Usually, I prefer books with consistently portrayed ace/aro characters, and that's normally what I search for. But suddenly, I found myself wanting to read something a little different.
I'm looking for books where an MC believes they're ace and/or aro, perhaps because of trauma or some other reason(maybe something unusual?), but then meets that one exceptional person who changes everything. The one person they're capable of feeling that kind of attraction or connection toward. Their one exception, their soulmate or fated mate.

All MM genres welcome!

Super-hard nos:

• Cheating between the MCs
• Sleeping with other men during the timeline of the book

I'm looking for a book I read about three years ago, and for the life of me, I can't find what the title is.

The plot was something like this: a jock is struggling academically and needs a good tutor. It turns out to be a very bitter, rather guarded student. He agrees to tutor the jock only in exchange for sexual favors, and the jock agrees.
I think there was a scene where the tutor got sick, and the jock took really good care of him.

What makes this story particularly memorable for me is that the jock has a medium-sized dick, and there's a scene where the tutor kinda 'body-shames' him a little, saying with disappointment he expected it to be bigger (the tutor himself is very well-endowed!), or something along those lines. The jock gets a bit upset, though he doesn't say much, but his dick goes soft... Sorry for the TMI, but these are the only details I can remember!

Please, does this ring a bell for anyone?

Hi! I’ve read a few of these but I like reading them so I’m asking for more. The most recent one I read was Whisper by Cambria Herbert.

Would prefer if the MC had a community or develops one throughout the book- just some sort of support system (even if they’re not deaf themselves)

No cheating between LIs please!

First of all, my thanks to u/queermachmir for recommending this book in response to my request on Saturday's post for yandere recs. I've fallen out of the habit of writing full reviews for everything I read, but this one was so damned impactful I had to. And yes, I am serious. I read this in audiobook through Kobo Plus and ebook through Kindle Unlimited, and then I turned around and bought both formats, plus digging up a physical copy for sale on Pangobooks and immediately hitting the order button.

There are a lot of ways for books to be good. And there are ways for a book to be fun that don't necessarily translate to being good, and ways for a book to be technically good but not enjoyable. I've rated some books very highly for macro-level elements and for the joy and thrill of reading them, even if the sentence-level craft wasn't exceptional.

And then there's this book. A book that is unsettling, and thrilling, and disturbing, and captivating, and sickening, and at the exact same time as it's sickening it is utterly enthralling. The fact that the two MCs have nothing but music in common shines through in the micro-level prose, in the metaphors and turns of phrase they use in their internal monologue, in how Kieran is constantly translating his thoughts into song and how Vale is constantly phrasing and framing everything in the language of gardening. The slow degradation of Kieran's sense of self is reflected in the pacing, in the way some passages read like fugue states and some with agonizing detail. The morphing of Vale's attentions from ostensibly professional into obsessive, possessive, utterly depraved love is equally clear. Every step of this book has the same loving attention paid to it. To say nothing of the song lyrics, which are so incredible I wondered at points if the author had consulted with a songwriter--but no, Gale Ian Tate is just that good, and that dedicated, and wrote the lyrics for a full album while working on this book even though most of those lyrics never show up in the text. This is a masterpiece. It is so emotionally fraught and intense and so captivating that I didn't speak for a solid hour after I finished reading. I didn't even leave my chair. I stayed at my desk for almost an hour just... sitting with the feelings this book left me with.

Truthfully, while I logged this book on Storygraph as having been read in audio, I read about half of it in ebook form. Usually when I do that it's because I can read with my eyes much faster than I can process with my ears, and I can't wait to get to the end. This time was different. This time, I read with my eyes because the narrators do such a good job with this already exceptional text that the audiobook was almost too intense to listen to. Reading with my eyes was just more manageable. Even as it was, I was eyeball reading slowly, trying to take in every individual word. I wanted to extract every drop of meaning from this book the way Vale wanted to extract every note of music from Kieran. And at the end of it, I was left about as immersed in this book's world as Kieran at the end of a basement lesson.

I love dark romance. I love themes of hurt. I love toxic relationships (in fiction, of course). I love the yandere archetype. And I love when authors are able to thread the very delicate needle of telling stories about things that mirror real-world horrors, and handle them with raw honesty, without the story becoming about the real-world horrors they're mirroring. It can be a hard trick to manage, but Gale Ian Tate pulls it off in ways I didn't realize I wanted so badly. This book is simply incredible. It is a romance about a toxic relationship without romanticizing the toxicity. Vale Rose is completely, methodically unhinged in a way that disturbs even while making him a compelling romantic male lead. Kieran Thorn's descent into Vale's web is chilling even as it thrills and entices.

I don't think I'll ever again read a book that simultaneously horrified and enthralled me so much. I don't know how any other book will ever again replicate the thrills this gave me, in every sense of the word. I have read a lot of books recently. I've read about an audiobook a day (eyeball reading takes me longer because I don't have as much time for it). And it has been months since a book left me dissociated so hard into its world and story. I don't know if I would call the experience "fun," but it was absolutely, utterly captivating, as intensely dark and bitter and craveable as the purest chocolate, and I loved every. Fucking. Second of it.

