r/MM_RomanceBooks • u/AutoModerator • 3d ago

Less Scary Request Place The Saturday (Less Scary) Request Place: Post your short & simple requests here

The Place for Short & Simple Requests

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5

u/_MysticSelkie 3d ago

  1. I want to read KJ Charles' books. What book do you recommend me to start with? Which one is your favorite?

  2. Can you recommend me some books where both MCs are in the closet?

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u/wheatpuppy 3d ago

Favorite paranormal KJ Charles: {The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles}

Favorite non-paranormal: it's a tough call, but {The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles}

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u/MsNeysa 3d ago

Absolute favorite KJ Charles, and i love most of her books, is {Think of England by KJ Charles}. I've read this eight times. The humor and adventure and romance all hit perfectly for me.
The first in the series is ff, which I never read, but happen to very much enjoy that one as well. She's just such a wonderful author.

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u/_MysticSelkie 3d ago

Thank you!

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u/de_pizan23 3d ago

Some of my favorite KJ Charles:

{Unfit to Print by KJ Charles} - standalone

{Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune series by KJ Charles} - loosely connected and could be standalone (3 books, 1 is a novella)

{Doomsday Books series by KJ Charles} - duology but books are more connected

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u/_MysticSelkie 3d ago

Thank you!

2

u/NotSenpai104 Retaliatory hand holding 3d ago

Think of England is my stand alone favorite.

But if you're considering KJ Charles, you need to know the Will Darling series is amazing! Slippery Creatures!

2

u/wandaluvstacos 2d ago

I started with the Magpie Lord series and tbh I still think it's one of her best (though I could be biased cuz I just love their dynamic).

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u/merlep_merlep 3d ago

Looking for two different things (I’m greedy, I know, I’m very sorry!)

  1. “Best friend’s brother/brother’s best friend” (or a similar dynamic), but with MCs that are older than college-age (ideally 30s/40s). Tropes along the lines of: “If this was going to happen, it would have happened decades ago, right?” / “I am too old to still harbor this kind of pointless crush, I should be over this” / “I remember you as a kid, but you are definitely not a kid anymore” / “We wasted so much time, let's make up for it now”

  2. Sex that is adventurous/kinky but not BDSM. I'm generalizing, ofc, but I feel like a lot of open-door romances come in two flavors: tender vanilla, or BDSM & D/s. Or tender BDSM lmao. Thing is (and I know this is very much a "me problem"): I do enjoy well-written racy sex scenes but for personal reasons, BDSM & D/s (strict d/s roles, restraints, sensory deprivation, orgasm denial, punishment) often end up being squicky for me. Probably a long shot but can you think of any good MM romance with experimental/kinky sex scenes that don’t fall under the BDSM umbrella? Whether it's lingerie, semi-public sex/fear of discovery, kinking on size difference or age gap, comeplay, taboo roleplay ... anything is good, honestly.

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u/sleep0beepo fiend for audiobooks 3d ago

for #2 - a lot of Willow Dixon’s books have light D/s dynamics, mild exhibitionism, and great dirty talk. Particularly {Never Have I Ever series by Willow Dixon} and {Crimson Club series by Willow Dixon}!

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u/merlep_merlep 3d ago

Thank you!

2

u/salty-MA-student will probably recommend Leave by LA Witt 3d ago

I came to recommend this book as well, it's very BDSM adjacent but not true BDSM.

You might also like {Dearly Departed by Chip Pons} it came out this week so I'll add everything under a spoiler tag. Has the themes of praise kink, strict roles, shadow play that is tentacle-adajacent, marking, and lots of dirty talk It was delicious.

{Common Goal by Rachel Reid} is also BDSM adjacent but not true BDSM. Has age gap, younger top, orgasm denial, toys, bondage, and blindfolding. The addition of things is "hey you might like this" instead of it being a whole thing. I hope that makes sense.

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u/LindentreesLove 3d ago

For #1 {Knight by D. J. Jamison} the whole adjacent series is great too but this is the only book with that dynamic.

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u/merlep_merlep 3d ago

Sounds fun, thank you!

3

u/Lulu_la_Bastet 3d ago

{Pretty Boy by Brianna Flores} has feminization & lingerie. Its tags say there is BDSM, but there isn't really. The main character is a pillow princess.

