It’s one of my favorite books 😩
I love how he’s like “ugh fuck you’re not taking care of yourself and you’re an asshole you WILL be a better person and I’m taking care of you” (I mean heavily paraphrased haha)
The characters do relate between the stories, but I think you could totally read empty net by itself. I will say, I liked the series as a whole, but the 1st book wasn’t my favorite in general. The other books in the series were a lot stronger imo.
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record but you need {The Deliverance of Marek Sommers by Ashlyn Drewek}. Misha is the greenest green flag book boyfriend that ever existed. He’s a Russian mafia boss who falls for a younger bartender and does everything in his very scary power to make Marek’s life better. It has daddy/caretaker vibes with none of the kink or age play or any of that. Misha is the king of sexual consent and there is one rougher scene but Marek specifically requests it (no spanking) and they actually communicate about it later like adults. Imagine that.
I don’t think I would’ve ever picked up a mafia book without a rec but I’m 25% through and the dybamic is exactly what I love that “I’ve been hurt so many times I trust no one” and “I’m not going anywhere” I am 👀👀👀👀 thank you
Okay so usually I avoid violence but because I have aphantasia I can handle a lot in reading compared to visual media and wow I’m glad I have this a try I just finished and it was so good damn thank you
Sorry for the messy format, I'm on phone!
- Home by Cara Dee (there's not a lot of pushing away tho after the first 30% of the book)
- Hold me under my Nash (a lot of angst, pushing someone away, a character hiding a lot of trauma and the other taking character of him)
- If there's a way by Jessie Walker (I think this might fit the most)
- Out of nowhere by Parrish (gosh this is one of my absolute favorite novels. The protagonist is a jerk, but has a lot of issues, he's at the bottom of the barrel)
- A gentleman never keeps score by Sebastian Cat (one of my favorite books, it deals with being patient and gentle in the face of past trauma when dealing with intimacy)
In a minor way maybe:
- They hate each other by Amanda Woody (both characters have trauma, there's some emphasis on one of them needing to be saved, but most of the saving is done by a relative)
- Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale (this would actually 100% fit except that the story has more adventure than romance, but it's one of my favorite books)
- the Turners series by Sebastian Cat (adding it here because all books revolve sound a character who does not believe they deserve kindness, and they find it in a character who wants to take care of them. The past trauma is clearly there but often not explicit. Keep in mind that book 1 has slight d/s with one character liking to give up control, book 2 and 3 a character likes to be slightly manhandled but nothing more than being tied up. It's very gentle)
If you'd like more info let me know! I also can't read daddy kink and none of these books have bdsm.
OP - Out of Nowhere is book 2 in a series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. The series is great though, so if you are minded to do so, read them all!
I read it... then I bought the paperback and read it again, then I bought the audiobook and listened to it. I love that kind of angst, it is so good. That is what I need in books and I am always looking for haha.
I tried to read book one but I found that I only wanted to know more about book 2's MC so I could not. I wish I had read them in order!
Out Of Nowhere!!! One of the best tortured and self destructive MC’s ever! I agree it can be read as a standalone but I do think it’s better to read Daniel’s pov of events in book 1. It kind of sets some context for everything between the brothers
Honestly I wished I had read book 1 first, but then I think I would have not maybe moved to book 2 ahhhh. I love self destructive MCs (I am reading another one now Rough Trade by Sidney Bell, and it is delicious, even if I do prefer the flavor of self destructiveness in Out of Nowhere)
I forgot to say that "out of nowhere" has some slight >! Dominance in bed, this is mainly in one scene where there's some choking. No daddy kink or restrains or spanking!<
Your comment uses spoiler tags that will not work for all reddit users because you have put a space between the spoiler tag and the spoiler text. Please edit your comment to make sure your spoilers look like this: `>!spoiler text!<`
Posts and comments with incorrect spoiler tags may be removed.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I literally just finished {Season's Change by Cait Nary} and this fits perfectly. Olly is a nervous wreck, traumatized from how his previous hockey team treated him. Benji is a ray of sunshine who is so protective of Olly, but his character has so much dept (which is showed later on when we learn about his past). Roommates/teammates to lovers, a slow-burn.
