Books like 'The Painted Crown'
Readers who enjoyed The Painted Crown by Megan Derr also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical gay romance fantasy royalty military queer angst arranged marriage disabilities and marks sweet-hero
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The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant by C.S. Pacat
The Adventures of Charls follows the dealings of a humble cloth merchant in the days before the royal Ascension. Set after the events of Kings Rising and The Summer Palace... -
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
The Goblin Emperor meets "Magnificent Century" in Alexandra Rowland's A Taste of Gold and Iron, where a queer central romance unfolds in a fantasy world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire.Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, finds himself at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court—the body-father of the queen's new child—in an altercation which results in his humiliation...Categorized as:
royalty marriage of convenience queer class difference political-intrigue sweet-hero angst m-m -
Prince in Disguise by Tavia Lark
Rakos isn’t really a farmer. Bellamy definitely isn’t a minstrel.Sheltered, sickly Prince Bellamy always longed for adventure—but not like this. Captured in enemy territory, Bellamy’s true identity will get him killed, or worse. When his smoking-hot fellow prisoner asks who he is, Bellamy claims to be a minstrel.Even though he can’t carry a tune to save his life...Categorized as:
military disabilities and marks royalty queer sweet-hero political-intrigue multicultural fantasy -
Starfire by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLuca O’ Broín’s original wife checklist: a loving marriage mother for his children capable of running a fortress sexually compatible someone intelligentLuca’s REVISED non-negotiable husband checklist: dependable friend capable of running a fortress willing to move to Bhodhsa someone with brainsNoe Keller’s husband checklist: LucaLuca’s UPDATED husband checklist: NoeTurns out wishing on the stars... -
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杀破狼 [Sha Po Lang] by Priest
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsIn the age of the Great Liang Dynasty, the lives of the people were made convenient with steam-powered machines that run on a fuel named Violetstream Gold... -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu Vol. 4 by Tang Jiu Qing
OPENING GAMBITHaving successfully foiled the bandit attack on the city of Cizhou in Zhongbo, Xiao Chiye sets off in pursuit of their leader, attempting to cut him off before he returns to his lair. At the same time, having gained control of Cizhou, Shen Zechuan sets his sights on the neighboring prefecture of Chazhou in hopes of brokering a trade agreement... -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu Vol. 2 by Tang Jiu Qing, st
KNOW THINE ENEMYAfter a passionate night together, Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye part the next morning as enemies. A new emperor has ascended the throne, and the court is in flux. Power and position are in reach for anyone who dares to grasp them--and Shen Zechuan will stop at nothing to pursue his ambitions... -
The Fallen King's Penitent Soldier by Megan Derr
The youngest son of a despised king, thrust upon a throne he never wanted, Desmond nevertheless tried to be a good monarch to Benta—but the rebels discontent with him and the alliance with the Harken Empire have taken control, and Desmond's private guards are either dead or turned traitor...Categorized as:
angst military royalty bisexual multicultural queer disabilities and marks political-intrigue -
Pet by C.S. Pacat
Pet follows the rise of Ancel at the poisonous court of Vere. Set during the events of Captive Prince... -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Tang Jiuqing, 唐酒卿
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe fan-favorite danmei/Boys’ Love novel series originally released in Chinese!In this historical tale of war and political intrigue, an intense relationship burns between the son of an infamous traitor and the vengeful nobleman who despises him...at first... -
A Suitable Consort (For the King and His Husband) by R. Cooper
Everyone expects the king to rage at the suggestion that he find a new spouse to stand alongside--or better yet, replace--his beloved husband. Some might be planning on it, hoping to incite another conflict like what has plagued the country since the death of the last legitimate ruler...Categorized as:
royalty military queer political-intrigue sweet-hero short-king class difference m-m -
The Other World's Books Depend on the Bean Counter Vol. 1 by Kazuki Irodori, Yatsuki Wakatsu
Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, a holy maiden was summoned. Not just any holy maiden—one hailing from modern Japan. But this story is not her story. This is the tale of the humble accountant, Kondou, who accompanied her and his trials and woes as he accounts in a new world... But no tale is complete without a love interest...Categorized as:
queer class difference political-intrigue military sweet-hero magic m-m high fantasy -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Tang Jiu Qing, st
