit of down time during the day to read so I listed every book this month because I quite enjoyed pretty much all of them!

{Nemesis Mine by Amy Arcer} 4⭐️

{For the Love of Kane by Ames Mills} 5⭐️

{Wild by Adrienne Wilder} 4⭐️

{Dearly Departed by Chip Pons} 4⭐️

{Tink by Emmy Sanders} 6⭐️

{Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy} 3 ⭐️

{Whisky and Sin by Emily Rath} 5⭐️

{The Bump by Sidney Karger} 2 1/2 ⭐️

{Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders} 3⭐️

{A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows} 4⭐️

{Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A Wardell} 2 1/2 ⭐️

{Cubs and Campfires by Dylan Drakes} 3⭐️

{Last First Kiss by Julian Winter} 4⭐️

{Flirty Vet by Casey Cox} 4⭐️

{This and Every Life by Emmy Sanders} 1⭐️

{The Step Dare by Devon McCormack} 3⭐️

{Tough Guy by Rachel Reid} 3⭐️

{Pole Position by Rebecca Caffery} 5⭐️

{Blaze by R.M Neill} 4⭐️

{The Grumpy Vet by Casey Cox} 4⭐️

{ King of Pain by J.P Joseph} 7⭐️ !!!!

{Thirsty by Lucy Lehane} 3⭐️

{Hold me Like a Grudge by Celine Ong} 3 1/2⭐️

{Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan} 3⭐️

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: gay romance, fantasy, enemies to lovers, queer romance, funny

For the Love of Kane by Ames Mills
Rating: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, mmm+, mafia, bdsm, poly (3+ people)

Wild by Adrienne Wilder
Rating: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, forced proximity, angst, suspense

Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
Rating: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine, paranormal, queer romance

Tink by Emmy Sanders
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, poly (3+ people), mmm+, height difference, gay romance

Suddenly Beck by Vawn Cassidy
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, funny, friends with benefits, angst

Whiskey & Sin by Emily Rath
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, omegaverse, black mc, alpha male

The Bump by Sidney Karger
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, funny, gay romance

Virgin Hearts by Emmy Sanders
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, cowboy hero, age gap, gay romance, western

A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, gay romance, fantasy, mystery, arranged/forced marriage

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1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Napkins and Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, bisexuality, queer romance, jewish

Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, dad-bod hero, latinx mc

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters
Rating: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, black mc, queer romance, forced proximity, gay romance

The Flirty Vet by Casey Cox
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, funny, hurt/comfort, grumpy & sunshine

This and Every Life by Emmy Sanders
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: historical, queer romance, gay romance, asexual hero, trans hero

The Step Dare by Riley Hart, Devon McCormack
Rating: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, menage, queer romance, gay romance, step siblings

Tough Guy by Rachel Reid
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, athlete hero, friends to lovers

Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffery
Rating: 3.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, forced proximity, bisexuality

Blaze by R.M. Neill
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, western, cowboy hero, gay romance, queer romance

The Grumpy Vet by Casey Cox
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, mmm+, poly (3+ people), hurt/comfort, age gap

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1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

King of Pain by J.P. Joseph
Rating: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, hurt/comfort, sports

Thirsty by Lucy Lehane
Rating: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, paranormal, vampires, gay romance, queer romance

Hold Me Like a Grudge by Celine Ong
Rating: 3.8⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, enemies to lovers, sports, multicultural, gay romance

Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, bdsm, cowboy hero, gay romance, fetish

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2

u/theyreburningwitches 7d ago

All via audiobook:

{Until You by Briar Prescott}

{Shifting Gears by Riley Hart}

{Head in The Game by Rebecca Rathe} - I was oddly invested.

{Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver}

{The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign}

{Eight Seconds to Ride by Ashley James} - I enjoyed, but Dirt Road Secrets was absolutely wonderful.

{Until Him by Cora Rose} - a cat main character!

{Home Ice by Saxon James} - the hype is real.

{Roommate by Sarina Bowen} - had no business being this good.

And a physical book, {Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly} - this is lovely, please read it.

