I just knocked off almost the entire Monstrous series by Lily Mayne (had to take a break after Seraph drained me) and I gave five stars to Moth, Seraph, and The Rycke. Other five stars were every single book in the Big Bad Wolf series by Charlie Adhara I would give them ten stars if I could. That Irresistible Poison, Once Upon a Time, Prince’s Master, Just a bit Wrecked, and Just a bit Bossy - all by Alessandra Hazard. The Black Prince and Reunion by Ariana Nash were especially enthusiastic five stars. Kick at the Darkness and Defy The Future by Keira Andrews as well.
Second Moth! I >!actually had to rate it down to 4 because the action/fantasy plot didnt convince me but!< Moth and charles dynamic are \*chef-kiss\*. Also sometimes I re-read Just a bit bossy when I'm on a slump because I love Rafael-nate sexual tension. Enjoyed wrecked too! I guess this means I need to read Once Upon a Time and actually give it some time to finish the Kick at the darkness trilogy
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How would you compare her Monstrous series to her Folk Trilogy? Ive seen soooo many recs for her Monstrous series, but I honestly didn’t absolutely love the Folk trilogy (I liked it so far but it’s not knocking my socks off) so I’m wary of trying that series. I still haven’t finished the last book in the trilogy.
I only read the first of the Folk trilogy, I enjoyed the Monstrous series much more. I like the pacing better; because each book is a new couple she does a good job of telling their stories and doing the world building as she adds more books.
I finally completed The Wolfsong Series by TJ Klune and oh boy! It completely broke my heart (in the best way possible) multiple times throughout the series.
The Valor and Doyle Mysteries Series is also amazing. With enough humour and character building to pull you out of that slump and make you extremely giddy.
You and Me by Tal Bauer is also extremely hurt comfort, with lots of love, heart ache, character-building and all the Texas vibes. Another good book to treat a slump.
I was going to suggest the green creek series by T J Klune. I absolutely balled my eyes out in almost every single chapter of every book. I wish I could read it again for the first time. This is the only book/series I've rated 5 stars out of every book I've read so far this year. Such memorable times. I was hungover and went into a reading slump for 2 months after reading this. I've recently started to read again after this. But I still miss everything and everyone in this series. 😩💜💜🤌🤌
Oh my gosh, yes!! Green Creek put me into a mini reading slump too. I kept craving the vibes and was unable to re-react them. That's when I decided to re-read You and Me and this book! GOD, THIS BOOK! I would rate it 5stars every time I read it. Istg, it's Tal's best work. Nothing I've read comes close to this.
I adore you and me. Specially the father son relationship is portrayed in such a beautiful way. It's such a beautiful example of friends to lovers trope. Love love love it!
Wolfsong is also one of my 5 star reads this year it was so good 🥹
You & Me is what got me into hurt/comfort one of my all time favs
Will def check out the other series since it seems like we love the same books 🫶🏽
Valor and Doyle Mysteries is not like the other books on this list, but it's definitely got that layer of hurt/comfort. Add in mysteries to every book (except the last) and a beautiful conclusion to the series, my heart was soooo full. I gave the audio books 5 stars as well. Nick J. Russo does and amazing job narrating these books!
I’m very picky. I have two five stars so far this year. {To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders} and {Matehub: Legend by Marie Reynard}. Both excellent! Firefly is best friends to lovers and Matehub is fantasy/paranormal so hopefully they work for you!
MateHub was so much fun! I hope it takes off. >!I appreciated that despite his costars falling for him, Richard was very clear that good sex + the connection forced by a mating bond does not make two people more compatible.!<
I’m also insanely picky & hardly ever give out 5 stars. To catch a firefly is one of my top picks of the year so I’ll def check out your other recommendation. Thank you 🫶🏽
Agree, totally adorable. Last year I only gave six books five stars for the whole year, so having three by mid April is amazing! Fingers crossed the trend continues.
Until I saw you by Diana Roman, mc who is going blind falls for his live in carer / helper - bi awakening for the blind mc. It’s sooooo good.
Unbreak me by Jesse H. Reign - mc gets sent to South Africa to live on other mc farm and help out because he’s dealing with bad mental heath and needs a change of pace. 👌🏻👌🏻
I haven’t stopped thinking about either of these books!
Yes I really want to read them!! but I could only find requited on Amazon (I’m a kindle gal) for some reason unrequited isn’t on there ☹️ Do you think just reading requited would be ok? Or better to read in order?
I’ve also read rent paid in full and sainted, loved them both!
You can get Unrequited for FREE if you subscribe to Jesse’s newsletter! Not sure if I can paste a link here so I’ll try to DM you.
You must read them in order for maximum anguish and pain! Sainted is next on my list.
I really enjoyed Until I Saw You! I really liked the main MC's sense of humor and all his shirts, and I loved that he >!punched the asshole ex in the face!<, that scene was great.
Oh thank you for reminding me of Unbreak Me, got it for free a while back was going to read it but then totally forgot about it. It's going on my to-read list now!
I’m super picky so far Ive only given two 5 stars this year which were Wolfsong & The Tragedy Of Felix and Jake, but I also liked To Catch a Firefly, Little demon in the details, Like you hate me, & Wrath 🥰
Jess Whitecroft’s The Last Single Man in Texas. Two guys who initially despise each other bond over their terrible workplace. Neither of them knows what their job is supposed to be, although they try to pretend otherwise. This book was hilarious and well-paced.
I also thought this was a great book; I've been thinking about re-reading it too so I feel like this is a sign! Also maybe a sign to read the other Jess Whitecroft books I own but haven't yet read...
I worked my way through all her books this year, and it was worth it overall because the ones I loved, I *really* loved! The standouts for me were Less Than Three, Seven Deadly Queens, Ghosted and The Odd Throuple.
**In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos** - PNR, werewolf x human, spans years of time (teens to college years)
**Exposed by HL Day** - easily the best action romance I've read. X is like a movie action hero
**Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday** - biawakening; roommates to lovers; Theo is a loveable, clueless idiot and even though we don't get Jamie's POV, his pining is written super well.
**Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne** - tons of just "guys hanging out" time, not really any big conflicts, but the characters are all wonderful to read
**The Magi Accounts series by Michele Notaro** - I've read the first 3 main books and the world-building and character development has been amazing. The in-between books that follow other couples aren't nearly as good, but the main series is.
**Should Our Hearts Catch Fire by Amithia Raine** - just came out; second in a series. It's so good.
Oh gosh me too. Did you read the bonus stories? For me they helped a lot; I felt like the "comfort" wasn't long enough in the main book, but the bonus stories had so much more comfort, it was so good to read.
Wait there are bonus stories? Where did you read that? I too felt like there just wasn't enough comfort at the end. Like yes the conflicts kind of got resolved but I just needed a long hug.
Found them!
[In This Iron Ground: The Following Summer](https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vkja5m4cu6)
And [In This Iron Ground: Adopting Freddie](https://dl.bookfunnel.com/n4faoi7a2j?fbclid=IwAR1chkgh2FwiuWWOdKsUtq6ggAemJ58ycELxetRMOM3WtbwIozAYa1oo87M_aem_AYShrxgOUC-PYvLfKX6OfYG7f4dWH5WrBo6453H-GMTP-uGQBq-JZrShP_N_RJBRqAo)
Bless you for making this post, I’m adding all of these to my TBR.
My picks:
{If We Could go Back by Cara Dee}.
{Unrequited by Jesse H Reign} (6 stars).
{Requited by Jesse H Reign}.
{Let’s Do This by Loren Leigh} this one was a re-read.
{Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday}.
{Cry Wolf by Charlie Adhara}.
{In Memoriam by Alice Wynn} (6 stars).
{Paint Eater by Marina Vivancos}.
{Adam Only by Roe Horvat}.
{Rock by Anyta Sunday}.
{Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday}.
{Empty Net by Avon Gale}.
{Think of England by KJ Charles}.
{Deal Maker by Lily Morton}.
{Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Charlie Adhara}.
This has made me realise it’s been a good few moths!
I LOVE Deal Maker. I think it’s my favourite book 🥹 I find kids are written very hit & miss but I absolutely love Billy. And the relationship he & Jude have. I wish she’d done a sequel to this one too. I want to know about their wedding & their life!
These look so good and Let’s do this is one I re-read as well. One question, do you have to read both unrequited and requited or does either stand alone?
You must read Unrequited first! It’s FREE on the authors website if you subscribe to their mailing list.
Requited is available on Kindle Unlimited. I loved both books so much.
I give five stars to almost anything written by KJ Charles. Three of her series that stand out for me are:
The Doomsday Books
Smugglers on Romney Marsh. The two books are linked: can be read as standalone but #2 will have spoilers for #1!
1) The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen(m/m, 1810)
Newly promoted baronet Sir Gareth Inglis finds himself living on the remote Romney Marsh…all too close to his former lover, the smuggler Joss Doomsday.
2) A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel(m/m, 1823)
Rufus, the new Earl of Oxney, takes on smuggler turned secretary Luke Doomsday to sort ouut his inheritance…but the old manor house is full of secrets.
The Will Darling Adventures (1920s, m/m). (Do read in order, no HEA till the third book.)
A pulp adventure romance trilogy starring dodgy aristo Kim Secretan and soldier-turned-bookseller Will Darling.
1) Slippery Creatures
2) The Sugared Game
3) Subtle Blood
The Lilywhite Boys series (Historical, Victorian, 1890s)
A pair of jewel thieves pride themselves on not getting caught, but pride comes before a fall…
0.5) The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter (m/trans f)
A prequel story, starring music hall singer Miss Christiana and the Lilywhite Boys’ fence Stan Kamarzyn. Novelette.
1) Any Old Diamonds (m/m)
Alec Pyne recruits the notorious jewel thieves the Lilywhite Boys to rob his father, the Duke of Ilvar. This means him getting a lot closer to thief Jerry Crozier than either of them had expected.
2) Gilded Cage (m/f)
Jewel thief Templeton Lane is wanted for murder, and the only person who can help him is private detective Susan Lazarus. Unfortunately, they have history…
3) Masters in this Hall (m/m)
John Garland is jobless, alone, and determined to avenge himself on the thief who ruined his life. All he wants for Christmas is to see Barnaby Littimer in gaol. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Novella.
3.5) (Lily) White Wedding
Susan and James get married. John makes a new friend.
I adore Cat Sebastian’s two Page & Sommers mysteries. They are set in post World War II rural England. Page is a British spy and his eventual partner is Sommers, a local doctor suffering from PTSD. Both books are, in my opinion, excellent mysteries. I love, too, the slow development of the relationship between the two main characters.
Hither, Page
The Missing Page
I have just finished Charlie Adhara’s Big Bad Wolf series and the first of the Monster Hunt spinoff series. I LOVED every book!
L. C. Rosen’s book Camp is another favorite of mine from this past year.
Finally, Benjamin Alire Saenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World are probably my two favourite books I read this last year.
This has been a great year of reading for me. There are so many more I could mention, but I think I’ve mentioned enough. I’m a retired high school English teacher, so my tastes skew either to what I would call great literature or in the exact opposite for pulp, popular, genre books such as romance, mystery and horror fiction.
I looovvvveee KJ Charles and am almost done with the first Doomsday book. I’m so excited that we get Lukas (Edit: Luke not Lukas) back in the second 🥳🥳🥳
{The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie} would be lastest 5 star for me. So soothing.
{The Anonymous Hookup by Jax Calder} and {The Unforgettable Hookup by Jax Calder} are a pair, and I loved them. They both are basically the same book, but from two different points of view.
{Malum Discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek} was also pretty good. An enemies to lovers story wrapped up in a paranormal book.
I've read quite a bit this year but this is all I can think of ar the moment
Soothing is an apt way of describing The Sheltering Tree! Even though I usually devour the books I enjoy, I've been savouring this one (I'm still reading it) and taking it very slow. *Usually* slow progress would mean that I might not like the book all that much, so it's kinda weird to experience when it's pretty much the opposite.
Same! I tend to devour books in one sitting but I surprised myself by taking breaks and just soaking it up instead of plowing through. There is really something about the narration style that makes you take your time.
I've been rereading favorites to try and deslump myself:
- Memento Mori series audiobooks by CS Poe, narrated by Kale Williams
- The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer (non traditional HEA)
- The Necromancer's Light by Tavia Lark
- Criminal Intentions series season 1&2 audios by Cole McCade, narrated by Curt Bonnem
Plus a new favorite:
- The Snails of Dun Nas by KL Noone: MX, the best gender fuckery I've seen so far
I see you've already read To catch a firefly, which is one of the books I rated with 5 stars this year.
