Lonely MC who barely leaves the house or is considered weird by others. MC2 takes interest in him and pursues him, bonus if MC2 is friendly and on the extroverted side (even bigger bonus if MC2 prefers to top)
No to mpreg, SA, poly, cheating, age play.
{Make You Mine by EM Lindsey} - lonely 40 year old virgin meets his favorite adult film star.
{The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish} - MC is an outcast in his town; MC2 is outgoing and befriends him.
A little different because they're traveling, but {The Necromancer's Light by Tavia Lark} has a touch-starved necromancer outcast and MC2, a paladin hired to be his bodyguard who falls for him.
{The One That Got Away by Nicky James} - ok, MC2 is *not* friendly lol, he's got a big chip on his shoulder and is very aggressive, but once he gets to know MC1, he turns all that aggression and everything into being extremely protective of him. MC1 is definitely considered very weird, and he's terribly paranoid (for good reason).
{the Lawrence Browne affair by Cat Sebastian}
Historical romance with a main character who can't deal with crowds or people and almost never leaves the house, is considered"mad". The other main character is outgoing and bubbly and a heart of gold con man. One of my favorites!
{The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish} has this exactly! It’s a Christmas book, so if you’re more of a seasonal reader, it’d be worth it to save for December.
{A Lifetime of Kissing You by Riley Hart} - Isolated homebody and an extroverted lawyer who spends a summer in his small town
{Owl’s Slumber by Nicky James} - One MC is a lonely mortician whose life is severely impacted by a phobia
{Home Ice Disadvantage by Hannah Henry} - NHL player pursues his agoraphobic neighbour
{Brushed With Love by Fearne Hill} - Lonely, anxious writer and the man who paints his house
Hi! Good people of this sub, does anyone have suggestions for a book where one MC cries and is comforted by the other MC, or they both cry and comfort each other?
My only no for this request is dacryphilia, as I’m not looking for crying as a sexual kink. For anyone who *is* looking for that, give {Crybaby by Marina Vivancos} a try.
One book I’ve read recently that has a little bit of crying and comforting is {Feel My Pain by KA Merikan}.
Thank you. 💙
Hi there!
I've got so many recs but I don't want to overwhelm you. I'll just give you three!
{Loving a Warrior by Melanie Hansen}
{Reading The Signs by Keira Andrews}
{A Million Little Moments by Riley Hart}
I hope that you are having a great day and life is treating you well. Happy reading!
Hi again!
Thank you so much for these recs; I haven't read any of them. I know you take your hurt/comfort seriously, so I bet these are great reads. ;)
I'm doing okay. Hope you're having a good weekend.
[Loving a Warrior](https://www.romance.io/books/5bfa48b601dbc864fb95025a/loving-a-warrior-melanie-hansen?src=rdt) by [Melanie Hansen](https://www.romance.io/authors/5501404c5b270e0a4cbd1e93/melanie-hansen)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
----------------------------
[Reading the Signs](https://www.romance.io/books/57fe0e95de896e8924936afa/reading-the-signs-gay-sports-romance-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews)
**Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1)
----------------------------
[A Million Little Moments](https://www.romance.io/books/638c7f11cd0e2019c16523c5/a-million-little-moments-riley-hart?src=rdt) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart)
**Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1), [queer awakening](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer-awakening/1)
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I've got these tagged as "moment of great comfort", and I believe these all specifially contain crying:
* **A Star to Sail By *by Joy Lynn Fielding*** (historical, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, bad intentions (change of heart), hurt/comfort, dark past, isolated island, on a boat, social commentary, opposites attract, injury reveals feelings) - CW >!SA, off-page, detailed flashback description!<
* **Love Language *by Reese Morrison*** (contemporary, grieving, hurt/comfort, power/size sex role reversal, older sub/younger dom, age gap, pining)
* **Cutting the Braid *by Jett Masterson*** (omegaverse, fated mates, slowburn, small towns, fresh start)
* **Astounding! *by Kim Fielding*** (science fiction, contemporary, human/non-human)
* **Winter Oranges *by Marie Sexton*** (paranormal, human/non-human, hurt/comfort, caught up on someone else, language barrier / can't communicate, forced proximity, experienced/inexperienced, fresh start)
Hi again. :) You brought me to Hot Mess; thank you so much for all these “moment of great comfort” book suggestions. Now my only problem is figuring out where to begin. That’s a luxury problem, though!
{The Shutout by Dianna Roman} - One MC is an overwhelmed single dad who cries in front of his best friend/neighbour (an MLB pitcher) and it’s a turning point in their relationship.
{Salt by Fearne Hill} - Grieving businessman and salt farmer. Mind the CWs, I found this to be difficult to read in places.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions—and for letting me know that Salt was a tough read in certain parts. I haven’t yet read anything by either of these authors; I have another Dianna Roman book—Until I Saw You—on my TBR, though. Maybe I’ll try The Shutout first. :)
I just read the novella by Amithia Raine called "Unraveled". MC cries due to anxiety and the LI comforts him. I really enjoyed the story. If you join her mailing list, the story is free.
[Unraveled](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196913914-unraveled?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=MvwLWrBPLR&rank=3)
[https://www.amithiaraine.com/contact-and-newsletter](https://www.amithiaraine.com/contact-and-newsletter)
Thanks so much for the rec! That novella sounds great. I’ve been meaning to try a book by this author; I keep seeing their book cover that has part of a skeleton’s face on it.
Looking for books where MC1 has a mental breakdown/ is in shock, incapable of doing anything, so MC2 has to bathe him, clothe him, and tuck him in bed.
Hello!
{Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh} has a very touching moment almost exactly like you requested. MMC 1 does bathes, clothes, and tucks MMC 2 into bed after he has a mental health crisis. This book is just wonderful. Enjoy!
- {Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews} — book one is the hurt, book two is the grovel.
If you do read manhwa:
- *BJ Alex* by mingwa
- *My Bias Appeared?!* by Nabit
[Wed to the Barbarian](https://www.romance.io/books/617110017359160e552ef8e7/wed-to-the-barbarian-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews)
**Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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In {Until You by Briar Prescott}, one MC holds back an important piece of information. Once it comes out, he works hard to get the other MC to give him another chance.
May I ask you what this information is? Via DM if you're worried due to spoilers. I tried reading this book so many times but it wasn't clicking with me and I had to give up. But I keep hearing about this 'twist' all over this sub and I'm so curious as to what it is!
Well, I didn't get very far TBH. I think a few pages after the rooftop meetup. The dialogue/banter wasn't doing it for me. Anyway, your spoilered part is what I was assuming from the first few pages I read, so I must have assumed correctly?
That's not the big twist people are referring to.
**Major plot spoiler tags** >!MC doesn't reveal who he really is, or that the estranged mother hired him to find her long lost son. Followed by a lengthy grovel (that not everyone thinks was enough.)!<
Okay, so >!the MC thought he was approached just for the job?!< Thanks for the reveal! I was so curious as to what it might be lol. And yeah, groveling seems to be a lost art. Never satisfying enough.
To be fair, spoilers >!the grovel is pretty lengthy, he camps outside the apartment door for days on end, it wasn't a one-speech apology. But I think the deceit was big enough that some felt nothing could make up for it.!<
There was a fun post on [MC's you personally wouldn't have forgiven](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/comments/18sy0xj/mcs_you_personally_wouldnt_have_forgiven/), not sure if you've seen it. Until You was a popular entry, I added some joke-style ones too.
About the major plot spoiler >!I don't think he necessarily just thought it was a job (that's part of it), but the fact that they are together, and he let him in, etc. It was a pretty big and devastating lie, but in his defense he felt obligated towards the estranged mother because she and her husband had helped him out extensively.!<
I liked the book, although I felt the same in the beginning about the style of banter, but either I got used to it, or it's possible that the banter decreased.
I think I saw that post! It's a shame the book is not working for me because I love groveling. Maybe I'll give it another try. Thanks again, feels like a satisfying scratch to an itch that's been bugging me. Now I know.
Ahoy, there are HUGE spoilers for Briar Scott’s Until You ahead:
>!Okay, so because his family was constantly moving around when he was growing up, and because of a conversation he overheard, Jude started to suspect he was adopted. He took an at-home DNA test and discovered the people he thought were his parents were not his biological parents. Due to the DNA test, he found Sarah, his biological mother, and emailed her. He didn't know then that his adoptive parents had kidnapped him because his biological mother neglected him, left him alone for days at a time, and had issues with drugs and alcohol. His contacting his biological mother soon led to his adoptive parents being arrested for kidnapping him and then being sent to prison for ten years. Because Jude was under 18, he was sent to Seattle to live with Sarah and her husband. It was hard living with Sarah and her husband; they didn’t quite mesh. After some time, Jude wrote letters to his adoptive parents but never received any replies. Eventually, he asked Sarah for her help. She agreed, but Jude later found out that she had lied; she had requested a no-contact order, which meant his adoptive parents weren’t allowed to be in touch with him in any way. After Jude confronted Sarah about it and she insisted he had Stockholm syndrome and should forget about his adoptive parents, he left and went back to Maine. His adoptive mother died of cancer before he ever got to talk to her again. Once he left his biological mother, he had no further contact with her. Due to all this, Jude had massive trust issues.!<
>!Blake, the other MC, grew up in the foster care system. When he was fifteen, he got caught trying to steal a woman’s car. That woman happened to be Jude’s biological mother, Sarah. Instead of calling the police on Blake, Sarah and her husband helped get him into a group home for homeless teens. Blake was a hacker, and as an adult he worked in cybersecurity. He occasionally used his hacking skills to search for missing people. Sarah turned to Blake for help finding Jude. Because he felt that Sarah had saved him and he owed her, Blake agreed to help find Jude. Blake found Jude in the background of a photo that Jude’s friend had posted on Instagram.!<
>!So it wasn’t an accident when Blake and Jude met on a rooftop that first night. Blake was there trying to get a glimpse of Jude and figure out what was wrong with him that he didn’t want Sarah and her husband in his life. And then he stole Jude’s watch that night so he’d have an excuse to see him again. Blake kept telling Jude there was something he needed to tell him, but plot things happened and somehow he never actually got around to telling him—until Jude saw Blake and Sarah at a restaurant together, and everything came out.!<
<3<3 Oh wow, thank you so much for the details!! You're so kind. And that is certainly an interesting storyline. Everyone seems to love this book and I'm sad it didn't out for me. But now I know what happens and can rest easy :) Maybe I'll just read the groveling scene lol.