I'm looking for lesser-known animal shifter series that are criminally underrated. A little while ago, I stumbled across the series {Alpha Awakened x Christa Tomlinson}, and was really impressed with the story. Super unique werewolf dynamics, solid writing, engaging world - I was really surprised that it never comes up on this sub! This is your sign to read it if you haven't already!

A few popular shifter books I've already read:

• {Matehub x Marie Reynard} - Checks so many boxes, it's actually crazy. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
• {A Daddy For Cooper x Emory Winters} - Patrick is a BITCH
• {Hammer & Gavel x CT Whistle} - I love these books DOWN.
• {Clean Finish x Lily Mayne} - Probably an unpopular opinion, but I don't much care for this series. (Monstrous has BIG shoes to fill)
• {THIRDS x Charlie Cochet} - Writing is kinda weak, but mostly fun. (Ash x Cael 4ever)
• {The Good Boys Club x Jemma Croft} - pretty solid
• {Axel's Pup x Kim Dare} - not for me
• {The Den x Cora Rose} - not for me, part II
• I don't know why, but a lot of Grae Bryan and Eliot Greyson books don't resonate with me. There are some exceptions to this though.

Some lesser-known books I've already read, with varying degrees of enjoyment:

• {Wolfseeker x Amy Penza}
• {The Tameness of the Wolf x Kendall McKenna}
• {Huntsman x Morgan Brice}
• {Breaking the Rules x Grace Duncan}
• {His Alphas x Hawke Oakley}
• {The Alpha and His King x Kiki Clark}

Not a HARD no, but I prefer my books to have a more serious tone. No finger potato shifters please!

I also lean towards reading spicier books.

Thank you, friends!!! 🫂

Pretty much just that. I've read a lot of monster and supernatural MM romance, but haven't really stumbled upon any about Mothman.

Except maybe {Pareidolia by Lee McCormick}. Mothy is such a sweetheart, lol.

So, if you know any good MM Mothman books, preferably where the LI is human and not aware that monsters really exist, that would be great. Thank you in advance.

Anything where two people are dating and one finds out the other is secretly/privately $ LOADED $ 🤣👀

Romance Book Blast – 950+ free, all pairings – Oct. 27, 2026

• https://www.romancebooklovers.com
  
• 1-day free romance event
  
• “Hosted by indie authors featuring indie authors”
  
• 15 categories, but no dedicated queer grouping. Look/search for tags “LGBTQIA+ protagonist” and “author is LGBTQIA+”
• Double-check prices before you buy!

MM books in the event:

Steamy Contemporary Romance

• {Danseur by Ruth Miranda} - 2021 - 155 pages - No cover credit in sample. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - widower x dancer/actor, grieving, ballet, eating disorder, roommates, famous MC, secrets, Dual POV, Present Tense, Age Gap, Mental Health rep, UK, see CW - Available wide: Books2Read - Free since Sep. 1
  
• Ruined King by Laramie Leith. AI use: Virtual voice narration, Kindle Translate.
  
• {The Flower Arrangement (Pursuit of Love Book 1) by K.C. Carmine} - 2022 - 89 pages - Cover by author with Canva Pro. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - second chances, idiots in love, “sunshine hairdresser, a big bear florist, pining, friends to lovers, steamy bathtub scenes, hidden piercing,” toys, dual POV, standalone, introduces series - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• Egg Me On by Ezra Dao. AI use: Virtual voice narration.
  
• {Spencer's Satisfaction (Littles & Lace Book 4) by Anna Sparrows} - 2023 - 260 pages - Cover design by Ky at Blue Brolli Graphics. - ✅ Author pledges no AI use. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - Age Play, ABDL, daddy kink, Hurt/Comfort, BDSM, Found Family, Virgin MC, mental health rep, neurodiversity rep, low angst, sweet, instant attraction, series w different MCs - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• Body Check: A Spicy Grumpy Sunshine Captain Rookie MM Hockey Romance (Chicago Storm Book 1) by Piper Cross. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• {Just A Little Love by Kerry Kilpatrick} - A Spicy Daddy and Little Romance - 2024 - 288 pages - Cover art by Megan Barker Designs. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - age play, daddy kink, found family, fake dating, supportive family - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• {Choices (The Looking Glass 1) by Penny Brandon} - 2018 - 155 pages - Cover art by Jess Buffett. - M/M Contemp. Erotic Rom. - “First Time, Gay For You, Soul Mates, Magic Mirror, Dual POV, Third Person, Past Tense, Australian Setting, High Heat, Reluctant MC,” HEA - Amazon KU
  
• {Henley and Mason : And Then It Happened by Alyssa Milani} - 2026 - 208 pages - Cover art by Paige Moreland (lpm_draws). - Spin-off from a previous series. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - “coming out, acceptance, happenstance, bi reawakening, biker” - Amazon KU - Last free Oct. 9-10
  