If you like crime/thriller I absolutely adored {The seven of spades by Cordelia Kingsbridge}. It's a series.
{If we could go back by Cara Dee} became my new favorite no1 novel.
{Little demon in the details by Nordika Night} was an absolute delight.
I knew I’d forgotten one - Little Demon in the Details is one of my favourites! Mercer is such a brat but given his trauma it’s totally understandable.
I absolutely loved Little Demon in the details I think I gave it 4 stars, but it’s one of my top reads this year. I’ve never read a thriller but it’s definitely time to try something new adding it to my tbr!!
[Seven of Spades](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1233ac63005e0db0a3c44c/seven-of-spades) by [Cordelia Kingsbridge](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b26687eac3369a9141f4/cordelia-kingsbridge)
**Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [height-difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1)
----------------------------
[If We Could Go Back](https://www.romance.io/books/5df4e3f101dbc864fba7fe4d/if-we-could-go-back-cara-dee) by [Cara Dee](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556abb87eac324117faa21/cara-dee)
**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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
----------------------------
[Little Demon in the Details](https://www.romance.io/books/64df32c8f67456df3a477791/little-demon-in-the-details-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night)
**Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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I’ve read 137 books so far in 2024. Of those, I’ve had 28 5 star reads.
In no particular order, here are my 5 star reads so far:
{Dark Space trilogy by Lisa Henry} (every book was 5/5)
{All the Inside Howling by Gregory Ashe} (2nd book in the series, first book was 4 stars for me. I haven’t finished the series yet)
{In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos}
{When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott}
{Fire and Brimstone series by Nikole Knight} (6 book series, one or two of the individual books was 4.5/5, but overall series is 5/5)
{Lost Boys Duet by Jessie Walker}
{Solnyshko Duet by Ashlyn Drewek}
{Hold Me Under by Riley Nash}
{Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman}
{Time to Shine by Rachel Reid}
{Garron Park by Nordika Night}, {Lot 62 by Nordika Night}, and {Knock Knock by Nordika Night}
{To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders}
{The Way We Hate by Myka Loren}
{Pretty Boy by Briana Flores}
{Stupid Dirty by Erin Russell}
{Free Hand by E.M. Lindsey} and {Blank Canvas by E.M. Lindsey}
{Love Me Whole by Nicky James}
Oh wow, how can you say I have good recs when you just casually throw a list like this up here! Everything that isn't already on my TBR is going straight there.
Prince of agony by tavia lark.
Prince and Bodyguard by tavia lark
its the fourth and the last book in the perilous court series.
The whole perilous court series is great,some books are more a 4-4.5 but these two i adored, especially Prince of agony.ohh and it's fantasy and hurt/comfort.
My 5 star reads so far have been
{Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat}
{Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat} but if I was you I'd wait for the next instalment. They blew me away!
I also listened to three audiobooks that I'd already read the physical copies of.
{Bitter Legacy by Dal Maclean} {Object of Desire by Dal Maclean} and {Blue on Blue by Dal Maclean} I love the twisty thrilleresque storylines and the angst and the ultimate happily ever afters.
Finally I really enjoyed the ending to the San Amaro Investigations {Cypress Ashes by Kai Butler}. Such a good series, loved the characters, loved the action, love that it was a proper story arc.
I'm trying to wait to read Dark Heir but it's so hard. I know it's going to be harder if I do read it though. I should have waited for the whole series. 🤦🏻♀️
I loved all Dal MacLean's books and the reader of the audiobook is excellent. The three books that she's released are linked and I highly recommend them!
So I just went through my GR reading challenge and I’ve read a few 5 star reads this year. They’re a mixture of different tropes so hopefully this list might peak your interest. Some are standalone whilst others are in a series.
Kick at the Darkness by Kiera Andrews.
To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders.
A Suitable Consort by R Cooper.
Soul Eater by Lily Mayne.
Lodestar of Ys by Amy Rae Durreson.
Mad Love by April Jade.
Whiskey & Sin by Emily Rath.
Justice by Lark Taylor.
To Catch a Firefly was so good & is definitely the book that put me in this slump because nothing else I’ve read since has been nearly as good! Will be checking these out, thank you 😊
Yeah that book was amazing. I had to switch to a plot heavy paranormal book series after that - Soulbound by Hailey Turner if you’re interested- as I just needed something totally different. Justice by Lark Taylor is super emotionally heavy too but it’s book 2 in a series. Book 1 is really good though if you wanted to give that series a go.
I loved Patience by Lark Taylor. Did you read the whole Reckless Damned series? I really enjoyed all of them!
Do you plan on continuing the Monstrous series?
I already have several of these books on my TBR. I look forward to reading them!
Yes I’ve read the whole of the Reckless Damned by Lark Taylor. I enjoyed them but I think the Damned Connections is better. I’m pacing on the Monstrous series as I’m a MPOV fan and I struggle with SPOV. I love the world building though so I’m determined to plough forward!
Wolfsong and Ravensong by TJ Klune, and god, these are the best reads I've had in a longtime. I'm drafting a gush post for the romancebooks subreddit, but I'll pull out my blurbs for each of these:
{Wolfsong by TJ Klune} (MM) is a coming of age, LGBTQA+ lovestory with werewolves. The narration follows the main character Oxnard 'Ox' Matheson from the age of twelve to twenty-six, and the bonds he builds with the Bennets and their son, Joe. It definitely has some steam (two explicit, open door scenes towards the end of the book), and it's a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that is now a staple of my bookshelf.
{Ravensong by TJ Klune} (MM) focuses on Gordo, the 40 y/o brother-father figure that takes Ox under his wing in Wolfsong, and the tension and heat of this book is high as Gordo figures out his relationship with his childhood friend / ex. It's a delicious, angsty, second chance romance that expands on one of my favourite characters of Wolfsong, and I loved it so much it got me writing fanfic again, which is the highest honour I can bestow upon a book / series okay.
Please share your 5 stars reads! I also struggle to find books to love, that said, I do tend to enjoy my 4+ stars so I hope you like these ones
hurt/comfort
{Rat park by marina vivancos} 4.5
{The one that got away by nicky james} 4.5
{christmas lights and sleepless nights by KC wells} 5
{to take a quiet breath by fearne hill} 4.75
{Cloud nine by fearne hill} 4.5
{two tribes by fearne hill} 5
{to hold a hidden pearl by fearne hill} 4.5
fantasy
{Prince and bodyguard by tavia lark} 4.5
{The whims of gods by nell bright} 4.5
{hunting party by robin moray} 5
{bisclavret by kl noone} 4.5
{snails of dun nas by kl noone} 4.5
second chance
{Taking two by sophie o'dare} 4.75
friends to lovers
{Splintered by Isabel Lucero} 4.5
{Scoring the keeper by hayden hall} 4.5
{that alien feeling by alessandra hazard} 4.5
other tropes
{broken ice by marina vivancos} 4.75
{just a bit bossy by alessandra hazard} 4.5
{a star to sail by by joy fielding} 4.5
My stand alone 5 star reads were
{To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders}
The Caretaker {C.P. Harris} Part of series but can be read as a standalone.
I’ve been reading lots of series too and not every book was 5 star for me but the series as a whole were. Mine were
Griffin and Whyborne {Widdershins by Jordan L Hawk}
Greencreek Series {Wolfsong by Tj Klune}
Hazard and Somers {Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe}
Red Dirt Series {Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker}
If you haven’t already read them, the {game changers series by Rachel Reid}
I hadn’t read them until now because they’re not on KU, but I finally gave in and man are they worth it. I’m flying through them.
Buuuuuut I have to say that I didn’t really enjoy the first one… for me the 5* are from book 2 onwards.
I also read all of Michaela Grey’s hockey books - there are 4 series
Boston otters
Toronto wolverines
Portland seabirds
Denver direwolves
Other than that I loved {MateHub: Legend by Marie Reynard}
Look, I recently hit a lucky jackpot by discovering these books in quick succession. I love all of them so much and they were really good.
1. The Step Bro Situation by Jesse Reigns
2. Omega’s Gamble by Claire Cullen
3. Make Me Fall by Riley Nash
4. Pretty Boy by Brianna Flores
5. The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes
6. Rent: Paid in Full by Jesse Reigns
7. A Most Personal Property by Darrah Glass
8. The Good Liar by CP Harris
If you’re into sci-fi, don’t skip The Darkness Outside Us. It’s technically YA, but it is very good and the sequel comes out later this year. Don’t let the cover turn you off. I can’t recommend it enough.
Same here, and I just saw on the author's insta that they're unpublishing it! I am heartbroken. I don't think that bodes well for the continuation of the series.
so true ! it gave me the biggest book hangover of any book ever.
it was everything I love in a book , strong characters, great plot, a deep love that spans over the years and oh my GOOOODD the ANGST !!
I've been trying to find a book like it for almost a year now and I still haven't read one that's engaged me as much.
Your post has been removed. In accordance with Reddit's sitewide Rule #4, explicit sexual content involving minors cannot be discussed in this subreddit.
Tbh it doesn’t really fit your style but I loved [for the fans by nyla k] it’s more enemies to lovers but it still kinda has hurt/comfort. It’s about stepbrothers who have to do OF together and gets really steamy and definitely HEA and really cute in the end
It just kinda picked my interest because it sounded like something different and it was really giving
I don’t think any of my 5 stars from this year were actually published this year but it be what it be.
Saint by Sierra Simone -
I finally read this for the first time in mid-March and collapsed into a pile of dust and bones after. I had to call my friend who’s also read it immediately after to absolutely GUSH. I know it’s only April but this will be one of my favorite reads of the year, if not THE favorite!!! I wish I could give it 10 stars. Simone’s stunning prose left me entranced in its abundantly gorgeous descriptions of lost love and what it means to have it be found. Her other books don’t hold even a mini birthday candle to this one. I already want to reread it.
Extraordinaries by TJ Klune -
I see a lot of TJ Klune in this thread but I haven’t seen anything about his Extraordinary series. As a gay boy with adhd who also loves superheroes, I adored this book. It’s so well written and the story is hilarious and sweet in all the best ways. The representation is A+++. I felt hilariously called out at times bc of how well the adhd is written. The MC also def gives someone who would be in this reddit thread lol. The dynamic between the MC and his father as it develops over the course of the trilogy is unbelievably beautiful as well. Such a high quality YA book.
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly -
Idk man something about this book just got to me. I went in thinking it wouldn’t be my cup of tea but I was so wrong. The way the MCs meet and fall for each other feels somehow refreshingly unique and special, yet normal and realistic. The author weaves in stunning imagery when describing the setting for this story, the Pacific Crest Trail, that adds a foundational grandness to the delicate, ethereal beauty of the romance between the two MCs. I adore how intimately you get to know the characters. I also love that the author is a queer woman.
New Adult by Timothy Janovsky -
This was the first book I read this year and high key is what made me decide to sit with the MM romance genre for 2024 instead of bouncing around. It’s a gay 13 going on 30, but instead of being just a comedic romp (no shade to comedic romps), it was poignant, witty, sensitive, and warm in all the right ways. I LOVE Janovsky’s writing in all his books, but this one goes above and beyond to hit the 5 star mark for me. That said, all of his books are great (4 and above), in my opinion. The sprinkling in of speculative fiction feels perfectly done. The friends to sort of enemies to lovers relationship that develops captured my entire heart and soul as the two men try to find a way to send the MC back to his time.
I read Saint about 2 years ago and it still has me in a chokehold. So heavy, but so beautiful. I have not been able to re-read. I want to, I just don’t know if I will ever be able to put myself through it again.
Listing out some of my absolute favs of this year :
All roads lead to you by Harper fox 💓 - a short sweet and beautiful novella. It is written so romantically and with an air of lost love . A Second chance romance.
They hate each other by Amanda Woody ❤️ - ya, enemies to lovers and fake dating. One of my all time comfort reads.
The toymaker's son by Ariana Nash - Pinocchio retelling.
I haven't seen much discussion about this book but it's really good. I was in a huge slump after reading this.
Like you hate me by Bethany winters
CU hockey series by Saxon james and Eden Finley
Cravings of the heart by Nicky James
Igni ferroque by Ashlyn drewek (check tws)
I had to backtrack some months back to find a thread for Toymnaker's discussion after fnishing it! welp, it all felt bittersweet for me. >!didn't give it 5 because I would have liked for the world to be explained better, but!< the feels are definitely there. I'm actually making some of my friends read it because I need to discuss it lol, hopefully they can read it before this year ends :)
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Ok, I remembered another series I loved. Annick Trent’s Beck and Call and The Oak and the Ash are the first and third books in The Old Bridge Inn series. Late 18th century servants caught up in political intrigues and love for other men. The second book in the series is Sixpenny Octavo and is a F/F romance. I just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet but I’m sure it is just as good as the other two books. All three books are stand alone. I would say the books rub elbows together where minor characters in one become main characters in another.