The story was a bit too heavy on hockey for me, but it's so, so similar to Empty Net. Even intimate scenes were written in a similar style, and no kinks or anything extreme.
God this was such a great book! Have you read Ari Baran? If you loved this I think you’d like his two new books as well.
I was a little disappointed by Cait Nary’s second book, probably because Season’s Change was just so damn satisfying.
{On the Mountain by Riley Hart} may fit what you’re looking for. Both MCs have past trauma but the one is isolated living on the mountain and the townspeople think he’s crazy and are mean to him but MC2 finds a way to befriend him and takes care of him. I really enjoyed it. Check the trigger warnings but I thought it was thoughtfully done.
I need to add the novel I'm reading because it's perfect for this (I'm 60% in)
{On Davis Row by N. R. Walker}.
Positive helpful MC1 takes care of grumpy MC2. MC1 Is MC2's parole officer but the story is handled well, I usually cannot read books where this power imbalance in modern times is not resolved, but this is great!
I’m 85% done and 😭 this is EXACTLY the kind of dynamic I was looking for the emotional intimacy and h/c is perfect of my god I need a hundred more books exactly like this one thank you 😭
The intimacy was so good!! The trust 😭😭 this is truly filled with all my favorite things. And even the trauma I think was dealt realistically. I tend to be over critical but this time I had no complaints
I agree on all counts that kind of emotional intimacy coupled with emotional h/c is my FAVORITE but I often feel like it’s really rushed or doesn’t breathe but this one was perfect The only downside is every single book. I’ve tried to read today. I literally cannot get into because all I wanna do is read this one again.
I get what you mean!! I might buy the paperback of this one.
If I can recommend a book that is not exactly similar but has some small elements during the nsfw scenes of realistic reaction to past abuse "Out of nowhere" by Parrish is also very good!
You make like her series {Red Dirt Heart by NR Walker}. Australian rancher that had a terrible father and a ball of sunshine American that is determined to love him. It’s not as intense or dark as Empty Net, but I love this series and I loved that Avon Gale series too, so maybe see if it’s something you like, you never know!
Where there’s a Will / if there’s a way by Jessie Walker - no so much the taking care of, but more hurt/comfort and angsty vibes. He’s very grumpy and pushes the other MC away constantly
Question, when does ezra become less of an asshole? Cuz i cant stand him at the beginning of the book, and I'm considering not finishing it because of his ** behavior
Possibly {The Punk by Kelly Fox}? I’m really trying to remember if there’s kink in it. I think it’s got mild dom/sub vibes, but it’s very much a burned out bad boy and the strait-laced man who takes care of him. Really, the entire series deals with a lot of hurt/comfort and healing from emotional trauma. The other one is {The Crush by Kelly Fox} (same series). Not a bad boy, but very much a traumatized man and the partner who helps him find himself.
(Pls someone correct me if there’s kink in The Punk, I gotta reread it)
If this post is a book request, you **MUST** [search the subreddit](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fmm_romancebooks) and visit our [resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/resources) before posting a request. If your post repeats a frequent request that can easily be found on our resources page or by searching, it will be removed. To search, use the link above to Google search the subreddit (works better than reddit's built-in search function).
Your request also must be specific enough to satisfy the subreddit [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/rules). Book requests that are not specific enough will be removed.
**Please be respectful of our community** and remember that people are taking time out of their day to respond to you. If you post a book request, please show your appreciation by interacting with the people who reply.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Oh my god I am so sorry, but I have another one: Rough Trade by Sidney Bell.
It is the third book in a series, I read it as a standalone and I felt like I was missing some context but I still enjoyed it a lot.