• {Hostile by Nicole Dykes} - 2022 - 326 pages - Cover by Sarah Grim Sentz [Note from the author, end of ebook]. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - Grumpy/Sunshine, Jock/Artist - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• {Out in the Open (Browerton University Book 1) by A.J. Truman} - 2014 - 262 pages - Cover by Robin at Wicked Designs [Acknowledgements]. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - college, nerd/jock, coming out, enemies 2L, can be standalone - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• Learning to Trust: A Surprise Twins Single Dad Billionaire MM Romance (Stork Club Book 2) by Lindie Keene. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample, very suspicious cover.

Sweet & No Spice Contemporary

• No MM books

Small Town Romance

• {Dill-ightful by Stef C.R.} - A Feel-Good MM Pickleball Rom-Com - 2026 - 148 pages - Cover by Dana Isaly. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - small town, bi-awakening, sports, pickleball romance, slow burn, age gap, open door spice, dual POV, “meddlesome raccoon” - Available wide: free Bookfunnel | \$2.99 Amazon
  
• {After the Show (The Seagull Bay Series Book 1) by Drew Walters} - 2026 - 56 pages - Cover by author using Canva. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - new adults, small town, Third Person POV, Spicy, Farmer MMC, Rockstar MMC, Bisexual Rep, series w different MCs - Amazon KU
  • Series book 2 is also free. Book 3 releases Dec. 7. Amazon

Sports Romance

• Ice and Wounds by Scarlett Ackles. AI use: Virtual voice narration.
  
• Kissed by the Bully: MM Bully Romance (Off the Pitch Book 1) by Gaia Tate. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• {Fresh Start by S.J. Crawford} - 2026 - 52 pages - Cover illustration by Xiaoshi at Chuangtao Wenhua (Design Agency, est. 2021), facilitated by Evernorth Books. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - “Hockey Romance, First Person Dual POV, Present Tense, High Heat, Spicy, Low Angst, Grumpy/Sunshine, Quick Spark-Instalove, Hookups to Lovers,” novella - Bookfunnel

Romantic Comedy

• The Naughty List Manager (Claus Encounters Book 1) by Remy Fable. Pub. 2025, no cover credit, covers are suspicious and all look the same.
  
• Boots for the Billionaire by Andy Rogue. AI use: Virtual voice narration.

Dark Romance & Romantic Suspense

• No MM books

Paranormal Romance

• {His Gift (Omegas After Dark: Omega Auction Book 3) by MM Farmer, Merry Farmer} - 2025 - 256 pages - Cover design by Erin Dameron-Hill. - M/M Omegaverse Rom., PNR - “Christmas, Omega Auction, Fun and Steamy, Opposites Attract, Poor Omega/Wealthy Alpha, Family” - Amazon KU
  
• Sky and the Grumpy Troll by Holden Cox. AI use: Virtual voice narration.
  
• {The Bear's Broken Omega (Grizzly Ridge Book 3) by A.J. Cane} - 2025 - 316 pages - Cover design by Cormar Creations. - M/M Omegaverse Rom., PNR - “Fated mates, Mpreg, Bear shifter, Warlock, First person past tense, Dual POV, Age gap, Size difference, 3/5 heat” - Amazon KU
  
• {How to Score at a Crime Scene: Nat Cabrera's Guide to Malicious Compliance in the Workplace (The Hawthorne Path Book 1) by Emmett Bryce} - 2024 - 356 pages - Cover design by Dorothy Keck. - M/M Urban Fantasy Rom. - trans MC, quick-burn romance, slow-burn mystery adventure, “relentlessly enthusiastic mage, his soft and snarky shifter partner,” “Dual POV, Spicy, Mystery, Action, Instalove, Found Family,” Low Angst, HFN, read series in order, debut - Amazon KU
  
• {Hunter & The Hunted (Sinclaire Wolf Pack Book 4) by Margot Primrose} - 2026 - 272 pages - Cover by author. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M PNR - “small town, enemies to lovers, MM, one bed, forced proximity, supernatural hunter x wolf shifter, love after loss, interracial, slow burn, MC's in their 30's, banter, Dual POV, steamy” - Amazon KU
  
• A Vampire's Lament (The Wynterhyll Chronicles Book 1) by R.J. Webb. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• {Bound by Blood (Soul Mates Series Book 1) by Jourdan Lane} - 2012 - 312 pages - Cover by Jourdan Lane. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M Paranormal/Urban Fantasy - “First POV, Spicy, PolyRomance, Vampires and Werewolves” Amazon KU
  