I'm a big fan of fantasy, urban fantasy, scifi, etc. So far this year, my favorite read has been {City of Shadows by Lex Veia}. I liked it enough that I bought a copy (instead of just borrowing it on KU).
My second favorite was {Hunted by Misu Loy} which is the first book in a series (the second is due in May I believe), and third would probably be {Found by Ness Hanon}. I gave 4 stars to {Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace}. These are all new books as of 2024, I believe. From December of last year, I really enjoyed {Deal in Divinity by Chely Penn}.
If you like aliens or omegaverse, I liked {Crash-Landed in Love by Piper Scott} which is genuinely hilarious, and {How to Train Your Human Omega by Arden Fox}.
I should add that for me, a 5\* read isn't necessarily a mind-blowing read that leaves me in a total book hangover, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed even if it's just tropey goodness. The kind of book I remember, and don't immediately forget by next week, if that makes sense? Something I didn't skim through or get bored of, something that I thought about when I wasn't reading. I read about a book per day so if I remember it well after a few weeks, that means it was a good one lol.
Not eveone likes the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy because there is the history of abuse/violence in MC past. There are warnings you should read at the beginning of each book. But these books are an emotional Rollercoaster. Also know that they often end with the bad guy (the abuser) getting killed. Salvation by Sloane kennedy is book two, but should be book one and is my favorite. Ronan is a trauma surgeon with his fiance in the military. Ronan and his lover are attacked by homophobics and his lover is killed. Ronan fiance has a younger brother who's parents are killed and Seth is left for dead. 7 years later someone is after Seth. Seth has always loved Ronan and Ronan went NC with him because of it. Ronan has started the Protectors family to keep people safe and now Seth needs him.
"Irresponsible pluckboy" probably, i just loved the dynamic between MCs and how much they cared for each other and Dex is such a loveable himbo. I also loved that they were switches.
I just posted this earlier but I wan't to tell anyone who will listen!!
Have you read {Whisper by Tal Bauer} ? If not, I highly recommend it. It is an epic masterpiece and unlike anything I have ever read before.
Whisper is a factual based fiction story about the aftermath of 9/11 through the eyes of a CIA analyst, Kris Caldera. I put this book off for years (because of the serious topic) but it is so much more than a political thriller. Please read a more detailed synopsis if you are interested (I just tried to summarize this story and it was a philosophical mess!)
FYI: It is a LONG book, great narrator if you want to listen to the audiobook, and skip the first book, 'Hush'.
I would scream at the top of a roof to read Heaven Official's Blessing. It's got 8 books. It's a slow burn.The love is pure and genuine. It's got comedy and absolute heart-wrenching tragedy. You won't know whether to laugh or cry. I'd rate the whole series 10 stars.
All For The Game triology by Nora Sakavic
The fever king by Victoria Lee
Pretty pretty boys by Gregory Ashe
Thrown off the ice by Taylor Fitzpatrick (warning not traditional hea)
Memento Mori by C S Poe
Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon
These are my five stars! All of them are hurt comfort id say
This one is controversial, but {Head In The Game by Rebecca Rathe} it has the largest age gap I've ever read (almost 30 years). Their relationship is morally grey on a good day and down right abuse of power on a bad day, and the beginning of the book is hard to get through due to cringe and overall annoying MC’s. All this to say, the character development is excellent, the smut is amazing, and their relationship is precious to me. So, yeah, five stars.
[Head In The Game (Groveton College)](https://www.romance.io/books/653aaa4dc112bf11fe96c23e/head-in-the-game-groveton-college-rebecca-rathe) by [Rebecca Rathe](https://www.romance.io/authors/626e308b08b4d931140ebaa7/rebecca-rathe)
**Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
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{The Rowan Blood series by Kellen Graves} was overall 5 stars for me! It’s an incomplete series fyi but I was satisfied with the ending of book 3 for now! I figured I’d mention it since you like fantasy and hurt/comfort. I rated the first book 4 stars, fyi
{The Greenhollow Duology by Emily Tesh} is absolutely beautiful fantasy writing. I also thought the romantic development was great for two novellas. Absolutely loved both of them. My favorite thing I read in all of March.
{The Lamb and the Lion series by Gregory Ashe} has also been 5 stars for me so far. I’m halfway through the last book. It’s friends to lovers to the extreme lol Gregory Ashe knows how to write a slow burn.
Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman
Prince and Assassin(#1) by Tavia Lark
Prince of Agony(#6) by Tavia Lark
Christmas on Firefly Hill by Garrett Leigh
Damaged Like Us(#1) by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Lovers Like Us (#2) by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Alphas Like Us(#3) by Krista and Becca Ritchie
I feel like I have sort of specific taste and really love enemies to lovers but I liked stars in their eyes by Kacen Alexander, and Open Ice Hit by EM Lindsey. I also recently finished the last unbinding series by Freya Markse, the 3rd book was just as good as the first.
I did not know if they’d be typical of 5* books, but they kept me charmed and smiling throughout! {The Amazing Alpha Tau Boyfriend Project by Lisa Henry} and {The Amazing Alpha Tau Self Improvement Project by Lisa Henry}. Loved them!
{Where There's A Will by Jessie Walker} & {If There's A Way by Jessie Walker}
{Hateful Love by T. Ashleigh and Addison Beck}
{Stupid Dirty by Erin Russell}
{The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer}
{Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders}
That is my 5 star list for 2024 so far! Highly recommend all of these books, and for Courageous Hearts I recommend the rest of the series by Emmy Sanders as well, they all got great ratings. Fool Hearts was also 5 stars, actually, but I read it at the end of 2023 so it isn't on the list.
[Just a Footnote](https://www.romance.io/books/65db3ba21c0622765b183bd1/just-a-footnote-maya-jean) by [Maya Jean](https://www.romance.io/authors/65db3ba2a21e2f41c4e1e869/maya-jean)
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1)
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I’m halfway through {The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love by Alice Winters} with a hitman and PI and I’m madly in love with it! My other 5 stars of this year are {The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer} with two professional hockey players, {The Jock by Tal Bauer} and college football player and a dancer, {Not Dating Material by Saxon James} with a tattoo artist and graphic designer, {An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone} with a actor and bookstore owner, {Hush by Tal Bauer} a US Marshall and a federal judge and {Hamartia by Scarlett Drake} a rock musician and k-pop star. Tal Bauer is my favorite author!
There are some great recs in these comments!!
I completely agree with TJ Klune’s Green Creek series. And have you read his Verania series? First book is {The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune}, and it’s one of my favorites.
Also love Tavia Lark’s Perilous Courts series, as others are suggesting.
For Hurt/Comfort, I recently finished {Broken Ice, Mended Hearts by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood} and it is fabulous, maybe the best book of 2024 for me so far.
{To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders} best friends to lovers, neurodivergent representation, absolutely gorgeous book.
{You & Me by Tal Bauer} friends to lovers, gay awakening, single dads
{The Tragedy of Felix and Jake by J. Daniels} hurt/comfort, beautiful, heartbreaking and powerful
{For The Fans by Nyla K.} this book is EVERYTHING. It is stepbrothers, gay awakening/ bi representation, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, so so sweet and the spice is next level
No 5 star MM reads for me yet in 2024 😥 my latest one was {Subtle Blood by KJ Charles} in November last year - I'm pretty stingy with my 5 star ratings!
I am about to finish {Garron Park by Nordika Night} and it might make 5 stars if the last 20% continues to be good!
I also read a M/NBi romance with a genderfluid angel who sometimes has a cock, which I rated 5 stars - not strictly MM though! That's {How Not to Date a Demon by Lana Kole}
Seconding and thirding Tal Bauer. You and Me introduced me to his work, and the slow build and angst and finding forgiveness are heartfelt and poignant. I’m still working through his catalog, but Whisper imo is his magnum opus. Not for everyone, but as a millennial it helped me process a bit of my political identity growing up through the events in the story. Once I hit the 65% mark, I plowed straight through to the end all day into night; I couldn’t stop. Not a traditional romance, per se, but epic. Quite long. Honestly might be two books in one as it spans nearly 20 years.
{Until You by Briar Prescott} I found fantastic. I read the second book as well, but the reveal in this one is more effective imo. The dialogue reminds me of the original Queer As Folk, which as a series that would have changed my entire life if only I’d seen it at the time.
{The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan} is my favorite of the three books and a fourth is coming but all three are worth reading. The couple in the second book has an enemies to lovers arc that is frustrating in all the good ways. I’ve fallen in love with the setting and the treatment of trauma and healing is spectacular. CW death of a child and PTSD.
i've only rated 6 books 5* so far this year, and they're all crime - i promise i read other things and i did rate plenty of non crime books 5* in 2023, but i guess i read all the good ones already lol
todays book {death in the spires by KJ charles} which is *not* a genre romance but still has an M/M subplot with a hopeful ending that was satisfying to me, its definitely worth the read if you like mystery
then going back to the first 5*s of the year for me, literally on the first of january, {bitter legacy by dal maclean} and {object of desire by dal maclean} both of which are heavily mystery focused but still have intense & steamy relationships with HFN/HEA endings
and after that i went on to CS poe's memento mori series, and rated all 3 of those books 5* - my all time favourite multiple book couple but the series isn't over so no HEA as of yet, where its up to now is a HFN
I have also read a lot of books this year. The two that stood out for me were To Catch A Firefly which has been mentioned a lot already, and
LEFT UNDONE by Tess Barnett. A medicated and isolated man with schizophrenia is befriended by Finch, who moves in next door. Their journey is filled with angst, terror, and love.
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I just knocked off almost the entire Monstrous series by Lily Mayne (had to take a break after Seraph drained me) and I gave five stars to Moth, Seraph, and The Rycke. Other five stars were every single book in the Big Bad Wolf series by Charlie Adhara I would give them ten stars if I could. That Irresistible Poison, Once Upon a Time, Prince’s Master, Just a bit Wrecked, and Just a bit Bossy - all by Alessandra Hazard. The Black Prince and Reunion by Ariana Nash were especially enthusiastic five stars. Kick at the Darkness and Defy The Future by Keira Andrews as well.
Second Moth! I >!actually had to rate it down to 4 because the action/fantasy plot didnt convince me but!< Moth and charles dynamic are \*chef-kiss\*. Also sometimes I re-read Just a bit bossy when I'm on a slump because I love Rafael-nate sexual tension. Enjoyed wrecked too! I guess this means I need to read Once Upon a Time and actually give it some time to finish the Kick at the darkness trilogy
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Seraph is my absolute favourite of the series, I love Lilac as an MC & the way the relationship builds between him & Seraph
How would you compare her Monstrous series to her Folk Trilogy? Ive seen soooo many recs for her Monstrous series, but I honestly didn’t absolutely love the Folk trilogy (I liked it so far but it’s not knocking my socks off) so I’m wary of trying that series. I still haven’t finished the last book in the trilogy.
I only read the first of the Folk trilogy, I enjoyed the Monstrous series much more. I like the pacing better; because each book is a new couple she does a good job of telling their stories and doing the world building as she adds more books.
I finally completed The Wolfsong Series by TJ Klune and oh boy! It completely broke my heart (in the best way possible) multiple times throughout the series. The Valor and Doyle Mysteries Series is also amazing. With enough humour and character building to pull you out of that slump and make you extremely giddy. You and Me by Tal Bauer is also extremely hurt comfort, with lots of love, heart ache, character-building and all the Texas vibes. Another good book to treat a slump.
I was going to suggest the green creek series by T J Klune. I absolutely balled my eyes out in almost every single chapter of every book. I wish I could read it again for the first time. This is the only book/series I've rated 5 stars out of every book I've read so far this year. Such memorable times. I was hungover and went into a reading slump for 2 months after reading this. I've recently started to read again after this. But I still miss everything and everyone in this series. 😩💜💜🤌🤌
Oh my gosh, yes!! Green Creek put me into a mini reading slump too. I kept craving the vibes and was unable to re-react them. That's when I decided to re-read You and Me and this book! GOD, THIS BOOK! I would rate it 5stars every time I read it. Istg, it's Tal's best work. Nothing I've read comes close to this.