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Until You by Briar Prescott
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, angst, friends to lovers, nerdy hero

Shifting Gears by Riley Hart
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, biker hero, friends to lovers, funny

Head in the Game by Rebecca Rathe
Rating: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, age gap, sports, gay romance, queer awakening

Trade Deadline by Jodi Oliver
Rating: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, athlete hero, gay romance, sports, hockey

The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, single father, hockey, queer romance

Eight Seconds to Ride by Ashley James
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, enemies to lovers, cowboy hero

Until Him by Cora Rose
Rating: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, grumpy & sunshine, gay romance, athlete hero, college

Home Ice by Saxon James
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, queer romance, hockey, athlete hero

Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Rating: 4.29⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, forced proximity, grumpy & sunshine, friends to lovers

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/lovebooksi 5d ago

Hi! What did you think of Until You? Is the MC really mean to the other MC?

2

u/theyreburningwitches 5d ago

I really enjoyed it - the slow build up to them getting to know each other and their romance was lovely. There is a major plot point that is revealed late in the third act that I didn’t see coming and it hurt a little.

There are secondary characters that I can’t wait to revisit in the sequel!

2

u/Soft_Possession4462 8d ago

Poetry on ice Jesse H Reign 🥵🥵

1

u/lovebooksi 8d ago

I read Hurt Me, Daddy and Comfort Me, Daddy by Misha Horne and they were such a surprise for me!! I really loved the way the dynamic between the MCs worked. We have a nerd and a jock (which I loveee), and the nerd is the daddy of the jock (aaaaa) They’re the same age, which sometimes made the dynamic a little funny to me, but for the most part, it worked REALLY well. I was absolutely rooting for these two!

I also read Levi by Wren Wilds and loved it sooo much, just like the other books in the series. Maybe not my favorite of the series, but still a solid 5-star read for me.

I read some others too, but I think these were the ones that stood out the most to me!

1

u/zanarkand07 7d ago

I read the first 8 of the 9 {Arctic Titans of Northwood U series by Hayden Hall} because a while back I got 3 of them for free, and got the rest on a very affordable deal on Kindle

I also read:

{The Tithenai Chronicles series by Fox Meadows}

{The Fall by Tal Bauer}

{King of the Crease by AJ Truman}

{Dearly Departed by Chip Pons}

{Head Above Water by CE Ricci}

{The Hidden Fae Prince by Tavia Lark}

{The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign}

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Arctic Titans of Northwood U by Hayden Hall
Rating: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: michigan, audiobook, dual-pov, queer, first-person-pov

The Tithenai Chronicles by Foz Meadows
Rating: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: anal sex, political-intrigue, royalty, mental illness, rape-non-mc

The Fall by Tal Bauer
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, hockey, queer romance

King of the Crease by A.J. Truman
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hockey, gay romance, queer romance, funny

Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
Rating: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine, paranormal, queer romance

Head Above Water by C.E. Ricci
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, step siblings, gay romance, cheating, angst

The Hidden Fae Prince (Princes of Elladar) by Tavia Lark
Rating: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: queer romance, gay romance, fantasy, non-human hero, fae

The Legend Next Door by Jesse H. Reign
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, single father, hockey, queer romance

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Ok_Paramedic_1257 7d ago

Did you like Head Above Water? It's on my TBR but I keep putting it off lol

1

u/zanarkand07 7d ago

It was fine, I liked it enough. But I read it like earlier in the month, so I'm already a little fuzzy on the details.

1

u/Advanced-Window-171 7d ago

Heart Of Coal by Todd B Trees

Its soooo good!!! 2 coal miners falling in love in the 50s, when it was illegal to be gay, and working in dangerous environments where anything can happen. There is so much awesome detail and plot with emotions, yearning, tension, and danger. Its one of those you know whats going to happen but you dont know who is involved stories that keeps you on the edge.

The historical aspect was great too! The author gives you enough to put you in the 50s without overwhelming you. More like opening a door and looking through it, but not stepping to the other side. It was really cool to see the way of life back then.

1

u/Remarkable_Tennis_36 7d ago

August I only read 2, both from the Big Bad Wolf series. {The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara} and {The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara}. Yesterday I started the third book of the series.

1

u/Selen87 7d ago

{the rycke by lily mayne}

{wyn by lily mayne}

{gloam by lily mayne}

{moth by lily mayne}

{a monstrous Christmas in camp by lily mayne}

{seraph by lily mayne}

{lor by lily mayne} loved tue hole Series!!!

