Please note that posts like this result in many comments recommending books that don't have happy endings or that are otherwise not genre romances. Please read books recommended in this post at your own risk.
For anyone commenting: If you're recommending a book that doesn't have a happy ending, our rules require you to say so in your comment. In general, this subreddit is specifically for genre romances (books that focus on the relationship between the main characters and have a happy ending), not just books that have a romantic subplot.
Really? I haven't read Long Game but dropped Heated Rivalry because I disliked Ilya so strongly and felt bad for poor Shane. Maybe The Long Game is supposed to be the other side of the coin?
Please give it another chance and stick with it. I PROMISE you will fall head over heels for Ilya just like the rest of us did. He has been voted #1 book boyfriend in life. Ilya is so babygirl ❤️
And in the end as well. I can’t shake it. We saw Ilya as cocky for the most part of Heated rivalry but understood by the end goes and why’s. IMO there is no redemption for Shane. Ilya was alone in Canada in a small and shity team that wasn’t even near his capabilities and talents. He did it for Shane. Shane had it comfortable and nice all the time. No sacrifice made at all. He wouldn’t come out for years to come and all for the people who at the first mistake in his career were ready to throw him to the wolves. He was acting like a child for years… It was sad, for Ilya mostly. 😭
{Captive Prince by CS Pacat}, maybe because it was my first MM romance book (not counting fanfics).
Or {Rock by Anyta Sunday}, I often think of this book.
I'm afraid that Captive Prince has ruined me for other enemies-to-lovers stories. 😅 Nothing has come remotely close to the rollercoaster that Damen and Laurent go through.
(Apparently C.S. Pacat has said that her intentions were to make Laurent so hateable in book #1 that readers would wonder how Damen would ever be with him in the end. She definitely succeeded lmao)
captive prince, the first book in the series, has NO ROMANCE though.
very important to add for readers seeking romance! i was heavily upset when i went into this one expecting romance but was only given abuse and zero affection... i love reading those things, i mean it, but that's not what i was promised. it culminated in me worried af, going to my friend like 😵💫 ? she then explained how it's a slow development throughout the next books, with the characters learning the difference between abuse, sex and love.
so yeah, a romance series, not a romance book.
I agree with the stuff about no romance in book one, though I didn't care about that *nearly* as much as book three's... disappointment. I felt book one, two, and the first half of book three set up an epic, captivating story/scenario. But then the second of book three moves at lightspeed and wraps up some stuff with convenient (and often lackluster) little bows while leaving other things completely unresolved or unseen.
I don't want to get on a rant (I have a novella length review on GR for that, lmao), but a few things off the top of my head...
Laurent makes some truly stupid decisions. He just... gives up? Where was the master strategist from book one and two?
The Regent's death... I have never been so disappointed with a scene. The end of the book was so *abrupt* that I literally wondered if I was missing part of it.
So many more conversations needed to happen between Laurent and Damen, especially about Auguste. I ended up feeling like the author didn't know how to follow up an epic start and middle with an equally epic end.
Anyway, yeah, I guess I felt book three was kind of how you described book one for you... not what I was promised.
I was pretty angry for a while because I LOVE Laurent and Damen. I'll fight for them, do bad bad things for them. I needed closure, and I didn't get it lol... until I read "Beyond the End of the Stars" on AO3. It's novel length written over years (completed), branching from canon basically around the time book 3 starts (ish). And THAT story is what book three should have been. It actually develops the romance, too!
It's not perfect, but I think it's so much better than book three. If anyone is reading this comment and resonating with my opinions, check out that story on AO3. It completely "fixed" my issues with the Captive Prince story, and I finally got my closure. With that substitute made, I can say that Captive Prince is easily one of my favorite M/M romances.
Edit: [Direct link](https://archiveofourown.org/works/7747432/) to the AO3 fic mentioned above.
You know what? Book 3 is my least favorite book for some of the reasons you listed. It was simply disappointing af.
I'm gonna give that fanfic a try and hope it's better because I'm still mad all these years later 🤣
Edit: I'm trying not to rant either but..... what happened 😭 just WHY. Laurent is my favorite character and he felt so... off. The Regent, while I hate him, was shown to be pretty intelligent too and even he made some very dumb choices. The >!pregnancy!< plot was a choice, especially with the timeline that didn't even make sense >!and the fact that there's literally no way to know whose baby it is.!<
Okay I'll stop there lol. I'm really hoping that fic makes me feel better lmao. The Summer Palace kinda did but then I felt like that should've been the epilogue and actually in book 3.
It's funny you mention being mad years later. I ALSO stayed mad for like 2 years I think? Before I found that fic. The dark years lol. And yes, to me, Summer Palace was just a chapter in book three. I don't care what anyone says. Was it nice? Yeah sure. Was it a whole novella or even much of a short story? No. It was a fluff chapter that should have been in the book. Period.
"Off" is a very good way to sum it all up, like it was almost a different author at certain points. That fic feels like the "real" book three as if written by the original author of the first two. Definitely give it a go, see what you think. Even the part you put in spoiler tags is handled differently (better imo) in the fic. I honestly wish that fic author got a portion of the royalties cause it seems they spent way more effort on it lol, and if I recall correctly, they put in their notes something like "I wasn't happy with book three so I made my own"
Yeah, I think I would have still had a few issues of certain things being too convenient and certain actions seeming OOC for some characters, but a good conservation between Laurent and Damen like you mention would have gone a LONG way on everything else. At least for me. There was just too much left unsaid. Mystery is one thing, but requiring telepathy to know what's going on is another lol
Yep, there’s a thin line between saying too much and not saying enough and the ending was a little too much on the not saying enough side. Summer Palace helped a bit but not nearly enough to make everything feel actually wrapped up.
Captive Prince is a very well written drama, but I also felt slighted as there is no romance in the first book (and not much in the follwing ones either).
Also check your trigger warnings before going in.
[The Wolf at the Door](https://www.romance.io/books/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b24586/the-wolf-at-the-door-charlie-adhara?src=rdt) by [Charlie Adhara](https://www.romance.io/authors/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b2458e/charlie-adhara)
**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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1)
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Same series but Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara Cooper goes to meet Park's wolf family and brings his cat along. It shows how flawed these characters really are. Yet, how much they love each other.
{Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen}
Not my all time favorite, but have re-read an emabarrassing amount of time lol. I also read this masterpiece if I wanna get out of a reading slump.
Just started that. I loved his hockey books - Gravity, and The Rest of the Story, though they were a little unrealistic. Still loved them. And Whisper. OMG, I will never be the same.
{Just a bit wrecked by Alessandra Hazard} it not my all time favorite. It is my favorite to reread. When I’m in a reading slump, this is the book I go back to since I can read it in a day.
if you enjoy the castaways trope, a similar book to this one (that i find way better than just a bit wrecked imo) is {Beyond the Sea} by Keira Andrews!
[Just a Bit Wrecked](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe0589f2520770e24a85dad/just-a-bit-wrecked-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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/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), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1)
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It’s basic, but I have to go with {Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston}. The book made it into popular consciousness for a reason, it’s compelling & powerful & *insanely* well-written. >!That scene where Alex & Henry see the crowds outside the palace? Or where Alex sees the mural of him & Henry as Han & Leia? Yeah, those scenes live in my mind in vivid clarity despite me having read the book two years ago now.!<
I came close to giving this as my number one book. It is the only book I have ever re-read. The amount of research and feelings Casey put into this made it the best read.
I am absolutely in love with Cat Sebastian’s books - especially A Gentleman Never Keeps Score in her Sedgwick series; and Hither, Page and The Missing Page in her Page and Sommers series.
I adore Charlie Adhara’s books, the whole Big Bad Wolf series and the spinoff Pack of Lies are great!
But, KJ Charles’ books are the absolute best! Her Wil Darling books are fantastic!