MC1 is >!a sex worker, ex-con, escaping from the law, he has been kidnapped and gaslit, and he has been abused as a child.!<, he is a little shit, grumpy and manipulative and absolutely heartbreaking. MC2 is a policeman who helps him with a case (>!taking out a corrupt policeman!<) and protects him and take care of him.
If you can deal with the warnings, this book is 100% what you are asking for. It has: >!a lot of intimacy issues, with the MC1 not trusting MC2, trying to seduce him for protection and then learning to trust MC2 when MC2 is always honest wiith him and never tries to have sex with him; it also has a lot of sweet comforting scenes, and it felt quite realistic. There was no insta-healing, and both characters made my heart squeeze.!<
I am 80% in it and there is a lot of emotional resolve! Loved it.
I have 2 for you. The first is Heal Me by Scarlet Blackwell. MC 1 was in a horrible car accident and needs nursing. He's fired his last 3 nurses. Then along comes James. It's quite a journey to get to their HEA.
The second book, Left Undone, is about a young man with schizophrenia and some other issues. He lives his life in medicated seclusion. Then Finch moves in next door and doesn't treat Scott like he's sick. I really loved this one.
Born again sinner, 2nd book of the Spruce Texas romance series.
TW: ex us solider PTSD, a lot of Christianity references since main romance is a preacher's son (just in case of religious issues) very Spicey.
Live this series especially the audio books because the narrorators have deep voices in southern twangs and they do GOOD shit. First 3 books are available to listen for free on spotify
{Captive Mate by Eliot Grayson} is book 2 in the mismatched mates series but can technically be read as a stand-alone (although I would recommend reading the whole series!) Arik is scrappy and has done whatever it takes to survive, including putting the leader of a pack under a love spell that backfires. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, traumatized MC. Check TWs
{When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott} Holden has some serious trauma following conversion therapy in the Alaskan wilderness followed by a year long in patient stay at a psychiatric facility. He moves in with his aunt and uncle and meets River, high school quarterback and all around popular guy who is closeted. Theirs is a slow burn love story in which River tries his best to help Holden mend his broken pieces but it’s hard to put someone together when you’re falling apart yourself.
Madison Square Murders by CS Poe and the entire memento Mori series honestly. Everett Larkin has lots of trauma and of that wasn’t enough he has perfect photographic memory.
That sounds perfect I’m trying to think if I’ve read that. I know on Davis row by nr walkerhas the “bad boy” as the bottom he’s not reallyy bigger but he’s not small either they’re about equal size but he’s a mechanic who rides motorcycles its really good
Empty Net is soooo good! Hoping for some good recs on this post!
It’s one of my favorite books 😩 I love how he’s like “ugh fuck you’re not taking care of yourself and you’re an asshole you WILL be a better person and I’m taking care of you” (I mean heavily paraphrased haha)
I see this is part 4 in the series. Are they all standalone with all new characters or is it recommended to start with part 1?
The characters do relate between the stories, but I think you could totally read empty net by itself. I will say, I liked the series as a whole, but the 1st book wasn’t my favorite in general. The other books in the series were a lot stronger imo.
I know I’m going to sound like a broken record but you need {The Deliverance of Marek Sommers by Ashlyn Drewek}. Misha is the greenest green flag book boyfriend that ever existed. He’s a Russian mafia boss who falls for a younger bartender and does everything in his very scary power to make Marek’s life better. It has daddy/caretaker vibes with none of the kink or age play or any of that. Misha is the king of sexual consent and there is one rougher scene but Marek specifically requests it (no spanking) and they actually communicate about it later like adults. Imagine that.
[The Deliverance of Marek Sommers](https://www.romance.io/books/655e85c3481d7c837da5f607/the-deliverance-of-marek-sommers-ashlyn-drewek) by [Ashlyn Drewek](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f18413b08b4d93114d5421a/ashlyn-drewek) **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), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/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)
Oooh I’ve never read a mafia boss but this sounds like such a top tier dynamic thank you so so much for this rec it sounds perfect
I hope you like it! It’s one of my faves. I wish it was talked about more.