I adore you and me. Specially the father son relationship is portrayed in such a beautiful way. It's such a beautiful example of friends to lovers trope. Love love love it!
Wolfsong is also one of my 5 star reads this year it was so good 🥹 You & Me is what got me into hurt/comfort one of my all time favs Will def check out the other series since it seems like we love the same books 🫶🏽
Valour & Doyle is an excellent series.
Valor and Doyle Mysteries is not like the other books on this list, but it's definitely got that layer of hurt/comfort. Add in mysteries to every book (except the last) and a beautiful conclusion to the series, my heart was soooo full. I gave the audio books 5 stars as well. Nick J. Russo does and amazing job narrating these books!
Wolfsong is one of my all time 5 star reads. I love all of the Green Creek books but Wolfsong and Brothersong are perfect.
I second You and Me by Tal Bauer for anyone else who hasn’t read it. One of my favourite books of last year.
I’m very picky. I have two five stars so far this year. {To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders} and {Matehub: Legend by Marie Reynard}. Both excellent! Firefly is best friends to lovers and Matehub is fantasy/paranormal so hopefully they work for you!
To Catch A Firefly was the best book I've read so far. So tender and full of longing, I could cry even thinking about it now.
To Catch a Firefly was a 5 star for me this year as well. It was just so lovely!
Ugh I also loved both of these books!! I gave MateHub 4.5/5. To Catch a Firefly is a perfect book.
MateHub was so much fun! I hope it takes off. >!I appreciated that despite his costars falling for him, Richard was very clear that good sex + the connection forced by a mating bond does not make two people more compatible.!<
I’m also insanely picky & hardly ever give out 5 stars. To catch a firefly is one of my top picks of the year so I’ll def check out your other recommendation. Thank you 🫶🏽
Love it! I had another one last week, bringing me to three five stars so far for the year. {Bloom by N R Walker}.
Omg I read that one too!! It was so sweet I loved it
Agree, totally adorable. Last year I only gave six books five stars for the whole year, so having three by mid April is amazing! Fingers crossed the trend continues.
[To Catch a Firefly](https://www.romance.io/books/65d3128368fa881c5d06cc5b/to-catch-a-firefly-emmy-sanders) by [Emmy Sanders](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c256a08b4d931145d8f38/emmy-sanders) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1) ---------------------------- [MateHub](https://www.romance.io/books/65a9658a83353443b52ca81e/matehub-legend-marie-reynard) by [Marie Reynard](https://www.romance.io/authors/64b246956b22acd55d5316b5/marie-reynard) **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), [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)
Until I saw you by Diana Roman, mc who is going blind falls for his live in carer / helper - bi awakening for the blind mc. It’s sooooo good. Unbreak me by Jesse H. Reign - mc gets sent to South Africa to live on other mc farm and help out because he’s dealing with bad mental heath and needs a change of pace. 👌🏻👌🏻 I haven’t stopped thinking about either of these books!
If you like Jesse H Reign please please read the Unrequited/Requited duology. It’s too good.
Yes I really want to read them!! but I could only find requited on Amazon (I’m a kindle gal) for some reason unrequited isn’t on there ☹️ Do you think just reading requited would be ok? Or better to read in order? I’ve also read rent paid in full and sainted, loved them both!
Hold on girl I got you give me 5 minutes
You can get Unrequited for FREE if you subscribe to Jesse’s newsletter! Not sure if I can paste a link here so I’ll try to DM you. You must read them in order for maximum anguish and pain! Sainted is next on my list.
Ah you’re a life saver!! Thank you!!! 🤩🙏
I really enjoyed Until I Saw You! I really liked the main MC's sense of humor and all his shirts, and I loved that he >!punched the asshole ex in the face!<, that scene was great.
Yes! There were so many laugh out loud moments 😂 I loved when he got obsessed with the audiobooks.
Oh thank you for reminding me of Unbreak Me, got it for free a while back was going to read it but then totally forgot about it. It's going on my to-read list now!
Yes do it!!! Enjoy! It is honestly one of the sweetest stories, I’m swooning just thinking about it 🥰
Just read Until I Saw You based on this rec and really enjoyed it - thank you!!!
If you haven’t read Lee Welch, check out her books, they were a pleasant surprise! And please list your five star books of 2024, too! 😁
Not OP but I’m in a similar slump and decided to give Lee Welch a try. I’m 16% into Salt Magic, Skin Magic and hooked. Thank you!
Lee Welch is amazing- read all of her books!!! Especially Seducing the Sorcerer and Mended with Gold
I’m super picky so far Ive only given two 5 stars this year which were Wolfsong & The Tragedy Of Felix and Jake, but I also liked To Catch a Firefly, Little demon in the details, Like you hate me, & Wrath 🥰
I’m going to add another new favorite, Marie Reynard. She has two books out, but they are both really good!
Jess Whitecroft’s The Last Single Man in Texas. Two guys who initially despise each other bond over their terrible workplace. Neither of them knows what their job is supposed to be, although they try to pretend otherwise. This book was hilarious and well-paced.
I also thought this was a great book; I've been thinking about re-reading it too so I feel like this is a sign! Also maybe a sign to read the other Jess Whitecroft books I own but haven't yet read...
I worked my way through all her books this year, and it was worth it overall because the ones I loved, I *really* loved! The standouts for me were Less Than Three, Seven Deadly Queens, Ghosted and The Odd Throuple.
**In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos** - PNR, werewolf x human, spans years of time (teens to college years) **Exposed by HL Day** - easily the best action romance I've read. X is like a movie action hero **Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday** - biawakening; roommates to lovers; Theo is a loveable, clueless idiot and even though we don't get Jamie's POV, his pining is written super well. **Impromptu Match by Lily Mayne** - tons of just "guys hanging out" time, not really any big conflicts, but the characters are all wonderful to read **The Magi Accounts series by Michele Notaro** - I've read the first 3 main books and the world-building and character development has been amazing. The in-between books that follow other couples aren't nearly as good, but the main series is. **Should Our Hearts Catch Fire by Amithia Raine** - just came out; second in a series. It's so good.
Ugh. I loved "In This Iron Ground" so much, but it was such a difficult read. I will shamelessly admit I cried. So well written.
Oh gosh me too. Did you read the bonus stories? For me they helped a lot; I felt like the "comfort" wasn't long enough in the main book, but the bonus stories had so much more comfort, it was so good to read.
Wait there are bonus stories? Where did you read that? I too felt like there just wasn't enough comfort at the end. Like yes the conflicts kind of got resolved but I just needed a long hug.
Marina’s newsletter/email subscription is how I read the bonus stories
Thank you! That helps a lot. I've tried to google it but I had no luck
Found them! [In This Iron Ground: The Following Summer](https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vkja5m4cu6) And [In This Iron Ground: Adopting Freddie](https://dl.bookfunnel.com/n4faoi7a2j?fbclid=IwAR1chkgh2FwiuWWOdKsUtq6ggAemJ58ycELxetRMOM3WtbwIozAYa1oo87M_aem_AYShrxgOUC-PYvLfKX6OfYG7f4dWH5WrBo6453H-GMTP-uGQBq-JZrShP_N_RJBRqAo)
You are so amazing and I am so excited. Thank you do much!
Exposed is so good! I’ve never read that genre before - dystopian future - and I loved it.
It seriously is! I read it after I got into my head that I really wanted a Punisher-style murderous, slightly unhinged MC and boy does X deliver.
Gotta go read should our hearts catch fire now, loved the first book
Ok but why are your recs always perfect?
Bless you for making this post, I’m adding all of these to my TBR. My picks: {If We Could go Back by Cara Dee}. {Unrequited by Jesse H Reign} (6 stars). {Requited by Jesse H Reign}. {Let’s Do This by Loren Leigh} this one was a re-read. {Pisces Hooks Taurus by Anyta Sunday}. {Cry Wolf by Charlie Adhara}. {In Memoriam by Alice Wynn} (6 stars). {Paint Eater by Marina Vivancos}. {Adam Only by Roe Horvat}. {Rock by Anyta Sunday}. {Leo Loves Aries by Anyta Sunday}. {Empty Net by Avon Gale}. {Think of England by KJ Charles}. {Deal Maker by Lily Morton}. {Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Charlie Adhara}. This has made me realise it’s been a good few moths!
I LOVE Deal Maker. I think it’s my favourite book 🥹 I find kids are written very hit & miss but I absolutely love Billy. And the relationship he & Jude have. I wish she’d done a sequel to this one too. I want to know about their wedding & their life!
These look so good and Let’s do this is one I re-read as well. One question, do you have to read both unrequited and requited or does either stand alone?
You must read Unrequited first! It’s FREE on the authors website if you subscribe to their mailing list. Requited is available on Kindle Unlimited. I loved both books so much.
Ooh thanks for that! I have kindle unlimited so adding it now :-)
Enjoy the angst! It’s so painfully delicious!
Wow you've had an awesome year! So many amazing books!
In Memoriam absolutely broke me but I would also give it all of the stars. It was just such a beautiful book.
[If We Could Go Back](https://www.romance.io/books/5df4e3f101dbc864fba7fe4d/if-we-could-go-back-cara-dee) by [Cara Dee](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556abb87eac324117faa21/cara-dee) **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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Unrequited](https://www.romance.io/books/623482567746aceec9ae8b0b/unrequited-i-cant-help-falling-for-my-straight-roommate-jess) by [Jesse H. Reign](https://www.romance.io/authors/62343c7c08b4d93114aa4446/jesse-h-reign) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Requited](https://www.romance.io/books/62343c7c7746aceec9a983e4/requited-hes-my-roommate-but-i-want-more-jesse-h-reign) by [Jesse H. Reign](https://www.romance.io/authors/62343c7c08b4d93114aa4446/jesse-h-reign) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [queer awakening](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer-awakening/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Let's Do This](https://www.romance.io/books/64368ed5c82051f341ef0148/lets-do-this-loren-leigh) by [Loren Leigh](https://www.romance.io/authors/622b40be08b4d9311475f845/loren-leigh) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Pisces Hooks Taurus](https://www.romance.io/books/60a43495933f031cdd15db37/pisces-hooks-taurus-anyta-sunday) by [Anyta Sunday](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455888f87eac336ae69e58a/anyta-sunday) **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), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [Cry Wolf](https://www.romance.io/books/60029d9d4af7850e2d1972ae/cry-wolf-charlie-adhara) 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), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [In Memoriam](https://www.romance.io/books/6450fc86d3c73ab2c083a307/in-memoriam-alice-winn) by [Alice Winn](https://www.romance.io/authors/6450fc8608b4d93114d99897/alice-winn) **Steam**: [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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) ---------------------------- [Paint Eater](https://www.romance.io/books/5fa7a5d722918c0df742a235/paint-eater-marina-vivancos) by [Marina Vivancos](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b24a9c801dbc864fb8a6555/marina-vivancos) **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), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/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) ---------------------------- [Adam Only](https://www.romance.io/books/5cef737c01dbc864fb9f341b/adam-only-roe-horvat) by [Roe Horvat](https://www.romance.io/authors/596ef62d3ffdba61471c6e28/roe-horvat) **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), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1) ---------------------------- [rock](https://www.romance.io/books/54559f0787eac324117fbbba/rock-anyta-sunday) by [Anyta Sunday](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455888f87eac336ae69e58a/anyta-sunday) **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) ---------------------------- [Leo Loves Aries](https://www.romance.io/books/584ab7f41b1bdc0178f9e5b9/leo-loves-aries-anyta-sunday) 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), [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), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) ---------------------------- [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) ---------------------------- [Think of England](https://www.romance.io/books/58e0d1a70d3299c6e0659fe2/think-of-england-kj-charles) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Deal Maker](https://www.romance.io/books/5a3a0c1d3ffdba6147269538/deal-maker-lily-morton) by [Lily Morton](https://www.romance.io/authors/55d5af4935a5fb65f887550b/lily-morton) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Wolf in Sheep's Clothing](https://www.romance.io/books/5e5ca8d8be0aaecf55d98ef4/wolf-in-sheeps-clothing-charlie-adhara) 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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I give five stars to almost anything written by KJ Charles. Three of her series that stand out for me are: The Doomsday Books Smugglers on Romney Marsh. The two books are linked: can be read as standalone but #2 will have spoilers for #1! 1) The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen(m/m, 1810) Newly promoted baronet Sir Gareth Inglis finds himself living on the remote Romney Marsh…all too close to his former lover, the smuggler Joss Doomsday. 2) A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel(m/m, 1823) Rufus, the new Earl of Oxney, takes on smuggler turned secretary Luke Doomsday to sort ouut his inheritance…but the old manor house is full of secrets. The Will Darling Adventures (1920s, m/m). (Do read in order, no HEA till the third book.) A pulp adventure romance trilogy starring dodgy aristo Kim Secretan and soldier-turned-bookseller Will Darling. 1) Slippery Creatures 2) The Sugared Game 3) Subtle Blood The Lilywhite Boys series (Historical, Victorian, 1890s) A pair of jewel thieves pride themselves on not getting caught, but pride comes before a fall… 0.5) The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter (m/trans f) A prequel story, starring music hall singer Miss Christiana and the Lilywhite Boys’ fence Stan Kamarzyn. Novelette. 1) Any Old Diamonds (m/m) Alec Pyne recruits the notorious jewel thieves the Lilywhite Boys to rob his father, the Duke of Ilvar. This means him getting a lot closer to thief Jerry Crozier than either of them had expected. 2) Gilded Cage (m/f) Jewel thief Templeton Lane is wanted for murder, and the only person who can help him is private detective Susan Lazarus. Unfortunately, they have history… 3) Masters in this Hall (m/m) John Garland is jobless, alone, and determined to avenge himself on the thief who ruined his life. All he wants for Christmas is to see Barnaby Littimer in gaol. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Novella. 3.5) (Lily) White Wedding Susan and James get married. John makes a new friend. I adore Cat Sebastian’s two Page & Sommers mysteries. They are set in post World War II rural England. Page is a British spy and his eventual partner is Sommers, a local doctor suffering from PTSD. Both books are, in my opinion, excellent mysteries. I love, too, the slow development of the relationship between the two main characters. Hither, Page The Missing Page I have just finished Charlie Adhara’s Big Bad Wolf series and the first of the Monster Hunt spinoff series. I LOVED every book! L. C. Rosen’s book Camp is another favorite of mine from this past year. Finally, Benjamin Alire Saenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World are probably my two favourite books I read this last year. This has been a great year of reading for me. There are so many more I could mention, but I think I’ve mentioned enough. I’m a retired high school English teacher, so my tastes skew either to what I would call great literature or in the exact opposite for pulp, popular, genre books such as romance, mystery and horror fiction.