• {The Ghost in the Hall (Beyond the Veil Book 1) by KM Avery} - 2021 - 472 pages - Cover artist prefers to be uncredited. - ✅ Author pledged no AI use, via email. - M/M PNR - “ghosts, MM, halloween, haunting, paranormal, orc, witches, hurt-comfort” - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• {The Full Moon Problem by Kay Claire} - 2024 - 446 pages - Cover illustration by author. - ✅ Author pledges no genAI used. - M/M Contemp. Fantasy Rom., PNR - werewolf x witch, trans MC, “trans masc mc, …small town, cozy, autumn/fall, singular third-person POV, high heat, present tense” - Amazon KU
  
• {Overexposed by K. Evan Coles} - 2022 - 324 pages - Cover design by author. - M/M PNR, Urban Fantasy, Mystery - “Vampires and Shifters, Third Person, Dual POV, Spicy” - Amazon KU
  
• {Familiar Strangers by Emma Kahm} - 2026 - 487 pages - Cover image by John Sailer/Unsplash with edits. - M/M Rom., Urban Fantasy Thriller - “Suspense, Instant Attraction, Cursed Objects, …Mentor Figure, Forbidden Romance, High Stakes, Visions, Past Life, Short Chapters, Third Person, Mild Spice.” - Amazon KU
  
• Blood Heir: The House of Nocturne, Book One (The House of Nocturne - English 1) by Alden Noctis. Pub. 2026, cover design by author, very suspicious cover.
  
• {Curse of Dawn (Curse of Dawn Book 1) by Richard Amos} - 2023 - 384 pages - Cover by Vanesa Garkova. - M/M Fantasy Rom., PNR - post-apocalyptic, action, adventure, found family, sunshine fae x grumpy alpha werewolf, fated mates, “First Person, Dual POV, Medium Heat,” not a standalone, trilogy, read series in order (same MCs) - Amazon KU & Audible

Fantasy Romance

• Among the Pine Trees: Cozy MM Fantasy Romance by Nate Kauko. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• {From Frost to Flame by Viola Vines} - 2023 - 292 pg - Cover artist Faera Lane. - M/M Fantasy Rom. - werewolf x vampire, fated mates, angst, mutual-pining, second chances, “High Spice, Dual POV,” standalone - Amazon KU - Last free Aug. 9, 15, Sep. 17
  
• {Where Exorcists Cannot Lie by Kasia Bacon} - 2024 - 167 pages - Cover art by Maider Ruiz. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M Fantasy Rom. - exorcist mage x demon, “Second Chance, Size Difference, Forced Proximity, Demon Character, Alpha Character, Dual First Person Narrative, Magic” - Amazon KU & Audible
  
• {The Bachelor's Valet (Flos Magicae) by Arden Powell} - 2021 - 239 pages - Cover art by author. - M/M Historical Fantasy Rom. - alternate 1920s, “Cozy Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Romantic Comedy, Third Person, Past Tense, Medium-Low Heat, Single POV, Oblivious Protagonist, 1920s London, Wodehousian, Lavender Marriage, Dream Magic, First in a Series” - Amazon KU
  
• {Burning Tides (Elemental Love Book 2) by T. M. Delaney} - 2025 - 232 pages - Cover by violet_scythe, K. O. Newman. - M/M Fantasy Rom. - “elemental magic, fire and water, unlikely allies, medium spice, third person, dual pov” - Available wide: Books2Read | \$5.99 Amazon

Monster Romance

• Forged Heat: MM Monster Erotica Gay Short Story (Monster Lovers) by Indigo Frey. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample, suspicious covers that all look the same.
  
• {The Rescue Cat: A Monster Hotel Story by Lauren P. Burka} - 2026 - 94 pages - Cover design by YCH Illustration. - ✅ Author pledges no genAI used. - M/M Urban Fantasy Rom. - catboy x human IT guy, “high heat, Found family, Meddling witches, Bad Kitty, Good Kitty!, IT Guy to the Rescue, Escaping toxic family, BDSM, Safe sex, Spanking Fetish, third person” - Amazon KU
  
• {20% Stud 80% Muffin: Alien Fated Mates Book 1 by Chris Redd} - 2024 - 323 pages - Cover by author. - M/M Omegaverse Rom. - sci-fi, human x alien, no mpreg, “short, fat, underendowed” MC, “Dad Bod, Royalty, Tail Play, Fated Mates, Virgin Alien” - Amazon KU

Young & New Adult Romance

• {Always Been Yours by DK Winters} - 2025 - 203 pages - Cover by Ruth Anna Evans. - M/M Omegaverse Rom. - best friends 2L, “Mpreg, Duel POV, Medium Spice, First Person, Small Town” - Amazon KU
  
• {Scout by Cassie Lein} - 2025 - 252 pages - Cover by Fluffy Fox. - M/M/M Contemp. Rom. - “doctor, surgeon, rent-a-date, ex to lovers, spicy, bipoc character, guardian romance” - Amazon KU
  
• {The boy I never met by Elen Chase} - 2026 - 280 pages - Cover by author. - New Adult, M/M Supernatural Rom. - visions, friends 2L, “found family, 2002 Japan, mental health rep, no spice,” see CW - Amazon KU
  
• Off Script 3: Sometimes, Love Learns to Become Home Too (Off Script -english) by Myla Thorne. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample, suspicious covers.