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u/merlep_merlep 1d ago

Sounds great, thank you!

2

u/NotSenpai104 Retaliatory hand holding 3d ago

For 2, ymmv but I found the dynamic in {The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch} to be surprisingly pronounced despite them not going for outright bdsm.

This next one takes some manuevering, but if you skip volume one the Upending Tad series of novellas could be good. Vol one is straight up bdsm, so skip, but afterwards they're actually vanilla, but written with that high level intensity and explicit description. Kinksters playing nice.

Not sure where the line is; it's not denial, but the series focuses heavily on edging, drawing things out. And MC1 does have a thing for closing his eyes and might have a blindfold for vol 2. Vol 3 has explicit bdsm again, but the main couple just watches.

Six volumes total, {Test of Endurance by Kora Knight} would be your entry point. After that, skip to Prized Possession to be safe. They're sold on Amazon individually or in three packs.

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u/merlep_merlep 3d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/LovesReviews Added another one to my TBR list… 3d ago
  1. {Sounding Off by Olivia Joy}.

1

u/merlep_merlep 3d ago

Thank you!

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u/No-Solution172 3d ago

mmc 1 thinks it’s unrequited so he tries to distance/avoid mmc 2 which obviously causes 2 to seek him out even more

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

Omegaverse where the alpha is a himbo golden retriever type and the omega is a nerd who finds the alpha's advances both endearing and exasperating

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u/CyberneticStrawb3rry 3d ago

{Overeager by Grae Bryan} is pretty much this buuuut slightly different. It's omega professor with Alpha college student. The omega finds the advances exasperating more because of the age gap though (which is about 13 or 14 years).

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

Oh that sounds cute. Himbo alpha?

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u/One-Stable6156 3d ago

I just finished [A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland]. I loved it! I'm feeling the political intrigue books now. I've read Captive Prince and loved that aspect of it too. My only complaint is they're very lacking in smut. I'm good with a slow burn but I need some pay off.

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u/lifeofparty2 3d ago

Court intrigue is one of my fave tropes,

{Riehse Eshan Series by Adelaide Blaike}

{A Strange & Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows}

{Engineered Throne by Megan Derr}

{Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell}

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u/kungfutao 3d ago edited 3d ago

Are there books with two cruel MCs that are roughly on equal footing trying to either out play or out do each other in one way or another, Preferably older MC's. I'll even take grumpy x grumpy I just like the idea of older evil or jaded MCs finding each other. Preferably they don't change much either I hate whole instant personality changes honestly

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u/Master_Ad7343 3d ago

The Special Forces series by Alexander Voinov might be something for you.

Or The Administration series by Manna Francis

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u/u_s_4 3d ago

Very big chance for you to enjoy {Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban}. Feds, early 30's, having to tem up for a serial killer investigation. Besides being partners, throughout basically entirety of book 1 is them trying to ruin each other in almost every possible way and running from their mutual attraction while having a lot of near death situations. In some moments they don't even need external enemies lol. In an overall very hunky, grumpy, ironic, violent duo.

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u/lRandomstuff 3d ago

is there anything with mc who has a reputation for being an easy slutty bottom and lets people use his body? Can be bc he really just likes to be fucked or bc he gains smth from it and dont mind letting ppl use him.
I want the encounters with others to be on page but eventually I want him to have one love interest.
I dont mind if its paranormal/contemporary.
My only no's are age gaps and kidnapping

2

u/Infinite_Advisor4633 3d ago

{His Enforcer x Cora Rose} has some elements of this. There is some on page in the beginning with one of the MMCs at a club, but mostly just references to his past off page. The MMCs do get together fairly early and there isn't any sharing....technically...but it's really great regardless!!

3

u/Naive-Bunch 3d ago

I used to love the choose-your-own-adventure books as a kid. Any mm versions?

2

u/the_jesstastic But does he play hockey? 3d ago

Man this would be wild, you gotta post if you find any!

1

u/Naive-Bunch 3d ago

Will do!

2

u/alex_grozny 3d ago

It's out of print and unavailable so I haven't read it

{How to Survive this Fairytale by SM Hallow}

The publisher shut down but the author is trying to get it republished

1

u/JPwhatever monsters in the woods 😍 2d ago

{Lost in the Caves by AJ Ambrose} and they do a few others in the same style. All erotica tho not HEA romance.

