Books like 'Merry in Spite'
Readers who enjoyed Merry in Spite by Irene Bahrd also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance funny christmas queer friends to lovers
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A Very Marian Christmas by Lucy Lennox
12 Marian Men-A-Mating... I mean, A-Meeting11 Blind Dates-A-Blinding 10 Lords-A-Leaping (to conclusions)9 Ladies Dancing (okay, maybe that's Griff)8 Kids-A-Complaining 7 Changes-A-Clothing6 Love Junk Gadgets5 **DRA-AAG QUEENS**4 Calling Neighbors3 Nosy Grannies2 Men Falling In LoveAnd a partridge in a pear tree...Categorized as:
friends to lovers christmas queer m-m age difference humor contemporary siblings-bff -
Misdirection by Gregory Ashe
Finding a missing boy will be hard. Dinner with Shaw’s parents might be murder.When a rising star in the state senate asks Shaw Aldrich and North McKinney to transport her son, Flip, to and from his drug testing appointments, they’re not happy—they don’t do babysitting jobs... -
Sleigh It Ain't So by Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFitz Harlow has the idyllic life he always dreamed of. With the fashion industry a distant memory, he now revels in the joy of running his own salon. In addition to his flourishing career, Fitz has found the love of his life, Jack, and inherited a colorful family of former Green Berets and their loving partners... -
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... -
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Jonty's Christmas by Barbara Elsborg
Have you ever had something that you’re really looking forward to but dreading at the same time? Jonty’s always longed for a traditional family Christmas, and his boyfriend Devan thinks it’s the perfect time for Jonty to meet his big, boisterous, Christmas-loving family. But Jonty’s sure Devan’s parents aren’t going to think he’s good enough for their son. He probably isn’t...Categorized as:
christmas queer contemporary humor m-m age difference class difference length-novella -
Forever Wilde in Aster Valley by Lucy Lennox
When Miller Hobbs finds himself on a winter vacation in Colorado with the giant, exceedingly loud, Marian and Wilde families, he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself. He’s not really a Marian or a Wilde despite having DNA ties to both... -
Rebel without a Claus by Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsLife for Leopold de Loughrey is anything but ordinary. His meticulous and logical mind is both a gift and a curse, especially when it comes to finding a heartfelt present for his beloved fiancé, Ward Kingston. As Christmas and their first milestone anniversary draw near, Leo is eager to find the ideal gift that will perfectly capture their deep love and devotion... -
Stud by K.M. Neuhold
Stud: A boss, knob, or nail head...or, you know, the hot guy who’s way too young to keep asking me out with that adorably earnest smile …It’s been three years since West walked into my bar and asked me out for the first time. I was relieved he stopped asking after the first few “no”s and a way-too-good-to-be-real kiss. He’s fifteen years younger than I am; it can only lead to trouble...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m age difference found-family humor length-medium -
Here Comes My Man by Lauren Blakely
A red-hot, enemies-to-lovers, fake boyfriend, second chance romance, and the conclusion to the Hopelessly Bromantic Duet!Let me just say this -- fake dating the cocky movie star was not my idea. Especially since he’s my former roomie and, gulp, my secret ex.But my agent tells me I have no choice since I’m ridiculously overdue with turning in the next big blockbuster love story to my publisher...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers m-m contemporary from hate to love second chances angst humor -
Indirection by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRabid readers. Backbiting authors. A romance convention from hell.Shaw Aldrich and his best friend, boyfriend, and partner, North McKinney, are doing great, thanks. The aftermath of their search for the Slasher has finally settled down. Their private investigation agency is thriving. And after years of missed opportunities, they’re finally together... -
Musical Mayhem by Alley Ciz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsHelp Wanted: Producer for the latest album from multi-platinum selling band Birds of Prey.Enter Sammy Rhodes.Famed DJ The Spin Doctor.Musical genius.Fits with the band like he's our sixth member.We hired him on the spot.So what's the problem?He's also all broad shoulders and dazzling smile, and has this flop of hair I constantly yearn to brush away from his handsome face... -
Aaron's Awakening by K.C. Wells, Meredith Russell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAaron isn’t looking for love, but it finds him – and it has a few surprises in store…A laidback man who goes with the flowAaron is happy for his friends who’ve found love, but he’s starting to feel as if he’s an endangered species – a single guy. Not that he’s looking for anyone...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m humor contemporary bisexual queer-awakening length-medium -