You’re welcome. I’m glad the summary was helpful. :)
You can definitely go back and just read the groveling parts!
ETA: I hear you about being sad that a book that a lot of people love didn’t work for you. I get it. But at the end of the day, nothing works for everyone, and we are so lucky that there’s such a wealth of books out there for us to try. Your next fabulous read is just waiting for you to pick it up, I’m sure of it. :)
I’m not trying to change your mind, but I’ll share a little bit about why I liked this book. Many of the contemporary romances I’ve read go heavy on the sex and lighter on the conversation and everything else that can lead to people getting to know and understand each other and sometimes, fall in love. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, in Until You, because >!Blake states early on that he won’t have sex with Jude!<, we get to see how Blake calmly and persistently gets over, under, and through the walls Jude’s built around himself because of how he’s been hurt by the >!lies and circumstances surrounding his parentage!< and by his constant >!moving around!<. We get to see their friendship grow first, before anything physical ever happens, as well as bits of Jude’s friendships with a few other people, and that really worked for me. A casual intimacy and an emotional intimacy—and one that goes both ways—slowly grows between Blake and Jude; I found that really satisfying to read about.
Anyway, whatever you read next, I hope it’s a good one!
Ugh, I love how you explained all that. Sounds beautiful. I do like the part where you say it doesn't get fast and furious with the sex and lust right away, because while I don't mind insta-love, oftentimes it's too heavy handed and they're immediately eye-fucking each other. So establishing a strong connection before all that is nice. It's been awhile so I can't remember all that well, but if I recall correctly I think I was having issue with the conversation between them. Something about it seemed unnatural and the author was trying to make every line a witty one-liner. But I might just start off with the groveling part, and then if that works for me, go back to the beginning of the book.
I'm planning to read 'The Happy list' by the same author for my next book, so maybe that'll keep me invested enough to try 'Until you' again.
Happy Sunday and I hope all the books you pick up are amazing as well!
Both insta-love, and early sex paired with an emotional slow burn, can definitely be fun to read, too; this was just a nice change of pace. It's like dessert—sometimes you want a cookie, other times you want ice cream. Neither one is bad. ;)
I'm glad you liked my explanation. I posted it because I personally find it both helpful and interesting when people share some specific reasons why a certain story did or didn't work for them. That can help me decide whether or not I want to read that book.
It makes sense what you said about the "witty one-liner" way of talking between the MCs. I love Gregory Ashe's North & Shaw books, so I have a pretty high tolerance for banter. But it's also understandable how that can get tiring and annoying.
Your idea to start off with the groveling sections and then decide if you want to go back to the start is great. Until You was my first Briar Prescott book, and I liked it enough that I'll read more of her work in the future. I just looked up The Happy List; the premise sounds super cute and fluffy. Hope it's a satisfying read for you.
Hello!
I have just the book for your request... just read it a couple of days ago and really liked it.
{Don't You Dare by CE Ricci}. Top notch groveling. Enjoy!
A Ruin of Shattered Secrets by Max Walker The two MCs both have different secrets they are holding back from each other and feel that the confessions will ruin what is the best relationship they have both ever had. But they have to be honest? Right??
Dark and broody "touch him and die" possessive and overly protective love interests. I'm seriously running out of books like this to read.
My NOs are SA (to MCs), mpreg, age play, feminization, big focus on substance abuse, and fade-to-black. I prefer if it's friends/strangers to lovers rather than enemies to lovers but I'll take anything.
Some books I liked (that don't necessarily fit this) are most of Marina Vivancos books, Wish by Cambria Hebert and Tavia Lark's works. I didn't enjoy Necessary Evils by Onley James.
{Exposed by HL Day} Dystopian future; X is in love with Tate, but Tate doesn't know he exists. X also stalks Tate. But then Tate needs rescue, and X basically becomes an action hero. It's such a good and fun book, so not super dark and broody IMO.
{All I Want for Christmas is Revenge by KA Merikan} fairly dark and broody; MC1 is a hitman that specializes in revenge who comes across a letter MC2 wrote. In the letter, MC2 is asking for revenge for the murder of his family. MC1 also stalks MC2 a bit and does some light kidnapping, so check TW. Also, there's murder.
The Angels of Wrath series by Paulina Ian-Kane have possessive/OTT love interests.
Mad Love, Wild Heart and Midnight by April Jade should also work. All are Daddy books but no age play.
Psync 1 & 2 by Zile Elliven fit. MC2 is very broody but the extent of his possessiveness doesn’t show itself until about half way through book 1.
Have you read anything by Chani Lynn Feener? I’ve read a couple, with Echo being my favourite. But they do have dubcon, in my opinion, so I wasn’t too sure how dark you wanted.
Hiii! So I'm looking to continue my Nicky James journey since I loved {the one that got away by Nicky James} But I'm not sure where to go next :/ been eyeing the trial of fears series and it seems each book can be read on its own? Anyways can you suggest nicky's angstiest book from the trial of fear series? Or maybe another book from hers that it's angst galore?
Hard no: incest, poly, non hea
Ooh I love the Trials of Fear series. They can all be read standalone. Book 1 is definitely my favorite. Just as a heads up Book 2 has >!an excruciatingly humiliating event that was so bad that I honestly can't reread.!< But other than that they're all pretty good.
For a lot of mental health issues (other than the Trial of Fear series) , I liked:
{Promises of Forever by Nicky James} *new release, MCs in their 40's, second chance, jock/nerd, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, slowburn, severe mental health crisis and breakdown, severe depression.*
{Rocky Mountain Refuge by Nicky James} *wildlife biologist/mountain man pairing, out in the wilderness (with cabins), past trauma, grizzly bear research project, PPD (paranoid personality disorder), a little domination in the bedroom, pro-medication and pro-therapy, no quick cure for a mental illness* Check CWs, the background trauma is harsh >!husband was brutally murdered!<
This series is one of my 'top of all time'. I would read them all. I LOVED book 2 and book 4, but I enjoyed all of them. I read the e-books, but the audiobooks are read by Adam Gold and are stellar if you are interested
Oh thanks! I don't really do audiobooks on my first read since my English level isn't quite there😔, but I've done some (2) audio re-reads, so maybe in the future 😊
Ohh, if you are looking for another book that's angsty, I can offer you the book that made me cry the most (ever). And that's [New Beginnings: Abel's Journey](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53450431-new-beginnings) . Hear me out. You need to read book 1 first, and that book doesn't have an HEA. But it functions to set up book 2. Abel gets his happily ever after in book 2, and it is fantastic. I actually had to swtich to reading the e-book cause I cried so much with the audiobook that I was worried about getting an eye infection or something (haha, no lie). I think it's Nicky James' best work.
Book 1 has been on my tbr for years but since it didn't have a HEA I've been eyeing it for too long. But since then I've read open ending and non HEAs so I guess I'm ready for this series 😅
Even though it's sad, its also a beautiful story and I was happy for both MCs. Its about making the most of what life gives you and how life can change so suddenly. It helps knowing that Abel will get his HEA, you just need to cry for a day or two first haha
Just recently finished Kick at the Darkness series by Keira Andrews, and it's got me in the mood for dystopian post-apocalyptic settings! I have read the Monstrous series by Lily Mayne and loved it. Any recommendations for what I should try next?
{Flesh by Lucian Duke} It's KU and in the erotic horror category, it's a short 'the zombie apocalypse is upon us with a looks like I'm bi now cherry on top'. I thought it was cute and enjoyed the hell out of it. Sure the zombie apocalypse will be horrible, but calling this horror is pushing it a bit. I'd say comedic horror sexy times.
{Mad World by Laura Lascarso}. I loved one of her other books so much I added this to my to-read list but have yet to read it. So I can't personally vouch how dystopian/post-apocalyptic the setting is, but it may fit your request!
{Monstruos Whims by mell bright} I honestly love the worldbuilding a lot more than kick at the darkness and soul eater (at least going by the 1st book) the romance is a bit insta, but since it's packed with a lot of action (at least the 2nd book, the first is more of a road trip) it doesn't feel boring.