Later in Life Romance

• No MM books

Short Read Romance (100 pages or less)

• {Bone Daddy by David Gray} - 2025 - 98 pages - No cover credit in sample. - ✅ Author Amazon bio pledges no genAI use. - M/M Contemp. Rom. - “age gap, teach-me-daddy, low angst, MM, Halloween hijinks,” Grumpy Sunshine, Cozy, Spicy, - Amazon KU
  
• {That One Time with the Lemon Drop: A MM Sentient Object Romance (That One Time at the Bar Book 2) by Alex La Bruyere} - 2026 - 62 pages - Cover designs by Designs By Charlie. - “dark romance, dark romcom, BIPOC main, Black main, interracial, sentient object romance, mm romance, queer romance, spicy, kinky, first person present tense” - Amazon KU
  
• {A Past Too Broken (Bloodstained Love Book 1) by Abrianna Denae} - 2025 - 79 pages - Cover by Raven Designs. - ✅ Author pledges no AI used. - M/M Contemp. Dark Rom. - sniper assassin x mercenary, cat, holidays, enemies 2L, survival, Dual POV, First Person POV, HFN - Amazon KU
  
• {Gripping the Stick (Straight to Gay Sports Romance) by Adrian Jules} - 2026 - 88 pages - Cover art by author. - “straight to gay, first time mm, gay awakening, hockey romance, sports romance, teammates to lovers, goalie, gay for you, denial, closeted, secret crush, erotic romance, high heat, first person pov, present tense, hea” - Amazon KU
  
• {More Than Friends-Giving (Blackthorn Valley Steamy Short Stories Book 1) by E.G. Verot} - 2026 - 58 pages - Cover design by Aurora Winters. - ✅ Author pledges human written. - “Paranormal, Friends-Giving, MM, Werewolf Shifter Romance, Best Friends to Lovers, Fated Mates, Takes place over 24 hours, Three Peppers Spicy Level, Dual POV, Present Tense, Love Confession, co-workers, set in Monster Town” - Amazon KU
  
• Necking with a Vampire: A Spicy Age Gap MM Romance by Pat Lewis. Pub. 2025, no cover credit in sample.

Historical Romance

• {What a Duke Desires (The Brotherhood: Origins Book 1) by Merry Farmer} - 2022 - 282 pages - Cover by Erin Dameron-Hill. - M/M Hist. Rom., shamed noble x valet, class differences, boss x employee, forbidden love, road trip, series with different MCs - Available wide: Books2Read - Free since Oct. 8
  
• {Measure of a Man by Max Hawkley} - 2026 - 102 pages - Cover by author, images from Period Images and Depositphotos. - M/M Historical Regency Romance - “Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, early 20s MCs, sweet-gentle hero, bisexual awakening, scandalous wager, size contest, 3rd person past, Single POV, steamy open door, standalone” - Amazon KU

Science Fiction Romance

• Corrupted Desire by Ryder O'Malley. AI use: Virtual voice narration.
  
• {Build-A-Twink by Lacey Daize} - A Frankenstein-Inspired Dark MM Sci-fi Romance - 2025 - 62 pages - Cover by author. - ✅ Author website pledges no AI use. - M/M Sci-Fi, Dark Rom. - “short read, novella, 1st person, present tense, open-door spicy, obsessive employee, workplace romance, futuristic medical procedures, cybernetics, body assembly, the dr has some fetishes, no grave-robbing” - Amazon KU

Erotica & Erotic Romance

• Spread Wide - Dax Mason. [it’s ‘cest and I didn’t type out the whole title]
  
• Bent Over the Bar: Straight to Gay MM First Time (Straight College Jocks) by Lucas Blaze. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Cast Away On Bi Island – Bi-Awakening In Paradise: MM Erotic Novella (Straight to Bi Book 2) by Andre Ryder. Pub. 2026, “Cover design by: AR,” but I am suspicious of this and other covers by the author.
  
• Claimed by My Rival: Straight to Gay MM First Time (Claimed by Him) by Axel Gray. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Realtor Reveal: An Explicit First Time Straight to Gay Story (His Gay First Time) by Theresa M. Davies. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Jock or Treat: Straight to Gay MM (Straight to Gay MM Collection) by Sylvia Wetwood. Pub. 2025, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Locked in the Basement by Avery Cox. AI use: Virtual voice narration.
  
• Executive Submission: Straight to Gay MM First Time (Straight to Gay MM Singles) by Lance Maverick. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample, all suspicious covers.
  
• {Nova's Training (The Slave Makers Collection Book 1) by A.D. Young} - 2017 - 167 pages - Cover by author. - **Not genre romance* - M/M Contemp. Erotica - BDSM, D/s, “High heat, open door, multiple POVs, billionaire romance, gay romance, bondage, BDSM, fantasy elements,” serialized, contains ch. 1-5* - Amazon KU
  
• The Vet: A M/M Instalust Workplace Encounter (Cowboy Encounters Book 6) by Warren Cave. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample, suspicious covers.
  