Jingle Bells & Mistletoe by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsJonathan watched all of his friends fall in love, get married, and grow their families. All he’s ever wanted is a relationship as wonderful as the one his parents have always had... -
Starts With a Bang by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe best way to get over a cheating jerk is to get under someone new. Dominic isn’t looking for love or salvation at the Thirsty Cowboy. He needs a temporary escape from the drudgery his life has become, and the universe provides him with the sexiest distraction he’s ever seen. Sven is a sucker for sad eyes, thick thighs, and a Royal Cosmopolitan...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m hurt-comfort found-family age difference contemporary humor -
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Uncomplicated Choices by Cara Dee
When life gave you lemons, you learned who stayed and made lemonade with you. Or something to that effect. And the day Ellis Hayes kidnapped me—or, he borrowed a yacht and didn’t know I was on board—he'd definitely been handed too many lemons. We faced a dilemma when I woke up hungover in the middle of the ocean...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer humor m-m age difference contemporary single-father queer-awakening -
Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJory holiday ficlet from Mary Calmes...Categorized as:
queer christmas m-m contemporary humor hurt-comfort from hate to love length-novella -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 6 by Leslie Copeland, Daryl Banner
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOnce upon a time, a bunch of authors wondered.. -
Damage Control by Lynn Van Dorn
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsEverything to lose. Tyler’s worked hard to kick the dust of the Chicago suburbs off his heels and move on with his life as Hollywood’s newest up-and-comer, burying his demons and hiding his scars from the world. Just as everything seems to be going his way, a scandal from his past threatens everything he’s worked for... -
Dealing Him In by Charlie Cochet
Play with fire, and you’ll get burned. Santos “Saint” Cavallero had his life all figured out when he married his high school sweetheart, joined the Navy, and became a SEAL. After years of being deployed, Saint comes home for good, only to discover his wife has fallen for another man. Now divorced and a bodyguard for Four Kings Security, Saint loves his job and his found family... -
Marc Jillson & The Gazebo by Anyta Sunday
Want true, heart-throbbing romance? Put down the Cheetos, and stop being a jackass.The question is, can I do it?I’ve been an epic dick to my friends, my uncle. Him.Travis Hunter. Photographer, econ-student, paraplegic. Can I redeem myself? Apologize? Make a fresh start?Hunter seems to think so. Even roped me into saving his favorite gazebo from the bulldozers.The confidence of this man amazes me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m humor new adult contemporary from hate to love disabilities and marks -
XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHow do you ask your best friend to be your first time?Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.Just one problem—Henry hates my guts...Categorized as:
friends to lovers christmas queer m-m contemporary new adult from hate to love humor -
Jingle Bell Rock by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThe crossover event to end all crossovers!One night. Seven couples. A Christmas they’ll never forget.Jingle Bell Rock features seven couples from across the Ella and Brooke universe, all coming together in one story to bring you joy, happiness, and a little Christmas cheer... -
Dearest Malachi Keogh by N.R. Walker
Julian Pollard never believed in love at first sight. That was until he met Malachi Keogh. Well, maybe it wasn’t love at first sight, but it sure was something.Julian had forgotten how to live, how to be happy, and Malachi changed all that. Now together for four years, Julian wants to give Malachi a Christmas he’ll never forget... -
A Very Henry Christmas by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA 12,000 word short story about food, fluff, and fornication. Henry wants to share his and Reed’s first Christmas Eve being engaged by hosting dinner with their closest friends. Henry loves food and he loves to cook—he plans an entire menu and decorates the house to rival a department store, but even though everything’s perfect, something’s not quite right... -
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Got Me Merry by Casey Cox
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsCan my best friend get me to enjoy the holidays? Ho... Ho... Um…No? Christmas just isn't my jam. The crowds. The cold. That Mariah Carey song blasting everywhere I go. Thanks, but no thanks.Don't get me wrong. I'm no Grinch. The holidays are awesome if you have a great family and money to shower them with gifts. Unfortunately for me, I have neither of those things...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer grumpy sunshine contemporary college humor m-m mature couple -