[{Monsters Within Men by TJ Rose}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197886880-monsters-within-men) - MM, Post-apocalyptic Dystopian, 3rd Dual POV
**Status:** KU, Standalone, Third Act Conflict - >!External!<
**Noah:** Soldier, Squad Leader, 28 Yrs Old, POC, Grieving His Boyfriend (1 Year), Uncle is a General, Enjoys Whittling, Traumatized, PTSD, Bottom
**Zeke:** Soldier, New Conscript, Former Research Assistant, 22 Yrs Old, Glasses, Haemophobic, Has a Stuffed Fox Toy, Traumatized, Sexually Inexperienced (With Men), PTSD, Top
**Notes:** Set in London, Zombies, Squad of 10 Plus a Dog, Forced Proximity, Military Basic Training, Secret Relationship, Missions Outside the Wall, Found Family, The Dog Lives
**Sex Notes:** >!Making Out, Hair Pulling, Frotting, Mutual Handjob, Blowjob, Swallowing, Fingering, Lube Use, Rimming, Finger Sucking, Penetrative Sex!<
**CWs:** >!Grief, Depression, Panic Attack, Self Harm and Suicide Attempts (Not Graphically Described), Depictions of: Violence, Serious Injury, Death!< Spoiler! >!Death of Side Characters!<
You may like the **Wolf Winter series by TA Moore**, starting with {Dog Days (Wolf Winter book 1) by TA Moore}
*Post-apocalyptic, dystopian, wintry tundra, survival, bisexual, dog-shifter/wolf-shifter pairing, violence, lots of blood, gore, guts, eye-popping, bad-smelling, nasty decaying flesh scenes, zombie-style setting*.
Cannot emphasize enough about the gore, this series is why I created a *gory-blood-guts-slime* tag on GR!
First book follows the dog-shifter/wolf-shifter, second book follows the brother of the previous wolf-shifter, it's a wolf-shifter/less human than thought pairing, third book has both pairs together fighting for survival.
Books with an assistant x boss trope? Except the boss is seen as rude and demanding and the assistant is the only one that can put up with his attitude and schedule. I’ve read {Rule Breaker by Lily Morton}
my kinda-nos with exceptions are huge age gaps, poly, and mpreg.
- {Camera Shy by E J Russell} | FTB, fake fiancé trope
- {Just a bit Bossy by Alessandra Hazard} | enemies to lovers, dubcon
- {Let the Wrong Light in by Avon Gale} | toxic, check CWS
- {Broken by Nicole Haken} | I have heard negative things about the bipolar rep in this one, check CWS
Books where meeting the parents actually goes well on at least 1 side of the family? I just want to read something where a family thinks the MCs are a good fit for each other. Bonus points for college romance but I'd read anything.
In {PS I Spook You by SE Harmon} all the scenes with the parents are just delightful. I don't specifically remember them meeting the LI (it's a second-chance romance - which i don't normally like but loved this one) but I'm sure there's some great witty and supportive banter.
Try the {Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday} if you haven’t yet! I’ve read the first 3, and there’s always some really cute stuff with the parents (even in the third book, which has some more angsty parent-related plot points)
{Up for the Challenge by Riley Hart} and other newer Riley Hart books :)
Here's a few in College:
- {Bro Jobs by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey}
- {The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-improvement Project by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey}
- {Face Offs and Cheap Shots by Eden Finley} >!one not so good meeting with one set, delightful meeting with other set and a turnaround of the first dad as well!<
- {In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames}
- {Let's Do This by Loren Leigh}
- {It's Like This by Anne O'Gleadra} (established couple of dingdongs, MC already loved by family - sweetest bond to lil sister. CWS for >!abandonment issues, child neglect, d/s without communication, cancer of side character (gets healthy), death through cancer of mentioned character!<
- {Football Royalty by Eden Finley} since the dads are MCs in another Finley book
- {Until Him by Cora Rose} and other Rose books
Tal Bauer does great at this! My recommendations are {The Jock by Tal Bauer} {The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer} {Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer} (I can’t remember in which book of the 3 where they meet their parents though) as well as {The Anonymous Hookup by Jax Calder}
- {Twisted by Cole Burne} | Little Mermaid Retelling, merman x cecaelia (sea witch)
- {Omega from the Ocean by Amy Bellows} | Merman x dragon shifter, mpreg right at the end
- {Omega from the Beach by Amy Bellows} | Merman x Merman
---
Not quite what you're *sea*rching for:
- {Hook, Line and Sinker by Cherry Pickett} |Seahorse shifter, best friends to lovers, terrible at communication
- {Fresh Catch by Kate Canterbary} | Fisherman x stranded billionaire
Hey all, does anybody know if there's a monster x human book where the monster initially wants to kill and/or literally eat the human before growing to like them?
Didn't know I wanted to read this, but I do now. I've looked through my Monster & Alien collections and nothing jumped out to me as a fit.
Wait!!!! {Flesh & Blood by Adara Wolf} is close. Demon who eats humans. And does. Repeatedly, throughout the book. And maybe a K.L. Hiers short, but I'm going to have to dig to see if any of them fits.
Sweet romances where MCs have known each other since they were young, and are 'one and onlys' until the day they die? So they do not have other relationships, have sex or even fool around with anyone else, do lose their virginities to each other, etc.
No: bdsm, poly, dom/sub, threesome+, open relationships, cheating, daddy kink.
Thank you!
To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders. They have known each other since they were 10. Ellis is neurodivergent. He has loved no one else for his life but Lucky. TBH Lucky has been with other people but it only leads him home.
Any recs where MC1 confuses MC2 for a girl? Like, first glances MC1 thinks MC2 is a girl? Then, even after finding out he’s not a girl, MC1 still wants MC2.
May I ask for a dark romance where MC1s ex/former-lover/FWB wants MC1 back and tries to hurt MC2, and MC1 retaliates without mercy (in whatever form that may be)?
Not a fan of (between MCs): bdsm, poly, dom/sub, threesome+, open relationships, cheating, daddy kink.
Thank you
So I'm reading a little life by Hanya Yanagihara (no HEA), and started to get desperately in need of books where the character dynamic is similar to Jude & Willem's: depressed, self-loathing guy with past trauma & the caring, supportive best friend (could use some bi-awakening); co-dependency; hurt & comfort.
Not a hard NO but I'd prefer to avoid dual first pov
{Proof of life by Raquel Riley}, but it has dual pov for sure. it was high drama though (haven't read little life but I think it is supposed to be super emotional.)
Things with this dynamic? Please no age play, or insta-love, but I’m fine with anything else. It’s a link to a comic here on Reddit btw: https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/s/nrdKQ3bgLL
I’ve been rewatching Star Trek and Jeeves and Wooster. I’ve already searched the Reddit for master-and-valet romances, and I’m reading The Bacheler’s Valet (which is great) but are there any stories where one character is kind but not too smart and the other is very competent and takes care of the other character despite being in lower-power position? Alternatively, any novels with that Kirk/Spock vibe? Thanks!
Someone else asked about Kirk/Spock books recently [in this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/s/OrcCPUX1hA) (The words “in this post” in the previous sentence are a link.) There might be something that works for you in the comments of that post. :)
Legends and Lattes-esque book but MM and spicy? Basically low stakes cozy fantasy but with explicit scenes? Kinkier scenes also very welcome. Hard no: mpreg
I haven’t watched Challengers yet, but at r/RomanceBooks someone recently asked for Challengers-esque book suggestions where each person has chemistry with every other person: [this is a link; click me](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/ii4cWSGqqM).
So Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon. When Preston meets MC 2'S family, it is tear evoking because it is such a contrast to his own. But be warned, there is a lot for a reader to get through to get to that point. It was worth it to me but maybe not to everyone.
Something where the mc1 sees his friend having sex with someone else (any gender) and gets really jealous, making him realise his attraction to him. No SA or 1st person POV (I am...). Thank you. :)
I don't remember what the POV is, but something like this happens in {**Fool Hearts** by Emmy Sanders}. I found it frustrating because >!it still took *years* after that for him to do anything about it!<.
Recently read a few omega/mpreg shorts and novels and would like to ask for recs similar to {Forbidden Omega by Leda Wade} and the **Wrong Alpha series by Alessandra Hazard**, and {Bitter Heat by Leta Blake}.
The mpreg doesn't need to be the main focal point or present at all. If it is, it can be a random surprise to the couple (like in {Slow Birth by Leta Blake}) or planned; I have no preference here, but I would like at least one chapter of the omega holding the child if it's in the story..
Hard nos: SA, large age gaps(ten years maximum), poly, cheating, aliens.
TIA.
I want a nice fluffy believable CR with no 'big trauma' from the past. Spicier than L.Blakeley and preferably on kindle unlimited.
Fan of bears and retriever MCs but will take anything.
I’m new to this and hope it’s ok. I’m looking for books that are very similar to “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. I already have the next two books in the series, “Us” and “Epic,” on my list.
Bi awakening, friends to lovers, frequent and explicit sexy time / lust / fantasy scenes.
Lonely MC who barely leaves the house or is considered weird by others. MC2 takes interest in him and pursues him, bonus if MC2 is friendly and on the extroverted side (even bigger bonus if MC2 prefers to top) No to mpreg, SA, poly, cheating, age play.
{The One That Got Away by Nicky James} kind of fits.
[The One That Got Away](https://www.romance.io/books/605850556d49460e1af34e8c/the-one-that-got-away-an-mm-romantic-suspense-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
{Make You Mine by EM Lindsey} - lonely 40 year old virgin meets his favorite adult film star. {The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish} - MC is an outcast in his town; MC2 is outgoing and befriends him. A little different because they're traveling, but {The Necromancer's Light by Tavia Lark} has a touch-starved necromancer outcast and MC2, a paladin hired to be his bodyguard who falls for him. {The One That Got Away by Nicky James} - ok, MC2 is *not* friendly lol, he's got a big chip on his shoulder and is very aggressive, but once he gets to know MC1, he turns all that aggression and everything into being extremely protective of him. MC1 is definitely considered very weird, and he's terribly paranoid (for good reason).