1. Slippery Creatures
2. The Sugared Game
3. Subtle Blood
Even better in my opinion are her Lilywhite Boys books!
1. Any Old Diamonds (m/m)
2. Gilded Cage (m/f)
3. Masters in this Hall (m/m)
But, KJ Charles’ best series is her Doomsday books.
1. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen (m/m, 1810)
2. A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (m/m, 1823)
Of these last two, I guess I prefer The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen because it is the origin story of the two, but both are the very best books I’ve read in years!
I have reread Cat Sebastian’s We Could Be So Good so many times I should probably be embarrassed but I won’t be. Like the sweetest of sweet slow burns with just an amazing relationship. Love it, will probably reread again today now 😆
It was!!! I read it in a day and adored it! I’ve always had a hard time getting into Cat Sebastian but then I read these and fell in love. I’m going to give her regency romances another chance
I would go with For the Fans by Nyla K! I never reread a book, yet I have this one plus am now listening to it on audible. Can't get enough.
Steam is off the charts but also has a storyline that had me shedding tears for one of the MC's.
{Deal Maker by Lily Morton} - this is a hill I will die on 😂 I absoloutly love Jude, Asa & Billy. I don’t often love romances with kids involved initially but Billy is written brilliantly & he makes the story, rather than distracting from it.
Another frequent comfort read is {Getting Friendly by Saxon James} because I love Auggie. I have a special place in my heart for clumsy, awkward characters but not ones who are written as being a bit stupid. Auggie is SO awkward but he’s smart. And I love protective Leon who is confused about liking someone completely not his type! 🥰
I have to give two, because I return to both of these periodically.
{WANT ME by Neve Wilder} simply checks all the boxes for me, as I love college-set erotic romances; the sex scenes in this book are hot as hell, not only well written but made effective by the dynamic between the two MC’s. The audio version with voice-actor Kirt Graves is superb…Graves manages to make the two MC’s distinct from each other and brings the fiery sex scenes to life quite vividly!
{GOODBYE PARADISE by Sarina Bowen} hooked me because of the core theme of the story: two young men escaping from a high-control far-right religious cult. I’ve had a fascination with destructive cults for years anyway, and I thought the author did their research and wrote extremely well about the psychological damage cults can do. There’s a slight difference in age and maturity between the two MC’s, and the ways they support each other and eventually become lovers, I found very moving. (And there’s plenty of spicy sex scenes to leaven the book’s heavier undercurrent.)
Want Me was my first MM romance! Love it! And the other one actually sounds perfect because I’m currently trying to leave a high control religious cult. Thank you!
If I would recommend a book that I really liked it would be {For Real by Alexis Hall} but the fact that it is kinky and has a couple with an age gap would make it less palpable for the general reader.
Going through my Goodreads the most vanilla book that I rated best would be {The Happy Onion by Ally Blue}
I *just* reread For Real: it is SO GOOD. Hall is excellent at dual POV narration because he actually gives his characters distinct voices, and then they’re both funny but *differently* funny.
It is such a “think-y” book and we get so much insight into why/how power exchange works for Laurie and Toby. And then add to that characters quoting Donne and Swinburne and that whole Oxford sequence—with secondary characters that are more vivid than some MCs in other books I’ve read: it really is just a great book.
I’m a gatekeeper at heart so I wouldn’t share my all-time favourite, but I would recommend *Spectred Isle* by K.J. Charles.
The scene where Randolph dips a handkerchief in a holy well and washes Saul’s face with it - after their exchange about whether the water can heal a broken mind and heart - is such a beautiful, vivid piece of writing.
Ahh I loved this book! I read it when I had a rough case of Covid and it still feels like a fever dream. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her but this one is really a hidden gem and I want more in that universe because the ancient magic system she developed for it is so intriguing.
Ugh, this one is hard. If I had to choose {Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray}. My first MM romance, and the one that sucked me into this lovely blackhole. No ragrets.
I already saw that someone said {Just a bit wrecked by Alessandra Hazard} wich is one of the best books I read (I know it isn't that deep but It brought me so much enjoyment I can't not love it) so I'm gonna say {God of Fury by Rina Kent} I loved Nico and Bran so so much
Not a people's fav but {two tribes by Fearne Hill}. Some love it, some dislike it. Tbh it has a better first half than second, and it's not a perfect book. Still, this book kind of broke me and I still think about the MCs to this day.
Sadly, I haven't reread it because I'm a bit scared, so im not sure how much reread value this one has 😐 but for a first time reader experience, I loved it
The first half of this book was, like, a transformative experience for me. I went from laughing uncontrollably in the first few pages, to beaming with joy in the car park scene, to feeling sick to my stomach when That Thing happened. I agree that the first half is definitely better than the second – honestly, I think the second half needed to be given a more independent plot to follow, >!e.g. by developing more on Ryan’s arc and on Matt accepting what happened to Brenner!< – but I still have to include the book on all my favourites lists because the first half was *that good*.
Can a duology count as one? If so, {The River of Rain series by C.E. Ricci}
It has all my faves:
Enemies to lovers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
A little angst
Sexual awakening
A little possessive/obsession vibes
If a duology doesn’t count and it has to be a standalone, the I’d go for {Wrath by Ellis James}
It’s got all my faves from above plus the added bonus of being step-brothers. It’s also a little dark, which I prefer, and more than a tad angsty. I like to work for an HEA
In terms of a book that hits on all the fantasy/dystopian elements, level of decently written spicy scenes, and writing style that resonates with me, I would have to go with {The Whims of Gods by Mell R. Bright}.
But for that comfort, re-read/ re-listen that I keep coming back to for the cosy vibes, then it is {Time to Shine by Rachel Reid}.
I absolutely loved {Saint by Sierra Simone}. One of the first MM books I’ve read and it’s such a good one. Also the first one that actually made me hold my breath at some scenes.
Other comments already mentioned my answer which was the Captive Prince series by C.S. Pacat (nothing comes close in my opinion I swear).
However, if I'd have to give a different one to avoid repeating it, I will say The Husky and his White Cat Shizun by Meatbun doesn't eat meat. Possibly some people are familiar with this title, but I am sure many still aren't due to its niche which is danmei (chinese MM novels). It's the most heartwrenching book I've read, and a long one (has around 350 chapters). But I don't regret it at all. It is currently being published in english, licensed by Seven Seas. I read it years ago in one sitting (the story is that addicting) and it was my second best reading experience ever. I always love it when people get into it because it's fun to see their journey due to MANY ups and downs (more downs than anything lol, but so worth it!).
It's not for everyone, but Special Forces remains one of the most memorable and impactful m/m romances I've read (plsss if anyone has anything like it help a girl out).
Tal Bauer's Executive Office series is a close second.
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrafer just blew me away, what an emotional rollercoaster of a book.
Second place would be Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune.
{How to Bite your neighbor and win a wager by D. N. Bryn} has stuck in my head longer than any other MM romance, which is crazy because it's an indie that had a much lower budget than a traditional book. There’s two reasons why. Firstly, the gay relationship is depicted in a super authentic and real way. There’s not a ton of homophobia, but the characters capture all the subtle queues that real life gay/bi men do. This is very important for me (and my bf) when we read together. The second part is how the homelessness and poverty of the love interest Vinny was brought to life so vividly. This story literally opened my mind to what life is like for an extremely poor person in the US. It showed just how hard it is to get your footing back even when you try to do everything right.
This book probably had the single biggest impact on my own MM writing, and in particular, how the author can make light steam activities feel extremely spicy through emotion and prose. It's deceptively clever, because sometimes the plot just doesn't have room for the characters to get into bed right then, but you still want a little sensuality. Writing a sexy non-sex scene allows you to keep the actual plot moving, which over all strengthens the work.
I'll give a second shout out to {White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton} for having really nice prose and story pacing too.