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare... -
North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShort stories from Borealis: Without a CompassNorth and Shaw: Out of Office Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“Couple Friends”As a (relatively) new couple, North and Shaw learn what it means to have friends as a couple—and how to be friends in a relationship. This story takes place before Indirection... -
Salesman Mateo by Sam E. Kraemer
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsMateo Torrente A strong sense of loyalty coursed through the lifeblood of the Torrente family. Anyone who knew any of us would attest to it. We looked out for each other and didn’t take threats against family members for granted. Giuseppe Torrente, my papa, was regarded as the patriarch, not only for his branch of the family but all of its members, in Italy and America... -
The Rest of Forever by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDoes love stand a chance between two very different long-time friends? Mike Dombruso’s life is anything but glamorous. He’s a shy, nerdy accountant and a widower with three young sons, whose world revolves around his kids. In many ways, Yoshiro Miyazaki is Mike’s polar opposite... -
Harder They Fall by J.D. Light
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen his dad makes it obvious he isn't going to kick the good-for-nothing thief and liar of a son and Branson's brother to the curb, Branson decides he can't sit and watch his father shower undeserved praise on a man who will undoubtedly just steal from him again and leave him swinging in the breeze... -
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBad Boyfriend, Inc—when you can’t find a good boyfriend, why not hire a bad one instead?To supplement his income while he’s completing his Early Education degree, Harry Townsend hires himself out as a terrible date—for a set fee, he’ll horrify parents and family members in all sorts of interesting ways. But when it comes to actual relationships—and sex—Harry doesn’t get the appeal... -
24 Dares of Christmas by Lee Blair
On the first day of Christmas, my dear aunt sent to me: twenty-four dares in a fugly advent tree…The only way I’m going to survive a month of holly jolly misery post-breakup is to hibernate through the Christmas season before moving away for my new job. Two things blow my straightforward plan to smithereens: 1... -
Waking Up Filthy by R. Cayden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhy in the hell is there a naked, tattooed man in my bed?I’m a closeted tennis pro, and I’m certainly not accustomed to waking up with strange men.Never mind that Gabriel is a notoriously flirty rock star and, according to the marriage certificate we find in our Vegas hotel room, my new husband.Last night is a drunken blur, but there’s no doubt in my mind what needs to happen this morning... -
Legally Brawn by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy boyfriend left me a year ago...but sometimes you have to fight for true love, right?When Clayton breaks off our relationship to find someone more "serious" in law school, I'm devastated but not defeated. I just have to show him I have brains as well as brawn.I study hard to get into law school and prove myself. But when I get there, ready to reclaim my man, he's moved on.. -
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Shrewd Angel by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsPax Polo is the swashbuckling guitarist for Serenity Free. Correction: Was the swashbuckling guitarist for Serenity Free. Now he sports a black eye and his bros have kicked him out of their band—three weeks before Christmas. It’s an unfamiliar kick to his over-inflated ego, but . . . whatever. No problem... -
A Gift-Wrapped Holiday by Amy Aislin
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMal's first priority is giving his six-year-old son the best Christmas ever, a goal made trickier by a recent move to New England after losing his job. As a single dad, he's not looking for romance—especially not with a blond California boy ten years his junior...Categorized as:
christmas friends to lovers queer age difference contemporary m-m grumpy sunshine humor -
North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNorth and Shaw: Out of Office is a collection of short stories. It includes the following: “Bad Boys at the Radio Girls” Radio Girls is a lesbian bar. A group of straight guys thinks it’s funny to crash. North and Shaw are hired to take care of this problem (and they try not to fulfill the white savior stereotype while doing so). This story takes place before Orientation... -
The Holiday Experiment by Rhys Everly
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWanted: Single, hot, young man to sweep…my best friend’s brother off his feet.EnzoAfter failing big in Boston, I’m back home with my tail between my legs.And then somehow I rope myself into getting Carson’s dating life in order.We make a bet. Get him a boyfriend before Christmas or I lose and I have to do what he says... -