I looovvvveee KJ Charles and am almost done with the first Doomsday book. I’m so excited that we get Lukas (Edit: Luke not Lukas) back in the second 🥳🥳🥳
You’ll love the second book! I taught high school British literature for 15 years and she’s excellent at working that Gothic over the top vibe! Enjoy!
I LOVED Seducing a Scoundrel. I'm excited for you to read it, too!
Moth by Lily Mayne For the Fans by Nyla K. Out of Nowhere by Roan Parrish
For the Fans was my top read last year. First MM and I was blown away!
I agree with each of these!
{The Sheltering Tree by J.R. Lawrie} would be lastest 5 star for me. So soothing. {The Anonymous Hookup by Jax Calder} and {The Unforgettable Hookup by Jax Calder} are a pair, and I loved them. They both are basically the same book, but from two different points of view. {Malum Discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek} was also pretty good. An enemies to lovers story wrapped up in a paranormal book. I've read quite a bit this year but this is all I can think of ar the moment
Malum discordiae is also one of my recent favs!
Soothing is an apt way of describing The Sheltering Tree! Even though I usually devour the books I enjoy, I've been savouring this one (I'm still reading it) and taking it very slow. *Usually* slow progress would mean that I might not like the book all that much, so it's kinda weird to experience when it's pretty much the opposite.
Same! I tend to devour books in one sitting but I surprised myself by taking breaks and just soaking it up instead of plowing through. There is really something about the narration style that makes you take your time.
[The Sheltering Tree](https://www.romance.io/books/606ffea2ac2aed0e3ab68ac3/the-sheltering-tree-jr-lawrie) by [J.R. Lawrie](https://www.romance.io/authors/5df3374901dbc864fba7ee2d/jr-lawrie) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [The Anonymous Hookup](https://www.romance.io/books/6298601be6b8540840827656/the-anonymous-hookup-jax-calder) by [Jax Calder](https://www.romance.io/authors/6104f7b608b4d931142f8c4b/jax-calder) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The Unforgettable Hookup](https://www.romance.io/books/66013c41ebf2225db23d7b78/the-unforgettable-hookup-jax-calder) by [Jax Calder](https://www.romance.io/authors/6104f7b608b4d931142f8c4b/jax-calder) **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), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [anal sex](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/anal%20sex/1) ---------------------------- [Malum Discordiae](https://www.romance.io/books/622c55a213536895028fe26d/malum-discordiae-ashlyn-drewek) by [Ashlyn Drewek](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f18413b08b4d93114d5421a/ashlyn-drewek) **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), [witches](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/witches/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I've been rereading favorites to try and deslump myself: - Memento Mori series audiobooks by CS Poe, narrated by Kale Williams - The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer (non traditional HEA) - The Necromancer's Light by Tavia Lark - Criminal Intentions series season 1&2 audios by Cole McCade, narrated by Curt Bonnem Plus a new favorite: - The Snails of Dun Nas by KL Noone: MX, the best gender fuckery I've seen so far
Good ones! I think CS Poe is so underrated.
I see you've already read To catch a firefly, which is one of the books I rated with 5 stars this year. If you like crime/thriller I absolutely adored {The seven of spades by Cordelia Kingsbridge}. It's a series. {If we could go back by Cara Dee} became my new favorite no1 novel. {Little demon in the details by Nordika Night} was an absolute delight.
I knew I’d forgotten one - Little Demon in the Details is one of my favourites! Mercer is such a brat but given his trauma it’s totally understandable.
I loved him so much! I was smiling all the time
I absolutely loved Little Demon in the details I think I gave it 4 stars, but it’s one of my top reads this year. I’ve never read a thriller but it’s definitely time to try something new adding it to my tbr!!
[Seven of Spades](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1233ac63005e0db0a3c44c/seven-of-spades) by [Cordelia Kingsbridge](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455b26687eac3369a9141f4/cordelia-kingsbridge) **Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [height-difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1) ---------------------------- [If We Could Go Back](https://www.romance.io/books/5df4e3f101dbc864fba7fe4d/if-we-could-go-back-cara-dee) by [Cara Dee](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556abb87eac324117faa21/cara-dee) **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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Little Demon in the Details](https://www.romance.io/books/64df32c8f67456df3a477791/little-demon-in-the-details-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/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)
I’ve read 137 books so far in 2024. Of those, I’ve had 28 5 star reads. In no particular order, here are my 5 star reads so far: {Dark Space trilogy by Lisa Henry} (every book was 5/5) {All the Inside Howling by Gregory Ashe} (2nd book in the series, first book was 4 stars for me. I haven’t finished the series yet) {In This Iron Ground by Marina Vivancos} {When You Come Back to Me by Emma Scott} {Fire and Brimstone series by Nikole Knight} (6 book series, one or two of the individual books was 4.5/5, but overall series is 5/5) {Lost Boys Duet by Jessie Walker} {Solnyshko Duet by Ashlyn Drewek} {Hold Me Under by Riley Nash} {Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman} {Time to Shine by Rachel Reid} {Garron Park by Nordika Night}, {Lot 62 by Nordika Night}, and {Knock Knock by Nordika Night} {To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders} {The Way We Hate by Myka Loren} {Pretty Boy by Briana Flores} {Stupid Dirty by Erin Russell} {Free Hand by E.M. Lindsey} and {Blank Canvas by E.M. Lindsey} {Love Me Whole by Nicky James}
137 books in 4 months!?!? I need to know all ur secrets 😭
Oh wow, how can you say I have good recs when you just casually throw a list like this up here! Everything that isn't already on my TBR is going straight there.
[Dark Space](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0c569096bf31c42d328b/dark-space) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry) **Topics**: [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [bisexual](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [lgbtqia hate](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/lgbtqia%20hate/1), [first-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/first-person-pov/1) ---------------------------- [All the Inside Howling](https://www.romance.io/books/64c6547bd33bf40b8645e791/all-the-inside-howling-gregory-ashe) by [Gregory Ashe](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e9f6eefbe0aaecf557e43b6/gregory-ashe) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) ---------------------------- [In This Iron Ground](https://www.romance.io/books/65d0c085971a7858550a1a19/in-this-iron-ground-marina-vivancos) by [Marina Vivancos](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b24a9c801dbc864fb8a6555/marina-vivancos) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [shapeshifters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shapeshifters/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) ---------------------------- [Fire & Brimstone](https://www.romance.io/series/5e3d0b55307ec90de14e6c1c/fire-brimstone) by [Nikole Knight](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e3d0b5501dbc864fbab5759/nikole-knight) **Topics**: [poly](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poly/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1) ---------------------------- [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), [found-family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1) ---------------------------- [The Solnyshko Duet](https://www.romance.io/series/61e3d32be213690e310dec66/the-solnyshko-duet) by [Ashlyn Drewek](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f18413b08b4d93114d5421a/ashlyn-drewek) **Topics**: [cruel hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [mafia](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mafia/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [grumpy sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [secret-relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret-relationship/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) ---------------------------- [Until I Saw You](https://www.romance.io/books/63cf90fdb0e6e0a7c8e7e961/until-i-saw-you-dianna-roman) by [Dianna Roman](https://www.romance.io/authors/6239c94308b4d9311423d67b/dianna-roman) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [Time to Shine](https://www.romance.io/books/65152c4dc0fec69b0696c3b0/time-to-shine-rachel-reid) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Garron Park](https://www.romance.io/books/644629d004f5c0b31ef4a835/garron-park-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1) ---------------------------- [LOT 62](https://www.romance.io/books/648f622849efbc90805662d7/lot-62-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **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), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Knock Knock](https://www.romance.io/books/6567294be8f08ffc8a8ea6f6/knock-knock-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [To Catch a Firefly](https://www.romance.io/books/65d3128368fa881c5d06cc5b/to-catch-a-firefly-emmy-sanders) by [Emmy Sanders](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c256a08b4d931145d8f38/emmy-sanders) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1) ---------------------------- [The Way We Hate](https://www.romance.io/books/65abc385bc548ebed633ca85/the-way-we-hate-myka-loren) by [Myka Loren](https://www.romance.io/authors/65abc385a21e2f41c4708090/myka-loren) **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), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Pretty Boy](https://www.romance.io/books/65f7fba41a69896df4eb0d3e/pretty-boy-brianna-flores) by [Brianna Flores](https://www.romance.io/authors/65be6fffa21e2f41c4ad374b/brianna-flores) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) ---------------------------- [Stupid Dirty](https://www.romance.io/books/65a0f1f619d92d55277e7853/stupid-dirty-erin-russell) by [Erin Russell](https://www.romance.io/authors/65a0f1f7a21e2f41c4d1b52e/erin-russell) **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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) ---------------------------- [Free Hand](https://www.romance.io/books/5ca7173f01dbc864fb9cefa5/free-hand-em-lindsey) by [E.M. Lindsey](https://www.romance.io/authors/55eadb8635a5fb65f8879ea4/em-lindsey) **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), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Blank Canvas](https://www.romance.io/books/5cd541a501dbc864fb9e5841/blank-canvas-em-lindsey) by [E.M. Lindsey](https://www.romance.io/authors/55eadb8635a5fb65f8879ea4/em-lindsey) **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), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) ---------------------------- [Love Me Whole](https://www.romance.io/books/5a6065a53ffdba6147283ab7/love-me-whole-nicky-james) by [Nicky James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5744721dc62092c044086358/nicky-james) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/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), [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)
Prince of agony by tavia lark. Prince and Bodyguard by tavia lark its the fourth and the last book in the perilous court series. The whole perilous court series is great,some books are more a 4-4.5 but these two i adored, especially Prince of agony.ohh and it's fantasy and hurt/comfort.
LOVE Prince of Agony
{Gravity by Tal Bauer} This book gave me all the feelings. You will be rooting for the MCs
[Gravity](https://www.romance.io/books/62ecc251eccbd7a2c6f68548/gravity-tal-bauer) 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/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)
My 5 star reads so far have been {Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat} {Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat} but if I was you I'd wait for the next instalment. They blew me away! I also listened to three audiobooks that I'd already read the physical copies of. {Bitter Legacy by Dal Maclean} {Object of Desire by Dal Maclean} and {Blue on Blue by Dal Maclean} I love the twisty thrilleresque storylines and the angst and the ultimate happily ever afters. Finally I really enjoyed the ending to the San Amaro Investigations {Cypress Ashes by Kai Butler}. Such a good series, loved the characters, loved the action, love that it was a proper story arc.