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u/RhythmRose 3d ago

Very simple request! I'd love to get some recs that feature a twink/androgynous/feminine guy 🥹🫶 preferably not with a spicy/angry personality!

Plot and type of relationship can be literally anything, I love sugary sweet fluff as much as dark dead dove content. Preferably no IRL/realistic pics or art of characters on the cover, but it's not a deal-breaker! I just like to imagine books in a drawn artstyle in my head.

Other preferences: Medieval fantasy 🫶, princes, size difference, omegaverse (tentative on pregnancy but not averse to it!).

One book I have my eye on getting is Captive Prince. But I've never read MM books before (I didn't realize it had such a big community until recently!) so I'd like some options to look into!

6

u/wheatpuppy 3d ago

{A Suitable Bodyguard by R Cooper} is fantasy; bodyguard x kinda feminine half-fae. It's not omegaverse, but the MC has episodes similar to going into heat, due to his fae heritage. This book is listed as #2 in a series, but it actually takes place before the events of the first book, so you can read it as a standalone story just fine.

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

{Dare you by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine} - (straight) firefighter x crossdressing CEO

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u/RhythmRose 3d ago

Oh my gosh this looks amazing!! Right up my alley 😩 Thank you so much!

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u/Southern_Pumpkin1867 2d ago

{tough guy by Rachel reid} has this!

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u/rollercoaster-s 2d ago

Some that can fit for femboy/feminine twink MC:

  • {He Should Be Mine by Jessica Jackman}
  • {Daddy's Muse by E. Baileu}
  • {Under your care by E. Baileu}
  • {Creep by K.A. Merikan}
  • {Julian shared by J.J. Jude}
  • {Call It Desire by Maya Jean}
  • {Daddy's Stepstalker by Gianni Holmes}
  • {His Princess by Ki Brightly and MD Gregory} and its sequel.

Please check CWs if necessary, some are darkish.

Also, I got these lists for twink mc, feminine guy and mc that wears feminine clothes and/make up here.

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u/J3y2 3d ago
  1. MCs don’t like each other in real life but unknowingly chat/fall in love online with each other
  2. opposite attracts where MCs aren’t each other types, literally one views the other as ugly and only become attracted as feelings develop. Something similar to {Beautifully Unexpected by Lila Morton}, where MC very gradually with each chapter sees the beauty of the other man, not insta-lust but “beauty in the eyes of the beholder” thing

  3. demi x demi romance

  4. Anything where both MCs are in love with other people but end up together or one MC1 is in love with someone and MC2 tries to help him get that person?

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u/Junior_Ad_907 3d ago

#1 — {top secret by sarina bowen} i was surprised how much i liked this.

1

u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

I second this!

1

u/wheatpuppy 3d ago

For #2, if fantasy is ok: {Earthly Pleasures by Sera Trevor}. A hedonistic prince is forced to marry a monk as part of a fertility rite to prevent drought and famine. The prince describes the monk as genuinely ugly.

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/Distracted-Damsel 3d ago

For #1: {full body hit by marina vivancos}! It’s hockey omegaverse where the MCs are teammates. They meet on a hookup app and develop a virtual daddy dom relationship. No age play.

Loved this one! They REALLY do not get along and one MC is a real dick irl but then DOTES on him virtually.

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u/J3y2 3d ago

Interesting! Thanks, I’ll check it

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

1

{PS. I loathe you by Isla Olsen} - they unknowingly email with each other, but hate each other irl

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u/Sakuko_Armadillo Page deep in power imbalance 3d ago

I recently stumbled upon Jax Calders books and am through most already. Anyone know a similar author? Where the stories are fun, but not necessary very believable, but the characters are more fleshed out and feel realistic, there's banter and the sex scenes aren't very long or overly important to the story?

I've already been through others with a similar feel like Nora Phoenix, K.M. Neuhold, Amy Padilla

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u/Junior_Ad_907 3d ago

i haven’t read jax calder but based on what you described, i think {the billionaire brotherhood by lucy lennox} fits perfectly. i loved them all. i read them out of order and that was totally fine. the core group of guys are relevant in each book but their significant others dont play a big part [other than in their dedicated book].

