Books like 'Silent Sin'
Readers who enjoyed Silent Sin by E.J. Russell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical gay romance 20th century actors queer forced proximity secret-relationship friends to lovers age difference sunny hero
-
We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian
Casey McQuiston meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in this mid-century romdram about a scrappy reporter and a newspaper mogul's son--perfect for Newsies shippers. Nick Russo has worked his way from a rough Brooklyn neighborhood to a reporting job at one of the city's biggest newspapers. But the late 1950s are a hostile time for gay men, and Nick knows that he can't let anyone into his life... -
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
An emotional, slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, queer mid-century romance for fans of Evvie Drake Starts Over, about grief and found family, between the new star shortstop stuck in a batting slump and the reporter assigned to (reluctantly) cover his first season—set in the same universe as We Could Be So Good. The 1960 baseball season is shaping up to be the worst year of Eddie O’Leary’s life... -
Sponsored links / Remove ads
-
The Duke at Hazard by K.J. Charles
Don't miss the second thrilling standalone Regency romance in the Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune series by KJ Charles. .. The Duke of Severn is one of the greatest men in Britain. He's also short, quiet, and unimpressive. And now he's been robbed, after indulging in one rash night with a strange man who stole the heirloom Severn ring from his finger... -
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel about love and the fear of love is set among the bohemian bars and nightclubs of 1950s Paris. In the 1950s Paris of American expatriates, liaisons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality...Categorized as:
20th century forbidden love forced proximity working class hero queer historical m-m angst -
-
After Hours at Dooryard Books by Cat Sebastian
1968 New York City. News about the war might be keeping Patrick up at night--news in general might be keeping Patrick up at night--but he's doing fine. He's sure of it. He gets to spend his days selling books in the gayest neighborhood on the East Coast and his nights merrily sleeping his way through the rare book community... -
Peter Cabot Gets Lost by Cat Sebastian
Summer 1960:. After years of scraping by, Caleb Murphy has graduated from college and is finally getting to start a new life. Except he suddenly has no way to get from Boston to Los Angeles. Then, to add to his misery, there's perfect, privileged Peter Cabot offering to drive him... -
The Men From Echo Creek by N.R. Walker
In the winter of 1882, a boy from the mountains has to prove himself a man. When Albie Bramwell’s father died, he was left with two thousand hectares of mountain to farm, and little help to run it. Abandoned by all but two of his workers, the whole town of Alpine Falls called him too young to run the farm alone. Young, yes. At just nineteen, he was determined to prove them wrong... -
This and Every Life by Emmy Sanders
Once upon a time, a man chose love. Do you believe you can know someone inside and out? Know every piece of them. Their passion, their pain, their happiness and grief? Do you think it’s possible there’s one person out there that’s meant entirely for you? That out of everyone you meet in your lifetime and everyone you miss, you’ll find them without fail? Fate. Soulmates...Categorized as:
queer sweet-hero class difference friends to lovers shy-hero sunny hero actors working class hero -
Luke and Billy Finally Get a Clue by Cat Sebastian
North Carolina, 1953. Billy Reardon’s spent the past five years trying and failing to keep his teammate Luke Novak at arm’s length—or at least a normal, friendly distance. Or, failing that, he’d like to not make a fool of himself...Categorized as:
friends to lovers forced proximity virgin hero shy-hero 20th century hurt-comfort queer historical -
How Goes The World? by K.J. Charles
The Positively Final Appearance: a two-part epilogue with Daniel and Archie at a house party and Kim and Will in a gentleman's club, because those are definitely settings that go well for them. Epilogue to Think of England/Will Darling Adventures.Categorized as:
queer 20th century class difference working class hero super rich hero historical m-m mystery -
To Trust Man On His Oath by K.J. Charles
A Will Darling Adventures interlude. Set a week after the ending of The Sugared Game (so contains. mild spoilers for that book).Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer 20th century class difference super rich hero historical m-m mystery -
The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting by K.J. Charles
Robin Loxleigh and his sister Marianne are the hit of the Season, so attractive and delightful that nobody looks behind their pretty faces. Until Robin sets his sights on Sir John Hartlebury's heiress niece. The notoriously graceless baronet isn't impressed by good looks or fooled by false charm... -