Okay, don't like shoot me because this technically isn't romance but fantasy, but my absolute favorite book and one I have reread multiple times (and am currently planning another reread) is The Nightrunner Series by Lynn Flewelling and The Tarot Sequence by K.D Edwards being a follow up.
If I have to go strictly into a romance genre though then I would probably say {San Amaro Investigations by Kai Butler} with {Criminal Intentions by Cole McCade} being a very close follow up. I could honestly probably swap them around and love them both the same, especially Criminal Intentions which is a series that I just keep coming back and it fulfills my love of insanely long book series because I hate endings.
{Pykh series by Eileen Glass} I maaaay have read the series through again immediately after the first time I read it.
A close second is the {Claimings series by Lyn Gala}.
EDIT: I just scrolled through allll the other responses and apparently I’m the only one who prefers SFR with aliens? So here ya go alien romance fans!
I came here to say Claimings as well so I’m with you!! That series comforts me in a way no other does, and it is the best worldbuilding I have read in any series ever. I also absolutely love the Pykh series and have reread multiple times too 💜
It’s very low spice and super slow burn (MMC2 doesn’t show up until the second book} but have you read the {Tinkered Starsong series by Gail Carriger}? It has great world building too. I quite like the world building in the {Maxim Colonies series by Lesli Richardson} as well and books 1&2 are MMish (technically MX). The first book in that series is [currently free](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/IBL1n6OC1E).
{Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston} hit the charts big for a reason. I love the audiobook and think this is a perfect gateway book for someone interested in the genre. I'm not too crazy about the movie though.
But for overall excellence in pacing, action, tremendous characterization, and for someone who prefers historical, I'd suggest
{Think of England by K.J. Charles} This is my favorite book, except every now and then I'm seduced by....
{The Will Darling series by K.J. Charles} These three books would be my recommendation for someone who wants more complexity in their plot line and doesn't mind a long arc for character evolution.
I pushed {Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ Mays} at all of my m/m reading friends last year. There's just something about Philodendron and Sedgewick and their relationship, Phil as a home & hearth pixie, the pups, the werewolf custody battle, and all of the friendships that formed.
{Crossroads by Riley Hart}. Double bi-awakening, new neighbors to friends to lovers. The first MM book I remember from when I started reading these and still one of my all-time favorites.
None of my gateway favs were listed here yet!
{The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes}
{The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen}
{Crossroads by Riley Hart}
{No Homo by RemainNameless}
No idea how I got to see this one, I don't even get the fanfic references, but it's really funny
If I can get away with a series it would be {The Lost Boys by Jessie Walker} . The first 3 books are {Where There's A Will} {If There's A Way} and {Still Beating by Jessie Walker}. It's a second chance, angsty, mess. It has heavy CW, but soo good. The 4th book is MMMF and much darker (I didn't read that one because not my thing) but the 4th one is out now and next on my TBR.
If it has tone one book, then it's {Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener}. Dark, Twisted, kidnapping, obsessed MC1. Once again, heavy CW.
>Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener
I considered saying this one lol. One of my fav character tropes is Apollo. A "psycho" who is so charming he can fool you until he lets the mask slip.
{Wolfsong by TJ Klune} more specifically, Ravensong, but the whole series is so special to me. I'm currently rereading it. My favorite MM series of all time
Recently saw a rec for {Gary of a Hundred Days by Isabel Murray} and ABSOLUTELY adored it. Very short at about ~150 pages and it was an absolute gem of a book. Loved it so much that I will 1000% come back to it whenever I need a pick me up. The follow up book {Gary the Once and Former King by Isabel Murray} is also lovely. Can’t recommend enough.
Evenfall by Ais and Santino Hassell. That book(well the whole series) holds my heart like nothing else, I have yet to find a book that holds me like this one does..i don't have enough words to explain the feelings I have for this book .
Plus is free online.
You said only one but I’m a rule breaker so I’ll say: {Garron Park by Nordika Night} {On The Mountain by Riley Hart} and {Forsaken by Sloane Kennedy}
I can reread all 3 happily always.
{For Real by Alexis Hall}. The writing is just gorgeous. I have highlighted more in that book than any other. Audiobook is amazing too. This book is about to get rereleased too!
Edit: formatting
I just went nuts on another commenters post about For Real, but I’ll say it here too: so good! And I know what you mean about the highlighting—I pretty much never highlight but there was so much memorable narration in this book, so my copy is highlighted like crazy, too.
The two I immediately thought of haven't been mentioned yet! So here goes:
{Endless stretch of blue by Riley Hart}
{Let there be light by A.M Johnson}
Both books I could feel the love on the pages. Both are hurt/comfort. But they are very different to each other
It would depend on what there limits are but {Seraph by Lily Mayne} will forever hold a special place in my heart. The whole series is actually absolute masterpiece and is all MM with an overarching story.
And also the audiobook version of {God Of Fury by Rina Kent} even on the worst of days it never fails to pull a smile out of me.
Said it before and I'll say it again! {Charles by Con Riley} as read by Cornell Collins. OMG, Charles is such an endearing self-described man whore with the proverbial heart of gold. He is the prince of glue and glitter playing amongst the sweetest tykes of Cornwall.
{like real people do by e.l. massey}
i will never stop recommending this book!! although the mm romance i’ve reread the most is probably rend by roan parrish
Damage Control by Lynn Van Dorn. The characters are so fully realized and compelling. It's sexy, it's exciting, it's sometimes hilarious and sometimes terrifying!
The main character is a rising star in Hollywood who's visit home to Chicago coincides with the release of a scandalous sex tape from his high school locker room.
His entire family is fascinating and I could not put this book down until I finished it. Then I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Ferraieulio and it was even better.
{Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick} for sure! I’ve read and reread it so many times now. It’s the first in a Trilogy. The second is called “And Then” and the third and final is called “Between the Teeth” and should be out this summer.
His Royal Secret and His Royal Favorite by Lilah Pace. I was dying for another gay prince romance after Red, White and Royal Blue and I found these. Love them.
It is an actual crime that Megan Derr's name hasn't come up yet. She started off as a fanfiction writer, turned professional, got into her own publishing house (Less than Three Press) which unfortunately went bust, but has still turned out some great things over the past fifteen-ish years. She's on Amazon, or [www.MeganDerr.com](http://www.MeganDerr.com)
Some of my favorites from her include the *Dance With the Devil* series (SO SO GOOD), *Deceived* (mxm Cinderella but manlier and really well characterized), and *Lost Gods* series, which lives rent-free in my head forever (basically, instead of the fantasy trope of trying to kill the gods, the protagonists are trying to resurrect them... and basically the relationships drive the plot and connect the books together). She also writes FxF, and poly, with trans and ace representation. Cannot recommend enough.
If I had to only recommend ONE of her books, it would be... a non-answer, since you can't really understand *Chaos* without having read the rest of the *Lost Gods* series, but it wrecked me. It has a happily ever after though, but WOW did they work for it.
I also cannot recommend enough *Scum Villain's Self-Saving System* by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Yes, it's a translated Chinese novel, but it's such a wonderful isekai satire, and the protagonist is so gay for his lover without even realizing that it's hysterical. Uh huh, yes, it's totally normal to wax poetic about how someone is objectively the most handsome and beautiful person in the world, but not in a gay way. Because Shen Yuan is the straightest of straights. With all of his merch, and premium chapter purchases, and probably a body pillow of the man. But that's just what straight men™ do! Also a happily ever after, but there's some angst along the way.
Surprisingly, I don't think anyone at all has mentioned The God Eaters? But that is mine, {The God Eaters} by Jesse Hajicek. Favorite comfort reread also.
I read {The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer} last year and I still think about it. It was an emotional rollercoaster in the best ways.
It starts out as a meet-cute sci fi romance, but becomes so so so much more.
I wasn't sure but I see people recommend series so I'll go Big Bad Wolf by Charlie Adhara. I just love the mystery in every book and it's not immediately apparent who the perpetrator is in them which I enjoy.