His Boy to Love by Chloe Gray
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDear Santa,Please help me. I'm in love with the adorable man next door, but despite my awesome flirting powers, he doesn't notice me at all. I even sing to his dog every night before bed, but does he declare his undying love? No... -
Moody's Grumpy Holiday by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe geek, the cowboy, and a not-so-grumpy holiday… MoodyLiving in Christmas Town doesn’t make me a fan of the holidays. Quite the opposite. In fact, eleven months out of the year, I’m perfectly happy running my bookstore in peace and quiet. Of course, that changes in December when it’s mistletoe madness and mayhem. Ugh... -
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsHollywood heartthrob meets med school dropout in this contemporary British MM romance.When your key credential is looking good in spandex, your first serious role matters. Too bad that Gabe Duke can’t seem to get a proper handle on the molecular biologist he’s meant to portray... -
Web of Lies by Isla Olsen
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJesseMy little brother is getting married and I couldn’t be happier… Well, maybe I could if I hadn’t just been dumped by the boyfriend I thought was about to propose, kicked out of my New York apartment, and, worst of all, lost one of the pediatric patients under my care at the hospital where I work as a nurse...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer humor m-m from hate to love contemporary second chances queer-awakening -
Out For the Holidays by Cara Dee
I’m not saying Henry jinxed us when he chose to send out two hundred holiday cards stating we were going to have a blissful Christmas at home… Before we knew it, our peace and quiet went out the window, and we were headed to Mexico for a photo shoot my agent had neglected to tell me about...Categorized as:
christmas queer humor m-m age difference contemporary explicit-plentiful length-short -
Pick One by May Archer
I once lived a fairly quiet existence as a math professor. Then Teagan Donahue crashed into my life like a shooting star. Now every day's a holiday, and my very best friend is also the guy I can't stop fantasizing about.The guy I'm madly in love with.The guy I'm ready to turn down my dream job for... -
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New Hope by Annabella Michaels
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhat do a city cop who’s never been with a man and an out-and-proud, small-town doctor have in common? Besides being single dads, more than they know.A year after divorcing his wife, Ford Scott leaves his job with the NYPD and moves to a small town in Rhode Island, hoping to get a fresh start for himself and his daughter, Ellie...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary men in uniform humor single-father queer-awakening -
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Andi James, Lila Wilde
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne lonely lawyer. Twelve blind dates. Finding his special someone will take a Christmas miracle. Aiden would rather eat an entire fruitcake than face his ex and his ex’s new boyfriend at their company holiday party — especially by himself. So when his best friend suggests he find some arm candy, Aiden reluctantly agrees to a few blind dates... -
Betting on His BF by Eli Easton, Tara Lain
Big Bet. Big Trouble. Big Love. When Felix the Quiz Bowl Champion reveals other oversized assets besides his brain, it takes PJ, the super-wheeler-dealer, to wangle maximum profits from it—in bets, wet jock strap contests, and Wang of the Week... -
Reunion by Neve Wilder
Cole: Dane was everything I wanted to be in high school. Popular, confident, insanely hot. He was also my best friend and secret crush until I managed to screw that up. When I see him again after nearly a decade apart, I’m floored. If anything, he’s even sexier. But more importantly, he’s not holding any grudges. In fact, he seems… interested in me...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m humor contemporary bdsm explicit-plentiful length-novella -
My Straight Husband by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsA marriage of convenience is one thing. But married to a straight guy? That’s a whole different story…Brooklyn: I’ve got a dissertation to finish and tenure to secure. The last thing I’m looking for is romance. But with my advisor’s charity on the brink of losing funding, I’ve got one shot at saving it...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary age difference humor queer-awakening length-medium -
Walk With Me by Cardeno C.
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA Book in the Home Series When Eli Block steps into his parents' living room and sees his childhood crush sitting on the couch, he starts a shameless campaign to seduce the young rabbi. Unfortunately, Seth Cohen barely remembers Eli and he resolutely shuts down all his advances...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m queer-awakening humor age difference length-short
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