Song for a Viking by K.J. Charles
‘Song for a Viking’ takes place during/just after the events of the last chapter of Think of England and will be of no use at all to anyone who hasn’t read that book. It is not a standalone. You will definitely get the most out of it if you remind yourself of Think of England’s last chapter before reading. -
These Old Lies by Larrie Barton
A second chance at love for two men who fought together in the trenches of WWI. Class, ideals and prejudice drove them apart, but now, in the safety of peacetime, an illicit gay relationship has its own joys and risks. 1916, Northern France. Corporal Charlie Villiers breaks the monotony of the trenches by having sex with whoever is willing, including the posh Lieutenant Ned Pinsent... -
-
Touch Within the Abyss by Moyori Mori
Hitman who can’t kill x Blind young man. A salvation that melts loneliness away. The tender, romantic love story of two lonely hearts, masterfully told with amazing artistic talent. The debut work of an incredibly talented newcomer! “When you’ll get to know the real me… you will be disappointed. ”. Chinatsu, a hitman, meets his destiny again. His name is Kasumi...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers forced proximity sweet-hero shy-hero contemporary m-m historical -
Eryx: A Spartan Tale by Jaclyn Osborn
My father once told me, above all else. .. Live and die for Sparta. Honor. Loyalty. Duty. These were the things that mattered most. And then Axios came into my life, teaching me other lessons: humility, brotherhood. .. love. There were moments when the brutal training stripped me of my humanity, where it turned me into a mindless beast of flesh and muscle set to destroy everything in my way...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer historical m-m angst length-long audiobook explicit-plentiful -
Until the End of Time by Nicky James
Being a gay man in 1827, was not only frowned upon in England, but punishable by death. Magistrate Simon Stockley would know. He’d convicted men in his courtroom and sentenced them himself. Every time, it left a vile taste in his mouth because Simon was no different than the men whose lives he claimed... -
The Bequest by Joanna Chambers
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDavid Lauriston and Lord Murdo Balfour have been living happily together for three years at the Laverock estate in Perthshire. But when some unexpected news arrives, Murdo must confront old demons he thought he’d put behind him forever. This story will be exclusively available to my newsletter... -
Maurice by E.M. Forster
Written in 1914 by the Nobel Prize–nominated author of Howard’s End, this intimate portrait of homosexual desire “seems as relevant as ever” (The Guardian). From early adolescence to his college years at Cambridge and into professional life at his father’s firm, Maurice Hall plays the part of the conventional Englishman... -
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Anaïs Flogny
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA gripping and lushly illustrated tale of love and lies set between 1930s Chicago and New York’s criminal underworld, perfect for fans of manga like Banana Fish and readers of graphic novels like Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me who are looking for adult LGBTQIA+ fiction. Chicago, 1930. Jules Tivoli is a penniless Italian immigrant doing odd jobs to make ends meet... -
Only You by Leta Blake
Join Peter Mandel on his final steps to love in Only You, the highly-anticipated final book of Leta Blake's ’90s Coming of Age series. Despite the lingering wounds of his past relationship, Peter is ready to take a chance on finding a faithful love and embracing his true self. Peter and Daniel explore their connection despite Daniel's complicated home life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers 20th century queer sweet-hero m-m new adult second chances contemporary -
What a Duke Desires by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTo win a prize that will redeem his shattered reputation, the Duke of Burville must masquerade as a commoner…. Wentworth Rawley might be a duke, but his title means nothing after he voted against his peers and in favor of the Reform Act…mere months after being caught in an extraordinarily compromising position with an older lover at a public party... -
A Gentleman's Gentleman by T.J. Alexander
From the acclaimed author of Chef's Kiss, a groundbreaking trans Regency romance that's both delightfully witty and refreshingly iconoclastic... -
Resilience on Canvas by Logan Sage Adams
Robert Davis, a prideful man with a fiery temper, has been taking care of his family and their farm since long before the onset of the Great Depression. But when the once-fertile land of Guymon begins blowing away, Robert knows he has to lighten his burden somehow. Desperate, he tries to marry his sister off to the son of one of the most fortunate families in town... -
-