• Riding The Doctor: Straight To Gay MM First Time (His First Time Gay MM Stories Book 3) by Mateo P. Chavez. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Shelter: Straight To Gay MM First Time by Mia Phillip. Pub. 2025, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Filming with my Younger Neighbor: Straight to Gay First Time Age Gap MM (Straight to Gay, First Time - Age Gap) by Ash St. James. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.
  
• Sweetly Snared: Willingly Sold to the Vampire (First Time M/M S2G) (MM Fantasy Seduction) by Rowan Wild. Pub. 2026, no cover credit in sample.

For more free and sale books, check out my week-long post, updated every day.

Particularly about Raavishan and Kyle ‘merging’ together. I’ve encountered this particular trope enough times to have developed a certain disdain for it. I think it’s one thing to have two characters who are clearly established as halves of a whole come together to become one again, but Raavishan and Kyle feel too much like individuals in their own right for their reunion to work that neatly, if it makes sense.

The whole section about Kyle possessing Raavishan’s bones felt kinda vague to me. Did he simply physically merge with Raavishan and inherit all his memories, or did he inherit Raavishan’s actual (revived) consciousness, too? Kyle did say something about “coming back to life” for John, so I’m supposing it’s the latter. But then Jahn mentioned Raavishan passing on the key to Kyle, which once again made me feel as though this was less a merging and more like a rebirth. In that case, the original Raavishan would still be dead, and Kyle would simply have inherited his memories and body. Despite the ambiguity, the whole thing still felt like a rather ham-fisted attempt at reconciling the identity problem.

I think the time-travel aspect of the book in general just really threw me off. It's a finicky thing, and stories that handle it well are rare, so I didn’t want to hold this too much against the book. I’m choosing to believe that the Raavishan and Kyle storylines take place in two separate timelines, with John leaving the Kyle timeline for another one, where he meets Raavishan. Kyle then follows him into that timeline years after Raavishan’s death, which is presumably what causes his own memories to become so entangled with Raavishan’s. (As of writing this, I’m fairly certain this is canon, since the author wrote a short story about Kyle’s sister carrying on with her life in the original timeline after Kyle leaves for Raavishan’s.)

But this raises a whole slew of questions. If it really is another timeline, then there’s already a John (as well as a Laurie and a Bill) in the timeline the original John intruded upon, living his peaceful life on Earth. I wonder what would have happened if Raavishan and John had actually managed to get into Nayeshi in that other timeline. Would John have met his other self, or would he have been sent back to his original timeline? Similarly, what would have happened if Kyle had managed to arrive in Raavishan’s timeline while Raavishan was still alive?

I realise these questions might be getting a little pedantic, but they affect how I see the ending. Raavishan and Kyle are two completely different men from two completely different timelines to me, with only their upbringing up until John’s arrival in Basawar serving as a common thread. The love story had always been between Raavishan and John, so I couldn’t quite figure out what Jath’ibaye loved Kyle for, if not the memories he’d inherited from Raavishan upon entering that timeline and the physical resemblance. Kyle himself seemed to become less the person who had been John’s roommate and more a vessel for Raavishan’s feelings, to the point that he even seemed to forget his own memories, and his body was altered too; he lost the scar that Dayyid had given him.

That detail really irks me because we know Kyle’s memories are real, so I’m choosing to interpret the scar’s disappearance as evidence that his original timeline’s history no longer applies in Raavishan’s. But this also challenges my two timeline theory, because if both Kyle’s body and memories are being altered to match Raavishan’s, then what exactly is happening to the distinction between them? Is Kyle being rewritten to fit into Raavishan’s timeline, or is the story suggesting that he was always Raavishan to begin with? Why were his memories of his time in Baswar changed to match those of Raavishan’s, while his memories of John in Nayeshi remained completely intact, despite those events never having occurred in Raavishan’s timeline?

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much. Regardless, I absolutely loved this series. Took me right out of the slump I’d been in, even with the rocky end.

Hi - I'm looking for stories where the MCs meet and hook up and have sex and only then slowly develop feelings or realize they like each other. Don't have to be enemies at all, although they can be. They can hook up once or multiple times, probably leaning towards the latter.

I want to get as far away from the 'standard' relationship timeline of meeting -> falling in love -> getting busy as possible! Also I'm here for all the smut. LOL.

Some books that fit this that I love: * Game Misconduct (Ari Baran) * Heated Rivalry (Rachel Reid) (of course!) * The Resilience of Stars (Xara Kenley) * Hard Line (Sidney Bell) * Coming in first place (Taylor Fitzpatrick) (although this was a bit light on the spice for me)

Preferred no's: * Omegaverse * Forced proximity * Historical * Bets/games * Fake relationships

So far, I've listened to God of Fury, Kiss the Villain, Hunt the Villain, Tempting Venom, Chokehold, Fallen Rook, and Immersed. Unfortunately, I want more. I am not looking for something similar to the books mentioned above, as long as it's duet or full cast, hit me with it.