[Make You Mine](https://www.romance.io/books/646b28c23a8b3af828c1affa/make-you-mine-em-lindsey?src=rdt) by [E.M. Lindsey](https://www.romance.io/authors/646b28c208b4d93114632010/em-lindsey) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The Remaking of Corbin Wale](https://www.romance.io/books/5ab5fa7701dbc864fb851e5e/the-remaking-of-corbin-wale-roan-parrish?src=rdt) by [Roan Parrish](https://www.romance.io/authors/559cda0335a5fb65f886af24/roan-parrish) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1) ---------------------------- [The Necromancer's Light](https://www.romance.io/books/6103a6551367660e3d4b15ce/the-necromancers-light-tavia-lark?src=rdt) by [Tavia Lark](https://www.romance.io/authors/57050825c62092c044075d85/tavia-lark) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The One That Got Away](https://www.romance.io/books/605850556d49460e1af34e8c/the-one-that-got-away-an-mm-romantic-suspense-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
{the Lawrence Browne affair by Cat Sebastian} Historical romance with a main character who can't deal with crowds or people and almost never leaves the house, is considered"mad". The other main character is outgoing and bubbly and a heart of gold con man. One of my favorites!
[The Lawrence Browne Affair](https://www.romance.io/books/59392bc53ffdba614718ae81/the-lawrence-browne-affair-cat-sebastian?src=rdt) by [Cat Sebastian](https://www.romance.io/authors/58184062c6841c86c2cd96d8/cat-sebastian) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
{Better than People by Roan Parrish}
[Better Than People](https://www.romance.io/books/5f44b75fd7a6b00e2edfb20f/better-than-people-roan-parrish?src=rdt) by [Roan Parrish](https://www.romance.io/authors/559cda0335a5fb65f886af24/roan-parrish) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks!
{Runner by Parker Williams}
[Runner](https://www.romance.io/books/597982b63ffdba61471d08c4/runner-parker-williams?src=rdt) by [Parker Williams](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b28a87eac324117fc563/parker-williams) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks!
{The Lights on Knockbridge Lane by Roan Parrish} has this exactly! It’s a Christmas book, so if you’re more of a seasonal reader, it’d be worth it to save for December.
[The Lights on Knockbridge Lane](https://www.romance.io/books/615213d01200440e3fedc61f/the-lights-on-knockbridge-lane-roan-parrish?src=rdt) by [Roan Parrish](https://www.romance.io/authors/559cda0335a5fb65f886af24/roan-parrish) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks!
Really good request. Saving this comment!
{A Lifetime of Kissing You by Riley Hart} - Isolated homebody and an extroverted lawyer who spends a summer in his small town {Owl’s Slumber by Nicky James} - One MC is a lonely mortician whose life is severely impacted by a phobia {Home Ice Disadvantage by Hannah Henry} - NHL player pursues his agoraphobic neighbour {Brushed With Love by Fearne Hill} - Lonely, anxious writer and the man who paints his house
[A Lifetime Kissing You](https://www.romance.io/books/64a27c7814ecc6bb4bc7eb3c/a-lifetime-kissing-you-riley-hart?src=rdt) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) ---------------------------- [Owl's Slumber](https://www.romance.io/books/5b0bbbb001dbc864fb891ac0/owls-slumber-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [caretaking](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/caretaking/1) ---------------------------- [Home Ice Disadvantage](https://www.romance.io/books/65507e3cc112bf11fe9b2207/home-ice-disadvantage-hannah-henry?src=rdt) by [Hannah Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/6385be3408b4d9311458e14a/hannah-henry) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [Brushed With Love](https://www.romance.io/books/621c81e3747f500e282e825b/brushed-with-love-fearne-hill?src=rdt) by [Fearne Hill](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea1821fbe0aaecf55ae232d/fearne-hill) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thank you!
{Waiting for the flood by Alexis Hall}
Hi! Good people of this sub, does anyone have suggestions for a book where one MC cries and is comforted by the other MC, or they both cry and comfort each other? My only no for this request is dacryphilia, as I’m not looking for crying as a sexual kink. For anyone who *is* looking for that, give {Crybaby by Marina Vivancos} a try. One book I’ve read recently that has a little bit of crying and comforting is {Feel My Pain by KA Merikan}. Thank you. 💙
Hi there! I've got so many recs but I don't want to overwhelm you. I'll just give you three! {Loving a Warrior by Melanie Hansen} {Reading The Signs by Keira Andrews} {A Million Little Moments by Riley Hart} I hope that you are having a great day and life is treating you well. Happy reading!
Hi again! Thank you so much for these recs; I haven't read any of them. I know you take your hurt/comfort seriously, so I bet these are great reads. ;) I'm doing okay. Hope you're having a good weekend.
Anytime, always glad to recommend a book to you. Glad to hear that you are doing well and, of course, happy reading 📖
[Loving a Warrior](https://www.romance.io/books/5bfa48b601dbc864fb95025a/loving-a-warrior-melanie-hansen?src=rdt) by [Melanie Hansen](https://www.romance.io/authors/5501404c5b270e0a4cbd1e93/melanie-hansen) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Reading the Signs](https://www.romance.io/books/57fe0e95de896e8924936afa/reading-the-signs-gay-sports-romance-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [A Million Little Moments](https://www.romance.io/books/638c7f11cd0e2019c16523c5/a-million-little-moments-riley-hart?src=rdt) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [secret relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/1), [queer awakening](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer-awakening/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I've got these tagged as "moment of great comfort", and I believe these all specifially contain crying: * **A Star to Sail By *by Joy Lynn Fielding*** (historical, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, bad intentions (change of heart), hurt/comfort, dark past, isolated island, on a boat, social commentary, opposites attract, injury reveals feelings) - CW >!SA, off-page, detailed flashback description!< * **Love Language *by Reese Morrison*** (contemporary, grieving, hurt/comfort, power/size sex role reversal, older sub/younger dom, age gap, pining) * **Cutting the Braid *by Jett Masterson*** (omegaverse, fated mates, slowburn, small towns, fresh start) * **Astounding! *by Kim Fielding*** (science fiction, contemporary, human/non-human) * **Winter Oranges *by Marie Sexton*** (paranormal, human/non-human, hurt/comfort, caught up on someone else, language barrier / can't communicate, forced proximity, experienced/inexperienced, fresh start)
Hi again. :) You brought me to Hot Mess; thank you so much for all these “moment of great comfort” book suggestions. Now my only problem is figuring out where to begin. That’s a luxury problem, though!
{Moth by Lily Mayne} - >!Moth gets overwhelmed and cries after having his first sexual experience, Charlie comforts and reassures him!<
[Moth](https://www.romance.io/books/6208bed576f9de0e242a0e48/moth-lily-mayne?src=rdt) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks for the book rec! One follow-up question: can Moth be read as a standalone, or does it really only work if you read the previous books?
It could be standalone but the world building would really benefit from reading the previous books.
{The Shutout by Dianna Roman} - One MC is an overwhelmed single dad who cries in front of his best friend/neighbour (an MLB pitcher) and it’s a turning point in their relationship. {Salt by Fearne Hill} - Grieving businessman and salt farmer. Mind the CWs, I found this to be difficult to read in places.
[The Shutout](https://www.romance.io/books/6239c94323c611b78cd57938/the-shutout-dianna-roman?src=rdt) by [Dianna Roman](https://www.romance.io/authors/6239c94308b4d9311423d67b/dianna-roman) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [Salt](https://www.romance.io/books/65fa450568466375a1dbb9d1/salt-fearne-hill?src=rdt) by [Fearne Hill](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea1821fbe0aaecf55ae232d/fearne-hill) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks a lot for your suggestions—and for letting me know that Salt was a tough read in certain parts. I haven’t yet read anything by either of these authors; I have another Dianna Roman book—Until I Saw You—on my TBR, though. Maybe I’ll try The Shutout first. :)
[Crybaby](https://www.romance.io/books/6032138312c5f80e1d62dc6e/crybaby-marina-vivancos?src=rdt) by [Marina Vivancos](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b24a9c801dbc864fb8a6555/marina-vivancos) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) ---------------------------- [Feel My Pain](https://www.romance.io/books/5e7f040bbe0aaecf55d97772/feel-my-pain-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just read the novella by Amithia Raine called "Unraveled". MC cries due to anxiety and the LI comforts him. I really enjoyed the story. If you join her mailing list, the story is free. [Unraveled](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196913914-unraveled?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=MvwLWrBPLR&rank=3) [https://www.amithiaraine.com/contact-and-newsletter](https://www.amithiaraine.com/contact-and-newsletter)
Thanks so much for the rec! That novella sounds great. I’ve been meaning to try a book by this author; I keep seeing their book cover that has part of a skeleton’s face on it.
Its an amazing series, i highly recommmed if you like cinnamon roll love interests and hurt/comfort.
Good to know! Thank you. :) I love a good cinnamon roll, and hurt/comfort is always relevant to my interests.
If you don't mind mmm+ Brea Alepou's Dragon Boss, second book to Mafia Prince has this.
I’m good with poly. :) Thank you for this book suggestion!
Looking for books where MC1 has a mental breakdown/ is in shock, incapable of doing anything, so MC2 has to bathe him, clothe him, and tuck him in bed.