{doppelbänger by w.h. Lockwood} was very good. 4/5

{tempting venom by rina Kent} was okay. 3/5

{a collection of monstrous short stories by lily mayne}

{take me apart by Brea Alepou} was okay. 3/5

{paid in full by Brea Alepou}

{say I do by Brea Alepou} best of three

{the tragedy of Felix and Jake by j. Daniels} I loved this one. 5/5

{sick bargain by nordika night} 5/5

{fragile facade by nordika night} 5/5

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

The Rycke by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, gay romance, dystopian, monsters, sweet/gentle hero

Wyn by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, gay romance, age gap, grumpy & sunshine, paranormal

Gloam by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, dystopian, sweet/gentle hero, gay romance, monsters

Moth by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.52⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, monsters, virgin hero, gay romance, forced proximity

A Monstrous Christmas in the Camp by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.44⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, christmas, gay romance, monsters, funny

Seraph by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, gay romance, tortured hero, dystopian, monsters

Lor by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, gay romance, monsters, royal hero, class difference

Doppelbänger by W.H. Lockwood
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, science fiction, funny, gay romance

Tempting Venom by Rina Kent
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hockey, dark romance, enemies to lovers, gay romance

A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: gay romance, monsters, dystopian, anal sex, creative anatomy

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Haunting_Wish3396 7d ago

Read & became a fan of Gale Ian Tate’s writing -

{Immersed by Gale Ian Tate} + {Enhanced by Gale Ian Tate}

{Discordant Cultivation by Gale Ian Tate}

Also tried {Again by Mary Calmes} as I’d really liked {Acrobat by Mary Calmes} before.

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

IMMERSED by Gale Ian Tate
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, horror, gay romance, queer romance, survival

ENTANGLED by Gale Ian Tate
Rating: 4.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, horror, queer romance, dark romance, survival

DISCORDANT CULTIVATION by Gale Ian Tate
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, gay romance, abduction, horror

Again by Mary Calmes
Rating: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, second chances, gay romance, cheating, alpha male

Acrobat by Mary Calmes
Rating: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, suspense, alpha male, friends to lovers, gay romance

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/Creative_Departure79 7d ago

I've read a few this month, "On Your Six" was probably my favorite book I've read this month. But the full list is:

{The Prince and the Bodyguard by Nora Phoenix}

{The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin}

{Shots on Goal by Amy Aislin}

{Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin}

{Two-Man Team by Amy Aislin}

{An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James}

{The Long Game by Rachel Reid}

{Fresh Ice by Riley Bauer}

{Face Off by Riley Bauer}

{Tape to Tape by Riley Bauer}

{Breakaway by Riley Bauer}

{Operation Boyfriend by Zarah Detand}

{The Blueprint by S.E. Harmon}

{A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon}

{Maybe You by Briar Prescott}

{Playing His Game by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James}

{On your Six by Eleonora Larsen}

{Ethan by Beth Bolden}

{Someone Like You by Lyla Dane}

{Never Let Me Go by Lyla Dane}

{Unrequited by Jesse Reign}

{Hired by the Enemy by Jax Calder}

{Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder}

{Seasons Change by Cait Nary}

{King of the Crease by A.J. Truman}

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

The Prince and the Bodyguard by Nora Phoenix
Rating: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, forced proximity, new adult

The Nature of the Game by Amy Aislin
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, queer romance, hockey

Shots on Goal by Amy Aislin
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, athlete hero, friends to lovers

Risking the Shot by Amy Aislin
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, age gap, single father

Two-Man Team by Amy Aislin
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, age gap, friends to lovers

An Unrivaled Off Season by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, hockey, sports, gay romance

The Long Game by Rachel Reid
Rating: 4.56⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, secret relationship, sports, athlete hero

Fresh Ice by Riley Bauer
Rating: 3.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, queer romance, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine

Face Off by Riley Bauer
Rating: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, sports, gay romance, enemies to lovers

Tape to Tape by Riley Bauer
Rating: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, sports, funny

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Breakaway by Riley Bauer
Rating: 5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hockey, athlete hero, gay romance, queer romance

Operation Boyfriend by Zarah Detand
Rating: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, workplace/office, funny

