Gay Romance Report April 7, 2023

FEATURED NEW RELEASE

Chance Met, by Karenna Colcroft

Jeremiah Crawford’s need for coffee leads to a chance meeting with Trey Damone and his son Mikey. Mikey’s psychic abilities are obvious to Crawford, who wants to help the child learn to manage his powers. And Trey’s need for someone to care about him and his son is even more obvious.

Trey Damone brought his son to Boston to escape Mikey’s mother’s family–a cult-like group who want to take Mikey away from Trey. Trusting his new neighbors wasn’t easy for Trey. Trusting the man he randomly meets in a donut shop will be harder, especially when Trey isn’t only keeping Mikey’s secrets anymore. He has a secret of his own now: a month ago, he was changed to a werewolf while trying to save his son. If Trey tells Crawford the truth about himself without his Alpha’s permission, the penalty could be death.

Crawford hates secrets, even though he’s keeping one of his own: His employer is a sorcerer. And while Crawford’s life isn’t at risk if he tells Trey the truth, he won’t betray his boss. He trusts Trey and wants to earn Trey and Mikey’s trust, but can he and Trey build a relationship based on the secrets they have to keep?

Portions of this book were originally published as a short novella by MLR Press in 2013. This version has been significantly revised and expanded from the original.

FEATURED DEAL: 99c, Kindle Unlimited

Finding The Right Forever, by RM Neill

One has no time for love.
The other is desperately seeking acceptance.
Only together can their hearts be made whole.

Owen

For the last seven years, I’ve been married to my job because it’s easier than dealing with the angst that comes with relationships. I was only looking to grow my business, now I’m stuck dealing with a baker whose sunshine and lollipop outlook proves to be a monumental pain in my butt. Friends say I need to learn to have fun, and Parker could be the one to teach me. The more time I spend with him, the more I feel they may be right. Now, I want forever, but I don’t know how to ask for it.

Parker

I was only looking for a place to start my career as a baker. Somehow, I ended up with a boss who is as hot as he is grumpy. I should be focusing on my baking, and build security based on my own success. Instead, Owen is fast becoming my sole focus. My longing for acceptance, to heal the scars from an abusive past, have led me to an impossible choice. Do I pursue my dream job… or dream man?

Finding the Right Forever is the second book in the Sheltered Connections Series. This book involves themes of hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine, and a spandex elf suit. Laugh-out-loud humor, spur of the moment kitchen shenanigans and two men too stubborn to see what’s in front of them make up this 72k word story. Ridiculously horrible singing is included.

NEW RELEASE, Multiple Retailers

The End of Me, by Claudia Burgoa

One moment destroyed our perfect love.

This is an emotional, angsty, tearjerker Why Choose? Romance Duet by USA Today Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa.

I fell in love with Archer St. James long ago.
We were children, but our hearts just knew it.
We were soulmates.
Our love was eternal.

But it wasn’t.

My future and my heart shattered the day he died.
Well, they say he died, but I still sense him.
They call it ghost pains.
It’s like my soul can’t live without him.

And after seven years, I’m almost ready to let him go…
There are two men who claimed to care for me—even love me.
One looks almost like the man I lost.
The other is so different, but the invisible link between us pulls me to him.

My already shattered heart is torn between the past, the present, and a dangerous future with two men.

The End of Me is the first book of The Downfall of Us Duet. An angst-filled Why Choose? MMF romance about broken hearts, loss, and hope.

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Ripped, by Linden Bell

Sometimes heartache is a blessing in disguise.

I thought my life was perfect, and then I walked in on my boyfriend sleeping with my best friend.

The only person I can turn to now is Donnie, the silver-fox spin instructor who lets me crash at his place. Donnie’s a lot older and he’s still grieving his late husband. My dreams of being a filmmaker have disintegrated along with my relationship.

The worst of life has brought us together. Do we dare create something beautiful out of it?

Ripped is an age gap, nerd/jock, hurt/comfort MM romance between roommates who cuddle while watching classic movies. Expect low angst steamy shower rooms, teary confessions, disapproving family, and brand new beginnings. It is the first book in the Mars Fitness series and can be read as a standalone.