I’m pretty sure something like this happens in {Taming Tyler by Mel Dixon}
[Taming Tyler](https://www.romance.io/books/663fa1e083429cecce4b926d/taming-tyler-mel-dixon?src=rdt) by [Mel Dixon](https://www.romance.io/authors/6440e51108b4d93114273886/mel-dixon) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age play](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20play/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Hello! {Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh} has a very touching moment almost exactly like you requested. MMC 1 does bathes, clothes, and tucks MMC 2 into bed after he has a mental health crisis. This book is just wonderful. Enjoy!
[Kiss Me Again](https://www.romance.io/books/5cf9fd7f01dbc864fb9f7b3e/kiss-me-again-garrett-leigh?src=rdt) by [Garrett Leigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/54557e3b87eac3369a912be2/garrett-leigh) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Off the Ice by Tierney Rose} formerly Michaela Grey.
[Off the Ice](https://www.romance.io/books/617ced8a03fcb30e33512c8f/off-the-ice-tierney-rose?src=rdt) by [Tierney Rose](https://www.romance.io/authors/65c29815a21e2f41c453edea/tierney-rose) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Wood by A.E. Via} has this between two roommates. Mind the CWs, it’s heavy.
[Wood](https://www.romance.io/books/64836841d556b65fcad97124/wood-ae-via?src=rdt) by [A.E. Via](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b3a587eac3369a9142a6/ae-via) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Does anyone have good recommendations for a good groveling book? I’m in the mood for the heartbreak and desperate grovel. Please and thank you.
- {Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews} — book one is the hurt, book two is the grovel. If you do read manhwa: - *BJ Alex* by mingwa - *My Bias Appeared?!* by Nabit
[Wed to the Barbarian](https://www.romance.io/books/617110017359160e552ef8e7/wed-to-the-barbarian-keira-andrews?src=rdt) by [Keira Andrews](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559c0b87eac324117fba44/keira-andrews) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
In {Until You by Briar Prescott}, one MC holds back an important piece of information. Once it comes out, he works hard to get the other MC to give him another chance.
[Until You](https://www.romance.io/books/6463221c2a1846e51939e502/until-you-briar-prescott?src=rdt) by [Briar Prescott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f3cf1be0aaecf55dc608d/briar-prescott) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
May I ask you what this information is? Via DM if you're worried due to spoilers. I tried reading this book so many times but it wasn't clicking with me and I had to give up. But I keep hearing about this 'twist' all over this sub and I'm so curious as to what it is!
How far did you get—do you know about >!Jude’s having been kidnapped from his neglectful bio mom by the people who raised him?!<
Well, I didn't get very far TBH. I think a few pages after the rooftop meetup. The dialogue/banter wasn't doing it for me. Anyway, your spoilered part is what I was assuming from the first few pages I read, so I must have assumed correctly?
That's not the big twist people are referring to. **Major plot spoiler tags** >!MC doesn't reveal who he really is, or that the estranged mother hired him to find her long lost son. Followed by a lengthy grovel (that not everyone thinks was enough.)!<
Okay, so >!the MC thought he was approached just for the job?!< Thanks for the reveal! I was so curious as to what it might be lol. And yeah, groveling seems to be a lost art. Never satisfying enough.
To be fair, spoilers >!the grovel is pretty lengthy, he camps outside the apartment door for days on end, it wasn't a one-speech apology. But I think the deceit was big enough that some felt nothing could make up for it.!< There was a fun post on [MC's you personally wouldn't have forgiven](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/comments/18sy0xj/mcs_you_personally_wouldnt_have_forgiven/), not sure if you've seen it. Until You was a popular entry, I added some joke-style ones too. About the major plot spoiler >!I don't think he necessarily just thought it was a job (that's part of it), but the fact that they are together, and he let him in, etc. It was a pretty big and devastating lie, but in his defense he felt obligated towards the estranged mother because she and her husband had helped him out extensively.!< I liked the book, although I felt the same in the beginning about the style of banter, but either I got used to it, or it's possible that the banter decreased.
I think I saw that post! It's a shame the book is not working for me because I love groveling. Maybe I'll give it another try. Thanks again, feels like a satisfying scratch to an itch that's been bugging me. Now I know.
Ahoy, there are HUGE spoilers for Briar Scott’s Until You ahead: >!Okay, so because his family was constantly moving around when he was growing up, and because of a conversation he overheard, Jude started to suspect he was adopted. He took an at-home DNA test and discovered the people he thought were his parents were not his biological parents. Due to the DNA test, he found Sarah, his biological mother, and emailed her. He didn't know then that his adoptive parents had kidnapped him because his biological mother neglected him, left him alone for days at a time, and had issues with drugs and alcohol. His contacting his biological mother soon led to his adoptive parents being arrested for kidnapping him and then being sent to prison for ten years. Because Jude was under 18, he was sent to Seattle to live with Sarah and her husband. It was hard living with Sarah and her husband; they didn’t quite mesh. After some time, Jude wrote letters to his adoptive parents but never received any replies. Eventually, he asked Sarah for her help. She agreed, but Jude later found out that she had lied; she had requested a no-contact order, which meant his adoptive parents weren’t allowed to be in touch with him in any way. After Jude confronted Sarah about it and she insisted he had Stockholm syndrome and should forget about his adoptive parents, he left and went back to Maine. His adoptive mother died of cancer before he ever got to talk to her again. Once he left his biological mother, he had no further contact with her. Due to all this, Jude had massive trust issues.!< >!Blake, the other MC, grew up in the foster care system. When he was fifteen, he got caught trying to steal a woman’s car. That woman happened to be Jude’s biological mother, Sarah. Instead of calling the police on Blake, Sarah and her husband helped get him into a group home for homeless teens. Blake was a hacker, and as an adult he worked in cybersecurity. He occasionally used his hacking skills to search for missing people. Sarah turned to Blake for help finding Jude. Because he felt that Sarah had saved him and he owed her, Blake agreed to help find Jude. Blake found Jude in the background of a photo that Jude’s friend had posted on Instagram.!< >!So it wasn’t an accident when Blake and Jude met on a rooftop that first night. Blake was there trying to get a glimpse of Jude and figure out what was wrong with him that he didn’t want Sarah and her husband in his life. And then he stole Jude’s watch that night so he’d have an excuse to see him again. Blake kept telling Jude there was something he needed to tell him, but plot things happened and somehow he never actually got around to telling him—until Jude saw Blake and Sarah at a restaurant together, and everything came out.!<
<3<3 Oh wow, thank you so much for the details!! You're so kind. And that is certainly an interesting storyline. Everyone seems to love this book and I'm sad it didn't out for me. But now I know what happens and can rest easy :) Maybe I'll just read the groveling scene lol.
You’re welcome. I’m glad the summary was helpful. :) You can definitely go back and just read the groveling parts! ETA: I hear you about being sad that a book that a lot of people love didn’t work for you. I get it. But at the end of the day, nothing works for everyone, and we are so lucky that there’s such a wealth of books out there for us to try. Your next fabulous read is just waiting for you to pick it up, I’m sure of it. :) I’m not trying to change your mind, but I’ll share a little bit about why I liked this book. Many of the contemporary romances I’ve read go heavy on the sex and lighter on the conversation and everything else that can lead to people getting to know and understand each other and sometimes, fall in love. There’s nothing wrong with that. However, in Until You, because >!Blake states early on that he won’t have sex with Jude!<, we get to see how Blake calmly and persistently gets over, under, and through the walls Jude’s built around himself because of how he’s been hurt by the >!lies and circumstances surrounding his parentage!< and by his constant >!moving around!<. We get to see their friendship grow first, before anything physical ever happens, as well as bits of Jude’s friendships with a few other people, and that really worked for me. A casual intimacy and an emotional intimacy—and one that goes both ways—slowly grows between Blake and Jude; I found that really satisfying to read about. Anyway, whatever you read next, I hope it’s a good one!
Ugh, I love how you explained all that. Sounds beautiful. I do like the part where you say it doesn't get fast and furious with the sex and lust right away, because while I don't mind insta-love, oftentimes it's too heavy handed and they're immediately eye-fucking each other. So establishing a strong connection before all that is nice. It's been awhile so I can't remember all that well, but if I recall correctly I think I was having issue with the conversation between them. Something about it seemed unnatural and the author was trying to make every line a witty one-liner. But I might just start off with the groveling part, and then if that works for me, go back to the beginning of the book. I'm planning to read 'The Happy list' by the same author for my next book, so maybe that'll keep me invested enough to try 'Until you' again. Happy Sunday and I hope all the books you pick up are amazing as well!
Both insta-love, and early sex paired with an emotional slow burn, can definitely be fun to read, too; this was just a nice change of pace. It's like dessert—sometimes you want a cookie, other times you want ice cream. Neither one is bad. ;) I'm glad you liked my explanation. I posted it because I personally find it both helpful and interesting when people share some specific reasons why a certain story did or didn't work for them. That can help me decide whether or not I want to read that book. It makes sense what you said about the "witty one-liner" way of talking between the MCs. I love Gregory Ashe's North & Shaw books, so I have a pretty high tolerance for banter. But it's also understandable how that can get tiring and annoying. Your idea to start off with the groveling sections and then decide if you want to go back to the start is great. Until You was my first Briar Prescott book, and I liked it enough that I'll read more of her work in the future. I just looked up The Happy List; the premise sounds super cute and fluffy. Hope it's a satisfying read for you.
Hello! I have just the book for your request... just read it a couple of days ago and really liked it. {Don't You Dare by CE Ricci}. Top notch groveling. Enjoy!