All Roads Lead to You Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA 1980s Stepbrother Road Trip Romance. A road trip that turned into a journey. Logan. Nicholas Theodoropoulos had been my stepbrother since I was fourteen. Mom died when I was twelve, and I resented Dad remarrying so soon. Even worse, my stepbrother had grown into a gorgeous man. I hated looking at him, reminding me every day of what I could never have. No one knew I was gay and never would... -
Deck the Halls in Secret Agents by Aster Glenn Gray
Christmas Eve, 1991. The Soviet Union is on the rocks, and so is George Douglass's career in espionage. Nonetheless, the American agent is wading through a blizzard on one last mission. But when George emerges from the snow at a supposedly abandoned chateau, it's lit up like a Christmas tree... -
Home for Charlie by Minerva Howe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCharlie Putnam loves his job at the Grand Springs hotel, not because he adores front desk work, but because he gets to meet all kinds of people, which he'd be too scared to do otherwise. He's also being allowed to redecorate some of the rooms... -
Will & Patrick Wake up Married Serial, Episodes 1-3 by Leta Blake, Alice Griffiths
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsJoin the fun in this romantic comedy serial by best-selling author Leta Blake and newcomer Alice Griffiths! Episode One: Will & Patrick Wake Up Married. After a drunken night of hot sex in Vegas, strangers Will Patterson and Dr. Patrick McCloud wake up married...Categorized as:
queer age difference forced proximity hurt-comfort super rich hero m-m contemporary humor -
Jaxon by Ruby Raynes
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAlex:. My life is going fine. Okay, it was going fine until I found myself both homeless—my trusty car Trixie on her last leg—and in need of a fake fiancé. What I don't expect is for Jaxon, my long-time crush and the owner of Ink Me, to come swooping in like a knight in shining armor... -
A Sanctuary for Soulden by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry
He wasn't meant for a quiet life. Philip Winthrop, Viscount Soulden, is a fop. An idle popinjay with nothing more on his mind than how to best knot his cravat. He definitely doesn’t spy against the French. Or arrange hasty weddings. Or occasionally commandeer the navy. And he certainly doesn’t seek out mortal danger in order to combat his pervasive ennui...Categorized as:
class difference queer historical regency m-m length-medium explicit-open-door audiobook -
Now and Then by William Corlett
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsNow. Christopher Metcalfe returns to his family home in Kent after the death of his father. Sorting through a box of memorabilia from his days at public school, Chris is suddenly confronted by the face that has haunted him for thirty years... -
The Grand Deception of Benedict Blackmoor by Gaia Tate
"Benedict Blackmoor was not in want of a wife…". With echoes of Bridgerton and Jane Austen's novels, this Steamy Gay M/M Romance is a daring, sparkling, twisted tale of love and deception set in a re-imagined Regency era. Benedict Blackmoor, a 24-year-old heir to a grand estate, faces an impossible ultimatum from his dying grandfather: find love or lose the family fortune to his younger brother... -
Honeytrap by Aster Glenn Gray
At the height of the Cold War, a Soviet and an American agent fall in love. Soviet agent Gennady Matskevich is thrilled when he's assigned to work with American FBI agent Daniel Hawthorne. There’s just one catch: Gennady’s abusive boss wants him to honeytrap his American partner... -
Separate Rooms by Pier Vittorio Tondelli
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsSoon to be a major film adaptation by Luca Guadagnino, Separate Rooms is a masterpiece of Italian literature, and a heartbreaking portrait of love, grief, and the daily realities of being a gay man in 1980s Europe. Thomas, a young German musician, is dying. His older boyfriend, a renowned Italian writer named Leo, finds it impossible to watch the slow and inevitable demise of his lover... -
-
Mr Warren's Profession by Sebastian Nothwell
Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life. Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn’t stopped working since. When Lindsey wins a textile mill in a game of cards, he falls at first sight for the assistant clerk, Aubrey. Lindsey is certain that Aubrey is the Achilles to his Patroclus, the David to his Jonathan... -
Dublin Bay by John Patrick
In 1939, the world tumbles toward war and the lives of two young men will be forever changed. James Brennan grew up in the poorest of Dublin’s tenements, turning adversity to advantage wherever he could. But he’s nearly a man now—with a good education at that—and wants more from life than what he can get as a day laborer, or following his father into the factory... -
The Last Kiss by Sally Malcolm
A tender and triumphant story of forbidden love in the aftermath of war. When Captain Ashleigh Arthur Dalton went to war in 1914, he never expected to fall in love. Yet over three long years at the front, his dashing batman, Private West, became his reason for fighting—and his reason for living. But Ash’s war ends in catastrophe... -