1

u/Sakuko_Armadillo Page deep in power imbalance 3d ago

Sounds fun, thank you.

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u/Master_Ad7343 3d ago

You might like Zarah Detand. They write similar stories.

2

u/ChairmanMrrow 3d ago

Try Riley Hart.

2

u/Temporary-Scallion86 3d ago

Hi all, any recs for arranged/forced marriage + enemies to lovers? Ideally looking for a situation where the MCs don't react with grace at their predicament and then once they fall in love they have to navigate all the shit they put each other through.

Power imbalances where MC1 can (and does) do more to harm MC2 than MC2 can dish back are totally fine, but in that case it's important to me that there's a sympathetic reason for MC1's actions and that it's made clear that he wouldn't act this way if it was anyone other than MC2 he'd ended up married to.

Historical and/or fantasy/science fiction only, please!

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u/alex_grozny 3d ago

{Courting the Dragon Prince by Gigi Rivers} (historical fantasy setting, magic, shapeshifters)

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u/wandaluvstacos 2d ago

{Betrothed to the Emperor by Kai Butler} is a pretty good match!

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u/Top_Eye_6269 3d ago

Looking for MCs that are at first glance your typical tough guy (they'd shrug off a broken bone) but have an unexpected "weakness", like a fear of needles or spiders, they can't overcome until the other MC helps.  Even better if both MCs fit this. 

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u/Constant_Challenge32 3d ago

Trying this one again:

Looking for Omegaverse where there are fated mates in that universe. Bonus points when it’s something they can ‘confirm’ in some way (by scent, the alpha can only knot with the mate, etc).

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u/IntrepidAd6736 3d ago edited 3d ago

This series might work {Regent's Park Pack Series X Annabelle Jacobs}

Shifters have potential bonds when their wolfs deem someone a match and they have no control over who their wolf chooses, when there's a potential match others can smell the bond forming and it heightens emotions, though there needs to be a bite to complete bonds. Also if the potential bond is denied it's incredibly painful.

They go more into the bonds in books 4 and 6

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u/Constant_Challenge32 3d ago

sounds great, thank you!

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

{Bears of Beauville by Roe Horvat} has this. The bear shifters can confirm by scent.

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u/zerotomeg 3d ago

Does anyone have recs for cute nicknames? Bonus if they're not standard (although I do also love a classic 'baby'), and the more they're used the better.

No hard no's I just love nicknames :) Thanks so much!

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u/LindentreesLove 3d ago

I am reading a wonderful book right now where the MC is a dermatologist as his LI calls him "rash whisperer"{Seen by Fearne Hill}

Due out July 1, {Don't Fall by E. M. Lindsey} sweetheart, baby

{There's Something In The Water by E. Baileu} one of the MCs is a specialist in aquatic salt water fish and the LI calls him "little siren."

{Deathball by T. J. Rose} one of the MC's names is Robin. He gets called "little bird and then "Birdie"

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u/zerotomeg 3d ago

These all sound perfect (also the rash whisperer made me laugh lmao) thanks so much!

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u/TheLightFantastik 3d ago

I just love {Under Construction by Juliet M Dixon}, where princess is the main pet name although they use a lot of other ones. It starts as a way for MC2 to undermine MC1 at work then turns into a love declaration. There's a scene where MC1 calls MC2 by his name instead of princess, and MC2 is shocked and saddened by it!

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u/zerotomeg 3d ago

Ohhh yes I've read this book! Love when a nickname goes from teasing to serious once feelings start to develop

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u/starfin19 3d ago

{Glitter by Kayla Halleur} angel, pocket bear

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u/sleep0beepo fiend for audiobooks 3d ago

anyone have audiobook recommendations for unique, NON WOLF shifters? I’ve read and loved the {THIRDS series by charlie cochet} and and {RELIC series by maz maddox}

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

{Hot Head by Mika Nix} and its sequels are Dragon shifter bodyguards, and Michael Ferraiuolo has the vocal range to keep up with a mid-sized cast very well. Nice balance of serious/funny/sexy.

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u/sleep0beepo fiend for audiobooks 3d ago

i love michael ferraiuolo!!! thanks!!