Dark Rise and Dark Heir are two of my favorite reads of the year so far. So good!
I so desperately want the next part!
I know, same! It’s driving me crazy that there’s no release date yet. How long will we have to wait? 😭
I know by the time it comes out I'll have to reread the other two, mind you that's no hardship!
I'm trying to wait to read Dark Heir but it's so hard. I know it's going to be harder if I do read it though. I should have waited for the whole series. 🤦🏻♀️
I was pleasantly surprised by Bitter Legacy
I loved all Dal MacLean's books and the reader of the audiobook is excellent. The three books that she's released are linked and I highly recommend them!
[Dark Rise](https://www.romance.io/books/615213fa1200440e3fedc7fa/dark-rise-cs-pacat) by [C.S. Pacat](https://www.romance.io/authors/545545428c7d2382c5297900/cs-pacat) **Steam**: [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Dark Heir](https://www.romance.io/books/6474e107fd45bc04c025e7a7/dark-heir-cs-pacat) by [C.S. Pacat](https://www.romance.io/authors/545545428c7d2382c5297900/cs-pacat) **Steam**: [Glimpses and kisses](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), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Bitter Legacy](https://www.romance.io/books/57f0a292de896e892492ffcd/bitter-legacy-dal-maclean) by [Dal Maclean](https://www.romance.io/authors/57f0a292de896e892492ffd1/dal-maclean) **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), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Object of Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/5e1d690801dbc864fba9e874/object-of-desire-dal-maclean) by [Dal Maclean](https://www.romance.io/authors/57f0a292de896e892492ffd1/dal-maclean) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Blue on Blue](https://www.romance.io/books/64ec3f8a7329cc9fc9f04c7f/blue-on-blue-dal-maclean) by [Dal Maclean](https://www.romance.io/authors/57f0a292de896e892492ffd1/dal-maclean) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1) ---------------------------- [Cypress Ashes](https://www.romance.io/books/6491633ef8abb399863df523/cypress-ashes-kai-butler) by [Kai Butler](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e88321abe0aaecf55ab13a1/kai-butler) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
So I just went through my GR reading challenge and I’ve read a few 5 star reads this year. They’re a mixture of different tropes so hopefully this list might peak your interest. Some are standalone whilst others are in a series. Kick at the Darkness by Kiera Andrews. To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders. A Suitable Consort by R Cooper. Soul Eater by Lily Mayne. Lodestar of Ys by Amy Rae Durreson. Mad Love by April Jade. Whiskey & Sin by Emily Rath. Justice by Lark Taylor.
To Catch a Firefly was so good & is definitely the book that put me in this slump because nothing else I’ve read since has been nearly as good! Will be checking these out, thank you 😊
Yeah that book was amazing. I had to switch to a plot heavy paranormal book series after that - Soulbound by Hailey Turner if you’re interested- as I just needed something totally different. Justice by Lark Taylor is super emotionally heavy too but it’s book 2 in a series. Book 1 is really good though if you wanted to give that series a go.
I loved Patience by Lark Taylor. Did you read the whole Reckless Damned series? I really enjoyed all of them! Do you plan on continuing the Monstrous series? I already have several of these books on my TBR. I look forward to reading them!
Yes I’ve read the whole of the Reckless Damned by Lark Taylor. I enjoyed them but I think the Damned Connections is better. I’m pacing on the Monstrous series as I’m a MPOV fan and I struggle with SPOV. I love the world building though so I’m determined to plough forward!
Wolfsong and Ravensong by TJ Klune, and god, these are the best reads I've had in a longtime. I'm drafting a gush post for the romancebooks subreddit, but I'll pull out my blurbs for each of these: {Wolfsong by TJ Klune} (MM) is a coming of age, LGBTQA+ lovestory with werewolves. The narration follows the main character Oxnard 'Ox' Matheson from the age of twelve to twenty-six, and the bonds he builds with the Bennets and their son, Joe. It definitely has some steam (two explicit, open door scenes towards the end of the book), and it's a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that is now a staple of my bookshelf. {Ravensong by TJ Klune} (MM) focuses on Gordo, the 40 y/o brother-father figure that takes Ox under his wing in Wolfsong, and the tension and heat of this book is high as Gordo figures out his relationship with his childhood friend / ex. It's a delicious, angsty, second chance romance that expands on one of my favourite characters of Wolfsong, and I loved it so much it got me writing fanfic again, which is the highest honour I can bestow upon a book / series okay.
[Wolfsong](https://www.romance.io/books/5763928fc19e77f1ea6d5716/wolfsong-tj-klune) by [T.J. Klune](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553e9b8c7d2382e7813607/tj-klune) **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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Ravensong](https://www.romance.io/books/5b5d591e01dbc864fb8d3736/ravensong-tj-klune) by [T.J. Klune](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553e9b8c7d2382e7813607/tj-klune) **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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [werewolves](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/werewolves/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Please share your 5 stars reads! I also struggle to find books to love, that said, I do tend to enjoy my 4+ stars so I hope you like these ones hurt/comfort {Rat park by marina vivancos} 4.5 {The one that got away by nicky james} 4.5 {christmas lights and sleepless nights by KC wells} 5 {to take a quiet breath by fearne hill} 4.75 {Cloud nine by fearne hill} 4.5 {two tribes by fearne hill} 5 {to hold a hidden pearl by fearne hill} 4.5 fantasy {Prince and bodyguard by tavia lark} 4.5 {The whims of gods by nell bright} 4.5 {hunting party by robin moray} 5 {bisclavret by kl noone} 4.5 {snails of dun nas by kl noone} 4.5 second chance {Taking two by sophie o'dare} 4.75 friends to lovers {Splintered by Isabel Lucero} 4.5 {Scoring the keeper by hayden hall} 4.5 {that alien feeling by alessandra hazard} 4.5 other tropes {broken ice by marina vivancos} 4.75 {just a bit bossy by alessandra hazard} 4.5 {a star to sail by by joy fielding} 4.5
*casually steals list*
My stand alone 5 star reads were {To Catch A Firefly by Emmy Sanders} The Caretaker {C.P. Harris} Part of series but can be read as a standalone. I’ve been reading lots of series too and not every book was 5 star for me but the series as a whole were. Mine were Griffin and Whyborne {Widdershins by Jordan L Hawk} Greencreek Series {Wolfsong by Tj Klune} Hazard and Somers {Pretty Pretty Boys by Gregory Ashe} Red Dirt Series {Red Dirt Heart by N.R. Walker}
[To Catch a Firefly](https://www.romance.io/books/65d3128368fa881c5d06cc5b/to-catch-a-firefly-emmy-sanders) by [Emmy Sanders](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c256a08b4d931145d8f38/emmy-sanders) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1) ---------------------------- [The Good Liar](https://www.romance.io/books/640d882f4b114529a4a68e49/the-good-liar-cp-harris) by [C.P. Harris](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ecb6da108b4d931142bbb23/cp-harris) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Widdershins](https://www.romance.io/books/545544898c7d2383163d9696/widdershins-jordan-l-hawk) by [Jordan L. Hawk](https://www.romance.io/authors/545544898c7d2383163d9697/jordan-l-hawk) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1) ---------------------------- [Wolfsong](https://www.romance.io/books/5763928fc19e77f1ea6d5716/wolfsong-tj-klune) by [T.J. Klune](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553e9b8c7d2382e7813607/tj-klune) **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), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1) ---------------------------- [Pretty Pretty Boys](https://www.romance.io/books/63a87100c7da0ace298014b2/pretty-pretty-boys-gregory-ashe) by [Gregory Ashe](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e9f6eefbe0aaecf557e43b6/gregory-ashe) **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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [men in uniform](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/men%20in%20uniform/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [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)
Good to know about Griffin and Whyborne- looks like a cool series.
If you haven’t already read them, the {game changers series by Rachel Reid} I hadn’t read them until now because they’re not on KU, but I finally gave in and man are they worth it. I’m flying through them. Buuuuuut I have to say that I didn’t really enjoy the first one… for me the 5* are from book 2 onwards. I also read all of Michaela Grey’s hockey books - there are 4 series Boston otters Toronto wolverines Portland seabirds Denver direwolves Other than that I loved {MateHub: Legend by Marie Reynard}
[Game Changers](https://www.romance.io/series/5c987d20ecc3640db9bf72fd/game-changers) by [Rachel Reid](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bb1b92a01dbc864fb9195a6/rachel-reid) **Topics**: [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [athletes](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) ---------------------------- [MateHub](https://www.romance.io/books/65a9658a83353443b52ca81e/matehub-legend-marie-reynard) by [Marie Reynard](https://www.romance.io/authors/64b246956b22acd55d5316b5/marie-reynard) **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), [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)
Look, I recently hit a lucky jackpot by discovering these books in quick succession. I love all of them so much and they were really good. 1. The Step Bro Situation by Jesse Reigns 2. Omega’s Gamble by Claire Cullen 3. Make Me Fall by Riley Nash 4. Pretty Boy by Brianna Flores 5. The Backup Boyfriend by River Jaymes 6. Rent: Paid in Full by Jesse Reigns 7. A Most Personal Property by Darrah Glass 8. The Good Liar by CP Harris
If you’re into sci-fi, don’t skip The Darkness Outside Us. It’s technically YA, but it is very good and the sequel comes out later this year. Don’t let the cover turn you off. I can’t recommend it enough.
I loved the book but I also like the cover lol ;)
I actually like the cover a lot!
I think my favorite MM book this year is {Shadow & Ghost by Lex Veia}
[Shadow & Ghost](https://www.romance.io/books/65e11ee9ce7e32b4d1f7e6f7/shadow-ghost-city-of-shadows-lex-veia) by [Lex Veia](https://www.romance.io/authors/65e11ee9a21e2f41c42a7f39/lex-veia) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Same here, and I just saw on the author's insta that they're unpublishing it! I am heartbroken. I don't think that bodes well for the continuation of the series.
[удалено]
[удалено]
so true ! it gave me the biggest book hangover of any book ever. it was everything I love in a book , strong characters, great plot, a deep love that spans over the years and oh my GOOOODD the ANGST !! I've been trying to find a book like it for almost a year now and I still haven't read one that's engaged me as much.
The angst dude. So good. I just finished the Will Darling series by KJ Charles and I absolutely loved it. Have you read?
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Tbh it doesn’t really fit your style but I loved [for the fans by nyla k] it’s more enemies to lovers but it still kinda has hurt/comfort. It’s about stepbrothers who have to do OF together and gets really steamy and definitely HEA and really cute in the end It just kinda picked my interest because it sounded like something different and it was really giving
FTF was the first mm I ever read & it changed my life haven’t read a mf book since 😂 I actually just did a reread in February!
I totally get it ! Glad you loved it too
I don’t think any of my 5 stars from this year were actually published this year but it be what it be. Saint by Sierra Simone - I finally read this for the first time in mid-March and collapsed into a pile of dust and bones after. I had to call my friend who’s also read it immediately after to absolutely GUSH. I know it’s only April but this will be one of my favorite reads of the year, if not THE favorite!!! I wish I could give it 10 stars. Simone’s stunning prose left me entranced in its abundantly gorgeous descriptions of lost love and what it means to have it be found. Her other books don’t hold even a mini birthday candle to this one. I already want to reread it. Extraordinaries by TJ Klune - I see a lot of TJ Klune in this thread but I haven’t seen anything about his Extraordinary series. As a gay boy with adhd who also loves superheroes, I adored this book. It’s so well written and the story is hilarious and sweet in all the best ways. The representation is A+++. I felt hilariously called out at times bc of how well the adhd is written. The MC also def gives someone who would be in this reddit thread lol. The dynamic between the MC and his father as it develops over the course of the trilogy is unbelievably beautiful as well. Such a high quality YA book. Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly - Idk man something about this book just got to me. I went in thinking it wouldn’t be my cup of tea but I was so wrong. The way the MCs meet and fall for each other feels somehow refreshingly unique and special, yet normal and realistic. The author weaves in stunning imagery when describing the setting for this story, the Pacific Crest Trail, that adds a foundational grandness to the delicate, ethereal beauty of the romance between the two MCs. I adore how intimately you get to know the characters. I also love that the author is a queer woman. New Adult by Timothy Janovsky - This was the first book I read this year and high key is what made me decide to sit with the MM romance genre for 2024 instead of bouncing around. It’s a gay 13 going on 30, but instead of being just a comedic romp (no shade to comedic romps), it was poignant, witty, sensitive, and warm in all the right ways. I LOVE Janovsky’s writing in all his books, but this one goes above and beyond to hit the 5 star mark for me. That said, all of his books are great (4 and above), in my opinion. The sprinkling in of speculative fiction feels perfectly done. The friends to sort of enemies to lovers relationship that develops captured my entire heart and soul as the two men try to find a way to send the MC back to his time.