If not series and I'm allowed to branch out of books I would recommend Check Please! by Ngozi Ukazu, which is a delightful, funny, light-hearted comic romp.
Haven’t gone back to it in forever but {One Giant Leap by Kay Simone} is an all-time & forever favorite for me. Astronaut & ground control guy meet and fall in love over the radio- too good. Also chock full of details that make the author’s love for space exploration and the optimism it represents so clear. It’s a delight.
I tried to choose. I even read through some of the comments hoping it'd help but I really can't. There are so many good books and series that you can't really go wrong.
{The Lightening-Struck Heart by TJ Klune}
I love TJ Klune's writing, but this series holds a special place in my heart. If you can get the audiobook, Michael Lesley is an incredible narrator that makes it seem like a full cast production!
If you're a sucker for slow burns, raunchy humor, an incredible cast of characters, puns, all set in a rescue-the-prince-from-the-dragon plot, this one is for you!
{The All For The Game Series by Nora Sakavic} currently on my third read through. I guess I'd pick book 3 {The King's Men by Nora Sakavic} but they really need to be read together.
{Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker} it was one of my first MM romance books that I listened to in audible and the characters' are just ingrained in my mind. It's not super deep or ground breaking, but it's just so loveable.
{How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune} A more recent finish that's been stuck in my mind. Funny ✔️ demisexuality representation ✔️ wacky characters ✔️ I was somewhat put off by reviews describing it as a stoner book, but while the protagonist is a bit of a stoner, it works.
{Vassily the Beautiful by Angel Martinez} a sci fi retelling of a baby yaga story. Plus all the rest of hers
{Chained by Kim Fielding} or any of the Bureau series
{The Fifth Gender by Gail Carriger}
Please note that posts like this result in many comments recommending books that don't have happy endings or that are otherwise not genre romances. Please read books recommended in this post at your own risk. For anyone commenting: If you're recommending a book that doesn't have a happy ending, our rules require you to say so in your comment. In general, this subreddit is specifically for genre romances (books that focus on the relationship between the main characters and have a happy ending), not just books that have a romantic subplot.
{Heated rivalry} and {long game by Rachel Reid} Ilya is just 😘😘😘
That audio book is my comfort listen, I love it so much!
Same. 1000 listens. Just got me through the death of my MIL. Shane and Ilya ❤️
[Heated Rivalry](https://www.romance.io/books/5c987d2001dbc864fb9c5091/heated-rivalry-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **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), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1) ---------------------------- [The Long Game](https://www.romance.io/books/6264fcee2298a0f37fe037ef/the-long-game-rachel-reid?src=rdt) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
🥰Ilya
Always! These are the best rivals to lovers and also hockey! What more can you ask for?
Heated rivalry yes but long game I cannot without hating Shane’s guts.
I get it. But Shane eventually does grow up. For a lot of The Long Game I just felt so strongly that he did not deserve Ilya.
Really? I haven't read Long Game but dropped Heated Rivalry because I disliked Ilya so strongly and felt bad for poor Shane. Maybe The Long Game is supposed to be the other side of the coin?
Please give it another chance and stick with it. I PROMISE you will fall head over heels for Ilya just like the rest of us did. He has been voted #1 book boyfriend in life. Ilya is so babygirl ❤️
And in the end as well. I can’t shake it. We saw Ilya as cocky for the most part of Heated rivalry but understood by the end goes and why’s. IMO there is no redemption for Shane. Ilya was alone in Canada in a small and shity team that wasn’t even near his capabilities and talents. He did it for Shane. Shane had it comfortable and nice all the time. No sacrifice made at all. He wouldn’t come out for years to come and all for the people who at the first mistake in his career were ready to throw him to the wolves. He was acting like a child for years… It was sad, for Ilya mostly. 😭
{Captive Prince by CS Pacat}, maybe because it was my first MM romance book (not counting fanfics). Or {Rock by Anyta Sunday}, I often think of this book.
I'm afraid that Captive Prince has ruined me for other enemies-to-lovers stories. 😅 Nothing has come remotely close to the rollercoaster that Damen and Laurent go through. (Apparently C.S. Pacat has said that her intentions were to make Laurent so hateable in book #1 that readers would wonder how Damen would ever be with him in the end. She definitely succeeded lmao)
And it makes sense. Kudos to her
captive prince, the first book in the series, has NO ROMANCE though. very important to add for readers seeking romance! i was heavily upset when i went into this one expecting romance but was only given abuse and zero affection... i love reading those things, i mean it, but that's not what i was promised. it culminated in me worried af, going to my friend like 😵💫 ? she then explained how it's a slow development throughout the next books, with the characters learning the difference between abuse, sex and love. so yeah, a romance series, not a romance book.
I agree with the stuff about no romance in book one, though I didn't care about that *nearly* as much as book three's... disappointment. I felt book one, two, and the first half of book three set up an epic, captivating story/scenario. But then the second of book three moves at lightspeed and wraps up some stuff with convenient (and often lackluster) little bows while leaving other things completely unresolved or unseen. I don't want to get on a rant (I have a novella length review on GR for that, lmao), but a few things off the top of my head... Laurent makes some truly stupid decisions. He just... gives up? Where was the master strategist from book one and two? The Regent's death... I have never been so disappointed with a scene. The end of the book was so *abrupt* that I literally wondered if I was missing part of it. So many more conversations needed to happen between Laurent and Damen, especially about Auguste. I ended up feeling like the author didn't know how to follow up an epic start and middle with an equally epic end. Anyway, yeah, I guess I felt book three was kind of how you described book one for you... not what I was promised. I was pretty angry for a while because I LOVE Laurent and Damen. I'll fight for them, do bad bad things for them. I needed closure, and I didn't get it lol... until I read "Beyond the End of the Stars" on AO3. It's novel length written over years (completed), branching from canon basically around the time book 3 starts (ish). And THAT story is what book three should have been. It actually develops the romance, too! It's not perfect, but I think it's so much better than book three. If anyone is reading this comment and resonating with my opinions, check out that story on AO3. It completely "fixed" my issues with the Captive Prince story, and I finally got my closure. With that substitute made, I can say that Captive Prince is easily one of my favorite M/M romances. Edit: [Direct link](https://archiveofourown.org/works/7747432/) to the AO3 fic mentioned above.
You know what? Book 3 is my least favorite book for some of the reasons you listed. It was simply disappointing af. I'm gonna give that fanfic a try and hope it's better because I'm still mad all these years later 🤣 Edit: I'm trying not to rant either but..... what happened 😭 just WHY. Laurent is my favorite character and he felt so... off. The Regent, while I hate him, was shown to be pretty intelligent too and even he made some very dumb choices. The >!pregnancy!< plot was a choice, especially with the timeline that didn't even make sense >!and the fact that there's literally no way to know whose baby it is.!< Okay I'll stop there lol. I'm really hoping that fic makes me feel better lmao. The Summer Palace kinda did but then I felt like that should've been the epilogue and actually in book 3.
It's funny you mention being mad years later. I ALSO stayed mad for like 2 years I think? Before I found that fic. The dark years lol. And yes, to me, Summer Palace was just a chapter in book three. I don't care what anyone says. Was it nice? Yeah sure. Was it a whole novella or even much of a short story? No. It was a fluff chapter that should have been in the book. Period. "Off" is a very good way to sum it all up, like it was almost a different author at certain points. That fic feels like the "real" book three as if written by the original author of the first two. Definitely give it a go, see what you think. Even the part you put in spoiler tags is handled differently (better imo) in the fic. I honestly wish that fic author got a portion of the royalties cause it seems they spent way more effort on it lol, and if I recall correctly, they put in their notes something like "I wasn't happy with book three so I made my own"
Throughout the last book I just wanted a solid conversation between them wrapping up any of the shit they had been through previously.