Hard No: James Joseph as an MMC's narrator. I'm alright with him as side character but I can't listen to him for a prolonged period of time.

Oblivious Roommate by K. A. Merikan.

This is one of my favorite authors. I need to ask of I am the only one who either struggled to get through this book or outright refused to finish it. Does the rest of the series get better or is it not worth the read?

Matt is a very vindictive, immature, and frankly terrible MC and had me feeling sorry for Cass more often than not. Even at the end, I was thinking Cass could so so much better. He does so many things that outright hurt Cass or was cowardly.

Was Merikan kidnapped and forced to write this book? Is it a cry for help? Please tell me it gets better.

Edit: so I learned today that K. A. Merikan is two authors working together.

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This feature is posted every Tuesday. Click here for past posts. You can find the complete schedule of all weekly and monthly features at this link. (We combined Monday Miscellany and Tuesday Thanks into one post to make space for the Monday Request Place.)

Okay, I'm trying not to sound like an asshole here, but here goes: Has anyone already read {Don't Hook the Merman by Grae Bryan} and can tell me how much "screen time" the kid gets?

I prefer my books child-free, and the single dad trope is such a turn-off for me. HOWEVER... if Grae Bryan releases a book, I read it. No questions asked.

So you see my dilemma here. 😅 I'd really appreciate some insight from anyone who's already read it! (Spoilers are totally fine with me!)

We're located in the greater Vancouver region and our first book is {To catch a firefly by Emmy Sanders}. Our first meet up is on 6pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026. So come on in for the food, and stay for kindred spirits!

Hi again! Welcome to another week-long post where I’ll share free MM / Achillean books every day. 🏳️‍🌈📚 I tend to focus on newly free romance books and limited-time deals, rather than perma-free books, but I also try to include whatever seems interesting and queer that day.

🔔 For easy updates all week, follow this post: at the top right, open the three dots “…” menu and then choose “Follow post.”

Anyone can contribute! If I miss something or you want to share sales, go for it.

A few reminders: (1) Authors can't self-promote here, but they can in the the daily New Releases posts linked below (subreddit rule 3), or message me with free/sale info. (2) No AI content (rule 8). I also try to flag suspicious content. (3) Focus on genre romances (rule 15). I try very hard to flag anything that may not have a happy ending, but help with tags is always appreciated.

Off we go!

P.S. Thank you for the award! 🙈

Event:

• Romance Book Blast - 950+ free, all pairings - Oct. 27 - https://www.romancebooklovers.com
  • 15 categories, no dedicated queer grouping. Look/search for tags “LGBTQIA+ protagonist” and “author is LGBTQIA+”
  • See all the MM event books in one post.
  • Here in the freebie post, event books are tagged “RBB1026”

Quick links:

• Still free from last week - Recap part 1 | part 2

• Sales from last week - see 12+ comments shared last week

• Oct. MM Bookfunnels & Promos - comment updated Oct. 24

• Suspicious Activity and Authors Using AI - list updated Oct. 24

• Mon. Oct. 26 - Free | New Releases | Sales

• Tue. Oct. 27 - Free one | two | Sales one | two

I've really come to realize that my most favorite series are ones where several books are about the same couple. I think it's kind of sad that most series only have one book for each couple before moving on to the next.

Actually, I got the idea to make this post because I finished one of my favorite series yesterday but let me dive in first.

My #1, absolutely immaculate and invincible, is the {Magpie Rhyme series by Louise Collins}. I've talked about this series A LOT on this subreddit and mention it any chance I get.

Honestly, at this point, after having read the most fucked up things out there... I have to admit that I don't even like most dark romance books (that's a discussion for another day anyways).

I feel like many don't have much of a plot going on and just want to overtrump each other by being more fucked up and more dark.

But this series... It's SO different. It's one of the few actual enemies to lovers books where they don't start fucking on page 2.

No, Chad and Romeo are entirely different people. Romeo is a psychopath as well as a serial killer. And it's one of the few times where those facts are NOT, in fact, being romanticized.

Chad is a detective and therefore stands on Romeo's completely opposite side.

Their relationship is twisted. It's fucked up but it's also beautiful. Chad is still trying to hold onto his morals but he recognizes the monster within Romeo. The monster that he's keeping at bay for Chad's sake.

The monster that can never not be there though.

The way their relationship develops... It's twisted as fuck and the best thing I've ever read. It's insanity and ohhh, I really want to read this series again. I'll never move on from this, genuinely.

I'll stop yapping now.

My #2 is the {Valor and Doyle Mysteries series by Nicky James}. I just finished the 8th book yesterday and am feeling so many things about it. Mostly, I'm extremely sad that their story is over now.