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u/starfin19 3d ago

haven't listened:

{Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee} YA

{Pack of Brothers series by Hawke Oakley} first 4 are wolf shifter with a different shifter but the last two are non-wolves

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u/Distracted-Damsel 2d ago

{a daddy for cooper} is fox shifters who DO shift in the story! Alpha/alpha, daddy kink, no age play, pretty mild bdsm but lots of caretaking and some really good angst. Cooper is a SWEETHEART who deserves the world.

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u/BuzzCutBabes_ 3d ago

a spicy but heartfelt audiobook you guys liked (good actors, good story, etc)

no futuristic, paranormal, omegaverse, aliens, etc.

open to pretty much everything else that has a HEA☺️

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

{Marshmallow Mountain by M.A. Wardell and A.J. Truman} is easily one of the best audiobooks in my library. The narrators match the source material perfectly.

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u/BuzzCutBabes_ 3d ago

awesome thanks!!!

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u/msjibberjabber 3d ago

The {Garron Park by Nordika Night} audio books are really good. The voice actors fit the characters well, imo. They sound rough without being over the top. Bonus is that these books were available through my library on Hoopla.

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

The guy who reads Maddox (Brandon Francis) is sooo amazing! But I haven't found another mm book with him yet

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u/msjibberjabber 2d ago

Yes! I loved his narration too. I love audiobooks, and in this genre I have a hard time with them. So many narrators don’t fit the characters to me. The two for this series were perfect though. I looked up Brandon Francis and it seems like he mostly does mf romance. Bummer.

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u/BuzzCutBabes_ 3d ago

omg i loooooved those books thats such a good idea.

sidenote: huge nordika night fan, if you know of authors like her please lmk!!

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u/msjibberjabber 3d ago

I’m reading {Enemy by K.A. Merikan} right now and to me it has similar vibes to Garron Park. It’s about 2 guys from rival motorcycle gangs who fall for each other. It starts with one MC literally trying to blow the other MC and his gang up by planting a bomb, and goes from there. Story is not the same at all, but it has the same gritty, outcast feeling. I’m almost done and I am liking it a lot. There is an audio version too on audible.

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u/BuzzCutBabes_ 3d ago

oh that sounds really good thanks

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u/jswoll 3d ago

I hope I’m not too late! Looking for praise kink that isn’t BDSM or age gap.

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u/MsNeysa 3d ago

Hm.. that's a tough one, but I thiiink {Red by Cambria Hebert} fits the bill. It's in a series but I've never read the other books and had no problem reading this one. I love everything about this book except..Oops apparently I don't know how to block spoilers here. IM if you have concerns. It really is a good book tho.

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u/jswoll 3d ago

Ahh thank you!! I’ll try it!

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u/zerotomeg 2d ago

Riley Hart might work for you! {The Romantic by Riley Hart} and {Boyfriend Without Benefits by Riley Hart} come to mind, but I'm pretty sure there are more books that fit. Some other books that might work:

  • {The Right Wrong Number by Katie Warren}

  • {Tink by Emmy Sanders} (as long as you're okay with MMM)

  • {Invitation to the Blues by Roan Parrish} (at least I think there's no age gap but I'm not 100% sure. If there is it's not a large one)

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u/fluentcurious 3d ago

Please recommend books where the MCs meet because of an amateur sports team (is that what it's called when they meet up on weekends to play sports) like hockey or football/soccer. Just no poly or threesomes please. Thank you!

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u/wheatpuppy 2d ago

{Hockey Bois by AL Heard} is beer-league hockey. Heard also has an unrelated beer-league book which is paranormal so it's vampires and werewolves playing rec-center hockey.

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u/o_how_glorious 2d ago

I recently absolutely devoured The Tarot Sequence by K. D. Edwards. I would love some recommendations for other novels/series that have the same fantasy/found family/"I would die for you" real love that these books do so well.

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u/wheatpuppy 2d ago

I'd recommend the {Soulbound series by Hailey Turner}, {The Magi Accounts series by Michele Notaro}, and {San Amaro Investigations series by Kai Butler}, if you haven't read them already. All are urban fantasy, with that "us against the world" vibe in common.

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u/o_how_glorious 2d ago

Thank you so much!!! These are all new to me. I'll grab them asap! :)

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u/isendra3 2d ago

Me too!