PREORDER, Releasing April 14

Viking Ink, by Myf Wren

Rhys O’Connell doesn’t intend to stay in Sodden Tewsbury. On the run from a dark past, the only way he feels safe is to keep moving. But when a violent attack leaves him injured, he’s forced to accept help from the gorgeous ginger giant who runs the local tattoo shop—the same man Rhys has been secretly crushing on—and he soon finds himself falling further for Simon. But can Rhys trust Simon to accept the side of him that he has been forced to keep hidden—the part that loves colouring and soft toys, the part he barely understands himself?

Simon Johansen’s life is busy. Between running Viking Ink, his tattoo shop, and spending time with friends and family he doesn’t have time to go looking for romance—and after his last relationship ended disastrously, he’s not sure he wants to. But he can’t help but be attracted to the shy, pretty boy who busks in the town square, and when a chance arises to take the lad under his wing, he doesn’t hesitate. Rhys is everything Simon’s ever wanted in a baby boy—but will he accept Simon as his Daddy?

With outside forces closing in and Rhys’s past chasing him down, they’ll have to fight for their happy ending.

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Daddy for a Day, by Della Cain

A daddy for a day is better than no daddy at all, right?

Garvin loves his job running the local animal shelter. In his short time there, he’s managed to get the books balanced, increased donations, and helped find homes for countless animals. When a fluke storm damages the shelter, Garvin finds all of his hard work being washed away. With the future of the shelter at risk, Garvin happily accepts Club Chain’s offer to help.

Chance is done just having playdates at the local club. It was fine when he was in the big city and constantly traveling for work. He didn’t have the time to give a little what they needed. But he’s ready to settle down. His new job keeps him home more often than not, a new home, and he’s recently joined Club Chained. All that’s left is meeting the one. As if it were that easy.

When Chance gets an invitation to Club Chained’s upcoming adoption night, he immediately RSVPs yes. Worst case scenario? He helps raise money for a good cause. Best case scenario? He finds a little for the day… or longer.

Daddy For a Day is an M/M age play daddy romance featuring a little who misses having a daddy, a daddy who is ready for more than just a playdate, new beginnings, footie bunny jams, chickie nuggies galore, adorable pets, a club that gives back, true love, and a happy ever after.

**Daddy for a Day is part of the Daddies for Dollars multi-author series, where every book features a swoon-worthy Daddy, a boy he adores, and a happily ever after helped along by a fundraiser event. Each book stands alone, but with six delicious Daddy pairings to choose from, why not read them all?

99c SALE, Kindle Unlimited

Something Undeniable, by Rory Maxwell

Micah Avery has called Split Rock Ranch home for most of his life—it’s one of the few places he can be totally himself without worry or judgment. The ranch, the horses, and the people are Micah’s future, and he couldn’t be happier. The fact that it’s also home to the ranch manager he’s determined to marry one day is icing on the cake . . . all he needs is for Ryan to notice him.

Ryan Astor came to Split Rock Ranch at a time when he was desperate to start over. It was just supposed to be a stop on the road, but instead he found a home and a family—that family includes Micah, the sweet kid who’s been the ranch mascot since before he was tall enough to see over the stall doors. Ryan’s finally found his place, and he can’t imagine wanting anything to change.

Then little Micah Avery grows up. And Ryan’s suddenly confronted with a whole mess of feelings and desires he never expected. Now he needs to decide if he can give in to what they both want without jeopardizing everything they have.

Something Undeniable is a slow-burn, 37k-word novella with an age gap, mutual pining, and plenty of heat. It’s the first book in the Split Rock Ranch series, but can be read as a stand-alone story. However, book two follows the same characters and is MMM.

NEW RELEASE, Multiple Retailers

Game Plan, by Amy Aislin

As the new head coach of the Vancouver Orcas, Matt Shore has got his work cut out for him. Coming off a season where the Orcas came in last in the entire AHL, Matt’s job is to whip his new hockey team into shape for the oncoming season.

He doesn’t need any distractions, especially not one in the form of a tall, dark, and gorgeous antiques dealer.