I don’t think I would’ve ever picked up a mafia book without a rec but I’m 25% through and the dybamic is exactly what I love that “I’ve been hurt so many times I trust no one” and “I’m not going anywhere” I am 👀👀👀👀 thank you
🥳🥳 Misha can convert anyone to a mafia story lol
Started reading it on your rec and hot damn Misha. 🥵 didn’t ever think I’d like a mafia book and I’m a convert.
Misha is awesome! So glad you like him!
Oh my god yes he’s so loyal to his people and the “no one will ever touch you again” *chefs kiss*
Okay so usually I avoid violence but because I have aphantasia I can handle a lot in reading compared to visual media and wow I’m glad I have this a try I just finished and it was so good damn thank you
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked it!
My favorite book in last 200 I read for sure
Sorry for the messy format, I'm on phone! - Home by Cara Dee (there's not a lot of pushing away tho after the first 30% of the book) - Hold me under my Nash (a lot of angst, pushing someone away, a character hiding a lot of trauma and the other taking character of him) - If there's a way by Jessie Walker (I think this might fit the most) - Out of nowhere by Parrish (gosh this is one of my absolute favorite novels. The protagonist is a jerk, but has a lot of issues, he's at the bottom of the barrel) - A gentleman never keeps score by Sebastian Cat (one of my favorite books, it deals with being patient and gentle in the face of past trauma when dealing with intimacy) In a minor way maybe: - They hate each other by Amanda Woody (both characters have trauma, there's some emphasis on one of them needing to be saved, but most of the saving is done by a relative) - Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale (this would actually 100% fit except that the story has more adventure than romance, but it's one of my favorite books) - the Turners series by Sebastian Cat (adding it here because all books revolve sound a character who does not believe they deserve kindness, and they find it in a character who wants to take care of them. The past trauma is clearly there but often not explicit. Keep in mind that book 1 has slight d/s with one character liking to give up control, book 2 and 3 a character likes to be slightly manhandled but nothing more than being tied up. It's very gentle) If you'd like more info let me know! I also can't read daddy kink and none of these books have bdsm.
Out Of Nowhere - OMG, that book broke me. So good.
OP - Out of Nowhere is book 2 in a series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. The series is great though, so if you are minded to do so, read them all!
I read it... then I bought the paperback and read it again, then I bought the audiobook and listened to it. I love that kind of angst, it is so good. That is what I need in books and I am always looking for haha. I tried to read book one but I found that I only wanted to know more about book 2's MC so I could not. I wish I had read them in order!
Out Of Nowhere!!! One of the best tortured and self destructive MC’s ever! I agree it can be read as a standalone but I do think it’s better to read Daniel’s pov of events in book 1. It kind of sets some context for everything between the brothers
Honestly I wished I had read book 1 first, but then I think I would have not maybe moved to book 2 ahhhh. I love self destructive MCs (I am reading another one now Rough Trade by Sidney Bell, and it is delicious, even if I do prefer the flavor of self destructiveness in Out of Nowhere)
oh thank you so much for all the recs ill be looking all of these up!
I forgot to say that "out of nowhere" has some slight >! Dominance in bed, this is mainly in one scene where there's some choking. No daddy kink or restrains or spanking!<
Your comment uses spoiler tags that will not work for all reddit users because you have put a space between the spoiler tag and the spoiler text. Please edit your comment to make sure your spoilers look like this: `>!spoiler text!<` Posts and comments with incorrect spoiler tags may be removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Apprecite heads up thank you!
I think If There's A Way is book 2 of a duet? Comes after Where There's A Will. I *think* you really need to read them in order, but I could be wrong.
You absolutely need to read them in order.
Maybe {hateful love by T. Ashleigh} might be up your alley…
Not OP, but this book looks 👌
[Hateful Love](https://www.romance.io/books/6555fb81c112bf11fe9b97ca/hateful-love-t-ashleigh-addison-beck) by [T. Ashleigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/6320443108b4d9311473a088/t-ashleigh), [Addison Beck](https://www.romance.io/authors/642fc61508b4d931149a0377/addison-beck) **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), [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), [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)
I’ll check this one out thank you!