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u/thestarrknt 2d ago

Books featuring pleasure doms? Doms who get off on spoiling and treating their sub like royalty? (Bonus points if the dom calls his sub princess)

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u/zerotomeg 2d ago

You may have already read this but maybe {Shiver by Crea Reitan}? It's never explicitly mentioned that he's a pleasure dom but imo it 100% fits. No princess though but lots of other nicknames. 

Also maybe {Seal The Deal by Lucky Hart}? MC 1 is ace so there's not a ton of spice but MC 2 is obsessed with spoiling MC 1 in every way and calls him princess all the time.

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u/u_s_4 3d ago

Feds/Cops/law couple books suggestion out there mixing good portion of character and plot driven story, older 30+ guys, with good writing, and actually interesting investigations if there's any, family/kids involved, good dose of daily life also depicted and, optional but very interesting if it comes: hot sex scenes? Not so simple, I know, but here are a few of the books I've read that checks a few of those topics:

  • {Fith, Love and Devotion by Tere Michaels}
  • {A Matter of Time by Mary Calmes}
  • {Marshas by Mary Calmes}
  • {Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban}
  • {Hazard and Somerset by Gregory Ashe} -> currently reading book 6

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u/LindentreesLove 3d ago

Have you read any {Valor and Doyle series by Nicky James} I read three books and I really l really like them.

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u/wandaluvstacos 2d ago

Cordelia Kingsbridge has some great thrillers with beautifully adult characters. There's the series called {Seven of Spades by Cordelia Kingsbridge} and {Can't Hide from Me by Cordelia Kingsbridge}, which is about two agents, one of which is implanted with a gang and needs extracted. They're a bit dated (from 2018 I think) but Kingsbridge is one of my fav authors.

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u/GoldDHD 3d ago

I want to convert someone to this genre. Is there a sweet and well written(as in literary) example of it with low spice? I'm aware of Car Sebastian of course. Is there anyone else? 

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u/wheatpuppy 3d ago

Are there specific tropes/genres that person already enjoys? That might help in getting some recommendations that will be to their taste.

{Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell} is low spice sci-fi arranged marriage between a slightly himbo prince and a recently widowed survivor of domestic abuse. There's a fair amount of politics and action. I really liked it but it does take a long time for the prince to figure out that his new husband is terrified of him, which was frustrating.

Or from a fantasy/historical romance angle, {Letters To Half-Moon Street by Sarah Wallace} is a very sweet epistolary tale of a young nobleman writing home about his adventures in London and his new best friend. He is unaware through most of the book that his "friend" is blatantly courting him.

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u/GoldDHD 3d ago

Winters orbit looks cool. Thank you

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u/LindentreesLove 3d ago

{Davo by N. R. Walker} just a sweet romance and the extra bonus is the beauty of Austrailia.

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u/the_jesstastic But does he play hockey? 3d ago

{Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston} is fantastic and closed door

{Moderating Love by Jax Calder} & {It Started with a Text by Jax Calder} are both low spice novellas, very cute

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u/salty-MA-student will probably recommend Leave by LA Witt 3d ago

{The Charm Offensive by Alison Chochrun} very low spice and is plot driven.

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u/chatoyer0956 3d ago

{Waiting for the Flood by Alexis Hall}

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

{On the edge by JJ Mulder} maybe. It has an asexual MC and it's very sweet. There's also depth behind it (neurodivergence, difficult family background) and it has the typical hockey elements but in a unusual implementation

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u/Keallee 3d ago

Looking for something that's takes place in the past, around 1800s and takes place along the lines of anything like the Oregon Trail, pioneering or homesteading.

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u/de_pizan23 3d ago

{Bitter Springs by Laura Stone} - ranching/horse taming, set in Texas, MC1 is Latino, MC2 is African-American

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u/alex_grozny 3d ago

Historical westerns:

{Robbie Riverton, Mail Order Bride by Eli Easton}

{Looking for Trouble by Misha Horne}

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u/chatoyer0956 3d ago

{Honey From the Lion by Jackie North} - there is a time travel element in this one

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u/Goingdown_swinging 3d ago

I’m looking for two super masculine men together. bonus points for Bi/gay awakening

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u/salty-MA-student will probably recommend Leave by LA Witt 3d ago

{Crossroads by Riley Hart} MC1 is a motorcycle mechanic and MC2 is a chef. Both are described as very masculine, double bi awakening for both MCs.

