Books like 'Shades of Darkness'
Readers who enjoyed Shades of Darkness by Nicky James also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
gay romance shy-hero virgin hero queer disabilities and marks dual-pov first-person-pov tortured hero
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Twist and Shout by Gabriel (AO3), Standbyme
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsDestiel FanficWhat begins as a transforming love between Dean Winchester and Castiel Novak in the summer of 1965 quickly derails into something far more tumultuous when Dean is drafted in the Vietnam War. Though the two both voice their relationship is one where saying goodbye is never a real truth, their story becomes fraught with the tragedy of circumstance... -
Reckless Hearts by Jax Calder
Some people are meant to be in your life. Others are meant to turn your life upside down. Seb: Marcus is my sister’s best friend. He’s also the most gorgeous and charming man in the universe. And he knows it. He’s always seen me as a nerdy geek who can’t string together a coherent sentence around him...Categorized as:
queer tortured hero dual-pov first-person-pov contemporary m-m second chances secret-relationship -
Touch the Lightning by N.R. Walker
Without a working office, Jeremiah is tasked with repairing the automated weather station on Oxley Island. It’s remote, only accessible by boat, and with there being a good chance of crocodiles, he’s dreading it. Tully, on the other hand, can’t wait. With a boat licence, his dad’s boat, and two days alone with Jeremiah—and with thunderstorms likely—to Tully, it’s another perfect adventure... -
Looks Over by Rose Christo
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 18 ratings"There's nothing wrong with trying to get to know my son's boyfriend." Skylar knows he's lucky to have an open-minded father. It's not just that Skylar and Rafael are both boys. Between their families exists a dark and turbulent past: Rafael's father was the first serial killer in the history of the Nettlebush Indian Reserve, and Skylar's mother was his last victim... -
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Where There’s Smoke by Cole McCade
ABOUT THIS EPISODE They say where there's smoke, there's fire—but Malcolm and Seong-Jae have a lot of blood and no body in a case where the only witness to a murder may be the killer himself. Yet as they chase down a victim who may or may not exist in a crime that may or may not have happened, it's the sparks flying between them that threaten to ignite into dangerous flame.. -
Into the Tempest by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsJeremiah Overton is now in charge of Darwin’s Bureau of Meteorology, and his storm chaser boyfriend, Tully Larson, couldn’t be happier. For Tully, it means watching summer storms with the love of his life but for Jeremiah, it means relearning everything on equipment that’s older than he is. But summer storms also mean it’s cyclone season...Categorized as:
tortured hero queer dual-pov first-person-pov m-m suspense contemporary forced proximity -
Ninety One Whiskey by komodobits
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSupernatural Fanfic - Dean/CastielIn the spring of 1944, the 104th Medical Battalion of the United States Army is disbanded, and its men reassigned to various infantry companies in preparation for their invasion of occupied France... -
Ranger by K.M. Neuhold, Nora Phoenix
I’ve been living under storm clouds since my honorable discharge, but Julian’s the sun.I’ve tried everything to deal with my PTSD from yoga to sunning my butthole, but nothing seemed to help.So when my brother suggests a therapy dog, I figure I don’t have anything to lose...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks virgin hero dual-pov first-person-pov military contemporary m-m -
On Circus Lane by Lily Morton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him.Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee.Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland... -
Remember Me When by Brooke Blaine
Remember Me When is the second and final book in the heart-rending and passionate Unforgettable Duet from USA Today Bestselling Author Brooke Blaine. My worst nightmare and your greatest fear became a reality: You don’t remember me. You don’t remember the accident, or the weeks afterward. You don’t remember my bed as your safe place, or when, against all odds, you fell for me...Categorized as:
queer first-person-pov dual-pov m-m friends to lovers contemporary second chances height-difference -
Limited Edition Husband by Lauren Blakely
One weekend with no strings was supposed to be the plan.After barely escaping my last train wreck of a romance, I’ve got a new dating goal—play it cool.I stick to that strategy when I meet a hunky Brit at a fundraiser and ask him to grab a drink... -
Ruin by Lila Rose
Joshua “Ruin” May has been a dick in the past. He’s trying to rectify one such dickish moment by helping out a friend, and he wants to make sure this time he doesn’t let her down. His journey leads him to Melbourne and a whole heap of unexpected trouble, namely an irritating crime boss.Wolf.A man who gets on his nerves and seems to revel in winding him up... -
The Remarkable Lover by Maya Jean
JacksonDreams collapse in the blink of an eye, I know that better than anyone after losing my career as an athlete. Now I spend my days giving people pleasure for pay and playing with stocks. Most of my friends have settled in Clay Springs, Florida. A sleepy little town that moves slower than molasses...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks tortured hero shy-hero dual-pov found-family contemporary hurt-comfort -