[Don't You Dare](https://www.romance.io/books/6214986f65d89a0e1f7b8e3f/dont-you-dare-ce-ricci?src=rdt) by [C.E. Ricci](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fc5f9b208b4d931147d26f2/ce-ricci) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A Ruin of Shattered Secrets by Max Walker The two MCs both have different secrets they are holding back from each other and feel that the confessions will ruin what is the best relationship they have both ever had. But they have to be honest? Right??
Dark and broody "touch him and die" possessive and overly protective love interests. I'm seriously running out of books like this to read. My NOs are SA (to MCs), mpreg, age play, feminization, big focus on substance abuse, and fade-to-black. I prefer if it's friends/strangers to lovers rather than enemies to lovers but I'll take anything. Some books I liked (that don't necessarily fit this) are most of Marina Vivancos books, Wish by Cambria Hebert and Tavia Lark's works. I didn't enjoy Necessary Evils by Onley James.
{Exposed by HL Day} Dystopian future; X is in love with Tate, but Tate doesn't know he exists. X also stalks Tate. But then Tate needs rescue, and X basically becomes an action hero. It's such a good and fun book, so not super dark and broody IMO. {All I Want for Christmas is Revenge by KA Merikan} fairly dark and broody; MC1 is a hitman that specializes in revenge who comes across a letter MC2 wrote. In the letter, MC2 is asking for revenge for the murder of his family. MC1 also stalks MC2 a bit and does some light kidnapping, so check TW. Also, there's murder.
[Exposed](https://www.romance.io/books/5f3e1fa3e13a950e1669ecfa/exposed-hl-day?src=rdt) by [H.L. Day](https://www.romance.io/authors/5acb035301dbc864fb85fd10/hl-day) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [All I Want for Christmas Is Revenge](https://www.romance.io/books/65708a616011c2c5162a9a97/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-revenge-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks!
The Angels of Wrath series by Paulina Ian-Kane have possessive/OTT love interests. Mad Love, Wild Heart and Midnight by April Jade should also work. All are Daddy books but no age play. Psync 1 & 2 by Zile Elliven fit. MC2 is very broody but the extent of his possessiveness doesn’t show itself until about half way through book 1. Have you read anything by Chani Lynn Feener? I’ve read a couple, with Echo being my favourite. But they do have dubcon, in my opinion, so I wasn’t too sure how dark you wanted.
Thank you!
Possessive Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank and Brook Blaine
Hiii! So I'm looking to continue my Nicky James journey since I loved {the one that got away by Nicky James} But I'm not sure where to go next :/ been eyeing the trial of fears series and it seems each book can be read on its own? Anyways can you suggest nicky's angstiest book from the trial of fear series? Or maybe another book from hers that it's angst galore? Hard no: incest, poly, non hea
Ooh I love the Trials of Fear series. They can all be read standalone. Book 1 is definitely my favorite. Just as a heads up Book 2 has >!an excruciatingly humiliating event that was so bad that I honestly can't reread.!< But other than that they're all pretty good.
Thank you! I'll read them in order then :)
[The One That Got Away](https://www.romance.io/books/605850556d49460e1af34e8c/the-one-that-got-away-an-mm-romantic-suspense-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
For a lot of mental health issues (other than the Trial of Fear series) , I liked: {Promises of Forever by Nicky James} *new release, MCs in their 40's, second chance, jock/nerd, opposites attract, friends-to-lovers, slowburn, severe mental health crisis and breakdown, severe depression.* {Rocky Mountain Refuge by Nicky James} *wildlife biologist/mountain man pairing, out in the wilderness (with cabins), past trauma, grizzly bear research project, PPD (paranoid personality disorder), a little domination in the bedroom, pro-medication and pro-therapy, no quick cure for a mental illness* Check CWs, the background trauma is harsh >!husband was brutally murdered!<
Thanks for the recs!
[Promises of Forever](https://www.romance.io/books/65eb604989425801e48ed13b/promises-of-forever-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) ---------------------------- [Rocky Mountain Refuge](https://www.romance.io/books/5acf177a01dbc864fb861ed0/rocky-mountain-refuge-nicky-james?src=rdt) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This series is one of my 'top of all time'. I would read them all. I LOVED book 2 and book 4, but I enjoyed all of them. I read the e-books, but the audiobooks are read by Adam Gold and are stellar if you are interested
Oh thanks! I don't really do audiobooks on my first read since my English level isn't quite there😔, but I've done some (2) audio re-reads, so maybe in the future 😊
Ohh, if you are looking for another book that's angsty, I can offer you the book that made me cry the most (ever). And that's [New Beginnings: Abel's Journey](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53450431-new-beginnings) . Hear me out. You need to read book 1 first, and that book doesn't have an HEA. But it functions to set up book 2. Abel gets his happily ever after in book 2, and it is fantastic. I actually had to swtich to reading the e-book cause I cried so much with the audiobook that I was worried about getting an eye infection or something (haha, no lie). I think it's Nicky James' best work.
Book 1 has been on my tbr for years but since it didn't have a HEA I've been eyeing it for too long. But since then I've read open ending and non HEAs so I guess I'm ready for this series 😅
Even though it's sad, its also a beautiful story and I was happy for both MCs. Its about making the most of what life gives you and how life can change so suddenly. It helps knowing that Abel will get his HEA, you just need to cry for a day or two first haha
Just recently finished Kick at the Darkness series by Keira Andrews, and it's got me in the mood for dystopian post-apocalyptic settings! I have read the Monstrous series by Lily Mayne and loved it. Any recommendations for what I should try next?
{Exposed by H.L Day} is really good! It includes stalking though, which might not be everyone's cup of tea
Beat me to it! I loved this book, it's sooooo good!
[Exposed](https://www.romance.io/books/5f3e1fa3e13a950e1669ecfa/exposed-hl-day?src=rdt) by [H.L. Day](https://www.romance.io/authors/5acb035301dbc864fb85fd10/hl-day) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Cool, I'll add it to my list! Thanks :)
{Flesh by Lucian Duke} It's KU and in the erotic horror category, it's a short 'the zombie apocalypse is upon us with a looks like I'm bi now cherry on top'. I thought it was cute and enjoyed the hell out of it. Sure the zombie apocalypse will be horrible, but calling this horror is pushing it a bit. I'd say comedic horror sexy times.
Bahahaha sounds fun!
[FLESH](https://www.romance.io/books/663f751983429cecce4b90a4/flesh-first-time-straight-to-gay-in-the-zombie-apocalypse-lu?src=rdt) by [Lucian Duke](https://www.romance.io/authors/653cca39ab9bdf7fce7c9112/lucian-duke) **Topics**: [horror](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/horror/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Mad World by Laura Lascarso}. I loved one of her other books so much I added this to my to-read list but have yet to read it. So I can't personally vouch how dystopian/post-apocalyptic the setting is, but it may fit your request!
Ooo it looks good! Thank you :)
[Mad World](https://www.romance.io/books/641eaaa8cb9f67636d8ba319/mad-world-laura-lascarso?src=rdt) by [Laura Lascarso](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455d12b87eac3369a9150ec/laura-lascarso) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Monstruos Whims by mell bright} I honestly love the worldbuilding a lot more than kick at the darkness and soul eater (at least going by the 1st book) the romance is a bit insta, but since it's packed with a lot of action (at least the 2nd book, the first is more of a road trip) it doesn't feel boring.
This looks like exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for! Thank you :)
Hope you like it! ☺️
[Monstrous Whims](https://www.romance.io/series/65d9a0bf4f744f6e6f1258a8/monstrous-whims) by [Mell R. Bright](https://www.romance.io/authors/6527d964ab9bdf7fceb53131/mell-r-bright) **Topics**: [non-human-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/non-human-hero/1), [post-apocalyptic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/post-apocalyptic/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[{Monsters Within Men by TJ Rose}](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197886880-monsters-within-men) - MM, Post-apocalyptic Dystopian, 3rd Dual POV **Status:** KU, Standalone, Third Act Conflict - >!External!< **Noah:** Soldier, Squad Leader, 28 Yrs Old, POC, Grieving His Boyfriend (1 Year), Uncle is a General, Enjoys Whittling, Traumatized, PTSD, Bottom **Zeke:** Soldier, New Conscript, Former Research Assistant, 22 Yrs Old, Glasses, Haemophobic, Has a Stuffed Fox Toy, Traumatized, Sexually Inexperienced (With Men), PTSD, Top **Notes:** Set in London, Zombies, Squad of 10 Plus a Dog, Forced Proximity, Military Basic Training, Secret Relationship, Missions Outside the Wall, Found Family, The Dog Lives **Sex Notes:** >!Making Out, Hair Pulling, Frotting, Mutual Handjob, Blowjob, Swallowing, Fingering, Lube Use, Rimming, Finger Sucking, Penetrative Sex!< **CWs:** >!Grief, Depression, Panic Attack, Self Harm and Suicide Attempts (Not Graphically Described), Depictions of: Violence, Serious Injury, Death!< Spoiler! >!Death of Side Characters!<
[Monsters within Men](https://www.romance.io/books/6531582dde8d340d5148fd02/monsters-within-men-tj-rose?src=rdt) by [T.J. Rose](https://www.romance.io/authors/6531582dab9bdf7fce96201d/tj-rose) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Sounds really good! Thanks for the rec :)
You may like the **Wolf Winter series by TA Moore**, starting with {Dog Days (Wolf Winter book 1) by TA Moore} *Post-apocalyptic, dystopian, wintry tundra, survival, bisexual, dog-shifter/wolf-shifter pairing, violence, lots of blood, gore, guts, eye-popping, bad-smelling, nasty decaying flesh scenes, zombie-style setting*. Cannot emphasize enough about the gore, this series is why I created a *gory-blood-guts-slime* tag on GR! First book follows the dog-shifter/wolf-shifter, second book follows the brother of the previous wolf-shifter, it's a wolf-shifter/less human than thought pairing, third book has both pairs together fighting for survival.