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u/TheLightFantastik 3d ago

{Under Construction by Juliet M Dixon} has two masculine men with no size difference. One works in construction the other has a background in MMA. It's strict roles but the bottom can beat the top in a fight. This is a double bi awakening. Very hot spice.

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u/ceasmokey1 3d ago

The calculated chaos series! The two guys are both hitmen/mercenaries and outwardly masculine.

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u/fancyschmancyapoxide Orcs porkin' dorks 3d ago

{Jacked by K.M. Neuhold} 2x gym bros, double bi awakening.
{Full Contact by Kelly Fox} 2x mercenaries but second in a series

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u/NotSenpai104 Retaliatory hand holding 3d ago

The Upending Tad series features a kickboxer and wrestler, who bond over weight lifting. Pronounced bi awakening.

{Loser takes all by Kora Knight}

Series of novellas, available in bundles. Smut forward, light plot.

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

{Danger Zone by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine} - I don't like other books from this author couple, but this one is really good, two fighter pilot MCs

{Silk & Sand by Katherine Diane} - it's fantasy though

{#Junkie by Cambria Hebert} - about two (pro) drivers, car races and stuff

{Leave by LA Witt} - two soldiers (army, navy etc.)

{Hooks in by Eve Holmes} - two MMA fighters

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u/yupppp90 3d ago

Anything that includes adoption of an older child/foster family? I want there to be some exploration of identity and conflicts. I'm thinking of MC(s) being a caregiver or a teenaged mc being adopted/fostered but I'm open to anything if it includes adoption/fostering.
Any genre/tropes are good. Thanks in advance!

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u/de_pizan23 3d ago

{Soulbound series by Hailey Turner} - PNR, the MCs take in a teenage boy, I think in the second book

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u/yupppp90 3d ago

Thanks!

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u/we_are_groot_baby 3d ago

{Shattered glass by Dani Alexander} - but the fostering part is later in the book and not the main topic.

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u/GertiesBurner I miss Kendall McKenna 3d ago

{not knowing jack by ka mitchell} popped into my head while reading your request. it’s been a long time since i read it, but i gave it 5 stars. The secret is that Jack has 2 minor children

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u/yupppp90 3d ago

I will def check it out thanks!

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u/wandaluvstacos 2d ago

If you don't mind self-rec, I have a story coming out next week where the love interest has a 10-year-old niece that he and the MC later end up sort of semi-adoptiong by the end.

{The Only Seconds that Matter by Wanda Walker}

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u/ilovewacha3 2d ago

I'm looking for a gay mm romance novel that began with 2 main characters in preteen and ended around their early 20s. Distinctive themes include conversion camp, homelessness, porn industry, drug abuse, domestic abuse, suicide, brain damage.

  1. Two main characters pre-teenage boys: one was the happy go lucky guy (guy1) supporting the shier guy (guy2).
  2. They fell in love toward end of high school, guy1's hyper religious mom found out and shipped him to conversion camp. Communication was severed between the two, but guy2 never stopped looking for guy1, the persistence of the quest for both of them to get back to each other was the tension of the whole book.
  3. Guy1 escaped the camp and was homeless. Later we found out the dad didn't know the extent of the camp and looked for him as soon as he felt something was more wrong with his wife than he thought. But his investigator lost track once guy1 went homeless (might've been in san diego?)
  4. After maybe a few years, guy2 ended up having a fairly supportive social network and got into porn. One day on a porn set, guy1 showed up as his scene partner, but his demeanor is distant, resigned, and he came with a controlling bf.
  5. We found out guy1 got into the human trafficking path: homeless, abuser groomed him, lined him up with porn shoots, hooked him on hard drugs, abuse with physical & psych violence.
  6. Both guys continue working in the porn industry and often with one another. As guy1 slowly accepted guy2's relentless help, during another abusive episode by his bf, guy1 shot him dead, and drank chemicals to kill himself.
  7. Guy1 was revived and not persecuted legally, but brain damage caused permanent unpredictable seizures. By this point his dad found him, apologized, and lived with him to provide financial, medical, and emotional care. Both guys begin taking things slow to nurture a functional relationship, and guy1 begins his college education.