SCOURGE OF A NATIONShen Zechuan is the eighth son of the traitorous Prince of Jianxing, a man who doomed his cities and people to destruction at the hands of the foreign enemy. As the only surviving member of his reviled line, Shen Zechuan bears the hatred of the nation. And no one's hate burns hotter than that of Xiao Chiye, the youngest son of the powerful Prince of Libei... -
Zone of Action by A.J. Sherwood
Ren’s homecoming wishlist includes:•Arman not bashing everyone’s heads together (at least not without him)•Getting the fortress built before the Mongs attack (not at the rate they’re going with all the thefts happening)•Going home without incident (also, again, not likely)What it did not include was:•Social reform•A child•A raiding party•Arman actually using his wordsLife once again proved...Categorized as:
multicultural military queer political-intrigue fantasy m-m historical queer-awakening -
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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 3 by Priest
The steampunk danmei/Boys' Love novels from China that inspired multimedia adaptations--written by priest, the author behind live-action hits Guardian and Word of Honor !The discovery of violet gold, a vital fuel for steam-powered machines, propelled the empire of Great Liang into an age of prosperity...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks military political-intrigue royalty fantasy steampunk length-long -
Ballad of Sword and Wine: Qiang Jin Jiu Vol. 3 by Tang Jiu Qing, st
DESPERATE MEASURESAfter a close call with a deadly epidemic and an attempt on the emperor's life, the imperial court of Qudu is in turmoil. The emperor is determined to hold someone among the noble clans accountable, a desire Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye are prepared to use to their political advantage... -
Gary the Once and Former King by Isabel Murray
The Kingdom of Estla is in turmoil. Power plays, intrigue, and plots seethe in the corridors of power. And Gary of a Hundred Days, Last of the Tyrant Kings is…well.He’s dead.That’s what (almost) everyone thinks, anyway.As far as Gary’s concerned, they can go ahead and keep thinking it... -
Prince and Pawn by Tavia Lark
One night of bliss could unravel a kingdom.Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting...Categorized as:
royalty angst arranged marriage queer political-intrigue sweet-hero class difference short-king -
Golden Stage [黄金台] by 苍梧宾白 (Cang Wu Bin Bai)
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis... -
The Heart of the Lost Star by Megan Derr
Kamir is on the verge of losing everything. Knowing full well he can't meet the ultimatum his parents have issued, he instead finally puts in motion his plans to live completely independent of them. His plans are interrupted, however, by the unexpected return of his despised ex-husband—and thrown even further into upheaval when he ends up comforting the man he's secretly loved for years... -
Golden Stage by 苍梧宾白 [Cang Wu Bin Bai], 苍梧宾白
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis...Categorized as:
queer military arranged marriage political-intrigue historical fantasy m-m from hate to love -
ENNEAD Vol. 5 [Mature Hardcover] by Mojito
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWINNER TAKES ALLThe battle that will decide the fate of Egypt’s throne draws nigh! Will Horus become the new ruler, or will Seth reclaim his seat of power? Meanwhile, truths from the past reveal themselves—and with them comes the identity of the one who cursed... -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 5 (Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #5) by Priest, Eleven small jars
DAWN OF A NEW ERAWith the Wolf King in the north defeated, Great Liang turns its full attention to the war's southern front, where the Westerners have occupied the fertile land of Jiangnan. Gu Yun races south to lead Great Liang's fledgling navy, while Chang Geng is recalled to the capital to solve the pressing matter of funding the war effort...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks military political-intrigue royalty steampunk fantasy m-m -
Golden Terrace Volume 1 by Cang Wu Bin Bai, E. Danglars
It is year twenty-five of the Yuantai Era of the Great Zhou Empire. The renowned Marquis of Jingning, commander of the Beiyan Cavalry, Fu Shen is injured on the battlefield at the northern border. Returning with a broken leg to the capital, Fu Shen learns that the emperor has conferred a marriage for him—with another man... -
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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang Vol. 2 by Priest
ENEMIES FROM WITHOUT AND WITHINFour years ago, Chang Geng and Gu Yun parted in anger. When fate draws them together again, Chang Geng, a once-awkward teen, is now an elegant and adroit young man.But storms lie ahead. As Great Liang faces foreign pressure from without, Gu Yun finds himself embroiled in turmoil within the imperial court...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks political-intrigue military royalty fantasy historical steampunk -
Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 2 (Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) #2) by Meng Xi Shi
A HAUNTING IN THE DESERTRival investigators Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao embark on a diplomatic journey westward, hoping to build a key alliance that will stand against the power-hungry Eastern Khaganate... -
Shadowfall by Iris Foxglove