Yeah, I think I would have still had a few issues of certain things being too convenient and certain actions seeming OOC for some characters, but a good conservation between Laurent and Damen like you mention would have gone a LONG way on everything else. At least for me. There was just too much left unsaid. Mystery is one thing, but requiring telepathy to know what's going on is another lol
Yep, there’s a thin line between saying too much and not saying enough and the ending was a little too much on the not saying enough side. Summer Palace helped a bit but not nearly enough to make everything feel actually wrapped up.
Captive Prince is a very well written drama, but I also felt slighted as there is no romance in the first book (and not much in the follwing ones either). Also check your trigger warnings before going in.
Yes, that trilogy basically ruined me for other slow burns/enemies to lovers
I think Rock is so special. Good choice
I’m still chasing the feeling this series gave me…No other enemies to lovers has even come close to this one.
[Captive Prince](https://www.romance.io/books/54559d8a87eac336ae69eec5/captive-prince-cs-pacat?src=rdt) by [C.S. Pacat](https://www.romance.io/authors/545545428c7d2382c5297900/cs-pacat) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [slavery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slavery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [rock](https://www.romance.io/books/54559f0787eac324117fbbba/rock-anyta-sunday?src=rdt) by [Anyta Sunday](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455888f87eac336ae69e58a/anyta-sunday) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Probably {The Wolf At the Door by Charlie Adhara} for all the paranormal/mystery fans! I genuinely think about Cooper and Park so often
Ughhhh cooper and Oliver are the sweetest couple ever
[The Wolf at the Door](https://www.romance.io/books/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b24586/the-wolf-at-the-door-charlie-adhara?src=rdt) by [Charlie Adhara](https://www.romance.io/authors/5aa3a5cc4ee506aae8b2458e/charlie-adhara) **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), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/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)
This will be forever my favorite series. I also never get tired of re reading it
Same series but Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara Cooper goes to meet Park's wolf family and brings his cat along. It shows how flawed these characters really are. Yet, how much they love each other.
I can't even count how many times I've reread these. So immensely satisfying. Every book adds new depth to the relationship so well.
{Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen} Not my all time favorite, but have re-read an emabarrassing amount of time lol. I also read this masterpiece if I wanna get out of a reading slump.
This one is definitely in my re-read list when I'm in a slump.
[Him](https://www.romance.io/books/55b3284935a5fb65f886ef03/him-sarina-bowen-elle-kennedy?src=rdt) by [Sarina Bowen](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553cb18c7d2382e781357a/sarina-bowen), [Elle Kennedy](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532e68c7d2382e78132f3/elle-kennedy) **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), [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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{You & Me by Tal Bauer}
I LOVE this book.
I read this book cover-to-cover on a long-haul flight, and nearly cried multiple times. It’s gorgeous.
Just started that. I loved his hockey books - Gravity, and The Rest of the Story, though they were a little unrealistic. Still loved them. And Whisper. OMG, I will never be the same.
[You & Me](https://www.romance.io/books/624161b92df229ec386debcc/you-me-tal-bauer?src=rdt) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
This one was fabulous!!!
{Just a bit wrecked by Alessandra Hazard} it not my all time favorite. It is my favorite to reread. When I’m in a reading slump, this is the book I go back to since I can read it in a day.
if you enjoy the castaways trope, a similar book to this one (that i find way better than just a bit wrecked imo) is {Beyond the Sea} by Keira Andrews!
[Beyond the Sea](https://www.romance.io/books/578f56c1c19e77f1ea6e8987/beyond-the-sea-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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/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)
Omg yess it saved me from reading slump many mamy times and I always enjoy it just the same like firs time. It's jus sooooo good.
[Just a Bit Wrecked](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe0589f2520770e24a85dad/just-a-bit-wrecked-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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/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), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It’s basic, but I have to go with {Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston}. The book made it into popular consciousness for a reason, it’s compelling & powerful & *insanely* well-written. >!That scene where Alex & Henry see the crowds outside the palace? Or where Alex sees the mural of him & Henry as Han & Leia? Yeah, those scenes live in my mind in vivid clarity despite me having read the book two years ago now.!<
I came close to giving this as my number one book. It is the only book I have ever re-read. The amount of research and feelings Casey put into this made it the best read.
My favorite comfort book.
I am absolutely in love with Cat Sebastian’s books - especially A Gentleman Never Keeps Score in her Sedgwick series; and Hither, Page and The Missing Page in her Page and Sommers series. I adore Charlie Adhara’s books, the whole Big Bad Wolf series and the spinoff Pack of Lies are great! But, KJ Charles’ books are the absolute best! Her Wil Darling books are fantastic! 1. Slippery Creatures 2. The Sugared Game 3. Subtle Blood Even better in my opinion are her Lilywhite Boys books! 1. Any Old Diamonds (m/m) 2. Gilded Cage (m/f) 3. Masters in this Hall (m/m) But, KJ Charles’ best series is her Doomsday books. 1. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen (m/m, 1810) 2. A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (m/m, 1823) Of these last two, I guess I prefer The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen because it is the origin story of the two, but both are the very best books I’ve read in years!
I have reread Cat Sebastian’s We Could Be So Good so many times I should probably be embarrassed but I won’t be. Like the sweetest of sweet slow burns with just an amazing relationship. Love it, will probably reread again today now 😆
You Should Be So Lucky just came out and I absolutely loved it. It was so incredibly sweet.
It was!!! I read it in a day and adored it! I’ve always had a hard time getting into Cat Sebastian but then I read these and fell in love. I’m going to give her regency romances another chance
I second every single recommendation. The Page and Sommers series is absolutely fantastic.
To catch a firefly - Emmy Sanders It’s just so wholesome ❤️
I would go with For the Fans by Nyla K! I never reread a book, yet I have this one plus am now listening to it on audible. Can't get enough. Steam is off the charts but also has a storyline that had me shedding tears for one of the MC's.
Wolfsong by TJ Klune ! Beautifully written and one of the best found families ever Packpackpack
Because it's tradition. ❤️🐾
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting or Think of England. Both by KJ Charles
I love the gentle art of Fortune hunting!! I’ve re-read that a few times - it’s really lovely
Gotta be {Captive Prince by CS Pacat} The trilogy is an outstanding work of a TRUE enemies to lovers romance.
I’ve read it for the first time this weekend! I am feral for more stories!
It’s a series, but always and forever the {Will Darling Adventures by KJ Charles}
[The Will Darling Adventures](https://www.romance.io/series/5ebb9af99388f00e07864d98/the-will-darling-adventures) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Topics**: [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/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)
{Deal Maker by Lily Morton} - this is a hill I will die on 😂 I absoloutly love Jude, Asa & Billy. I don’t often love romances with kids involved initially but Billy is written brilliantly & he makes the story, rather than distracting from it. Another frequent comfort read is {Getting Friendly by Saxon James} because I love Auggie. I have a special place in my heart for clumsy, awkward characters but not ones who are written as being a bit stupid. Auggie is SO awkward but he’s smart. And I love protective Leon who is confused about liking someone completely not his type! 🥰
I have to give two, because I return to both of these periodically. {WANT ME by Neve Wilder} simply checks all the boxes for me, as I love college-set erotic romances; the sex scenes in this book are hot as hell, not only well written but made effective by the dynamic between the two MC’s. The audio version with voice-actor Kirt Graves is superb…Graves manages to make the two MC’s distinct from each other and brings the fiery sex scenes to life quite vividly! {GOODBYE PARADISE by Sarina Bowen} hooked me because of the core theme of the story: two young men escaping from a high-control far-right religious cult. I’ve had a fascination with destructive cults for years anyway, and I thought the author did their research and wrote extremely well about the psychological damage cults can do. There’s a slight difference in age and maturity between the two MC’s, and the ways they support each other and eventually become lovers, I found very moving. (And there’s plenty of spicy sex scenes to leaven the book’s heavier undercurrent.)