Playing With Spencer by Izaia Winter
Spencer desperately wants to love a little, but it’s not in the cards for him. Spencer Howell knows what it’s like to get burned, and once was enough for him. Littles are strictly off limits. It doesn’t matter how cute they are, or how much their innocent smiles warm his heart. He knows to keep his distance. And he’s fine with that… most of the time...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks first-person-pov dual-pov m-m bdsm age play contemporary -
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Inked Temptation by Carrie Ann Ryan
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThis Montgomery finds his match in this touching second chance romance from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.I thought I was moving on from my divorce, but now my ex is marrying someone else. I shouldn’t be this broken up, but it’s hard to put on a brave face when my family is basically an inked up Hallmark movie... -
A Flowering of Ink by K.L. Noone
One misdirected card ... and a chance at love.Professor Burne Cameron loves his job and his environmental research. Unfortunately, three months of field work on a tiny island can get pretty lonely, especially when even his brother forgets his birthday. That is, until an unexpected letter arrives ... and Burne finds himself fascinated by the mysterious sender... -
Dom of Ages by K.C. Wells, Parker Williams
Collars and Cuffs: Book Seven Eli may only be thirty, but he has had enough of pretend submissives. When he spies Jarod in a BDSM club, everything about the man screams submission. So what if Jarod is probably twenty years older than Eli. What does age matter, anyway? All he can see is what he’s always wanted—a sub who wants to serve... -
Trajectory by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRising tensions between Malcolm, Seong-Jae, and Aanga Joshi reach a tipping point — and send our devilish duo on a rogue mission. Mal and Seong-Jae are off the radar, off the rails, and determined to track down the connection between Sila and the Golden Ratio Killer, no matter who stands in their way.One way or another, they'll put a name and a face to the nightmare.One way or another.. -
The Unbreakables: Volume 1 by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratings***Note that this bundle includes books already available as single titles*** It’s time to go on a roller-coaster ride through the underbelly of Cincinnati with the Unbreakable Boys! Since the completion of the Unbreakable Bonds series, we wanted to offer readers bundles of the series so that they can easily flow from one book to the follow-up short story collections, getting the full... -
Dip Out by Eve Holmes
A journey through the wilderness can reveal the wild within.Arthur Mercer has spent his life hidden in Newfoundland’s rugged wilderness, where nature’s untamed beauty offers him peace from an overwhelming world. As a renowned wildlife photographer, he finds solace in the quiet, predictable presence of birds and nature, which matches the solitude he craves...Categorized as:
virgin hero queer shy-hero dual-pov first-person-pov m-m contemporary friends to lovers -
Salt by Fearne Hill
When was the right time to tell someone that silver flames were shooting from their hair? And that your own tranquil green desired nothing more than to tangle with them, if only it could escape a malevolent orange flare hounding your every move?Over-stressed businessman Charles Heyer is not like most people... -
Hard Line by Sidney Bell
Premed student Tobias Benton is making amends for his past. He keeps his head down, mouth shut and colors within the lines. But when his close friend Ghost goes missing, Tobias will do whatever it takes to get answers—including using blackmail to enlist some help. The last thing he’s looking for is romance... -
Broken Halos by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOliver Knight’s past is shrouded by sorrow and tragedy, but instead of hiding from it, Ollie owns his truth and uses his experiences to uplift others. As an out and proud pastor, he provides a safe place for LGBTQ Christians to gather and worship, and as a recovering addict, he counsels those pursuing sobriety. Ollie’s life is fulfilling but also a little lonely... -
Messy Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDane Chris is a great doctor, but he can’t heal me… I learned to look out for myself on the streets and in juvie. I’ve cleaned up my act, but it doesn’t mean that I’m about to start trusting a guy to stick around. Especially not a clean cut doctor like Chris. No wonder I ended things between us the first time around. I’m sure it’s for the best... -
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All I Believe by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNico Dombruso has learned to keep the world at arm’s length after being badly burned by his last relationship. Even so, he decides to let himself enjoy a summer fling while on vacation in Italy. It’s just sex after all, so what’s the harm? He gets so much more than he bargained for when he meets gorgeous, mysterious, art dealer Luca Caruso... -
Hard to Hold by Jaclyn Quinn
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPerfect, happy, “Jonah the Savior”, that’s how most people see Jonah Taylor. What they don’t always see is how incredibly overwhelmed he is with his new business or how lonely he is. When a painfully shy man enters his wellness center, all Jonah wants to do is help break him out of his shell. The problem is, the attraction he feels to the nervous, timid man is undeniable... -
