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
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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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 3 (Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) #3) by Meng Xi Shi
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA RACE AGAINST TIMEAfter the long journey to the Western Khaganate, Cui Buqu and Feng Xiao find their diplomatic efforts stymied when they are accused of murdering a Göktürk prince. Thinking on his feet, Cui Buqu requests a single day to crack the case and clear their names... -
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... -
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: 4.29 of 5 stars · 16 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... -
Devil Venerable Also Wants To Know [魔尊也想知道] by Cyan Wings, 青色羽翼
In a Mary-Sue novel, the readers all liked the Devil Venerable, the second male lead who devoted himself whole-heartedly to the female lead. However the female lead only loved the male lead who abused her physically and mentally.Readers: Why doesn’t the female lead like the Devil Venerable?!Devil Venerable: This Venerable also wants to know... -
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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... -
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Starfire by A.J. Sherwood
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
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... -
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... -
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 Painted Crown by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPrince 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... -
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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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
Armistice by Lara Elena Donnelly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsArmistice returns to Donnelly’s ravishing 1930s Art Deco-tinged fantasy world of Amberlough with a decadent, tumultuous mixture of sex, politics, and spies... -
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... -
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 -
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... -
The Stolen Court by Megan Derr
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBertin 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... -
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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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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... -
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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... -
Spoils of War by Kellie Dennis Book Cover by Design, Hannah Walker
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
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...
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