Books like 'The Substitute Bride'
Readers who enjoyed The Substitute Bride by Samantha Cayto also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical gay romance fantasy height-difference age difference arranged marriage hurt-comfort marriage of convenience war military
-
将进酒 [Qiāng Jìn Jiǔ] by Tang Jiuqing, 唐酒卿
Rated: 4.68 of 5 stars · 14 ratings中博六州被拱手让于外敌,沈泽川受押入京,沦为人人痛打的落水狗。萧驰野闻着味来,不叫别人动手,自己将沈泽川一脚踹成了病秧子,谁知这病秧子回头一口,咬得他鲜血淋漓。两个人从此结下了大梁子,见面必撕咬。“命运要我一生都守在这里,可这并非是我抉择的那一条路。黄沙淹没了我的手足,我不想再臣服于虚无的命。圣旨救不了我的兵,朝廷喂不饱我的马,我不愿再为此赴命。我要翻过那座山,我要为自己一战。”-The Six Prefectures of Zhongbo were ceded away in surrender to the external enemies, and Shen Zechuan was taken into custody in the capital, reduced to *a drowning dog loathed and condemned by all... -
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... -
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 (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... -
-
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... -
Requiem of the Rose King, Vol. 6 by Aya Kanno
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe intrigue and royal conspiracy in Shakepeare’s Richard III is given a dark manga twist that will appeal to aficionados of both comics and the classics.Richard, the ambitious third son of the House of York, believes he is cursed, damned from birth to eternal darkness... -
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... -
Fairytales From Verania by T.J. Klune
New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune invites you back to the land of Verania in a new collection of short stories starring the beloved characters from the Tales of Verania series.In the opening story—The Unicorn in the Tower—Gary is a princess trapped in a stone tower by the evil Lady Tina DeSilva, who plans on sacrificing him on the first full moon after his eighteenth birthday... -
Palace of the Omega, Vol. 2 by Fumi Tsuyuhisa
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThe omega prince of a poor nation has been sold off to a wealthy alpha king for political and financial gain, but all is not as it seems.Ilya, the 13th prince of a small kingdom, was born an unexpected—and very much unwanted—omega whose birth brought shame upon his royal family... -
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... -
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... -
Requiem of the Rose King, Vol. 4 by Aya Kanno
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsRichard, the ambitious third son of the House of York, believes he is cursed, damned from birth to eternal darkness. But is it truly fate that sets him on the path to personal destruction? Or his own tormented longings? Based on an early draft of Shakespeare’s Richard III, Aya Kanno’s dark fantasy finds the man who could be king standing between worlds, between classes, between good and evil... -
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... -
-
Ballad of the Desert by Tong Hua
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsYu Jin is an orphan, who was raised by wolves in the desert before a Han living with a Xiongnu tribe takes her back to camp. She soon becomes friends with Xiongnu children, including Yu Dan, Yi Zhi Xie and Mu Da Duo.One year later, due to political changes, her foster father is killed. His only wish was for her to return to his hometown Chang'an, in the Han Dynasty... -
-
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...Categorized as:
military arranged marriage queer historical ancient times fantasy from hate to love m-m -
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... -
Wild Sky by Zaya Feli
Tauran Darrica has been retired from the Valreus Sky Guard for four years following the Battle of the Broken Wings that resulted in the death of his dragon. Now, all Tauran wants to do is spend his days forgetting the past and gambling his way to an unsteady income... -
The Painted Crown by Megan Derr
Prince Istari has spent his life reviled: his parents wish he had never been born, the royal court of Belemere avoids him for fear of angering the king, and everyone else is kept away by his notorious reputation as a deadly sharpshooter. Now a hostage of peace in Tallideth, he is subjected to their hatred as well—even that of Regent Vellem, who once considered him a comrade in arms... -
The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA timely reimagining of the story of Dionysus-Greek god of ecstasy, revelry, and ruin-and a captivating queer love story for readers of The Song of Achilles and Elektra.Raised in a Greek legion, Phaidros has been taught to follow his commander's orders at all costs... -
The Half Life of Valery K by Natasha Pulley
From the author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Kingdoms, an epic Cold War novel set in a mysterious town in Soviet Russia... -
Taming the Tiger 1 by Brothers Without A Tomorrow
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsUm seinen kleinen Bruder mit Tierblut medizinisch zu versorgen, macht sich Geum-Hoo, der älteste Sohn der Familie Ahn, auf die Suche nach einem Schlachter. Unterwegs trifft er auch auf einen solchen, der jedoch namenlos ist und einen seltsamen Eindruck macht. Geum-Hoo beschließt, den Fremden "Beom" zu nennen und ihm in seinem Haus ein Obdach zu gewähren... -
-
Shirewode by J. Tullos Hennig
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Novel of Robyn Hood King of the Shire Wode. That is what they will call you... Home razed by Church edict, loved ones struck down by treachery, Rob of Loxley is left for dead. Taken by an old druid master into the deeps, Rob emerges as driven leader of a tight-knit band of outcasts, claiming the forest as their own and wielding the Horned Lord's vengeance with silent, deadly arrows... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Horatio by T.J. Klune
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOn October 15, 1979, two men take to the road, leaving their town behind, waiting for the peanut farmer president to come onto the radio to make an important announcement about the future of all mankind. In the hours leading up to the broadcast, Jamie and Harry will look back on their relationship, and what it means to live in defiance like there's no tomorrow... -