Homebird by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsCrispin Henry isn’t an adventurer. He learned early on that the world is a frightening place and that home is rare and precious. If his friends didn’t drag him to sports games and ill-advised trips to Vegas, he wouldn’t get out at all—and his trip to Munich for Oktoberfest is no exception. But it’s there that he meets Luka Gabriel, and he learns to take a chance... -
A Not So Typical Love by Tristen Rowen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsJordan and Jamie’s love is anything but typical. Jordan Cameron is not like most nineteen year olds. He’s never been on a date, he’s never left New England, and he’s never fallen in love. He lives in his own world, or so that's what it seems to the average person. No one, not even his thirty-one year old brother, Tim, has ever given him the chance to break free... -
Starting Over by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsColt Matthews is trying to find his way in the world. His friends are getting married, finding rewarding careers, and moving forward with their lives. Meanwhile, twenty-one-year-old Colt is still trying to figure out who he is and what he wants out of life. About the only thing he knows for sure is that he’s undeniably drawn to his friend Ren, despite their age difference...Categorized as:
queer first-person-pov dual-pov m-m age difference contemporary new adult friends to lovers -
Picking Cherries by Kiki Burrelli
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsShy and unsure, what Shiloh needs is a steady hand to guide him.Shiloh Formes has lived his young adult life in fear of turning into his brother. Seamus couldn’t make the right choice if it bit him in the bottom. But Shiloh didn’t graduate high school early to spend his life partying like his brother... -
Kiss My Axe by R.M. Neill
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPerryYou know that saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Well, whoever said that never had the misfortune of meeting Roman Auclair.Sure, he’s sexy and wears a corset like nobody’s business, but he’s arrogant, entitled and so damn judgemental he should sit on the Supreme Court.I’d rather sleep with a porcupine than bunk with him... -
Hidden Blade by Kaje Harper
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsSometimes willpower isn't enough.Cam Social anxiety's been my constant companion for twenty-three years, sometimes in the background, sometimes silencing me and yanking my guts out in the nearest trash can. No matter how much I love playing music, I'm never going to get up on a stage and perform in front of a crowd... -
In Sequence by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsABOUT THIS EPISODE The Golden Ratio killer resurfaces in California to target a former victim, and this time the case takes Malcolm and Seong-Jae hunting deep into his past, searching for connections between victim and killer that may reveal his identity... -
The Happy List by Briar Prescott
GrayThere are some things I excel at:- Exercising rigid control over every aspect of my life- Making sensible decisions at every turn- Being organized, predictable and responsible to an abnormal degreeIn short, I’m boring as hell and in desperate need of a change.Luckily I have my best friend by my side and a newly written to-do list to guide my way through the murky waters of finding happiness...Categorized as:
queer dual-pov first-person-pov m-m contemporary friends to lovers humor queer-awakening -
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The Endless Road to Sunshine by Nicky James
My name is Jason Atkinson, and I married a serial killer. My world shattered on a cold April morning when they took my husband away in cuffs.The life I knew, the man I loved, and the world I believed in was nothing but a lie. He stole my trust, my happiness, and my faith in humanity, and I’m not sure how to move on...Categorized as:
queer first-person-pov dual-pov m-m age difference contemporary grumpy sunshine secret-relationship -
Painted Lace by K.M. Neuhold
Austin never realized he was painting his life with shades of gray, until Keaton came along and injected a rainbow of color.Keaton is a tornado of chaos and paint, which turns out to be more exciting than I ever would’ve imagined. I love my organized, predictable life...or at least I thought I did... -
Promises of Forever by Nicky James
Rated: 3.94 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsLife can change on a dime.Childhood tragedy left Koa Burgard with many scars. Reclusive and still healing, he is sent to summer camp, where the other kids tease and bully him. All except outgoing and popular Jersey Reid. A boy who dreams about being a hockey star. A tentative friendship forms. Every summer, they reconnect for adventure. Every winter, they write letters back and forth... -
Something Borrowed by Lily Morton
Stan has never let his blindness hold him back, but he’s beginning to realise his love life is keeping him from moving forward.He can’t remember a time when he wasn’t in love with his best friend. Rafferty is everything to him—his partner in crime, his confidante, and the person who understands him best. But Rafferty is incapable of reciprocating Stan’s feelings...Categorized as:
dual-pov queer disabilities and marks friends to lovers contemporary m-m humor united-kingdom -