Who’s also his ex—and his best player’s father.

Pierce Langley-Brown has a lot of regrets. The biggest? Leaving Matt behind two years ago when his son needed him. Now, with his son on Matt’s hockey team, there’s no avoiding the man who once owned his heart.

Not that Pierce wants to avoid him. And that heart? It still belongs to Matt.

But will Matt choose to keep it after all this time?

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

MegaEvolvedJock: His Tutor?, by J. Allen Grady

When a jock with a past meets a brainy tutor with a broken heart, they discover that love can heal even the deepest wounds in this captivating M/M romance novel.

Todd thought he had it all figured out—he’d put his troubled past behind him and buried his bisexuality. He was a basketball star dating the smoking-hot Winter. But when things go south and he has to break up with Winter, Todd returns to the popular dating app CockyUnicorns to give guys another chance. Formerly TopJock69, Todd changes his profile name to MegaEvolvedJock as he looks for a real change from the rut he’s been in with Winter.

Enter Adrian Phelps, a smart and hardworking grad student who’s just trying to make ends meet. He has a job he loves as a campus tutor, but Adrian’s dream job quickly turns into a nightmare when he realizes he has been assigned to the athletic program to work with jocks—the very type of guys he’s most attracted to and who he has been burned by most in the past.

But as fate would have it, Todd is assigned Adrian as a tutor. Despite their immediate attraction, Adrian tries to keep Todd at arms-length. Jocks are the enemy. But Todd is gentles and sweet, and the way he looks at Adrian gives him chills. These two can’t help but be drawn to each other. But when Todd becomes the target of a vicious act of revenge, will Adrian and Todd’s burgeoning friendship evolve into something deeper, or will it all fall apart?

Don’t worry, it’s a HEA, and though there’s still some angst along the way. 

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Bad Dogs, by Riley Nash

I see you, Roman. You want to fight me, and then you want to be so good for me.

Kink is a rich man’s game—high-end clubs, dungeons full of toys. I’m a dirt-poor trailer park boy who makes all his own gear. But I have a plan. If I can film viral BDSM porn, I can rake in enough cash to get my friends and I out of here before we become another gang violence statistic.

First, I need a sub, someone beautiful and obedient.
Anyone but the new boy that just moved into town.

He’s huge and feral and angry, he never speaks, and he’s living in the same house as a cop. He couldn’t be a worse choice. But when I look into his eyes, the flash of submission I see there has me obsessed.

I want him. And I, Scout Moreno, always get what I want.

An intense, emotional story about, resilience and trauma, kink, hurt/comfort, a smaller dom/larger sub, and found family. Contains some dark and difficult subject matter, please look inside the front of the book for a content advisory.

99c NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Spring Fakers, by Catherine Cloverdale

Theo Ward is the hot, popular jock who’s never once looked my way. Until he asks me to play his fake boyfriend over spring break… and discovers he can’t look away.

Charlie

Studying is what I’m best at; not partying or awkward socializing. So when I finally let my only friend drag me out, of course I manage to spill a drink on a handsome athlete named Theo.

He finds me a week later with the craziest of suggestions. He wants us to fake date. Embarrassing as it is, it’ll give me at least some relationship experience, and for him? He’s tired of his friends trying to hook him up all the time.

A simple enough arrangement… until we go on a spring break road trip where I have to spend every minute with my new boyfriend. I know someone like Theo would never be into a nerd like me. But as we spend every day pretending and every night in the same bed, it’s getting hard to remember that fact.

Theo

I may be a party boy, but I’m not interested in hooking up with everything that moves. My friends don’t seem to get that. So when fate pushes the cute-but-nerdy Charlie into my path, I come up with a wild idea–maybe too wild.

Fake dating seemed simple enough, but I should know even the best laid plans go awry. Our road trip lands us in bed together, and waking up with him in my arms is starting to feel…right. I’m not looking for a relationship, and teaching Charlie how to be in one is as far as I’m willing to go.

We’re too different for anything lasting between us, and Charlie deserves far better than me. Even if the idea of letting him go is getting more painful by the day.