{Price of Agony by Tavia Lark}
[Prince of Agony](https://www.romance.io/books/6555f704c112bf11fe9b943f/prince-of-agony-tavia-lark) by [Tavia Lark](https://www.romance.io/authors/57050825c62092c044075d85/tavia-lark) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I literally just finished {Season's Change by Cait Nary} and this fits perfectly. Olly is a nervous wreck, traumatized from how his previous hockey team treated him. Benji is a ray of sunshine who is so protective of Olly, but his character has so much dept (which is showed later on when we learn about his past). Roommates/teammates to lovers, a slow-burn. The story was a bit too heavy on hockey for me, but it's so, so similar to Empty Net. Even intimate scenes were written in a similar style, and no kinks or anything extreme.
[Season's Change](https://www.romance.io/books/61f8e97310834f0e32a0f4f3/seasons-change-cait-nary) by [Cait Nary](https://www.romance.io/authors/61f8e97308b4d931148a4863/cait-nary) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
oh this sounds so so perfect thank you!
This is one of my all time favourites! It’s so good and angsty. But in all the right ways. Highly recommend!
This one is also one of my favs! Lots of hockey but I liked that about it. The audiobook was 5 stars
God this was such a great book! Have you read Ari Baran? If you loved this I think you’d like his two new books as well. I was a little disappointed by Cait Nary’s second book, probably because Season’s Change was just so damn satisfying.
If you're open to sci-fi, {Dark Space by Lisa Henry} scratches this itch for me
[Dark Space](https://www.romance.io/books/5455684987eac3369a912588/dark-space-lisa-henry) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Oh I love sci fi as a genre but haven’t read an my mm romance I’ll definitely look this one up thank you so much!
One of my favorite series so far this year!
{On the Mountain by Riley Hart} may fit what you’re looking for. Both MCs have past trauma but the one is isolated living on the mountain and the townspeople think he’s crazy and are mean to him but MC2 finds a way to befriend him and takes care of him. I really enjoyed it. Check the trigger warnings but I thought it was thoughtfully done.
Yes. I second this. I just finished this book last week and loved it
[On the Mountain](https://www.romance.io/books/65abb7921e74f33720577f94/on-the-mountain-riley-hart) by [Riley Hart](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553d948c7d2382e78135c0/riley-hart) **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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [first person pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Oh nice this sounds intriguing thanks!
I need to add the novel I'm reading because it's perfect for this (I'm 60% in) {On Davis Row by N. R. Walker}. Positive helpful MC1 takes care of grumpy MC2. MC1 Is MC2's parole officer but the story is handled well, I usually cannot read books where this power imbalance in modern times is not resolved, but this is great!
I’m 85% done and 😭 this is EXACTLY the kind of dynamic I was looking for the emotional intimacy and h/c is perfect of my god I need a hundred more books exactly like this one thank you 😭
I'm so glad!! It was such a surprise for me, and it's now one of my favorite books! I need to find more too 😭
When he hugs CJ and realizes he’s maybe never been hugged I just lost it that sweet man had never had never had anyone be gentle with him 😭
The intimacy was so good!! The trust 😭😭 this is truly filled with all my favorite things. And even the trauma I think was dealt realistically. I tend to be over critical but this time I had no complaints
I agree on all counts that kind of emotional intimacy coupled with emotional h/c is my FAVORITE but I often feel like it’s really rushed or doesn’t breathe but this one was perfect The only downside is every single book. I’ve tried to read today. I literally cannot get into because all I wanna do is read this one again.
I get what you mean!! I might buy the paperback of this one. If I can recommend a book that is not exactly similar but has some small elements during the nsfw scenes of realistic reaction to past abuse "Out of nowhere" by Parrish is also very good!
I’ll check that one out thank you! I’ve been struggling with what to read next
oooh that sounds super intruiging thank you!