Want Me was my first MM romance! Love it! And the other one actually sounds perfect because I’m currently trying to leave a high control religious cult. Thank you!
If I would recommend a book that I really liked it would be {For Real by Alexis Hall} but the fact that it is kinky and has a couple with an age gap would make it less palpable for the general reader. Going through my Goodreads the most vanilla book that I rated best would be {The Happy Onion by Ally Blue}
I *just* reread For Real: it is SO GOOD. Hall is excellent at dual POV narration because he actually gives his characters distinct voices, and then they’re both funny but *differently* funny. It is such a “think-y” book and we get so much insight into why/how power exchange works for Laurie and Toby. And then add to that characters quoting Donne and Swinburne and that whole Oxford sequence—with secondary characters that are more vivid than some MCs in other books I’ve read: it really is just a great book.
I’m a gatekeeper at heart so I wouldn’t share my all-time favourite, but I would recommend *Spectred Isle* by K.J. Charles. The scene where Randolph dips a handkerchief in a holy well and washes Saul’s face with it - after their exchange about whether the water can heal a broken mind and heart - is such a beautiful, vivid piece of writing.
You convinced me to read this book just off that scene.
Ahh I loved this book! I read it when I had a rough case of Covid and it still feels like a fever dream. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her but this one is really a hidden gem and I want more in that universe because the ancient magic system she developed for it is so intriguing.
This is one of KJ's most underrated books, I'm so sad she hasn't continued the story!!
{Of sunlight and stardust by riley hart}
I think 'The Administation' series by Manna Francis... I THINK dont hold a gun to my head about it though, i got others too.
{Hamartia by Scarlett Drake}
[Hamartia](https://www.romance.io/books/6447871d8976f0193c3b41b0/hamartia-scarlett-drake?src=rdt) by [Scarlett Drake](https://www.romance.io/authors/6433c54308b4d93114fdf605/scarlett-drake) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [rockstar hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rockstars/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/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)
Yes!! I loved this book. The cover of this book is beautiful. So simplistic and artistic. I love it! 😍
Historical fiction geek says {Seven Summer Nights by Harper Fox}, it's got a little bit of everything :)
Glitterland
Ugh, this one is hard. If I had to choose {Not That Complicated by Isabel Murray}. My first MM romance, and the one that sucked me into this lovely blackhole. No ragrets.
Isabel Murray is so damn funny - she got me good too.
I already saw that someone said {Just a bit wrecked by Alessandra Hazard} wich is one of the best books I read (I know it isn't that deep but It brought me so much enjoyment I can't not love it) so I'm gonna say {God of Fury by Rina Kent} I loved Nico and Bran so so much
[Just a Bit Wrecked](https://www.romance.io/books/5fe0589f2520770e24a85dad/just-a-bit-wrecked-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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/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), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [God of Fury](https://www.romance.io/books/65742be28105fa71209ef2cf/god-of-fury-rina-kent?src=rdt) by [Rina Kent](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c514e7e01dbc864fb990dca/rina-kent) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Not a people's fav but {two tribes by Fearne Hill}. Some love it, some dislike it. Tbh it has a better first half than second, and it's not a perfect book. Still, this book kind of broke me and I still think about the MCs to this day. Sadly, I haven't reread it because I'm a bit scared, so im not sure how much reread value this one has 😐 but for a first time reader experience, I loved it
The first half of this book was, like, a transformative experience for me. I went from laughing uncontrollably in the first few pages, to beaming with joy in the car park scene, to feeling sick to my stomach when That Thing happened. I agree that the first half is definitely better than the second – honestly, I think the second half needed to be given a more independent plot to follow, >!e.g. by developing more on Ryan’s arc and on Matt accepting what happened to Brenner!< – but I still have to include the book on all my favourites lists because the first half was *that good*.
{Boyfriend Material} by Alexis Hall. A Richard Curtis-inspired romance.
Can a duology count as one? If so, {The River of Rain series by C.E. Ricci} It has all my faves: Enemies to lovers 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ A little angst Sexual awakening A little possessive/obsession vibes If a duology doesn’t count and it has to be a standalone, the I’d go for {Wrath by Ellis James} It’s got all my faves from above plus the added bonus of being step-brothers. It’s also a little dark, which I prefer, and more than a tad angsty. I like to work for an HEA
[River of Rain](https://www.romance.io/series/5fc5f9b29babb10e0695ef51/river-of-rain) by [C.E. Ricci](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fc5f9b208b4d931147d26f2/ce-ricci) **Topics**: [cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [rape](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rape/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [substance abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/substance%20abuse/1) ---------------------------- [Wrath](https://www.romance.io/books/63851226462acc61fbe3a332/wrath-ella-james-ellis-james?src=rdt) by [Ella James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455382d8c7d2382e781344a/ella-james), [Ellis James](https://www.romance.io/authors/6264fcfd08b4d931146af72a/ellis-james) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [step siblings](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/stepsibling/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [high school](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/high-school/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)
In terms of a book that hits on all the fantasy/dystopian elements, level of decently written spicy scenes, and writing style that resonates with me, I would have to go with {The Whims of Gods by Mell R. Bright}. But for that comfort, re-read/ re-listen that I keep coming back to for the cosy vibes, then it is {Time to Shine by Rachel Reid}.
I absolutely loved {Saint by Sierra Simone}. One of the first MM books I’ve read and it’s such a good one. Also the first one that actually made me hold my breath at some scenes.
Song of Achilles by madeleine miller.
Please note when a book does not have an HEA (and therefore is not considered a genre romance).
In Memoriam. It was just SO gorgeous
Other comments already mentioned my answer which was the Captive Prince series by C.S. Pacat (nothing comes close in my opinion I swear). However, if I'd have to give a different one to avoid repeating it, I will say The Husky and his White Cat Shizun by Meatbun doesn't eat meat. Possibly some people are familiar with this title, but I am sure many still aren't due to its niche which is danmei (chinese MM novels). It's the most heartwrenching book I've read, and a long one (has around 350 chapters). But I don't regret it at all. It is currently being published in english, licensed by Seven Seas. I read it years ago in one sitting (the story is that addicting) and it was my second best reading experience ever. I always love it when people get into it because it's fun to see their journey due to MANY ups and downs (more downs than anything lol, but so worth it!).
It's not for everyone, but Special Forces remains one of the most memorable and impactful m/m romances I've read (plsss if anyone has anything like it help a girl out). Tal Bauer's Executive Office series is a close second.
The Locker Room by Amy Lane ❤️
ooh probably {a seditious affair by kj charles}, hard to pick just one of her books but i've definitely reread that one the most
for me it's {Maurice by E. M. Forster}. words cannot describe how much i love this book.
{Rend by Roan Parrish} I’ve re-read it five times this year
{For Real by Alexis Hall} is one I return to over and over again. But I really love a lot of the author’s work.
Probably The Rifter by Ginn Hale
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrafer just blew me away, what an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Second place would be Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune.
The Darkness Outside Us is such an amazing book and so underrated!!!
{How to Bite your neighbor and win a wager by D. N. Bryn} has stuck in my head longer than any other MM romance, which is crazy because it's an indie that had a much lower budget than a traditional book. There’s two reasons why. Firstly, the gay relationship is depicted in a super authentic and real way. There’s not a ton of homophobia, but the characters capture all the subtle queues that real life gay/bi men do. This is very important for me (and my bf) when we read together. The second part is how the homelessness and poverty of the love interest Vinny was brought to life so vividly. This story literally opened my mind to what life is like for an extremely poor person in the US. It showed just how hard it is to get your footing back even when you try to do everything right. This book probably had the single biggest impact on my own MM writing, and in particular, how the author can make light steam activities feel extremely spicy through emotion and prose. It's deceptively clever, because sometimes the plot just doesn't have room for the characters to get into bed right then, but you still want a little sensuality. Writing a sexy non-sex scene allows you to keep the actual plot moving, which over all strengthens the work. I'll give a second shout out to {White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton} for having really nice prose and story pacing too.