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt is said the demon in the well will give you your heart's desire...for a price.When Declan's prince and best friend, Arwyn, goes seeking the demon for himself, he surprises Declan by leaping into the demon’s well. But when Declan pulls him out, it isn't Arwyn he rescued, but a demon wearing his skin... -
The High King's Golden Tongue by Megan Derr
Prince Allen has trained his entire life to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, who has made their kingdom one of the wealthiest and most influential in the empire. For the past few years he has trained to become the new consort of the High King...Categorized as:
arranged marriage royalty military queer angst political-intrigue disabilities and marks short-king -
Christmas Angel by Eli Easton
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWhen John Trent, a dedicated member of the new Bow Street Runners, finds an exquisite carved angel floating in the Thames, he can’t stop thinking about it. He tracks down its creator, a sad and quiet young sculptor. But neither the angel nor the sculptor is done with John just yet. The blasted angel refuses to leave him be, behaving not at all like an inanimate object should... -
Main Gauche and Other Tales by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTales of brothers, swords, and the men they most desire...Main Gauche — Though he was born to nobility, the loss of first his father, and then his mother, has left Dagger a peasant. His stepfather is cruel and greedy, and refuses to claim Dagger as his own... -
Saffron Alley by A.J. Demas
A month ago, eunuch sword-dancer and spy Varazda collided with ex-soldier Damiskos at a seaside villa during a dizzying week of intrigue, assassinations, and a fake love affair that—maybe—turned real. Now Varazda is back home in Boukos, at the center of a family and community he dearly loves, and Damiskos is coming to visit.Things aren’t going according to plan...Categorized as:
multicultural disabilities and marks bisexual queer sweet-hero ancient times historical m-m -
Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) Vol. 4 (Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang (Novel) #4) by Priest
EVIL IN THE BLOODAs Chang Geng continues his dangerous mission investigating corruption in the south, Gu Yun races back to the capital in hopes of stopping a bloody insurrection. But internal unrest is not all that threatens the throne of Great Liang as foreign enemies gather on both land and sea...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks military political-intrigue royalty fantasy steampunk m-m -
The Orc Prince Trilogy Omnibus Edition by Lionel Hart
An elven prince. The son of an orc warlord. Read their complete adventure, now available as a single volume.Prince Taegan Glynzeiros has prepared since childhood to fight and lead armies against invading orc forces, the enemies of elves for hundreds of years. But after a successful peace treaty, the elven prince will not be fighting orcs, but marrying one...Categorized as:
queer arranged marriage multicultural political-intrigue royalty fantasy orcs length-long -
Bound by Blood by Mia West
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’ll do anything for the man he loves.Even the unthinkable.Bedwyr has everything he could want. He’s come back from a devastating injury, and he’s a warrior again, regaining his father’s respect battle by successful battle.Best of he has Arthur. When they aren’t fighting effortlessly side by side, they’re making the most of every secret nook and shadow in the village to celebrate their victories... -
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黄金台 [Huángjīn Tái] by Cang Wu Bin Bai, 苍梧宾白
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsThe notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis...Categorized as:
queer military arranged marriage political-intrigue historical fantasy m-m from hate to love -
The Stolen Court by Megan Derr
Bertin is a liar and a thief. Once an orphan on the street stealing purses, his life was forever changed when he saved a boy's life—and then became that boy to the rest of the world. But one lie always leads to another, and life as a Belemeren spy planted in the Engineer Corp has led him to the role of liaison in Ruemri, a kingdom he helped Ruemri's enemies steal... -
The Engineered Throne by Megan Derr
Lord Vellem is a man desperate for escape. His father hides from his problems in alcohol, his mother hides from her misery in drugs, and his brother fled to the relative safety of the royal palace. Vellem eventually found solace in the Royal Army Corp of Engineers, but still could not entirely escape... -
The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong (Novel) Vol. 1 by Xue Shan Fei Hu
After Li Yu stays up all night to read an engrossing webnovel, he finally falls asleep–only to wake up in the world of the novel itself. And not as himself, but as a helpless fish! Shocked and dismayed, Li Yu quickly realizes that he must live in a tank owned by Mu Tianchi, the tyrant of the novel who never speaks... -
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu Vol. 2 by Meng Xi Shi
A PAWN IN GRANDER GAMES As emperors, generals, and kings vie for dominance, martial sects mount bloody clashes to determine who will influence the nations' leaders. Fallen and humbled, former sect leader Shen Qiao searches for direction in a tumultuous world. He finds an unlikely companion in the nefarious Yan Wushi...Categorized as:
political-intrigue sweet-hero queer disabilities and marks angst fantasy historical mystery -
Deceived by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAUTHOR'S NOTE: This book has been revised. The story Deceived has a new, longer ending. The story The Highwayman is now it's own book, and the following stories have been added to this volume: The Wager, Seconds, Runaways . This book also contains all the free ficbits posted to my website... -
After the Disabled War God Became My Concubine by Liu Gou Hua, 刘狗花
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAccording to a popular legend, the famous God of War of Great Liang, Huo Wujiu, was once captured by an enemy country. He had his meridians severed and both his legs broken before he was thrown into the prison. In order to humiliate him, that incapable ruler of the country gifted him to his cutsleeve brother as a concubine.General Huo suffered a great deal of humiliation... -
Sword Dance by A.J. Demas
Five years ago, Damiskos’s brilliant military career was cut short, leaving him with a permanent disability and scars that are not all physical. Adrift and still grieving, he tries to find meaning in an unsatisfying job. Work takes him to the remote seaside villa of an old friend, where, among an odd assortment of guests, he meets the eunuch sword-dancer Varazda...Categorized as:
disabilities and marks bisexual queer sweet-hero multicultural m-m historical ancient times -
无双 Peerless by Meng Xi Shi, 梦溪石
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 13 ratings开皇三年,上承北朝,下开盛唐的大隋刚刚拉开序幕,隋帝杨坚设解剑府,为布谋摄密,一统天下而准备。风雪之夜,于阗国前来朝贡的车队中途被劫杀,无一活口,解剑府二府主凤霄,奉帝命亲往调查。边陲六工城中,各方势力风云际会,高人强者狭路相逢。向来无往不利的凤二府主,却在一个病鬼道士身上碰了壁。不斗不知道,一斗才发现,这病痨鬼的马甲居然比自己还多。古代悬疑破案文,庙堂之高,江湖之远,你要的都有。cp:身体很残分分钟都可能挂掉的智商担当颜控受vs武力值爆表很爱演戏的自恋洁癖攻半架空,不考据。 "Peerless"In the third year of the Kaihuang era, as the Great Sui began to unfold between the fall of the Northern Dynasties and the rise of the glorious... -
The Devil to Pay by Katie Daysh
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsIn a world of gunpowder, smoke and blood, two men’s love will rise above the chaos. In 1802, The Treaty of Amiens brings the French Revolutionary Wars to an end. After the drama of the past few years, Lieutenant Arthur Courtney returns home to England where he hopes to spend a blissful summer with his close friend, Hiram Nightingale. But within weeks, HMS Loyal goes missing en route to Malta... -
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Marked by Fire by Mia West
When two warriors collide in secret, no legend is set in stone.Eighteen-year-old Arthur burns for two a warrior’s ink, and Bedwyr, his older brother’s shieldmate.Though the warlord’s son is beyond his reach, a Saxon incursion finally brings Arthur’s chance at the tattoo that will brand him a fighter...Categorized as:
military queer disabilities and marks historical m-m fantasy hurt-comfort forced proximity -
Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu Vol. 3 by Meng Xi Shi
The beloved danmei/Boys’ Love wuxia novel series from China that inspired the donghua (animated series) streaming in English!In this historical tale, a Daoist martial artist must begin a journey of healing and self-reflection as he resists the temptations of the powerful leader of a demonic sect...Categorized as:
political-intrigue sweet-hero queer angst disabilities and marks fantasy historical length-long -
Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews
Will an innocent prince forced into marriage choose passion?Sheltered in the palace with his books, Jem’s life is peaceful. Even if he’s lonely and yearning for romance, the big, strong men he wants don’t crave small, timid princes.Then he’s forced to marry a mysterious barbarian.Jem must do his duty—even if it means being stuck with Cador, a brute who dismisses him as weak... -
The Stablemaster's Heart by Sarah Honey
Mother Jones has spent his life working hard, running the royal stables at Lilleforth, and watching on fondly as those around him fall in love and lust.But nobody, man or woman, has ever stoked that fire for him—right until the new royal groom barrels into his life. Vasily is all sunshine smiles, golden hair and laughter...Categorized as:
queer demi-sexual-hero royalty fantasy m-m historical boss & employee friends to lovers -
Driven by Duty by Mia West
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA woman’s place is with those she’s willing to fight for…A warlord’s daughter has responsibilities. No one knows that better than Gwen, only daughter and political pawn of her father, Uthyr.But with her husband banished and her brother gone after him, Gwen isn’t leaving her fate in Uthyr’s hands one moment longer. She has a plan and needs an accomplice she can trust... -
The House of the Red Balconies by A.J. Demas
Hylas has come to Tykanos to build an aqueduct. He has not come to enjoy the island’s main attraction: the six houses where the companions of Tykanos, courtesans both female and male, offer tea and elegant conversation. Yet he cannot ignore them as he finds himself renting a room in one of the tea houses and meeting his neighbour, the beautiful, chronically ill companion Zo...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks fantasy ancient times m-m historical age difference friends to lovers
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