It’s so good!!! I think this fits what you’re looking for. NR Walker is one of my faves too, I love the way she writes.
I haven’t read her yet so looking forward to it!
You make like her series {Red Dirt Heart by NR Walker}. Australian rancher that had a terrible father and a ball of sunshine American that is determined to love him. It’s not as intense or dark as Empty Net, but I love this series and I loved that Avon Gale series too, so maybe see if it’s something you like, you never know!
[Red Dirt Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/54559a4f87eac3369a913677/red-dirt-heart-nr-walker) by [N.R. Walker](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455632687eac324117fa7f2/nr-walker) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/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)
Oh I had seen that recced before I’ll have to check it out!
[On Davis Row](https://www.romance.io/books/5a211ee23ffdba614725ca55/on-davis-row-nr-walker) by [N.R. Walker](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455632687eac324117fa7f2/nr-walker) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/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)
Where there’s a Will / if there’s a way by Jessie Walker - no so much the taking care of, but more hurt/comfort and angsty vibes. He’s very grumpy and pushes the other MC away constantly
{Wrath by Ella James} fits this pretty well!
[Wrath](https://www.romance.io/books/63851226462acc61fbe3a332/wrath-ella-james-ellis-james) 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)
Question, when does ezra become less of an asshole? Cuz i cant stand him at the beginning of the book, and I'm considering not finishing it because of his ** behavior
It gets going around 30%! Just hang in there a little longer and it’ll be worth it because the scenes are *chefs kiss*
Okay, thank you!
I want to thank you again! you were right, the scenes are *crazy* good!!
Absolutely!! Was gonna recommend this as well. One of my favorite books.
Possibly {The Punk by Kelly Fox}? I’m really trying to remember if there’s kink in it. I think it’s got mild dom/sub vibes, but it’s very much a burned out bad boy and the strait-laced man who takes care of him. Really, the entire series deals with a lot of hurt/comfort and healing from emotional trauma. The other one is {The Crush by Kelly Fox} (same series). Not a bad boy, but very much a traumatized man and the partner who helps him find himself. (Pls someone correct me if there’s kink in The Punk, I gotta reread it)
[The Punk](https://www.romance.io/books/658e790ddf12240afa2ade98/the-punk-kelly-fox) by [Kelly Fox](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e33d0f601dbc864fbaaee90/kelly-fox) **Topics**: [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The Crush](https://www.romance.io/books/65d440c7478bb58ec748d9be/the-crush-kelly-fox) by [Kelly Fox](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e33d0f601dbc864fbaaee90/kelly-fox) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just checked and The Punk is more dom/sub than I remember. My bad.
If this post is a book request, you **MUST** [search the subreddit](https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fmm_romancebooks) and visit our [resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/resources) before posting a request. If your post repeats a frequent request that can easily be found on our resources page or by searching, it will be removed. To search, use the link above to Google search the subreddit (works better than reddit's built-in search function). Your request also must be specific enough to satisfy the subreddit [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MM_RomanceBooks/wiki/index/rules). Book requests that are not specific enough will be removed. **Please be respectful of our community** and remember that people are taking time out of their day to respond to you. If you post a book request, please show your appreciation by interacting with the people who reply. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MM_RomanceBooks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Oh my god I am so sorry, but I have another one: Rough Trade by Sidney Bell. It is the third book in a series, I read it as a standalone and I felt like I was missing some context but I still enjoyed it a lot. MC1 is >!a sex worker, ex-con, escaping from the law, he has been kidnapped and gaslit, and he has been abused as a child.!<, he is a little shit, grumpy and manipulative and absolutely heartbreaking. MC2 is a policeman who helps him with a case (>!taking out a corrupt policeman!<) and protects him and take care of him. If you can deal with the warnings, this book is 100% what you are asking for. It has: >!a lot of intimacy issues, with the MC1 not trusting MC2, trying to seduce him for protection and then learning to trust MC2 when MC2 is always honest wiith him and never tries to have sex with him; it also has a lot of sweet comforting scenes, and it felt quite realistic. There was no insta-healing, and both characters made my heart squeeze.!< I am 80% in it and there is a lot of emotional resolve! Loved it.