Stone Age Husband Raising Journal by Jué Jué, 决绝
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat should you do when the person you like is no longer loyal? Find another one!This time, in order to avoid trouble, Xiong Ye chose the weakest man in the tribe as his new companion.In any case, he can afford him!With his strength, he’ll definitely be able to let his own man eat meat every day instead of grass... -
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... -
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... -
Two Rivers by Zoe Saadia
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHaving survived the failed raid on the enemy lands, Tekeni had no illusions. He was nothing but an enemy cub, adopted into one of the clans, but not accepted, never for real. To fit in was difficult, to run away - impossible. To get into trouble, more often than not, was the only available option. They did not expect anything else from him, anyway... -
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... -
-
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... -
Teahouse, Chapter 1 by Emirain
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWelcome to The Teahouse, where a motley bunch are ready to serve in and out of the bed. Enter Sir Rhys, a regular client who has turned The Teahouse upside down with his blunt put-downs and skilled moves... -
Tempted by Ruin by Mia West
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsan alternate cover edition can be found hereGawain has earned his place in Arthur’s small gang of warriors with a bold agility that pays in their secret missions against the Saxons. Capturing the heart of a certain mercenary has been the hawk’s only failure. “Try again in seven years,” Palahmed said. As if Gawain had nothing better to do than mark the hours... -
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 age difference fantasy ancient times m-m historical friends to lovers length-short -
Don't Judge A Prince By His Undergarments by Lisa Oliver
The only goal Prince Syrius Fortune of Rosenhip had during his twin sister's "meet the suitors" ball, was to stay quiet and out of the way. His sister's event had been in the planning for five years, and he and his loving father had already agreed trying to seek a wedding contract for himself was not a good idea... -
The Royal Rogue by Sarah Honey
Thomas Malone is the new Captain of the Guard at Lilleforth Castle. He loves his job, but it leaves him no time for himself. It's been way too long since he's had anyone share his bed, let alone his life. To say he's frustrated is an understatement.To make matters worse, the King’s disreputable cousin Evan Devere, the Duke of Ravenport, is back from his travels... -
Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsAlexander the Great died at the age of thirty-three, leaving behind an empire that stretched from Greece and Egypt to India and a new cosmopolitan model for western civilisation. In Alexander's childhood, his defiant character was molded into the makings of a king... -
The Wife is First 妻為上 by Lu Ye Qian He
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsThe wife is first, the country is second, and the husband is of lesser importance.All of his life was spent riding a war horse and accomplishing meritorious military services. But what was the result? In the end, he was cast aside once he had served his purpose.Out of selfishness, he had favored his consort and neglected his wife... -
To Take an Enemy's Heart Volume 1 by Yusa
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“Careful! Orders are no one is to tell him that he was sold to his enemy.”Kassan is believed to be the sole survivor of the Azkun clan, after Master Igen, a ruthless ruler, slaughters his family. Master Igen brings the young boy as a slave into his home, exploiting, beating and starving him. The only one who cares about him enough to risk the Master’s wrath is Lanour, a fellow slave... -
-
The Training Of Erasmus by C.S. Pacat
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIntroduces Erasmus and Kallias and describes some of the training and lives of royal slaves in Akielos from early life until they graduate to serving in the palace in Ios... -
Wild Roses and Pretenders Vol. 1 by Kamoburger
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA beautiful Boys' Love manga featuring romance between a servant and his master!Desperate to financially support his ailing mother, Noah leaves his hometown to enter into the service of the Reinhardt family... -
The Prisoner by T.J. Land
Six months locked up in His Majesty’s finest prison. No matter. He’s survived worse. Bad food, cramped cell, itchy clothes…nothing a retired soldier can’t endure. Except there’s also the matter of his cellmate. His obnoxious, rude, annoyingly handsome cellmate. M/M romance, fantasy, one shot...Categorized as:
military queer m-m fantasy historical from hate to love length-novella explicit-open-door -
Black Knight, Volume 03 by Kai Tsurugi
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEager to prove his worth to his kingdom, Prince Christian has taken cover in Brigadoon's caravan as a hostage to infiltrate the Dundalk Empire. Negotions for peace between the kingdoms is all the young prince yearns for, but the rebellious Falcon's Talon group has something else in mind.. -
Spoils of War by Kellie Dennis Book Cover by Design, Hannah Walker
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJecks Cordant, High General of the Kabarian army was used to life being a certain way. Jecks knew things didn’t tend to change when you were at the top of your career. He was wrong. In one moment, because of one small letter, his entire world tilted. Everything was different... -
Black Snow by EAB
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPrince Brier Snow has lived in the shadow of King Snow’s exalted memory. However, his fate changes when he nears his majority and Lirend’s steward queen attempts to dethrone him by exploiting an obscure requirement in the late king’s will: a yearlong sabbatical...
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.

