Books like 'Hold Fast'
Readers who enjoyed Hold Fast by Sebastian Nothwell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical gay romance victorian bdsm anal sex tortured hero virgin hero boss & employee sunny hero cold hero
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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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine caretaking sunny hero tortured hero queer forbidden love anal sex hurt-comfort -
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...Categorized as:
grumpy sunshine forbidden love anal sex cold hero sunny hero queer hurt-comfort tortured hero -
Twist and Shout by Gabriel (AO3), Standbyme
Destiel 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... -
A Seditious Affair by K.J. Charles
K. J. Charles turns up the heat in her new Society of Gentlemen novel, as two lovers face off in a sensual duel that challenges their deepest beliefs. Silas Mason has no illusions about himself. He’s not lovable, or even likable. He’s an overbearing idealist, a Radical bookseller and pamphleteer who lives for revolution . . . and for Wednesday nights...Categorized as:
bdsm forbidden love queer anal sex disabilities and marks cold hero caretaking hurt-comfort -
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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... -
The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian
A scoundrel who lives in the shadows Jack Turner grew up in the darkness of London's slums, born into a life of crime and willing to do anything to keep his belly full and his siblings safe. Now he uses the tricks and schemes of the underworld to help those who need the kind of assistance only a scoundrel can provide... -
The Lawrence Browne Affair by Cat Sebastian
An earl hiding from his future . . . Lawrence Browne, the Earl of Radnor, is mad. At least, that’s what he and most of the village believes. A brilliant scientist, he hides himself away in his family’s crumbling estate, unwilling to venture into the outside world...Categorized as:
boss & employee grumpy sunshine caretaking cold hero queer forbidden love anal sex tortured hero -
Ninety One Whiskey by komodobits
Supernatural 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...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks historical m-m war from hate to love length-epic explicit-open-door -
Golden Terrace, Vol. 1 by Cang Wu Bin Bai, 苍梧宾白
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...Categorized as:
queer caretaking hurt-comfort anal sex disabilities and marks historical m-m from hate to love -
Kidnapped by the Pirate by Keira Andrews
Will a virgin captive surrender to this pirate’s sinful touch? Nathaniel Bainbridge is used to hiding, whether it’s concealing his struggles with reading or his forbidden desire for men. Under the thumb of his controlling father, the governor of Primrose Isle, he’s sailing to the fledging colony, where he’ll surrender to a respectable marriage for his family’s financial gain...Categorized as:
forbidden love virgin hero grumpy sunshine sunny hero cold hero caretaking anal sex queer -
Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian
Will Sedgwick can’t believe that after months of searching for his oldest friend, Martin Easterbrook is found hiding in an attic like a gothic nightmare. Intent on nursing Martin back to health, Will kindly kidnaps him and takes him to the countryside to recover, well away from the world.Martin doesn’t much care where he is or even how he got there... -
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... -
The Bequest by Joanna Chambers
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
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The Charioteer by Mary Renault
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsAfter enduring an injury at Dunkirk during World War II, Laurie Odell is sent to a rural veterans’ hospital in England to convalesce. There he befriends the young, bright Andrew, a conscientious objector serving as an orderly. As they find solace and companionship together in the idyllic surroundings of the hospital, their friendship blooms into a discreet, chaste romance... -
All Roads Lead to You Special Edition by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA 1980s Stepbrother Road Trip RomanceA road trip that turned into a journey. LoganNicholas 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... -
Blindsided by Carly Marie
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI sent my boss into subspace before lunch. Now what?Easton knows, in the world of professional hockey, he’s getting old and his body can’t take many more hits. When a job offer too good to pass up falls into his lap, Easton goes for it. What should be the start of a new chapter, opens another he thought had closed when he'd been drafted... -
Just a Little Heartache by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLondon playwright Niall Cristofori stands on the verge of becoming one of the most celebrated authors of his generation with the highly-anticipated production of his latest work, Love’s Last Lesson. But Love has a few lessons left to teach Niall himself. He has never been able to get over his first love, the man who made his world come alive ten years ago, then left him heartbroken... -