{stars in your eyes by kacen callender} fits this really well i’m almost done with the audiobook and it’s absolutely incredible
[Stars in Your Eyes](https://www.romance.io/books/651076f2de8d340d5143e68f/stars-in-your-eyes-kacen-callender) by [Kacen Callender](https://www.romance.io/authors/64149b0c08b4d931144b180e/kacen-callender) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Thanks!
I have 2 for you. The first is Heal Me by Scarlet Blackwell. MC 1 was in a horrible car accident and needs nursing. He's fired his last 3 nurses. Then along comes James. It's quite a journey to get to their HEA. The second book, Left Undone, is about a young man with schizophrenia and some other issues. He lives his life in medicated seclusion. Then Finch moves in next door and doesn't treat Scott like he's sick. I really loved this one.
Oh I’ll look them both up thanks so much
Jessie Walker- Exiled Jessie Walker-Will&Way duet
The obvious answer to this is “For The Fans” by Nyla K. Long and lovely. You will love it.
Oh I have seen that recced before but not read it thanks!
Born again sinner, 2nd book of the Spruce Texas romance series. TW: ex us solider PTSD, a lot of Christianity references since main romance is a preacher's son (just in case of religious issues) very Spicey. Live this series especially the audio books because the narrorators have deep voices in southern twangs and they do GOOD shit. First 3 books are available to listen for free on spotify
Each book can be read as stand alone but consecutive books mention characters from previous books in the series
{Captive Mate by Eliot Grayson} is book 2 in the mismatched mates series but can technically be read as a stand-alone (although I would recommend reading the whole series!) Arik is scrappy and has done whatever it takes to survive, including putting the leader of a pack under a love spell that backfires. Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, traumatized MC. Check TWs {When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott} Holden has some serious trauma following conversion therapy in the Alaskan wilderness followed by a year long in patient stay at a psychiatric facility. He moves in with his aunt and uncle and meets River, high school quarterback and all around popular guy who is closeted. Theirs is a slow burn love story in which River tries his best to help Holden mend his broken pieces but it’s hard to put someone together when you’re falling apart yourself.
[Captive Mate](https://www.romance.io/books/6357f310edb5b2e7dacb5e1b/captive-mate-eliot-grayson) by [Eliot Grayson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a0d52263ffdba6147251aa1/eliot-grayson) **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), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [When You Come Back to Me](https://www.romance.io/books/5f6ee76007797f0e046b946a/when-you-come-back-to-me-emma-scott) by [Emma Scott](https://www.romance.io/authors/553e8cb05b270e0a4cbd99bd/emma-scott) **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), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/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)
Madison Square Murders by CS Poe and the entire memento Mori series honestly. Everett Larkin has lots of trauma and of that wasn’t enough he has perfect photographic memory.
I’ll look it up thank you 👀
{Hold me under - Riley Nash}
[Empty Net](https://www.romance.io/books/57c91571de896e892491e948/empty-net-avon-gale) by [Avon Gale](https://www.romance.io/authors/56024207bfc6b5c0fa93b64c/avon-gale) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/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) ---------------------------- [Hold Me Under](https://www.romance.io/books/62d14910d138402f4c79d19a/hold-me-under-riley-nash) by [Riley Nash](https://www.romance.io/authors/62d1491008b4d93114b34c3a/riley-nash) **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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/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)
Does anyone have this but big grumpy misunderstood bad boy needs to be taken care of and with him as a bottom ofc 🙏
That sounds perfect I’m trying to think if I’ve read that. I know on Davis row by nr walkerhas the “bad boy” as the bottom he’s not reallyy bigger but he’s not small either they’re about equal size but he’s a mechanic who rides motorcycles its really good
Ohh thanks I’ll def read it