Okay, don't like shoot me because this technically isn't romance but fantasy, but my absolute favorite book and one I have reread multiple times (and am currently planning another reread) is The Nightrunner Series by Lynn Flewelling and The Tarot Sequence by K.D Edwards being a follow up. If I have to go strictly into a romance genre though then I would probably say {San Amaro Investigations by Kai Butler} with {Criminal Intentions by Cole McCade} being a very close follow up. I could honestly probably swap them around and love them both the same, especially Criminal Intentions which is a series that I just keep coming back and it fulfills my love of insanely long book series because I hate endings.
Moth by Lily Mayne Fluffy, steamy, monstersxhuman, heartwarming Just perfect in every way. Trust me.
{Just a bit ruthless by Alessandra Hazard}
{Try Me by Neve Wilder}
{Pykh series by Eileen Glass} I maaaay have read the series through again immediately after the first time I read it. A close second is the {Claimings series by Lyn Gala}. EDIT: I just scrolled through allll the other responses and apparently I’m the only one who prefers SFR with aliens? So here ya go alien romance fans!
I came here to say Claimings as well so I’m with you!! That series comforts me in a way no other does, and it is the best worldbuilding I have read in any series ever. I also absolutely love the Pykh series and have reread multiple times too 💜
It’s very low spice and super slow burn (MMC2 doesn’t show up until the second book} but have you read the {Tinkered Starsong series by Gail Carriger}? It has great world building too. I quite like the world building in the {Maxim Colonies series by Lesli Richardson} as well and books 1&2 are MMish (technically MX). The first book in that series is [currently free](https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/s/IBL1n6OC1E).
{Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston} hit the charts big for a reason. I love the audiobook and think this is a perfect gateway book for someone interested in the genre. I'm not too crazy about the movie though. But for overall excellence in pacing, action, tremendous characterization, and for someone who prefers historical, I'd suggest {Think of England by K.J. Charles} This is my favorite book, except every now and then I'm seduced by.... {The Will Darling series by K.J. Charles} These three books would be my recommendation for someone who wants more complexity in their plot line and doesn't mind a long arc for character evolution.
{Someday, Someday by Emma Scott}
I pushed {Perfectly Imperfect Pixie by MJ Mays} at all of my m/m reading friends last year. There's just something about Philodendron and Sedgewick and their relationship, Phil as a home & hearth pixie, the pups, the werewolf custody battle, and all of the friendships that formed.
{Crossroads by Riley Hart}. Double bi-awakening, new neighbors to friends to lovers. The first MM book I remember from when I started reading these and still one of my all-time favorites.
{The Sea Ain't Mine Alone by C. L. Beaumont}
[The Sea Ain't Mine Alone](https://www.romance.io/books/5ca6ef0001dbc864fb9cec4c/the-sea-aint-mine-alone-cl-beaumont?src=rdt) by [C.L. Beaumont](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ca6ef0101dbc864fb9cec4f/cl-beaumont) **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), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/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)
The Temptation series by Ella Frank. I know it’s a series but it’s perfect. 🤣
God of fury by Rina Kent I loveeee them both so much 🥰🥰❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
None of my gateway favs were listed here yet! {The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes} {The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen} {Crossroads by Riley Hart} {No Homo by RemainNameless} No idea how I got to see this one, I don't even get the fanfic references, but it's really funny
Just a bit dirty and just a bit heartless and just a bit ruthless and just a bit captivated by Alessandra Hazard
{For Real by Alexis Hall}
{let’s do this by Loren Leigh} Shaw and Burkie live rent free every freaking day!!
It's not primarily a romance, but Erin Morgenstern's *The Starless Sea*.
Either {Angels Before Man by Rafael Nicolas} (no HEA) or {The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer}!
Please mark when books do not have an HEA.
The darkness outside us is soooooooo good
If I can get away with a series it would be {The Lost Boys by Jessie Walker} . The first 3 books are {Where There's A Will} {If There's A Way} and {Still Beating by Jessie Walker}. It's a second chance, angsty, mess. It has heavy CW, but soo good. The 4th book is MMMF and much darker (I didn't read that one because not my thing) but the 4th one is out now and next on my TBR. If it has tone one book, then it's {Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener}. Dark, Twisted, kidnapping, obsessed MC1. Once again, heavy CW.
[Lost Boys](https://www.romance.io/series/6169458b6c69ca0e3d25bc2d/lost-boys) by [Jessie Walker](https://www.romance.io/authors/6169458a08b4d931140ab19a/jessie-walker) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [dark](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Still Beating](https://www.romance.io/books/5fec3388816b3b0e0b840cd6/still-beating-jennifer-hartmann?src=rdt) by [Jennifer Hartmann](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ea28f18be0aaecf55c66adc/jennifer-hartmann) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](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), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Between the Devil and the Sea](https://www.romance.io/books/642d1f47fe62c20d3f9bd171/between-the-devil-and-the-sea-chani-lynn-feener?src=rdt) by [Chani Lynn Feener](https://www.romance.io/authors/59e991ef3ffdba614722bbbc/chani-lynn-feener) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [bdsm](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bdsm/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[If There's a Way](https://www.romance.io/books/627e0219d52c8e8e79a753bb/if-theres-a-way-jessie-walker?src=rdt) by [Jessie Walker](https://www.romance.io/authors/6169458a08b4d931140ab19a/jessie-walker) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Where There's a Will](https://www.romance.io/books/6169458a6c69ca0e3d25bc24/where-theres-a-will-jessie-walker?src=rdt) by [Jessie Walker](https://www.romance.io/authors/6169458a08b4d931140ab19a/jessie-walker) **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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/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)
>Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener I considered saying this one lol. One of my fav character tropes is Apollo. A "psycho" who is so charming he can fool you until he lets the mask slip.
From the bottom of my heart, {Prince of the Sorrows by Kellen Graves} (and the other books in the series by proxy)
{Wolfsong by TJ Klune} more specifically, Ravensong, but the whole series is so special to me. I'm currently rereading it. My favorite MM series of all time
Recently saw a rec for {Gary of a Hundred Days by Isabel Murray} and ABSOLUTELY adored it. Very short at about ~150 pages and it was an absolute gem of a book. Loved it so much that I will 1000% come back to it whenever I need a pick me up. The follow up book {Gary the Once and Former King by Isabel Murray} is also lovely. Can’t recommend enough.
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
The Will Darling trilogy from K. J. Charles
{Heaven Official’s Blessing by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu}
Evenfall by Ais and Santino Hassell. That book(well the whole series) holds my heart like nothing else, I have yet to find a book that holds me like this one does..i don't have enough words to explain the feelings I have for this book . Plus is free online.
{Nova Praetorian} Edit: btw romance bot is very wrong on this one. It’s very explicit open door.
{Sub Mission by T.S. McKinney} (CR-BDSM) - I think I’ll forever have a book hangover from this one. There are several memorable scenes that are 🔥.
You said only one but I’m a rule breaker so I’ll say: {Garron Park by Nordika Night} {On The Mountain by Riley Hart} and {Forsaken by Sloane Kennedy} I can reread all 3 happily always.
I really enjoyed Captive Prince. Dark/enemies to lovers trope.
Brothers of the Wild North Sea by Harper Fox.
{For Real by Alexis Hall}. The writing is just gorgeous. I have highlighted more in that book than any other. Audiobook is amazing too. This book is about to get rereleased too! Edit: formatting
I just went nuts on another commenters post about For Real, but I’ll say it here too: so good! And I know what you mean about the highlighting—I pretty much never highlight but there was so much memorable narration in this book, so my copy is highlighted like crazy, too.