All Roads Lead to You by Courtney W. Dixon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA 1980s Stepbrother Road Trip RomanceA road trip that turned into a journey. LoganNicholas 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... -
A Scandal for Stratford by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsHe has all he could ask for. James Lewis, the Earl of Stratford, has precisely what he wants: a quiet existence on his family estate, a thriving horse trade that leaves him plenty of time to work on the final volume of his anonymously published opus, The Maiden Diaries, and a deeply committed albeit unconventional relationship with his stablemaster, Harold Granger... -
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... -
What a Nobleman Needs by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsHis adolescent infatuation is back, but will Mac get Ellis into trouble, or will the rake need rescuing himself?Seven years ago, Ellis Copeland had his eyes opened when he stumbled on his Uncle George with one of his flings. Lord MacKenzie Young, Baron Fulbright, has lived in Ellis’s fantasies ever since... -
Unspeakable Acts by Jackson Marsh
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratings"Death will come da capo, suddenly silent, and you will not hear your final applause. Fail us, and you die." Blackmail, a death threat and an opera. The Clearwater Foundation is to be launched with a charity gala at the City Opera House where Archer's old friend, Cadwell Roxton, is to star. But Roxton has a dark secret... -
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... -
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The Road to Silver Plume by Tamara Allen
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsSecret Service operative Emlyn Strickland may be new to field work, but his talent for identifying counterfeit bank notes, honed over ten years at the Treasury, has given Sing Sing’s population a respectable boost... -
When Skies Have Fallen (When Skies Have Fallen) by Debbie McGowan
For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He’s a thinker and a dreamer; however, it’s not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms—his best friend Jean—who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks military historical m-m secret-relationship length-medium open-door -
One Glimpse by Lydia Gastrell
For years Sir Samuel Shaw has secretly lusted after the handsome and popular Lord John Darnish, a man known for his good humor, expert riding prowess, and very female mistress. Certain that John is an unattainable fantasy, Sam is shaken when an accidental discovery reveals John might not be as unattainable as he once thought... -
Just a Little Danger by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEverett Jewel is the hottest star the London stage has seen in a generation. He is brash, sensual, and sure of himself. Men and women throw themselves at his feet, and he laps up the attention. But all of Everett’s glittering star power hides his wounded heart. He has adoration, but he longs for a love that he doesn’t think he’s worthy of, due to his dark past... -
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... -
The Oak and the Ash by Annick Trent
A standalone M/M historical romanceRadical surgeon George Evans is called to the scene of a midnight duel between an earl and his cousin. Despite the strained atmosphere in the house, George finds he must stay and tend to the injured duellists. Fortunately, his sojourn is made more than bearable by the earl's quietly competent and oddly attractive valet, Noah Moorecott...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks historical m-m regency length-medium open-door forced proximity -
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... -
Flowers by Night by Lucy May Lennox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA vivid, meticulously researched novel that depicts unconventional lives during the first half of the 19th century in Edo—the city that would become Tokyo—a city wracked by frequent natural disasters, but where one can find bawdy, thrilling entertainment of every kind...Categorized as:
queer disabilities and marks m-m historical age difference f-f found-family length-medium -
Just a Little Seduction by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsDavid Wirth has made it his life’s work to fight for the rights of those who cannot defend themselves and to navigate England’s choppy legal waters for fellow members of The Brotherhood. Tracking down the three villainous noblemen, including a powerful duke, who have masterminded a child kidnapping ring promises to be the pinnacle of his career seeking justice for the helpless... -
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Just a Little Christmas by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratings‘Tis the season to catch up with some of your favorite couples from The Brotherhood series!Life is good in the safe and sheltered neighborhood of Darlington Gardens, where several members of The Brotherhood have made their home. Niall Cristofori and Blake Williamson are building a new life there with Blake’s daughters... -
Just a Little Madness by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsOpposites attract and sparks fly, but can they be contained?Member of Parliament, Edward Archibald, lives in constant fear of being discovered as a gay man and having his life ruined because of it. He has avoided scandal in every way possible...until his brother runs off with a married duchess and kidnaps Lord Selby's son and heir... -