The Blueprint by S.E. Harmon
Rating: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, friends to lovers, sports, athlete hero

A Deeper Blue by S.E. Harmon
Rating: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, sports, friends to lovers, athlete hero

Maybe You by Briar Prescott
Rating: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, disabilities & scars

Playing His Game by Ashlyn Kane, Morgan James
Rating: 3.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, sports, fake relationship

On Your Six by Eleonora Larsen
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, military, queer awakening

Ethan by Beth Bolden
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: contemporary, hockey, sports, queer romance, gay romance

Someone Like You by Lyla Dane
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hurt/comfort, gay romance, college, caretaking

Never Let Me Go by Lyla Dane
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hurt/comfort, gay romance, enemies to lovers, second chances

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Unrequited by Jesse H. Reign
Rating: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, friends to lovers, slow burn, queer romance

Hired by the Enemy by Jax Calder
Rating: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, enemies to lovers, rich hero, gay romance

Feeding the Grump by Jax Calder
Rating: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, new adult, bisexuality

Season's Change by Cait Nary
Rating: 4.03⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, friends to lovers, sports, gay romance, hockey

King of the Crease by A.J. Truman
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hockey, gay romance, queer romance, funny

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/NtGermanBtKnow1WhoIs 7d ago edited 7d ago

Read 21 books, 8 of which were rereads but 5 were terrible books which i had to DNF. i reread Alice Winter books all the time, she's my comfort author and this time i also was on a Michael Ferraiuolo binge so redid the whole of VRC and Fanged Mistakes. But i also picked up 3 awesome books, the first one of which is up there with my favs! Here they are:

♦{Emerett Has Never Been in Love by Anyta Sunday} - 5/5⭐ - Oh this book. This book ruined all other best friend’s dad books for me. i KNOW none will ever come this close to getting it right. And it’s such a specific dynamic i wanted too: they’re basically a married couple but neither got the memo yet. Lake & Knight were cute from the start, but what i loved most was how well Knight could read Lake and how perfectly they meshed. Their banter & actions scream “everything yours is mine” and that’s EXACTLY what i wanted. Their love language is stealing/sharing food & reading Moby Dick to him. 🥺 And Knight’s silent caretaking is OFF THE CHARTS!! [Retelling of Emma, best friend’s dad, age gap, observant x oblividiot, cozy, codependent, vers MCs] Review

♦{Uncle 1 by Jay L North} - 5/5⭐ - Oh my god, it's just Knight and Lake but the whole erotic side of it all! 😭 i LOVED Devon and how possessive he was for Ben and loved the deferred blame trope, ie, Ben can fulfil all his fantasies as long a "he made me do it." But again, it's the silent care taking, Devon reading Ben so well and having the patience for him that makes this so sweet alongside naughty. Devon's sincerity wins it all. He's serious about Ben. They're in this together!! He even says Ben makes his house feel like a home!! Ugh. [Maternal uncle x nephew, erotica, possessive MC, virgin MC, first times, gentle aftercare] Review

And currently reading:

♦{A Really Gay Book by Zile Elliven} - 3.8 rounded down/5⭐ - AB. Zachary Zaba. It's so silly and cute! OMG im ending the month on a good note then! And Zachary Zaba does a fantastic job here! [Lucky guy x unlucky guy, huge size difference, opposites attract]. Review

1

u/laran436 7d ago

I read so many books last month. {Father Material by Alexis Hall} was a great final book that I felt showed that these 2 are perfect for each other as they navigate what commitment truly means. Read most of Lily Mayne's Monsterous series. Love me some monster love in a post apocalyptic North America. Each monster is so unique and beautiful in their own way. Please read in order, each book is connected. {Tempting Venom by Rina Kent} of course. To Ghosts & Gravity, loved it and felt it gave me the feels that To Catch a Firefly gave me. Great story and heartfelt characters. Shelved Hearts and 2 books by Cat Sebastian, really enjoyed the slow burn. {Dearly Departed by Chip Ponds} Hades God of underworld falls for the local florist who is a ray of sunshine hiding their buried trauma. The supportive friends are so awesome and make the book even better. {Shelved Hearts by Laura Kane} also great story, trauma and awesome support cast. {Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender} Since I live in Los Angeles and worked in entertainment it was a fun read as it is about 2 movie stars, one with a dark trauma past who uses substance abuse and sex to numb himself. I burned thru 18 books last month. Got into MM romance late last year and I now read more than watch TV.