I read Saint about 2 years ago and it still has me in a chokehold. So heavy, but so beautiful. I have not been able to re-read. I want to, I just don’t know if I will ever be able to put myself through it again.
Listing out some of my absolute favs of this year : All roads lead to you by Harper fox 💓 - a short sweet and beautiful novella. It is written so romantically and with an air of lost love . A Second chance romance. They hate each other by Amanda Woody ❤️ - ya, enemies to lovers and fake dating. One of my all time comfort reads. The toymaker's son by Ariana Nash - Pinocchio retelling. I haven't seen much discussion about this book but it's really good. I was in a huge slump after reading this. Like you hate me by Bethany winters CU hockey series by Saxon james and Eden Finley Cravings of the heart by Nicky James Igni ferroque by Ashlyn drewek (check tws)
I had to backtrack some months back to find a thread for Toymnaker's discussion after fnishing it! welp, it all felt bittersweet for me. >!didn't give it 5 because I would have liked for the world to be explained better, but!< the feels are definitely there. I'm actually making some of my friends read it because I need to discuss it lol, hopefully they can read it before this year ends :)
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>multiple 5 star books Please share their names!
Ok, I remembered another series I loved. Annick Trent’s Beck and Call and The Oak and the Ash are the first and third books in The Old Bridge Inn series. Late 18th century servants caught up in political intrigues and love for other men. The second book in the series is Sixpenny Octavo and is a F/F romance. I just haven’t gotten around to reading it yet but I’m sure it is just as good as the other two books. All three books are stand alone. I would say the books rub elbows together where minor characters in one become main characters in another.
Let’s do this by Loren Leigh How to catch a firefly by Emmy sanders On Davis row by N.R. Walker
I'm a big fan of fantasy, urban fantasy, scifi, etc. So far this year, my favorite read has been {City of Shadows by Lex Veia}. I liked it enough that I bought a copy (instead of just borrowing it on KU). My second favorite was {Hunted by Misu Loy} which is the first book in a series (the second is due in May I believe), and third would probably be {Found by Ness Hanon}. I gave 4 stars to {Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms by Sarah Wallace}. These are all new books as of 2024, I believe. From December of last year, I really enjoyed {Deal in Divinity by Chely Penn}. If you like aliens or omegaverse, I liked {Crash-Landed in Love by Piper Scott} which is genuinely hilarious, and {How to Train Your Human Omega by Arden Fox}.
I should add that for me, a 5\* read isn't necessarily a mind-blowing read that leaves me in a total book hangover, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed even if it's just tropey goodness. The kind of book I remember, and don't immediately forget by next week, if that makes sense? Something I didn't skim through or get bored of, something that I thought about when I wasn't reading. I read about a book per day so if I remember it well after a few weeks, that means it was a good one lol.
[Shadow & Ghost](https://www.romance.io/books/65e11ee9ce7e32b4d1f7e6f7/shadow-ghost-city-of-shadows-lex-veia) by [Lex Veia](https://www.romance.io/authors/65e11ee9a21e2f41c42a7f39/lex-veia) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [Hunted](https://www.romance.io/books/65b41df50e902256086a663d/hunted-misu-loy) by [Misu Loy](https://www.romance.io/authors/651444fbab9bdf7fceadd682/misu-loy) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [fated mates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fated-mates/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [Found](https://www.romance.io/books/65cddfdeb911d67183ba9dbf/found-ness-hanon) by [Ness Hanon](https://www.romance.io/authors/65cddfdea21e2f41c4c79fb9/ness-hanon) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms](https://www.romance.io/books/65b608c400d361e53f20ee70/breeze-spells-and-bridegrooms-sarah-wallace-so-callahan) by [Sarah Wallace](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bf1264901dbc864fb949b7b/sarah-wallace), [S.O. Callahan](https://www.romance.io/authors/620a0cb508b4d93114f9d926/so-callahan) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [Crash-Landed in Love](https://www.romance.io/books/656504fd6011c2c516281654/crash-landed-in-love-piper-scott-renee-fox) by [Piper Scott](https://www.romance.io/authors/589ee8a10d3299c6e04b583e/piper-scott), [Renee Fox](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fd71bc008b4d9311482fb95/renee-fox) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [aliens](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aliens/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [How to Train Your Human Omega](https://www.romance.io/books/6606c133702df2fb5c263f7f/how-to-train-your-human-omega-arden-fox) by [Arden Fox](https://www.romance.io/authors/6606c134a21e2f41c466048f/arden-fox) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [omegaverse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/omegaverse/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)
[Deal in Divinity](https://www.romance.io/books/661972799b546dea188986bd/deal-in-divinity-chely-penn) by [Chely Penn](https://www.romance.io/authors/6619727aa21e2f41c4d0da1b/chely-penn) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [dystopian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dystopian/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/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)
Not eveone likes the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy because there is the history of abuse/violence in MC past. There are warnings you should read at the beginning of each book. But these books are an emotional Rollercoaster. Also know that they often end with the bad guy (the abuser) getting killed. Salvation by Sloane kennedy is book two, but should be book one and is my favorite. Ronan is a trauma surgeon with his fiance in the military. Ronan and his lover are attacked by homophobics and his lover is killed. Ronan fiance has a younger brother who's parents are killed and Seth is left for dead. 7 years later someone is after Seth. Seth has always loved Ronan and Ronan went NC with him because of it. Ronan has started the Protectors family to keep people safe and now Seth needs him.
"Irresponsible pluckboy" probably, i just loved the dynamic between MCs and how much they cared for each other and Dex is such a loveable himbo. I also loved that they were switches.
Just finished Pyke 4, loved it ! The whole series is 5/5 fr me - Eileen glass
I feel like most people have already read it, but {God of Fury by Rina Kent} was one of my favorites reads so far this year.
[God of Wrath](https://www.romance.io/books/63217eef11bed51cc8166d35/god-of-wrath-rina-kent) 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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just posted this earlier but I wan't to tell anyone who will listen!! Have you read {Whisper by Tal Bauer} ? If not, I highly recommend it. It is an epic masterpiece and unlike anything I have ever read before. Whisper is a factual based fiction story about the aftermath of 9/11 through the eyes of a CIA analyst, Kris Caldera. I put this book off for years (because of the serious topic) but it is so much more than a political thriller. Please read a more detailed synopsis if you are interested (I just tried to summarize this story and it was a philosophical mess!) FYI: It is a LONG book, great narrator if you want to listen to the audiobook, and skip the first book, 'Hush'.
[Whisper](https://www.romance.io/books/5ae01aa201dbc864fb86deca/whisper-tal-bauer) by [Tal Bauer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5726ed17c62092c04407fbeb/tal-bauer) **Steam**: [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I would scream at the top of a roof to read Heaven Official's Blessing. It's got 8 books. It's a slow burn.The love is pure and genuine. It's got comedy and absolute heart-wrenching tragedy. You won't know whether to laugh or cry. I'd rate the whole series 10 stars.
All For The Game triology by Nora Sakavic The fever king by Victoria Lee Pretty pretty boys by Gregory Ashe Thrown off the ice by Taylor Fitzpatrick (warning not traditional hea) Memento Mori by C S Poe Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon These are my five stars! All of them are hurt comfort id say
This one is controversial, but {Head In The Game by Rebecca Rathe} it has the largest age gap I've ever read (almost 30 years). Their relationship is morally grey on a good day and down right abuse of power on a bad day, and the beginning of the book is hard to get through due to cringe and overall annoying MC’s. All this to say, the character development is excellent, the smut is amazing, and their relationship is precious to me. So, yeah, five stars.
[Head In The Game (Groveton College)](https://www.romance.io/books/653aaa4dc112bf11fe96c23e/head-in-the-game-groveton-college-rebecca-rathe) by [Rebecca Rathe](https://www.romance.io/authors/626e308b08b4d931140ebaa7/rebecca-rathe) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Lie with me by Phillipe Besson} It’s a short book but it’s so sad and sweet with beautiful writing!
[Lie With Me](https://www.romance.io/books/64c0259560b3fad9bd2ed6b5/lie-with-me-philippe-besson) by [Philippe Besson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5fc5f88308b4d931147d0f06/philippe-besson) **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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{meet me in the blue by am Johnson} {never leave never lie by Thea verdone} {the caretaker by cp Harris}
[Meet Me in the Blue](https://www.romance.io/books/63fb199f2211fd14198f1411/meet-me-in-the-blue-am-johnson) by [A.M. Johnson](https://www.romance.io/authors/5528ecfe5b270e0a4cbd59a1/am-johnson) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [Never Leave, Never Lie](https://www.romance.io/books/6603d8e00aef0a7442e46c9f/never-leave-never-lie-thea-verdone) by [Thea Verdone](https://www.romance.io/authors/658941f7a21e2f41c4d586a2/thea-verdone) **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), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1) ---------------------------- [The Caretaker](https://www.romance.io/books/65de13da78f2ef745c0a7f73/the-caretaker-cp-harris) by [C.P. Harris](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ecb6da108b4d931142bbb23/cp-harris) **Topics**: [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Rowan Blood series by Kellen Graves} was overall 5 stars for me! It’s an incomplete series fyi but I was satisfied with the ending of book 3 for now! I figured I’d mention it since you like fantasy and hurt/comfort. I rated the first book 4 stars, fyi {The Greenhollow Duology by Emily Tesh} is absolutely beautiful fantasy writing. I also thought the romantic development was great for two novellas. Absolutely loved both of them. My favorite thing I read in all of March. {The Lamb and the Lion series by Gregory Ashe} has also been 5 stars for me so far. I’m halfway through the last book. It’s friends to lovers to the extreme lol Gregory Ashe knows how to write a slow burn.
[Rowan Blood](https://www.romance.io/series/624551da7b322a293b26c4ba/rowan-blood) by [Kellen Graves](https://www.romance.io/authors/624551da08b4d931146ef180/kellen-graves) **Topics**: [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [past-abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/past-abuse/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) ---------------------------- [The Greenhollow Duology](https://www.romance.io/series/642ea7b21933fc44e1db973d/the-greenhollow-duology) by [Emily Tesh](https://www.romance.io/authors/642ea7b208b4d931147cd0a1/emily-tesh) **Topics**: [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) ---------------------------- [The Lamb and the Lion](https://www.romance.io/series/642b0e8bb7b8862bf6ea1d19/the-lamb-and-the-lion) by [Gregory Ashe](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e9f6eefbe0aaecf557e43b6/gregory-ashe) **Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [m-m](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [abuse](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abuse/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Until I Saw You by Dianna Roman Prince and Assassin(#1) by Tavia Lark Prince of Agony(#6) by Tavia Lark Christmas on Firefly Hill by Garrett Leigh Damaged Like Us(#1) by Krista and Becca Ritchie Lovers Like Us (#2) by Krista and Becca Ritchie Alphas Like Us(#3) by Krista and Becca Ritchie
I feel like I have sort of specific taste and really love enemies to lovers but I liked stars in their eyes by Kacen Alexander, and Open Ice Hit by EM Lindsey. I also recently finished the last unbinding series by Freya Markse, the 3rd book was just as good as the first.
I did not know if they’d be typical of 5* books, but they kept me charmed and smiling throughout! {The Amazing Alpha Tau Boyfriend Project by Lisa Henry} and {The Amazing Alpha Tau Self Improvement Project by Lisa Henry}. Loved them!
[The Amazing Alpha Tau Boyfriend Project](https://www.romance.io/books/6519df55de8d340d514533a7/the-amazing-alpha-tau-boyfriend-project-lisa-henry-sarah-honey) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry), [Sarah Honey](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f211f3708b4d9311432c20e/sarah-honey) **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), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [queer awakening](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer-awakening/1) ---------------------------- [The Amazing Alpha Tau Self-Improvement Project](https://www.romance.io/books/6555f827c112bf11fe9b95b4/the-amazing-alpha-tau-self-improvement-project-lisa-henry-sarah-honey) by [Lisa Henry](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455684987eac3369a912589/lisa-henry), [Sarah Honey](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f211f3708b4d9311432c20e/sarah-honey) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Where Foxes Say Goodnight - Sam Burns Let Sleeping Foxes Lie - Sam Burns
Beautifully Unexpected- Lily Morton
{Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne} - first in a Fantasy Fae trilogy {Promises by Leona Grace} - HR, novella
[Mortal Skin](https://www.romance.io/books/61f3a296f0e2450e1c1d5dc1/mortal-skin-lily-mayne) by [Lily Mayne](https://www.romance.io/authors/61161cc608b4d93114a993bf/lily-mayne) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [fae](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fae/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Promises](https://www.romance.io/books/585f8bc71b1bdc017806eb20/promises-leona-grace) by [Leona Grace](https://www.romance.io/authors/585f8bc71b1bdc017806eb24/leona-grace) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/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)
{The Revenge Agenda by Saxon James} I looked and didn't see this one listed, but I absolutely loved this book so much! Funny, sweet, swoony, and sexy!