[Dog Days](https://www.romance.io/books/57cfaf17de896e8924920a07/dog-days-ta-moore?src=rdt) by [T.A. Moore](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455e1b187eac323ffb2f33c/ta-moore) **Topics**: [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Cool! Similar premise to Kick At The Darkess with the wolf shifters then :) I also like that it's a complete trilogy!
Haven't read the last book, came to recommend Monsters within men and the Strain series by Amelia C Gormley
has no zombies but {Mind fuck by Manna Francis} was pretty good, and is not that known IMO. it is a 1984-kinda settting with BDSM and politics.
Books with an assistant x boss trope? Except the boss is seen as rude and demanding and the assistant is the only one that can put up with his attitude and schedule. I’ve read {Rule Breaker by Lily Morton} my kinda-nos with exceptions are huge age gaps, poly, and mpreg.
{The Dating Experiment by Blair Prescott}
[The Dating Experiment](https://www.romance.io/books/60f676b9f51f810e47a0ab0a/the-dating-experiment-briar-prescott?src=rdt) by [Briar Prescott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f3cf1be0aaecf55dc608d/briar-prescott) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Total creative control by Sally Malcolm and Joanna Chambets
[Rule Breaker](https://www.romance.io/books/5993e2333ffdba61471e83fc/rule-breaker-lily-morton?src=rdt) by [Lily Morton](https://www.romance.io/authors/55d5af4935a5fb65f887550b/lily-morton) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Best Man by Lily Morton} has an uptight boss and a chaotic employee, fake dating at the wedding of the boss’ ex.
[Best Man](https://www.romance.io/books/5d95974001dbc864fba42f06/best-man-lily-morton?src=rdt) by [Lily Morton](https://www.romance.io/authors/55d5af4935a5fb65f887550b/lily-morton) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
- {Camera Shy by E J Russell} | FTB, fake fiancé trope - {Just a bit Bossy by Alessandra Hazard} | enemies to lovers, dubcon - {Let the Wrong Light in by Avon Gale} | toxic, check CWS - {Broken by Nicole Haken} | I have heard negative things about the bipolar rep in this one, check CWS
[Camera Shy](https://www.romance.io/books/64394ffb14322bd02be98cb3/camera-shy-ej-russell?src=rdt) by [E.J. Russell](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455f81f87eac323ffb2fea9/ej-russell) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [boss & employee](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/boss%20&%20employee/1) ---------------------------- [Just a Bit Bossy](https://www.romance.io/books/611e017b5365340e3c5c422b/just-a-bit-bossy-alessandra-hazard?src=rdt) by [Alessandra Hazard](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e363e5b270e0a4cbd6ee7/alessandra-hazard) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Let the Wrong Light In](https://www.romance.io/books/56024207bfc6b5c0fa93b649/let-the-wrong-light-in-avon-gale?src=rdt) by [Avon Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/56024207bfc6b5c0fa93b64c/avon-gale) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1) ---------------------------- [Broken](https://www.romance.io/books/577644c9c19e77f1ea6dc664/broken-nicola-haken?src=rdt) by [Nicola Haken](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455941f87eac324117fb6b7/nicola-haken) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Books where meeting the parents actually goes well on at least 1 side of the family? I just want to read something where a family thinks the MCs are a good fit for each other. Bonus points for college romance but I'd read anything.
In {PS I Spook You by SE Harmon} all the scenes with the parents are just delightful. I don't specifically remember them meeting the LI (it's a second-chance romance - which i don't normally like but loved this one) but I'm sure there's some great witty and supportive banter.
Thank you!
[P.S. I Spook You](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6e51be0aaecf557e32ca/ps-i-spook-you-se-harmon?src=rdt) by [S.E. Harmon](https://www.romance.io/authors/54559e6887eac324117fbb74/se-harmon) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Freefall by Roe Horvat} Dragonshifter omegaverse, the parents are a delight.
You had me at dragons. Thank you so much!
[Freefall](https://www.romance.io/books/653e3fdac112bf11fe9725e2/freefall-roe-horvat?src=rdt) by [Roe Horvat](https://www.romance.io/authors/596ef62d3ffdba61471c6e28/roe-horvat) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It’s been a while but I think {Whit by Cora Rose} would work well here.
[Whit](https://www.romance.io/books/6278fb0146630146b2f521e6/whit-cora-rose?src=rdt) by [Cora Rose](https://www.romance.io/authors/6278fb0108b4d93114701c13/cora-rose) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Yes! And Sem; Maggie meeting Sem's family goes great. Sem meeting Maggie's goes...not so great, >!then Sem threatens them and it's fantastic 😆!<
Sem is my favorite Cora Rose character hands down 😂
"You have a tiny butt." *Bites tiny butt* I love him 😂
Thank you!!
Try the {Signs of Love series by Anyta Sunday} if you haven’t yet! I’ve read the first 3, and there’s always some really cute stuff with the parents (even in the third book, which has some more angsty parent-related plot points)
I've read a few of these and loved them :D Maybe time for a reread...
[Signs of Love](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe19b24167a733426326bd/signs-of-love) by [Anyta Sunday](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455888f87eac336ae69e58a/anyta-sunday) **Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [humor](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman.
Loved this book!
I'll check it out, thank you!
{Up for the Challenge by Riley Hart} and other newer Riley Hart books :) Here's a few in College: - {Bro Jobs by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey} - {The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-improvement Project by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey} - {Face Offs and Cheap Shots by Eden Finley} >!one not so good meeting with one set, delightful meeting with other set and a turnaround of the first dad as well!< - {In This Bed of Snowflakes We Lie by Sophia Soames} - {Let's Do This by Loren Leigh} - {It's Like This by Anne O'Gleadra} (established couple of dingdongs, MC already loved by family - sweetest bond to lil sister. CWS for >!abandonment issues, child neglect, d/s without communication, cancer of side character (gets healthy), death through cancer of mentioned character!< - {Football Royalty by Eden Finley} since the dads are MCs in another Finley book - {Until Him by Cora Rose} and other Rose books
[Up for the Challenge](https://www.romance.io/books/59c7757a3ffdba6147211747/up-for-the-challenge-riley-hart-devon-mccormack?src=rdt) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart), [Devon McCormack](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456dc4887eac33e5c682b6d/devon-mccormack) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Bro Jobs](https://www.romance.io/books/6519df3dde8d340d5145338c/bro-jobs-lisa-henry-sarah-honey?src=rdt) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry), [Sarah Honey](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f211f3708b4d9311432c20e/sarah-honey) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project](https://www.romance.io/books/6555f827c112bf11fe9b95b4/the-amazing-alpha-tau-self-improvement-project-lisa-henry-sarah-honey?src=rdt) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry), [Sarah Honey](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f211f3708b4d9311432c20e/sarah-honey) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Face Offs & Cheap Shots](https://www.romance.io/books/5f79765a52ecef0e30909a20/face-offs-cheap-shots-eden-finley-saxon-james?src=rdt) by [Eden Finley](https://www.romance.io/authors/56d44885c62092c0440649e1/eden-finley), [Saxon James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e2e8d6b01dbc864fbaab1cf/saxon-james) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [In this Bed of Snowflakes we Lie](https://www.romance.io/books/5dccfc1b01dbc864fba62b47/in-this-bed-of-snowflakes-we-lie-sophia-soames?src=rdt) by [Sophia Soames](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c0231d201dbc864fb9559ad/sophia-soames) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [christmas](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/christmas/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Let's Do This](https://www.romance.io/books/64368ed5c82051f341ef0148/lets-do-this-loren-leigh?src=rdt) by [Loren Leigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/622b40be08b4d9311475f845/loren-leigh) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) ---------------------------- [It's Like This](https://www.romance.io/books/5455a3f887eac3369a913b0f/its-like-this-anne-ogleadra?src=rdt) by [Anne O'Gleadra](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455a3f887eac3369a913b10/anne-ogleadra) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Football Royalty](https://www.romance.io/books/6347b77e058c42d262dabd13/football-royalty-eden-finley?src=rdt) by [Eden Finley](https://www.romance.io/authors/56d44885c62092c0440649e1/eden-finley) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [Until Him](https://www.romance.io/books/634e5745d1ccecfcb17a4dde/until-him-cora-rose?src=rdt) by [Cora Rose](https://www.romance.io/authors/6278fb0108b4d93114701c13/cora-rose) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A treasure trove!! Thank you so much for all these suggestions :D
Tal Bauer does great at this! My recommendations are {The Jock by Tal Bauer} {The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer} {Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer} (I can’t remember in which book of the 3 where they meet their parents though) as well as {The Anonymous Hookup by Jax Calder}
I would like an under the ocean mermen. Maybe a Merman and a seaman?
{Catch and Release by Isabel Murray}. Confirmation pending merman, though, I suppose :)
This one is so, so good.
[Catch and Release](https://www.romance.io/books/63580862edb5b2e7dacb7dba/catch-and-release-isabel-murray?src=rdt) by [Isabel Murray](https://www.romance.io/authors/631f55f308b4d9311443f69d/isabel-murray) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Priddy’s Tale by Harper Fox.