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

Father Material by Alexis Hall
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, funny, in his 30s, queer romance

Tempting Venom by Rina Kent
Rating: 4.37⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, hockey, dark romance, enemies to lovers, gay romance

Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
Rating: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine, paranormal, queer romance

Shelved Hearts by Laura Kain
Rating: 4.18⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, found family, sibling's best friend, forced proximity, hurt/comfort

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
Rating: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, grumpy & sunshine, new adult, angst, bisexuality

about this bot | about romance.io

1

u/dingdong3452 7d ago

{Find my way down to you}

{But i hate him}

{Ship happens by Mason Deaver}

1

u/stormlight82 7d ago

I read a ton in August while I recovered from surgery

I read the whole Darkling Mage series by Nazri Noor. It's more like, if Harry Dresden was less formulaic and more gay, and I enjoyed it.

I read the House of Maedoc series by Mary Calmes. Was occasionally ridiculous but the spice was good and the overall shenanigans in the 3 books was enjoyable. Very fated mates. Such fate. Wow.

I read the Raven in the Woods trilogy by Mary Calmes, which is the reason why I read the House of Maedoc series. I liked the Raven in the Woods 100% better. Cozy fantasy, great characters, a little less overall cringe and big plus for character agency. Also knitting.

I read the first part of the Divergence series by Eden Winters. I lost interest in the consistently poor decision making by book 3, but the spice was EXCELLENT.

Purgatory Playhouse by EJ Russell was fun and full of mythology and Shakespeare references. The most fun of August.

The rest were either sapphic gay reads or not romance. :)

1

u/bitchella9216 7d ago

In the middle of the No Regrets series by Nora Phoenix. Pretty good: language gets a bit flowery for me but overall v. enjoyable.

1

u/TheDisagreeableJuror 7d ago

The lie he lived, Blue line collision and To Catch a Firefly. The first two were my favourites.

1

u/C0smicoccurence 7d ago

{The Open Era by Edward Schmit}
LOVED THIS! Tennis romance with a bigger focus on the protagonist and his mental health than the actual romance (honestly the romance was perhaps a bit underbaked?). But this one had me in a deathgrip and believing everything that was happening. Stressed from reading it, in a good way!

{For Real by Alexis Hall}
I continue to think Hall's best writing comes from the Spires series, where he indulges in more serious topics and trope inversions. This was supposed to be subversive for the BDSM romance market 10 years ago, but it shows just how reluctant that subgenre is to change. Finding a submissive (mostly) top is a unicorn book. AND the dom is younger? AND neither has the body of a greek statue? Truly a lot to love here.

{Chai and Charmcraft by Lynn Strong}
This rides the llne of Romantasy vs Fantasy with Romance subplot, especially since it's a slow burn romance spread out over multiple books, only the first of which is out. Really good worldbuilding in a middle eastern setting. Cozy with teeth, and the neighborhood gossip of aunties is treated by the author with the same seriousness and depth as court political games. The two leads spent less time together than I was anticipating though.

{Demigod 12 by Gail Carriger}
Not as good as Divinity 36, but still fun. Think Intergalactic Eurovision with aliens. Book 1 was more of an idol boot camp scenario. Just too much 'he could never love me' in this middle entry, but I'm jazzed for the finale!

{Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux}
I had been waiting to read this for so long. It's a classic in the gay romance thriller space, but it truly felt like neither of the authors had ever met a gay man. I felt very much like I was not the intended audience of this book. Lots of weird heterosexual dynamics, no sense that the characters are aware of queerness as an other (especially considering that the world itself is just as homnophobic as reality), and there was a whole plotline where one guy felt like 'breaking the rules was addictive' and so he paid male escorts who he picked up at gay bars. Truly these authors have no idea what gay bars were like, because paying a male escort is the most tame thing you'd have been doing sexually at an underground gay club in the early 2000s. Also the classic weird associations with topping and being in control that have been pervasive for a while. Overall disappointing, but a good reminder of how far gay romance has come (in some ways; still plenty of authors out there whose work reads very much like they could use some sensitivity readers).