For the Cameras by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOur fans get to see everything when we’re together on camera.But what’s between the two of us is strictly for the videos… right?I’ve been a socially awkward introvert for my whole life—and not a soul knows that I upload anonymous videos to an adult site. By day, I’m a shy office worker. At night, I have my hand, my phone camera, and a little secret.Chase is my polar opposite...Categorized as:
queer first-person-pov dual-pov shy-hero m-m friends to lovers found-family bisexual -
Winter Cowboy by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMicah Lennox left Whisper Ridge after promising the man he loved that he would never return. But the only way he knows to keep his pregnant sister and nephew safe is to go home. Spending winter in Wyoming opens too many old wounds, but he's on the run from justice which can't be far behind, and this is his last chance at redemption... -
Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsGrant Kostas made a career based on his looks before joining his family’s real estate firm. He may not love his job but he’s better at sales than he thought. And when he’s poised to bring in the biggest account of the company’s history, even his father is impressed. Unfortunately, the extra attention highlights Grant’s personal life. His parents accept that he’s gay... -
Color Blind: An MM Romance by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSetting out on your own is tough, but for Mason Fullerton, who was born blind, it’s even more of a challenge. Mase decides that the key to independence and a life of his own is getting a job. His mother, who has always been there for support, isn’t so sure, but Mase is determined. He manages to secure an interview, and one of the men conducting it has a voice that wraps around him like a blanket...Categorized as:
disabilities and marks queer contemporary multicultural m-m friends to lovers length-novella -
In-Laws vs. Outlaws by L.A. Witt, Cari Z.
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsReally, guys? Seriously?A fifth book after we said you were getting a standalone?Oh, and now you want a wedding . Because you’ve made it through four books and—You know what? Fine. But we’re not going easy on you.Bet you wish you’d just gone to Vegas don’t you, August and Ricardo?In-laws vs. Outlaws is the final—so help us, it really is the final —book in the Hitman vs. Hitman series... -
Wanted: Hot Daddy (Love on Tap: Fragile Hearts) by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHayden thinks he’s unlovable. I think he’s feisty and fun. Hayden knows he isn’t special enough to find love. He’s been through an abundance of men and no one’s stuck. When The Tap Tavern has their first Daddy/boy night, he makes an appearance with low expectations and an even worse attitude.Waylan is a Daddy who’s given up on searching for a boy of his own... -
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Found at the Bookstore by Christi Snow
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter suffering a traumatic brain injury the final football game his senior year in high school, Ryder Garrett’s life was never normal again. Most days he’s happy when he can remember the way home. There’s no room in his life for romance or love, which means he’s destined to die a virgin. Stig Minton doesn’t remember what virginity felt like... -
Once Burned by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCameron Doyle is an arson investigator who’s learned he can’t trust anyone. Ignacio Mondelvano is an artist with a secret that could tear them apart. A year ago, shy, quiet Cameron had his trust shattered by a sociopath who used him to gain information on an arson case... -
Rocky Mountain Refuge by Nicky James
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRun! Hide! We are watching you, Huxley! Huxley Dempsy suffers from a paranoid personality disorder. After a horrific tragedy five years ago, Huxley is convinced people are out to get him. Taking refuge in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, he is a prisoner to his own mind. If he can think it up, it must be true, and there is no convincing him otherwise... -
Adore by E. Davies
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“I’m gonna go from twink to twunk.” Tired of hookups, Caspian Grey is hitting the gym, though he can’t decide who he’s trying to impress—the sexy gym owner, or his dating app buddy, Bi Unicorn. If he can pack on some muscles, maybe a man will finally overlook his quirks and hold onto him. Matt Rowan owns a safe, welcoming gym, but his bank account and love life are equally empty... -
A is for Aftercare by Colette Davison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA famous author, a new job, and a party with a difference. Are these the makings of a perfect romance?A is for Aftercare is the story of two men falling in love, while they explore their desires together, which include blindfolds, sensory play, and lots of cuddles. It's the first of three steamy, low angst novels, which follow each of the ABC triplets as they find love... -
Killer by K.C. Kean
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI am damn good at my job, and that’s because I follow one never mix business with pleasure. But what happens when this job comes in the form of a tall, blond baker of sugary goodness? In my line of work, temptation equals distraction, and I’m not willing to put Nate’s life on the line. At least, that’s what I tell myself right up until the moment I close the door to the safe house behind us...
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