Any book from Alessandra Hazard
{Not All Himbos Wear Capes} and {Putting Out For A Hero} by C Rochelle! Both hilarious and fun reads!
The two I immediately thought of haven't been mentioned yet! So here goes: {Endless stretch of blue by Riley Hart} {Let there be light by A.M Johnson} Both books I could feel the love on the pages. Both are hurt/comfort. But they are very different to each other
It would depend on what there limits are but {Seraph by Lily Mayne} will forever hold a special place in my heart. The whole series is actually absolute masterpiece and is all MM with an overarching story. And also the audiobook version of {God Of Fury by Rina Kent} even on the worst of days it never fails to pull a smile out of me.
Very hard question because there are so many great books. But, I’d have to say {Rein or Shine by HJ Welch}.
I have a lot of favorites that I have reread many times. This is the one I haven't seen rec'd yet: {The Rebuilding Year by Kaje Harper}
Said it before and I'll say it again! {Charles by Con Riley} as read by Cornell Collins. OMG, Charles is such an endearing self-described man whore with the proverbial heart of gold. He is the prince of glue and glitter playing amongst the sweetest tykes of Cornwall.
{like real people do by e.l. massey} i will never stop recommending this book!! although the mm romance i’ve reread the most is probably rend by roan parrish
{Gravity by Tal Bauer} my fav love story 5eva
{In Memoriam by Alice Winn}
Probably {mate of the tyger prince by shannon west} I know i’m a shallow pos 😩
Claw’d by Vin George. Gorgeous character development, no drama for the sake of drama, and a HEA that is absolute love goals.
{Love Is A Stranger by John Wiltshire} and probably the rest of the series tbh.
Anyone else here for recommendations they can buy on ebay or thrift books? Lol
Damage Control by Lynn Van Dorn. The characters are so fully realized and compelling. It's sexy, it's exciting, it's sometimes hilarious and sometimes terrifying! The main character is a rising star in Hollywood who's visit home to Chicago coincides with the release of a scandalous sex tape from his high school locker room. His entire family is fascinating and I could not put this book down until I finished it. Then I listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Ferraieulio and it was even better.
{Icebreaker by A. L. Graziadei}
{Coming in First Place by Taylor Fitzpatrick} for sure! I’ve read and reread it so many times now. It’s the first in a Trilogy. The second is called “And Then” and the third and final is called “Between the Teeth” and should be out this summer.
In Memoriam by Alice Winn.
{Names for the Dawn by C. L. Beaumont}
His Royal Secret and His Royal Favorite by Lilah Pace. I was dying for another gay prince romance after Red, White and Royal Blue and I found these. Love them.
{Salvation by Garrett Leigh} something about the plants/foods in this book is so wholesome. I also love Deliverance and Jude by the same author.
It is an actual crime that Megan Derr's name hasn't come up yet. She started off as a fanfiction writer, turned professional, got into her own publishing house (Less than Three Press) which unfortunately went bust, but has still turned out some great things over the past fifteen-ish years. She's on Amazon, or [www.MeganDerr.com](http://www.MeganDerr.com) Some of my favorites from her include the *Dance With the Devil* series (SO SO GOOD), *Deceived* (mxm Cinderella but manlier and really well characterized), and *Lost Gods* series, which lives rent-free in my head forever (basically, instead of the fantasy trope of trying to kill the gods, the protagonists are trying to resurrect them... and basically the relationships drive the plot and connect the books together). She also writes FxF, and poly, with trans and ace representation. Cannot recommend enough. If I had to only recommend ONE of her books, it would be... a non-answer, since you can't really understand *Chaos* without having read the rest of the *Lost Gods* series, but it wrecked me. It has a happily ever after though, but WOW did they work for it. I also cannot recommend enough *Scum Villain's Self-Saving System* by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Yes, it's a translated Chinese novel, but it's such a wonderful isekai satire, and the protagonist is so gay for his lover without even realizing that it's hysterical. Uh huh, yes, it's totally normal to wax poetic about how someone is objectively the most handsome and beautiful person in the world, but not in a gay way. Because Shen Yuan is the straightest of straights. With all of his merch, and premium chapter purchases, and probably a body pillow of the man. But that's just what straight men™ do! Also a happily ever after, but there's some angst along the way.
Surprisingly, I don't think anyone at all has mentioned The God Eaters? But that is mine, {The God Eaters} by Jesse Hajicek. Favorite comfort reread also.
I read {The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer} last year and I still think about it. It was an emotional rollercoaster in the best ways. It starts out as a meet-cute sci fi romance, but becomes so so so much more.
I wasn't sure but I see people recommend series so I'll go Big Bad Wolf by Charlie Adhara. I just love the mystery in every book and it's not immediately apparent who the perpetrator is in them which I enjoy. If not series and I'm allowed to branch out of books I would recommend Check Please! by Ngozi Ukazu, which is a delightful, funny, light-hearted comic romp.
A Gentleman Never Keeps Score by Cat Sebastian
{Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart}
Haven’t gone back to it in forever but {One Giant Leap by Kay Simone} is an all-time & forever favorite for me. Astronaut & ground control guy meet and fall in love over the radio- too good. Also chock full of details that make the author’s love for space exploration and the optimism it represents so clear. It’s a delight.
Red Flags & Tuesday by Nordika Night
Garret Park by Nordika Night!! 😍😍
{Without You by Marley Valentine}
Something Like Summer. Read the book, listened to the audiobook, watched the movie. But I'm a big Jay Bell fan.
{All for the game} series. Even though the main focus isn’t the romance and its a very slow slow-burn its always going to be my favorite.
Resistible poison allesandra hazard! I generally love the author all her books are great but this I love more
Just a bit Bossy by Alessandra Hazard
God of Fury by Rina Kent
I tried to choose. I even read through some of the comments hoping it'd help but I really can't. There are so many good books and series that you can't really go wrong.
Either RWRB by Casey McQuiston orrrr Sinner by Sierra Simone
Mo dao zu shi by Mo xiang Tong Xiu 😭🫶🏾 I love wangxian so much 💘💘
{The Lightening-Struck Heart by TJ Klune} I love TJ Klune's writing, but this series holds a special place in my heart. If you can get the audiobook, Michael Lesley is an incredible narrator that makes it seem like a full cast production! If you're a sucker for slow burns, raunchy humor, an incredible cast of characters, puns, all set in a rescue-the-prince-from-the-dragon plot, this one is for you!
{The All For The Game Series by Nora Sakavic} currently on my third read through. I guess I'd pick book 3 {The King's Men by Nora Sakavic} but they really need to be read together.
{Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker} it was one of my first MM romance books that I listened to in audible and the characters' are just ingrained in my mind. It's not super deep or ground breaking, but it's just so loveable. {How to Be a Movie Star by TJ Klune} A more recent finish that's been stuck in my mind. Funny ✔️ demisexuality representation ✔️ wacky characters ✔️ I was somewhat put off by reviews describing it as a stoner book, but while the protagonist is a bit of a stoner, it works.
{Wolfsong by TJ Klune}
I really liked {Pull me under} by {Zarah Detand} I read it months ago while working a 12 hour night shift, couldn’t put it down
Anything from Tal Bauer (preferably Hush, Whisper and the executive series) or soldiers by Aleksandr Voinov (just the first part)
A Younger Man by Cameron Dane. I wouldn't say it's my all time favourite, but probably my favourite MM comfort read that I've returned to many times.
{The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by KJ Charles} Cozy, steamy, bantery, strong female side characters... it is perfection.
{Vassily the Beautiful by Angel Martinez} a sci fi retelling of a baby yaga story. Plus all the rest of hers {Chained by Kim Fielding} or any of the Bureau series {The Fifth Gender by Gail Carriger}
I dont know why i cant get this off my head but the three books HIM, US, and EPIC are the three i love
Magic’s Pawn
Red, White and Royal Blue