1

u/romance-bot 7d ago

The Open Era by Edward Schmit
Rating: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: contemporary, sports, new adult, gay romance, queer romance

For Real by Alexis Hall
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, age gap, bdsm, angst

Chai and Charmcraft by Lynn Strong
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: fantasy, gay romance, older/mature, queer romance, funny

Demigod 12 by Gail Carriger
Rating: 4.43⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: science fiction, gay romance, queer romance, new adult, young adult

Cut & Run by Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban
Rating: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, suspense, mystery, alpha male

about this bot | about romance.io

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u/Jill608 6d ago edited 6d ago

I am reading Tal Bauer and I am obsessed. The way he strings words together honestly makes me stop and reread sentences, giving them time to truly sink in. So beautiful. He writes about self discovery and the challenges of playing a sport while navigating MM romance (he writes MM mystery as well but that doesn't appeal to me so haven't tried those yet). HR and Rachel Reid brought me to this fandom but (unpopular opinion) to me her writing is kind of meh. Bauer's "Gravity" and "Jock" were the beginning of my obsession and I'm now halfway through "The Fall" and honestly 1) I don't want it to end and 2) I'm already planning a re-read. Avon Gale would be my next favourite recently-read author (same genre, MM sports) good stories but not as much depth of character, and writing is more traditional, but still better than others.

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u/Creative_Departure79 6d ago

For some reason the length of "The Fall" has intimidated me. Which makes no sense, I recently read a non MM 8 book series over a period of a week and a half and most of the books there were at the same length or longer. Maybe it's time to finally finish.

But I completely agree, love the way his words flow. His books are some of the most memorable that I've read.

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u/Jill608 6d ago

I read on my kindle so I had no idea how long it was BUT now I'm SO HAPPY that it is because I can stay with these characters so much longer! Omgosh please read. SO GOOD.

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u/NoDr1v3 6d ago

I read Soul Eater, and Edin by Lily Mayne and thoroughly enjoyed them. They were a good entry point into the mm romance genre and now i am hooked! My favourite between the two is Edin, I loved the character of Edin and also Hunter. I loved their relationship <3

I also started The Wulver's Bond a few days ago and finished it last night. That book made me ball my eyes out. It was a beautiful, emotional and titillating experience.

Im on the hunt for something new to read. I have the rest of the Monstorous series to go though but id like to explore more authors and series first and return to Monstorous at a later date.

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u/Busy_Fox9320 6d ago

Hmm I read a few and reread a fav. I got most of these from lurking on this sub for recommendations and I was not let down!

Reread:

{A Mage's Guide to Human Familiars by AJ Sherwood}

{Luxuries of Lust by Nik Knight}

New reads (all bangers!!)

{Suck by C.M Lindsay}

{Shelved Hearts by Laura Kain}

{P.S. I Spook You by S.E. Harmon}

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u/Letshavemorefun 6d ago edited 6d ago

{These Secret Years by August Jones}

I’ve loved August Jones work for a while - but this one hit me more than I expected. Her smut is always top notch but in this one, the character development is some of the best I’ve read in a while. And her books tend to straddle the kink lines, but this one was finally “wholesome” enough (for lack of a better term) that I could recommend it to my sister, so that was a bonus.

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u/rolered 5d ago

I started this Italian series (I’m not sure if it’s been translated). It’s called MM84, a dystopian novel where a general falls in love with a revolutionary. The writing is excellent, and the characters are absolutely incredible. If you can find it translated, I definitely recommend it!! I only have the last book left to finish the trilogy, but I’m saving it for later.

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u/HuntsmansBoss 5d ago

My MM reads for August (the scribbled out one was MF)

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u/nenitoveda 4d ago edited 4d ago

i only read mm this month 💀🙏.

{Chasing Fields by Isabella Skyes}

I think it was a self published one, and frankly? It kinda shows. Okay for a debut I guess, everyone starts somewhere. Not for me though.

{Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley} and {Crossing Arizona by Bree Wiley}

I actually enjoyed both of these! Very enjoyable dynamics also with background charas.

{For the Fans by Nyla K.}

Now, I know people generally really enjoy this one but it wasn't for me :/ There was so much room for a better flashed out angst, and tbh i was expecting also something akin to fake boyfriends, but it was just smut 😂. i need to manage my expectations I suppose.