Spring Fakers is a steamy college m/m romance and is the first book in the Summerville University series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but is more fun when read in order. Guaranteed happy ending.

PREORDER, Releasing April 14

Pascal and The Forger, by Avril Ashton

They used to have it all. Until they didn’t. Now, one man wants another chance to make things right, while the other doesn’t know if he can risk his heart again.

As head of the Haitian mafia, Mathieu Pascal is dangerous, ruthless, and cold-hearted. He’s also alone, but there’d been a time when he had love. With one careless decision, he betrayed the one man who ever mattered to him. He has no right to forgiveness, but he’ll do anything to prove he deserves it.

Win Beltran was at his lowest when he met Mathieu Pascal. He took the freedom the other man offered and in return, handed over his heart. He thought he was safe…until Mathieu destroyed him. Years later, Win has moved on. At least he pretends, because even though he’s married to Mathieu’s rival, his heart has only ever belonged to the one who broke it.

Their shared secrets keep Win and Mathieu tied to each other as the heat of their tumultuous chemistry melts their weak resistance. But an invisible hand is orchestrating a war, and Mathieu’s enemies are drawing closer. To protect Win, he’ll burn the world to the ground as they fight for their lives and their hearts.

This is the story of Pascal and The Forger from DIG YOUR GRAVE (STANIEL #2). It can be read as a standalone and features all the second-chance, angsty, pining, groveling, jealous, possessive, secrets and lies, sexy goodness you can stand.

NEW AUDIO RELEASE, Ebook in Kindle Unlimited

Camera Shy, by E.J. Russell (narrated by Greg Boudreaux)

Never assume…

…that your uber competent personal assistant will get it when you announce your (fake) engagement to him during a live on-air interview with your archnemesis.

Never waver…

…from your plan to punish your arrogant celebrity boss for his presumption by turning your (fake) wedding into a reality competition for event planners.

Never admit…

…that the feelings blossoming between the two of you through seven (fake) engagement celebrations, six (fake) bachelor parties, five (fake) wedding party luncheons, and four (fake) rehearsal dinners are about as (real) you can get.

Camera Shy is a boss/employee, fake-engagement, right-in-front-of-your-nose romantic comedy featuring a former child model-turned-PA who is so done with cameras, a cocky LGBTQ activist/talk show host who does not lose, more scarves than midwinter in Boston, and banter. So. Much. Banter.

NEW AUDIO RELEASE, Ebook in Kindle Unlimited

Fool Hearts, by Emmy Sanders (narrated by Blake Lockheart)

Best friends. Unrequited love. A story that spans decades.

Wyatt
At twelve, he was my best friend. At sixteen, he became my crush. And now, at thirty-four, he’s the man I’m still pining after.

Falling in love with Easton was never part of the plan. But now that I’ve done it, I can’t seem to stop. It doesn’t help that we’re living under the same roof. Or that Easton is so dang sweet I want to lick him from head to toe.

But Easton is straight, and all the cattle in Texas won’t change the fact that he’ll never look at me the way I see him. I want someone who can love me back. And I won’t be able to find that while I’m hung up on my best friend.

It’s time to find a way to say goodbye.

Easton
I always knew I was a little bit different than everybody else. When kids my age were hooking up, all I wanted to do was sit on the ranch with Wyatt and plot out our future. I didn’t need anyone else.

When Wyatt leaves Plum Valley, he takes a piece of me with him. When he returns at the moment I need him most, he helps me to heal and feel whole again. We have a good life now, Wyatt and I, best friends still after all these years.

So when I happen to catch my friend down on his knees in the barn, I don’t understand why, all of a sudden, I’m thinking things I shouldn’t be. Now, I can’t stop wondering and wanting.

But would taking that chance with Wyatt risk the best thing in my life?

Fool Hearts is a small-town, longtime friends to lovers romance with a whole lot of pining, a bi-awakening in a barn, swoon-worthy cowboys, a roller coaster of emotions, and one very HEA. It’s book 1 in the Plum Valley Cowboys series but can be read as a standalone.

*Save 50% off the price of the ebook for a limited time!