Just a Little Mischief by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsValet Xavier Lawrence hasn’t seen much of the world. So when his employer, the Duke of Selby, takes him along on a transatlantic voyage in pursuit of his missing son and heir, Xavier is thrilled with the opportunity. But the excitement over his first taste of salt air and the sea is nothing to the thrill of an opportunity for a secret affair... -
Just a Little Rivalry by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsSolicitor John Dandie will go to the ends of the Earth for his friends and his clients. And in the case of Lord Blake Williamson, Duke of Selby, in the search for his missing son, the ends of the Earth just happen to be Long Island, New York. With Lady Selby finally cornered at her father’s seaside mansion, convincing the woman to return Lord Stanley should be child’s play... -
A Dangerous Game by Victoria Vale
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWelcome to The Perdition Club, where games are played for the highest of stakes …Jonas Thacker wouldn’t be caught dead in The Perdition Club, a godforsaken den of iniquity where sinners go to play. However, notorious rakehell and Jonas’ former schoolmate, Derek Dryden, has begun courting his sister... -
By The Currawong's Call by Welton B. Marsland
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA small town, a new arrival, and a love that is as undeniable as it is unlawful... Victoria, Australia, 1891 Anglican priest Matthew Ottenshaw receives his first posting in tiny Dinbratten, two days’ ride from his Melbourne home... -
His Lordship's Blood by Samantha SoRelle
Even after a year of having an earl for a lover, Dominick still isn’t prepared for the dazzling high society of Bath with its ruinous gossip and scandalous fashions. All he wants is to uncover who his parents are so he and Alfie can return to their quiet life in Scotland...Categorized as:
queer anal sex disabilities and marks caretaking hurt-comfort mystery historical regency -
The Magician's Angel by Jordan L. Hawk
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsVaudeville stage magician Christopher Fiend lives for the spotlight. His chance at big time stardom awaits him in Chicago, the next stop on the circuit after the little town of Twelfth Junction. Edward Smith wants nothing to do with his family's theater. Until Christopher catches his eye on opening night, then treats him to a very special performance during intermission... -
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... -
The Soldier and the Spy by Annabelle Greene
A beholden man finds himself falling for the war hero he’s destined to double-cross.Three hundred pounds for one night of protection. It’s a job offer, but it’s also a ruse. Captain Benjamin Frakes, war hero and de facto head of the Society of Beasts—a club for gentlemen who prefer gentlemen—is tempted to turn it down...Categorized as:
victorian grumpy sunshine forbidden love anal sex cold hero virgin hero tortured hero queer -
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Just a Little Gamble by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsEverything that makes them opposites is what attracts them to each other…Bad boy composer Samuel Percy is the talk of London…but only because high society cannot believe a black man could reach such prestigious heights in the artistic world. His quest to prove himself is complicated by his sister—known as The Black Widow—and her mischievous schemes... -
The Thief of Peace by Jess Whitecroft
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsShort on cash and in desperate need of patronage, Florentine artist Niccolò di Volpaia is thrilled when the head of the wealthy Albani family approaches him with an offer. He is less thrilled when he discovers that the offer has nothing to do with his artistic ability and everything to do with his reputation as a hard-drinking wastrel. Albani’s three legitimate sons are dead... -
The Last Crimes of Peregrine Hind by Sierra Simone
Peregrine Hind, known to all as the bloodiest highwayman ever to bedevil the road, seeks only one thing—revenge against the Dartham family. And so when a robbery sends the second Dartham son and notorious rakehell Alexander Dartham tumbling to Peregrine’s feet, it seems like fate has given Peregrine his vengeance at last... -
A Rival for Rivingdon by J.A. Rock, Lisa Henry
He must marry well, to secure his fortune.The Honourable Loftus Rivingdon is poised to make his debut into Society. He’s beautiful, charming, and quite the catch of the Season. If only he could find the right hat. With the zealous assistance of his doting mother, Loftus has one ambition only: to meet and marry a wealthy peer... -
The Impetuous Afflictions of Jonathan Wolfe by Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsEight years after leaving the deserts of Africa and the French Foreign Legion behind, Jonathan Wolfe has settled into life at Hawthorne Manor in the English countryside. Johnnie helps his adopted family run the manor and provide a safe, loving home for a new generation of “brats”: boys mistreated and discarded for their homosexuality—something all too familiar to Johnnie... -
Rebel by Sally Malcolm
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFalling 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...
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