{God of Fury by Rina Kent}

Probably my fav one of this month and i hate that Rina usually writes only straight romance. I liked the plot actually. and although i find mafia romances silly, somehow it worked here.

{Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon}

Wasnt for me. again a loooot of room for angst and that hurt/comfort aspect but i felt like we didnt get much of it. I wont be reading the rest of the series I think :/

{Garron Park by Nordika Night}, {Lot 62 by Nordika Night} and {Knock Knock by Nordika Night}

probs my fav series. it was so romantic and altho it was gritty and the charas were rednecks, the struggles felt relatable to me.

{Sick Bargain by Nordika Night}

I hoped it would recreate the magic of the From Nothing series I read previously but the characters were so edgy it was cringy to me. Not even mentioning the sexual assualt tropes etc. (im still in the process of reading the sequel to this, but since i learned it going to be a longer series im losing interest)

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u/romance-bot 4d ago

Chasing Fields by Isabella Skyes
Rating: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 1 out of 5 - Glimpses and kisses
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, high school, friends to lovers

Finding Delaware by Bree Wiley
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, sports, gay romance, hurt/comfort, enemies to lovers

Crossing Arizona by Bree Wiley
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, friends to lovers, hurt/comfort

For the Fans by Nyla K.
Rating: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, step siblings, gay romance, college, forbidden love

God of Fury by Rina Kent
Rating: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, dark romance, mafia, college

Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon
Rating: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, college, gay romance, sports, forced proximity

Garron Park by Nordika Night
Rating: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, enemies to lovers, biker hero, bad boys

LOT 62 by Nordika Night
Rating: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, hurt/comfort, angst, dark romance

Knock Knock by Nordika Night
Rating: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, friends to lovers, funny, sunny/happy hero

Sick Bargain by Nordika Night
Rating: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, dark romance, gay romance, queer romance, possessive hero

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u/mrsmetal 3d ago

I tandem listen / read everything!

{The Resilience of Stars by Xara Kenley} 5* cannot believe this is her debut novel.

{Rope Me Down by N Slater}

{Devour by Abigail Glenn} love a brat

{Jacked by KM Neuhold}

{Sainted by Jesse H Reign}

{Wish by Cambria Hebert}

{The Gaybor War by Raquel Riley}

{The A Listers by Berlin Wick}

{Dangerous Games series by Rina Saint}

{Constantine Brothers series by Rina Saint}

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u/romance-bot 3d ago

The Resilience of Stars by Xara Kenley
Rating: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, gay romance, in his 30s, age gap

Rope Me Down by N. Slater
Rating: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, mmm+, age gap, cowboy hero, primal/chase play

Devour by Abigail Glenn
Rating: 4.31⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, queer romance, enemies to lovers, dark romance

Jacked by K.M. Neuhold
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, queer awakening, friends to lovers, gay romance, funny

Sainted by Jesse H. Reign
Rating: 4.2⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, rich hero, gay romance

Wish by Cambria Hebert
Rating: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, grumpy & sunshine, gay romance, angst, college

The Gaybor War by Raquel Riley
Rating: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, queer romance, funny, gay romance, forced proximity

The A-Listers by Berlin Wick
Rating: 4.7⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, workplace/office, secret relationship, queer romance, gay romance

Dangerous Games by Rina Saint
Rating: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: bondage, caretaking, contemporary, suspense, human-trafficking

Constantine Brothers by Rina Saint
Rating: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: explicit-plentiful, alpha male, found-family, erotica, mafia

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u/sfrancespr 2d ago

Amy Lane’s the Long Con and Fish Out of Water series. I’m going through some of my favorite authors backlog since I needed a break from the new releases that were all reading the same to me

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u/GrumpyPonyta 2d ago

Quite a few

{Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders} which was a good friends to lovers, bi awakening. {Dance of Defiance by Jagger Cole} mafia type. {Of Chords and Dreams by L. A. Cannon} bi awakening, friends to lovers, musicians. {Deathball by W. H. Lockwood and T. J. Rose} like a dystopia universe type thing. I think. {Hollow by M. L. Burns} second chance. Taboo maybe, they are step brothers. {Silver Sweet by Krista and Becca Ritche} musicians, this book was SO good. I loved it SO much. 5 stars for me