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Moral High Ground, by Charlotte Brice

Brett picks the wrong week to decorate his parent’s home when a flood alert threatens to ruin all his hard work. When the banks break and the cute omega from the environmental agency is swept under, Brett does what any alpha would and saves the drowning man. But getting the wet omega back to his house is only the start of their survival challenge.

Tom is saved by the only alpha who doesn’t leave him tongue tied and blushing, and they are stuck together in Brett’s bedroom. Tom needs to grab this chance at happiness with both hands and hope his saviour feels the same.

Lost puppies, escaped crocodiles, ill-timed heats and architects who don’t listen keep the challenges coming for this couple who find love while battling the elements.

-40k MM romance standalone with a happy ever after.
-Brave dog and cute puppies
-Forced proximity
-Non-shifter, no m-preg omegaverse
-No cheating
-Steamy scenes between two consenting men

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Lassos and Lace, by L Eveland

Save a dragon, ride a cowboy is about to become my new motto.

After hearing about a dragon ranch and monster haven out in Wyoming, I set off on a road trip with my roommates and two goals: pet a dragon and live out my cowboy riding fantasy.

There’s just one problem: Hopper Meadows, the monstrous owner of the Jackalope Ranch. He’s got a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas and seems to have it out for me in particular. Sparks fly the moment we meet, and not the good kind.

Even though he hates me, I can’t get him out of my head. Fantasizing about Hopper is the only thing keeping me sane after being cut off by my rich parents, and abandoned by my roommates. If I’ve got to be stuck in the middle of nowhere for a week, might as well enjoy the view, right?

But there’s trouble brewing on the ranch. When I find myself pulled into a vendetta thirty years in the making, and the mastermind behind it might just be the only thing Hopper and I have in common…

Lassos and Lace is an MM monster romance featuring a sassy double amputee twink who loves drag, and a stoic jackalope-based monster rancher. It is highly recommended that the books in this series be read in order.

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Little Boy Blu, by Wendy Rathbone

Can two men learn to trust enough to give each other what they most desire?

I am one of the youngest defense attorneys at my firm. I have to believe in my clients even if they’re guilty sociopathic jerks. If they are truly innocent, I grieve hard if I can’t win their case. When I go home, I just want to relax. How I accomplish that is my deepest secret.

It comforts me every evening to enter into my “little” space, to go back to the days I had no worries except what crayon to use to color a dragon’s head, or if I want macaroni and cheese or dino-nuggets for dinner. Wrapping myself in soft flannel onesie jammies with feet and hugging my teddy while I watch cartoons gives me pleasurable warm fuzzies all over.

I know there are daddies out in the world who might enjoy a boy like me. But I feel self-conscious about my habits and routines. I’m way too shy to go out and meet anyone. And what if I’m found out by a client or co-worker? My career would end.

But when I go to interview my new client, Makson Ferridyn, my world turns upside-down. The youngest son of a former crime family, Maks is not really a criminal since he was too young to participate at the height of the family’s activities, but his name comes with a bad reputation. I shouldn’t notice him. Or care. He’s just another job.

Then, right after his hearing, I fumble with my phone in my pocket and out drops a candy pacifier ring pop. Maks leans over and picks it up. “Is this yours?” he asks.

I could lie. Or I could tell the truth. Either way, there is no going back from this moment.

Little Boy Blu is a Daddy/Boy MM romance with two men who know what they want but have never been able to show it until now. You’ll see a needy bottom boy, a daddy who has been love deprived, size difference, praise, stuffies with names, onesies with backflaps, a little who likes to be carried around the house, sweet bath times, generous caregiving and high heat (you’ll need a fan) in the bedroom. Guaranteed HEA. This book is the first of my Little Big Heart series, but each book is a standalone read.

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

The Obsession, by Christie Gordon

A lonely man suffering from addiction meets his savior. But can the charming male psychology student truly love and save him?

Tristan Tolken feels invisible most of the time, which is fine by him. After suffering years of abuse by a mother who won’t accept his attraction to men, he’s fallen into sexual addiction. His only relief is to lose himself in his artwork and yearn for Collin from afar. There’s no way Collin could ever notice him, right?