The Venetian and the Rum Runner by L.A. Witt
New York City, 1924. Once their paths cross, their worlds will never be the same. Danny Moore and his crew only meant to rob the hotel suites of rich guests. He wasn’t supposed to find himself in gangster Ricky il Sacchi’s room. And il Sacchi wasn’t supposed to wind up dead. Now Danny has the attention of another notorious gangster... -
Broken Blades by Aleksandr Voinov, L.A. Witt
Rainbow Award Winner 2016 “Best Gay Book”. They only had one night together—a stolen interlude at the 1936 Olympics. After Mark Driscoll challenged Armin Truchsess von Kardenberg to a good-natured fencing match, there was no resisting each other...Categorized as:
20th century forbidden love queer forced proximity hurt-comfort secret-relationship m-m military -
The Servant and the Gentleman by Annabelle Greene
A surly gentleman and his overworked clerk fake a relationship in this swoonworthy Regency romance from Annabelle Greene. William Hartley’s wealth and social standing often make up for his short temper, but they can’t cure his claustrophobia. He’d lost hope of finding help for it, until meeting Josiah Balfour... -
Walking Wounded by Lauren Gilley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLuke always thought he’d grow up to be a famous author. He also thought nothing could ever damage his relationship with his childhood best friend, Hal. He thought a lot of things that proved to be untrue. Now he barely makes rent and proofreads articles at a New York gossip rag, dreaming about what-might-have-been. He’s not bitter about it. He’s not. And he certainly isn’t lonely... -
Middle Ground by Ursula Zilinsky
Two males meet in a Nazi labour camp: half-Jewish teenager Tyl von Pankow, saved from the gas-chambers by the influence of his Prussian grandfather, and Johannes von Svestrom, war-wounded veteran of the Afrika Korps, now sentenced by Hitler to a terrible command... -
-
Eleventh Hour by Elin Gregory
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsBorrowed from the Secret Intelligence Service cipher department to assist Briers Allerdale - a field agent returning to 1920s London with news of a dangerous anarchist plot - Miles Siward moves into a 'couples only' boarding house, posing as Allerdale’s 'wife'... -
-
He's Come Undone: A Romance Anthology by Adriana Herrera, Emma Barry
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor him, control is everything. .. until it shatters, and now he's come undone. "Appasionata" by Emma Barry. Piano technician Brennan Connelly lives to control details: the tension on a piano string or the compression of hammer felt. But he's never faced demands like those heaped on him by Kristy Kwong, the diva who's haunted his dreams for two decades... -
Rebel by Sally Malcolm
Falling in love is just the beginning. .. Samuel Hutchinson has lived his whole life in Rosemont, Rhode Island. And as far as he’s concerned, his future is fixed: complete his legal training, marry a respectable woman, and settle down to raise a family. But Sam never counted on meeting Nathaniel Tanner... -
Counterpoint: Dylan's Story by Ruth Sims
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAt eighteen Dylan Rutledge has one music. He believes his destiny is to be the greatest composer of the rapidly approaching twentieth century. Only Laurence Northcliff, a young history master at The Venerable Bede School for Young Gentlemen, believes in Dylan’s talent and encourages his dream, not realizing Dylan is in love with him... -
Gemini by Michel Tournier
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJean and Paul are identical twins. Outsiders, even their parents, cannot tell them apart, and call them Jean-Paul. The mysterious bond between them excludes all others; they speak their own language; they are one perfectly harmonious unit; they are, in all innocence, lovers. For Paul, this unity is paradise, but as they grow up Jean rebels against it... -
On Wings of Song by Anne Barwell
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA chance meeting they never forgot. Six years after meeting British soldier Aiden Foster during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Jochen Weber still finds himself thinking about Aiden, their shared conversation about literature, and Aiden’s beautiful singing voice. A visit to London gives Jochen the opportunity to search for Aiden, but he’s shocked at what he finds... -
The Door Behind Us by John C. Houser
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIt’s 1919, and Frank Huddleston has survived the battlefields of the Great War. A serious head injury has left him with amnesia so profound he must re-learn his name every morning from a note posted on the privy door. Gerald “Jersey" Rohn, joined the Army because he wanted to feel like a man, but he returned from the trenches minus a leg and with no goal for his life...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