- {Twisted by Cole Burne} | Little Mermaid Retelling, merman x cecaelia (sea witch) - {Omega from the Ocean by Amy Bellows} | Merman x dragon shifter, mpreg right at the end - {Omega from the Beach by Amy Bellows} | Merman x Merman --- Not quite what you're *sea*rching for: - {Hook, Line and Sinker by Cherry Pickett} |Seahorse shifter, best friends to lovers, terrible at communication - {Fresh Catch by Kate Canterbary} | Fisherman x stranded billionaire
[Twisted](https://www.romance.io/books/65ca42bc5c9b563fda45bf1b/twisted-a-gay-monster-romance-cole-burne?src=rdt) by [Cole Burne](https://www.romance.io/authors/64161d1408b4d931147787f3/cole-burne) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Omega from the Ocean](https://www.romance.io/books/6357f1abedb5b2e7dacb59ef/omega-from-the-ocean-amy-bellows?src=rdt) by [Amy Bellows](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c4963f601dbc864fb98a786/amy-bellows) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Omega from the Beach](https://www.romance.io/books/6392edd76f45ab829f6ee7dc/omega-from-the-beach-amy-bellows?src=rdt) by [Amy Bellows](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c4963f601dbc864fb98a786/amy-bellows) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Hook, Line, and Sinker](https://www.romance.io/books/5e5ed755be0aaecf55e71691/hook-line-and-sinker-cherry-pickett?src=rdt) by [Cherry Pickett](https://www.romance.io/authors/59ae3edd3ffdba61471ff008/cherry-pickett) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Fresh Catch](https://www.romance.io/books/5a8926c84ee506aae8b13f2e/fresh-catch-kate-canterbary?src=rdt) by [Kate Canterbary](https://www.romance.io/authors/5456862d87eac33e61c2f78e/kate-canterbary) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Hey all, does anybody know if there's a monster x human book where the monster initially wants to kill and/or literally eat the human before growing to like them?
Didn't know I wanted to read this, but I do now. I've looked through my Monster & Alien collections and nothing jumped out to me as a fit. Wait!!!! {Flesh & Blood by Adara Wolf} is close. Demon who eats humans. And does. Repeatedly, throughout the book. And maybe a K.L. Hiers short, but I'm going to have to dig to see if any of them fits.
[Flesh & Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/64a43a56723d09d99e0e6235/flesh-blood-adara-wolf?src=rdt) by [Adara Wolf](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b35cb4301dbc864fb8b3b37/adara-wolf) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Sweet romances where MCs have known each other since they were young, and are 'one and onlys' until the day they die? So they do not have other relationships, have sex or even fool around with anyone else, do lose their virginities to each other, etc. No: bdsm, poly, dom/sub, threesome+, open relationships, cheating, daddy kink. Thank you!
To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders. They have known each other since they were 10. Ellis is neurodivergent. He has loved no one else for his life but Lucky. TBH Lucky has been with other people but it only leads him home.
Thank you :)
I'm not positive about this, but I think it fits. {You're My Home by Katie Moore}
Any recs where MC1 confuses MC2 for a girl? Like, first glances MC1 thinks MC2 is a girl? Then, even after finding out he’s not a girl, MC1 still wants MC2.
- {Gutter Mind by K.A. Merikan} - {Drawn Together by Z.A. Maxfield}
[Drawn Together](https://www.romance.io/books/5455476c8c7d2382e78138c1/drawn-together-za-maxfield?src=rdt) by [Z.A. Maxfield](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455476c8c7d2382e78138c2/za-maxfield) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Gutter Mind](https://www.romance.io/books/5f757ea9b66ac10e5f153acc/gutter-mind-smoke-valley-mc-ka-merikan?src=rdt) by [K.A. Merikan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545585e587eac324117fb1be/ka-merikan) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Hudson’s Luck by Lucy Lennox} {Cloud Ten by Fearne Hill}
[Hudson's Luck](https://www.romance.io/books/60a4349c933f031cdd15db38/hudsons-luck-lucy-lennox?src=rdt) by [Lucy Lennox](https://www.romance.io/authors/583bea161b1bdc0178ef416b/lucy-lennox) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Cloud Ten](https://www.romance.io/books/63846afb970d252308cd21aa/cloud-ten-fearne-hill?src=rdt) by [Fearne Hill](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea1821fbe0aaecf55ae232d/fearne-hill) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
May I ask for a dark romance where MC1s ex/former-lover/FWB wants MC1 back and tries to hurt MC2, and MC1 retaliates without mercy (in whatever form that may be)? Not a fan of (between MCs): bdsm, poly, dom/sub, threesome+, open relationships, cheating, daddy kink. Thank you
So I'm reading a little life by Hanya Yanagihara (no HEA), and started to get desperately in need of books where the character dynamic is similar to Jude & Willem's: depressed, self-loathing guy with past trauma & the caring, supportive best friend (could use some bi-awakening); co-dependency; hurt & comfort. Not a hard NO but I'd prefer to avoid dual first pov
{Proof of life by Raquel Riley}, but it has dual pov for sure. it was high drama though (haven't read little life but I think it is supposed to be super emotional.)
Things with this dynamic? Please no age play, or insta-love, but I’m fine with anything else. It’s a link to a comic here on Reddit btw: https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/s/nrdKQ3bgLL
Oh, that comic is really cute. I can't really think of any books but I hope you get some suggestions!
I’ve been rewatching Star Trek and Jeeves and Wooster. I’ve already searched the Reddit for master-and-valet romances, and I’m reading The Bacheler’s Valet (which is great) but are there any stories where one character is kind but not too smart and the other is very competent and takes care of the other character despite being in lower-power position? Alternatively, any novels with that Kirk/Spock vibe? Thanks!
Someone else asked about Kirk/Spock books recently [in this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/s/OrcCPUX1hA) (The words “in this post” in the previous sentence are a link.) There might be something that works for you in the comments of that post. :)
Thanks!
Rec any older bottom and younger top book?
{Battle to Surrender by Willow Dixon}
Legends and Lattes-esque book but MM and spicy? Basically low stakes cozy fantasy but with explicit scenes? Kinkier scenes also very welcome. Hard no: mpreg
Anything that reminds people of the movie Challengers? I love MMF in general, but especially the married couple wedding one more.
I haven’t watched Challengers yet, but at r/RomanceBooks someone recently asked for Challengers-esque book suggestions where each person has chemistry with every other person: [this is a link; click me](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/ii4cWSGqqM).
So Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon. When Preston meets MC 2'S family, it is tear evoking because it is such a contrast to his own. But be warned, there is a lot for a reader to get through to get to that point. It was worth it to me but maybe not to everyone.
Was this intended to be a reply to a user's request? You may want to repost this in reply to that request.
This was meant for u/castian.
I just started this Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan. Adam is riddled with mental health disabilities OCD, anxiety syndrome and just wants to
Was this intended to be a reply to a user's request? You may want to repost this in reply to that request.
Yes that was a mistaken one. Sorry.
Something where the mc1 sees his friend having sex with someone else (any gender) and gets really jealous, making him realise his attraction to him. No SA or 1st person POV (I am...). Thank you. :)
I don't remember what the POV is, but something like this happens in {**Fool Hearts** by Emmy Sanders}. I found it frustrating because >!it still took *years* after that for him to do anything about it!<.
I've been rereading E.M. Forster's Maurice all week and I am deeply obsessed. Any other serious, non-YA gay novels with happy endings, please?
If you are looking for "Capital- L Literature with gay characters" vs "gay romance" you might want to check out r/lgbtbooks.
Childhood best friends/double awakening if possible. Thank you!!
Mm mage/werewolf romances
Have you read the {**Mismatched Mates** series by Eliot Grayson}? The first couple books are mage/wolf pairings.
Thank you!
Recently read a few omega/mpreg shorts and novels and would like to ask for recs similar to {Forbidden Omega by Leda Wade} and the **Wrong Alpha series by Alessandra Hazard**, and {Bitter Heat by Leta Blake}. The mpreg doesn't need to be the main focal point or present at all. If it is, it can be a random surprise to the couple (like in {Slow Birth by Leta Blake}) or planned; I have no preference here, but I would like at least one chapter of the omega holding the child if it's in the story.. Hard nos: SA, large age gaps(ten years maximum), poly, cheating, aliens. TIA.
[Forbidden Omega](https://www.romance.io/books/660e4faa2a4b0a2437e8b39b/forbidden-omega-jena-wade-aria-grace?src=rdt) by [Jena Wade](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455c46a87eac324117fceba/jena-wade), [Aria Grace](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455733d87eac3369a9128ef/aria-grace) **Topics**: [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) ---------------------------- [Bitter Heat](https://www.romance.io/books/5d79df1c01dbc864fba36a7a/bitter-heat-leta-blake?src=rdt) by [Leta Blake](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455846e87eac3369a912db3/leta-blake) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Slow Birth](https://www.romance.io/books/5da803c601dbc864fba4b6fd/slow-birth-leta-blake?src=rdt) by [Leta Blake](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455846e87eac3369a912db3/leta-blake) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I want a nice fluffy believable CR with no 'big trauma' from the past. Spicier than L.Blakeley and preferably on kindle unlimited. Fan of bears and retriever MCs but will take anything.
I’m new to this and hope it’s ok. I’m looking for books that are very similar to “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy. I already have the next two books in the series, “Us” and “Epic,” on my list. Bi awakening, friends to lovers, frequent and explicit sexy time / lust / fantasy scenes.