Collin Stanley has the self-confidence and smarts to be starting his master’s degree in psychology early, but he has a problem. After only a few months, he’s been kicked out of his apartment and can only find a room in the dorm. When he strolls into his new room, he’s shocked to find Tristan there. He’s had his eye on Tristan. Tristan’s unusual habits are fascinating, but Tristan’s completely shut down. Will Tristan let him in?

Collin figures out Tristan’s obsession right away and knows that he’s the one who can fix him. But fixing Tristan leaves Collin with emotions he didn’t count on and his own fear of falling in love surfaces. As Tristan heals with Collin’s help, Collin hides a deep secret. This secret threatens their relationship and could throw Tristan back into a lonely life of addiction. As the secret is revealed, how can Collin redeem himself and not destroy Tristan in the process?

The Obsession is a standalone M/M romance novel. It is a dark, hurt/comfort, roommate romance with an HFN and no cliffhangers. It features an insecure young artist struggling to live his life, longing for love, and a confident young man with his own issues who wants to help.

99c SALE, Kindle Unlimited

Beneath the Opal Arc, by Lee Colgin

As the battle rages around him, Laurence stops to witness a witch casting a powerful magical arc. Werewolves race past, running for cover, but Laurence can’t tear his gaze from the vulnerable spellcaster.

When Remy is injured, he doesn’t expect a vampire to come to his rescue. What is he to Laurence if not dinner? But Laurence carries him to safety, ensures he gets treatment, and protects him from a pack of angry werewolves.

No one knows how long the magical arc will only hold. Frightened by what might happen when it falls, Remy needs to escape the frontlines and find a safe haven before his own people hunt him down for treason.

As sparks fly between the unlikely pair, can they find solace in love, or will the supernatural war claim two more victims?

Beneath the Opal Arc
~A vulnerable witch lost on enemy soil
~A lonely vampire fighting to protect his charge
~A love story neither of them saw coming

Beneath the Opal Arc is an MM Paranormal Romance packed with adventure, a steamy love story, and danger at every turn. This novel contains violence and scenes intended for mature readers.

NEW RELEASE, Kindle Unlimited

Stumptown Spirits, by E.J. Russell

A life in hock.

Seven years ago, Logan Conner and his legend tripper college roommate stumbled into the middle of a ghost war. Logan escaped. Trent did not. Guilt has driven Logan to hunt for answers ever since—not only for why Trent was trapped, but how to return and save him.

On the verge of abandoning the search as hopeless, Logan discovers the solution at last thanks to folklorist Riley Morrel, the man he never expected to fall in love with, and the man he’d do anything to keep safe, including leaving him behind.

A life on hold.

When Logan disappeared in a puff of motorcycle exhaust, Riley’s life took a nosedive. After dropping out of school, he’s not entirely sure it’s not still diving. Sure, he has a job—one that’d send his thesis advisor screaming. Still, there are perks to his gig as the researcher for paranormal investigation show Haunted to the Max: He’s in the ideal position to propose projects for the team to tackle.

Like their latest episode in Portland, for instance, where Logan just happens to be bartending. If nothing else, confronting the big jerk will give Riley some closure.

A life’s last hour.

But as the two men take tentative steps toward each other again, they begin to realize that their relationship, the shoot, and Logan’s quest to free Trent are hopelessly entangled with one tragic day at the riverside, over a century and a half in the past.

And when the smoke finally clears? Not everyone will walk away.

Stumptown Spirits is a second-chance, opposites-attract, supernatural suspense romance featuring a TV show one step past jumping the shark, a narcissistic TV personality, a craven ex-ghost, annoying bosses, interfering (but well-meaning) friends, personal redemption, and, of course, an HEA.

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Waking Wyatt, by Joy Danvers

My son’s best friend was just medically discharged from the Army and doesn’t have anywhere else to recover.  

I’m glad to let him stay at the ranch with me, but what am I going to do about these feelings I’ve been having about him lately?

I’ve never been attracted to a man.  I can’t even imagine what my son would say. 

Waking Wyatt is a stand alone M/M Age Gap First Time Romance.