It was impossible NOT to fall for Quaid and Aslan. They, too, are fundamentally different people but not in the twisted way as Romeo and Chad are.

No, their relationship, in fact, is genuinely one of the healthiest I've ever read about.

Each of them has their past and they're both covered in scars, namely Aslan is fighting to stay sober and Quaid is in such desperate need to be loved that he is clinging to his cheating boyfriend (those aren't spoilers, it's just their initial situations).

They really dislike each other at the beginning. Mostly because they're just SO different. But the attraction between them is palpable and not something they can fight.

What I find most intriguing about this book is how the author manages to fledge out actually interesting cases where you're left in shock (especially after book 3 and 4, for me personally) but then also describes such an amazing relationship dynamic that gradually develops.

In most cases, such a relationship wouldn't work but they make it work. They communicate and they go through literal hell together. By the end of the 8th book, they've become family and I have no idea how to move on!

My #3 is the {No Shame series by Nora Phoenix}. This was honestly the most unexpected favorite. I LOVE Nora Phoenix's books and there have been so many cases where I thought 'this is my favorite'. But this series really is.

It's the most well written poly relationship I've ever read about.

What I find super interesting is how we literally start at the beginning. Only two of the characters know each other initially and have a casual thing going on. But then more characters appear and their relationship gradually develops.

I don't want to reveal too much as I can assure you that you WILL be surprised because of their dynamic but honestly? I've never read about kink in such a healthy, sweet and realistic way.

I feel like there are some books where it feels like the author is throwing all kinds of kinks into it just because. There's nothing like that here.

The characters explore a variety of kinks and their dynamic gradually changes, yes, but it's done so REALISTICALLY. It's SO GOOD. I feel like this series is so utterly underrated!

But while there is a lot of smut, yes, that's not even nearly the most important thing. These characters go through hell together. They each have many problems, both mental and physical ones but they always have their backs.

I found myself tearing up so often and couldn't help but crave their found family. I can't even attempt to explain how much these characters mean to me!

Ok this turned out to be a book but can you tell how obsessed I'm with those three series? Now I want to re-read them all lol.

There are many more great ones and many I still want to read.

I'd really like to know what your favorite ones are, especially ones where several books follow the same couple!

I wasn’t sure what to expect with a romance between a bull rider and a rodeo clown. Why not try a sports romance that’s a sport I know nothing about? YOLO. Beau and AJ had me in a chokehold from the jump. Beau who’s living in his dad’s shadow in a world he never quite fit in and AJ the secretive rising star who’s terrified to be outed in a hyper-masculine sport. This book had me laughing and tearing up in equal parts. AJ’s gesture of getting the camera for Beau on their road trip then showing how they made their own memories with each other when Beau had very few from his childhood definitely had me tearing up. Their banter was perfect especially Beau’s sass when AJ got a little too inside his own head. I love to see demisexual rep in books. Beau realized he needed to find his person and that person was AJ. The spice was not only hot but heartfelt. I fully believed they wanted each other badly. The love confession? The partner obsessing over his man’s injuries? Painkiller induced shenanigans? I will take all of that please and thank you. This book felt like the author’s love letter to life in Appalachia (I spent my childhood in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia) and its people. Beau’s dialect was spot on written by someone who is familiar with the language and its usage. This book is a serious contender for my top October read and one of my top reads for the year.

Okay pls pls help , I want mc1 to be so spoiled,loved and cared for by mc2 that he can’t imagine how happy he is , how love he is , like they are seeing their future together, marriage, babies
And suddenly mc2 leaves mc1 maybe for work , or family thing , like something then mc2 after few years comes back to search for mc1 but mc1 is closed off , formal, have walls with everyone , not the carefree soul he once was been

I want this so bad

Basically like one of the mcs acts cute or sweet (actually even seductive would work!!) to get the other to do something or to get away with something. it HAS to work btw!! like the other genuinely has no option but to let him have his way, also not looking for a brat type dynamic like the mc is usually pretty cool or even stoic.. but acts that way just with the mc or just on occasion to get his way!! and this should be like a recurring theme in the book! like it happens atleast twice and other ppl around DO take notice! hope i can find some reccs for this!! 😊

bonus-

it's a best friends to lovers trope (maybe a straight best friend even... ooh)

enemies to lovers too!! BONUS bonus if this happens whe they are still enemies

strict nos-

brat x brat tamer dynamics

huge size gaps

heavy bdsm stuff!

any sort of degrading language used in a sexual manner (by the mcs!!)

I’d like to know if Tallu ever takes another consort at any point in the series.

And Is there any more drama involving an OC later in the series?

If so, could you explain what happens? I don’t mind spoilers.

{Emperor's Assassin Series by Kai Butler}

I was hoping you guys could recommend me books of human gay men dating a vampire. It could be with a Vampire Diaries vibe or not. I’m not setting any boundaries now, because I’d also like to read the possibilities of vampirism either for good or bad.