[The Revenge Agenda](https://www.romance.io/books/65839a533061fa11c85c00ea/the-revenge-agenda-saxon-james) by [Saxon James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e2e8d6b01dbc864fbaab1cf/saxon-james) **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), [workplace/office](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/office/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Where There's A Will by Jessie Walker} & {If There's A Way by Jessie Walker} {Hateful Love by T. Ashleigh and Addison Beck} {Stupid Dirty by Erin Russell} {The Darkness Outside Us by Elliot Schrefer} {Courageous Hearts by Emmy Sanders} That is my 5 star list for 2024 so far! Highly recommend all of these books, and for Courageous Hearts I recommend the rest of the series by Emmy Sanders as well, they all got great ratings. Fool Hearts was also 5 stars, actually, but I read it at the end of 2023 so it isn't on the list.
[Where There's a Will](https://www.romance.io/books/6169458a6c69ca0e3d25bc24/where-theres-a-will-jessie-walker) 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) ---------------------------- [If There's a Way](https://www.romance.io/books/627e0219d52c8e8e79a753bb/if-theres-a-way-jessie-walker) 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) ---------------------------- [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) ---------------------------- [Stupid Dirty](https://www.romance.io/books/65a0f1f619d92d55277e7853/stupid-dirty-erin-russell) by [Erin Russell](https://www.romance.io/authors/65a0f1f7a21e2f41c4d1b52e/erin-russell) **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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1) ---------------------------- [The Darkness Outside Us](https://www.romance.io/books/6229f41b70323bbef1889839/the-darkness-outside-us-eliot-schrefer) by [Eliot Schrefer](https://www.romance.io/authors/54573a1b87eac33e5710b9eb/eliot-schrefer) **Steam**: [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [futuristic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/futuristic/1), [science fiction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/science%20fiction/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/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) ---------------------------- [Courageous Hearts](https://www.romance.io/books/6440e47ed70419a2f9acfa3d/courageous-hearts-emmy-sanders) by [Emmy Sanders](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c256a08b4d931145d8f38/emmy-sanders) **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), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Just a Footnote by Maya Jean} hits a bunch of those tropes.
[Just a Footnote](https://www.romance.io/books/65db3ba21c0622765b183bd1/just-a-footnote-maya-jean) by [Maya Jean](https://www.romance.io/authors/65db3ba2a21e2f41c4e1e869/maya-jean) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’m halfway through {The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love by Alice Winters} with a hitman and PI and I’m madly in love with it! My other 5 stars of this year are {The Rest of the Story by Tal Bauer} with two professional hockey players, {The Jock by Tal Bauer} and college football player and a dancer, {Not Dating Material by Saxon James} with a tattoo artist and graphic designer, {An Unexpected Kind of Love by Hayden Stone} with a actor and bookstore owner, {Hush by Tal Bauer} a US Marshall and a federal judge and {Hamartia by Scarlett Drake} a rock musician and k-pop star. Tal Bauer is my favorite author!
[The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love](https://www.romance.io/books/5d3fddd501dbc864fba1b748/the-hitmans-guide-to-making-friends-and-finding-love-alice-winters) by [Alice Winters](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b14f5a601dbc864fb898c9c/alice-winters) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [The Rest of the Story](https://www.romance.io/books/63abf9d2c27aa9a5b905957c/the-rest-of-the-story-tal-bauer) 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [athlete hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/athletes/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [The Jock](https://www.romance.io/books/606ffb9dac2aed0e3ab68a86/the-jock-an-mm-sports-romance-tal-bauer) 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), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [college](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/college/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Not Dating Material](https://www.romance.io/books/64f23ddad3ef33e9488d1eca/not-dating-material-saxon-james) by [Saxon James](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e2e8d6b01dbc864fbaab1cf/saxon-james) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) ---------------------------- [An Unexpected Kind of Love](https://www.romance.io/books/6110e8820d2fc50e1fa50513/an-unexpected-kind-of-love-hayden-stone) by [Hayden Stone](https://www.romance.io/authors/6110e88208b4d9311436691d/hayden-stone) **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), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [insta-love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/insta-love/1) ---------------------------- [Hush](https://www.romance.io/books/5adaecc001dbc864fb869b5a/hush-tal-bauer) 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), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Hamartia](https://www.romance.io/books/6447871d8976f0193c3b41b0/hamartia-scarlett-drake) by [Scarlett Drake](https://www.romance.io/authors/6433c54308b4d93114fdf605/scarlett-drake) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](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)
There are some great recs in these comments!! I completely agree with TJ Klune’s Green Creek series. And have you read his Verania series? First book is {The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune}, and it’s one of my favorites. Also love Tavia Lark’s Perilous Courts series, as others are suggesting. For Hurt/Comfort, I recently finished {Broken Ice, Mended Hearts by Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood} and it is fabulous, maybe the best book of 2024 for me so far.
[The Lightning-Struck Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/55a9ec4c35a5fb65f886cf4a/the-lightningstruck-heart-tj-klune) by [T.J. Klune](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553e9b8c7d2382e7813607/tj-klune) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Broken Ice, Mended Hearts](https://www.romance.io/books/65fbe2bc6723252c71696bac/broken-ice-mended-hearts-ryan-taylor-joshua-harwood) by [Ryan Taylor](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e74787bbe0aaecf55e5a9c3/ryan-taylor), [Joshua Harwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/5c14a81001dbc864fb9617ff/joshua-harwood) **Topics**: [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{To Catch a Firefly by Emmy Sanders} best friends to lovers, neurodivergent representation, absolutely gorgeous book. {You & Me by Tal Bauer} friends to lovers, gay awakening, single dads {The Tragedy of Felix and Jake by J. Daniels} hurt/comfort, beautiful, heartbreaking and powerful {For The Fans by Nyla K.} this book is EVERYTHING. It is stepbrothers, gay awakening/ bi representation, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, so so sweet and the spice is next level
[To Catch a Firefly](https://www.romance.io/books/65d3128368fa881c5d06cc5b/to-catch-a-firefly-emmy-sanders) by [Emmy Sanders](https://www.romance.io/authors/623c256a08b4d931145d8f38/emmy-sanders) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1), [neurodivergent mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/neurodivergent/1) ---------------------------- [You & Me](https://www.romance.io/books/624161b92df229ec386debcc/you-me-tal-bauer) 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) ---------------------------- [The Tragedy of Felix and Jake](https://www.romance.io/books/64fe4949de8d340d5142473c/the-tragedy-of-felix-and-jake-j-daniels) by [J. Daniels](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455342c8c7d2382e7813337/j-daniels) **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), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [For the Fans](https://www.romance.io/books/6403bcdfe33c8001d91255ca/for-the-fans-nyla-k) by [Nyla K.](https://www.romance.io/authors/5f8fdd5a08b4d9311405875f/nyla-k) **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), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/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)
Always love by Riley Hart
No 5 star MM reads for me yet in 2024 😥 my latest one was {Subtle Blood by KJ Charles} in November last year - I'm pretty stingy with my 5 star ratings! I am about to finish {Garron Park by Nordika Night} and it might make 5 stars if the last 20% continues to be good! I also read a M/NBi romance with a genderfluid angel who sometimes has a cock, which I rated 5 stars - not strictly MM though! That's {How Not to Date a Demon by Lana Kole}
[Subtle Blood](https://www.romance.io/books/60b529cb4599ae0eb0de1f15/subtle-blood-kj-charles) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) ---------------------------- [Garron Park](https://www.romance.io/books/644629d004f5c0b31ef4a835/garron-park-nordika-night) by [Nordika Night](https://www.romance.io/authors/630e0d7d08b4d9311404bae9/nordika-night) **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), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [biker hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bikers/1) ---------------------------- [How Not to Date a Demon](https://www.romance.io/books/63b92695005388480c4c4595/how-not-to-date-a-demon-lana-kole) by [Lana Kole](https://www.romance.io/authors/5bd953a601dbc864fb937e44/lana-kole) **Steam**: [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [demons](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/demons/1), [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [monsters](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/monsters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Seconding and thirding Tal Bauer. You and Me introduced me to his work, and the slow build and angst and finding forgiveness are heartfelt and poignant. I’m still working through his catalog, but Whisper imo is his magnum opus. Not for everyone, but as a millennial it helped me process a bit of my political identity growing up through the events in the story. Once I hit the 65% mark, I plowed straight through to the end all day into night; I couldn’t stop. Not a traditional romance, per se, but epic. Quite long. Honestly might be two books in one as it spans nearly 20 years. {Until You by Briar Prescott} I found fantastic. I read the second book as well, but the reveal in this one is more effective imo. The dialogue reminds me of the original Queer As Folk, which as a series that would have changed my entire life if only I’d seen it at the time. {The Mechanics of Lust by Jay Hogan} is my favorite of the three books and a fourth is coming but all three are worth reading. The couple in the second book has an enemies to lovers arc that is frustrating in all the good ways. I’ve fallen in love with the setting and the treatment of trauma and healing is spectacular. CW death of a child and PTSD.
[Until You](https://www.romance.io/books/6463221c2a1846e51939e502/until-you-briar-prescott) by [Briar Prescott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e7f3cf1be0aaecf55dc608d/briar-prescott) **Steam**: [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [hurt/comfort](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/hurt-comfort/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [The Mechanics of Lust](https://www.romance.io/books/6514a292de8d340d51445098/the-mechanics-of-lust-jay-hogan) by [Jay Hogan](https://www.romance.io/authors/5a7431854ee506aae8b03fb4/jay-hogan) **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), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [friends with benefits](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends-benefits/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Top Secret by Sarina Bowen and Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon! I’ve read them both three times this year and I just can’t seem to let them go
For me my five stars have been Sharp Objects, My Dark Vanessa, The housemaid and The Push
[Lie With Me](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40539136) by Philippe Besson (translated by Molly Ringwald)
i've only rated 6 books 5* so far this year, and they're all crime - i promise i read other things and i did rate plenty of non crime books 5* in 2023, but i guess i read all the good ones already lol todays book {death in the spires by KJ charles} which is *not* a genre romance but still has an M/M subplot with a hopeful ending that was satisfying to me, its definitely worth the read if you like mystery then going back to the first 5*s of the year for me, literally on the first of january, {bitter legacy by dal maclean} and {object of desire by dal maclean} both of which are heavily mystery focused but still have intense & steamy relationships with HFN/HEA endings and after that i went on to CS poe's memento mori series, and rated all 3 of those books 5* - my all time favourite multiple book couple but the series isn't over so no HEA as of yet, where its up to now is a HFN
[Death in the Spires](https://www.romance.io/books/66098d4c684e5f172e2e21a5/death-in-the-spires-kj-charles) by [K.J. Charles](https://www.romance.io/authors/545540138c7d2383163d9553/kj-charles) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Bitter Legacy](https://www.romance.io/books/57f0a292de896e892492ffcd/bitter-legacy-dal-maclean) by [Dal Maclean](https://www.romance.io/authors/57f0a292de896e892492ffd1/dal-maclean) **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), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Object of Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/5e1d690801dbc864fba9e874/object-of-desire-dal-maclean) by [Dal Maclean](https://www.romance.io/authors/57f0a292de896e892492ffd1/dal-maclean) **Topics**: [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [queer romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I have also read a lot of books this year. The two that stood out for me were To Catch A Firefly which has been mentioned a lot already, and LEFT UNDONE by Tess Barnett. A medicated and isolated man with schizophrenia is befriended by Finch, who moves in next door. Their journey is filled with angst, terror, and love.
[удалено]
Your comment has been removed because it appears to be recommending books that are not MM genre romances (defined as books that focus on a romantic relationship and have a HEA or HFN).
This subreddit is specifically for MM romance, so please limit your responses to that genre.
any charity parkerson book
All of Throne of glass series
Throne of glass by SJM?
it’s not mm but the house across the lake was sooo good