Books like 'Ruin My Life'
Readers who enjoyed Ruin My Life by Julia E. McColgan also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
gay romance queer anal sex male-pov college small town hurt-comfort
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Dirty Laundry by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFor ex-cop turned private investigator Cole McGinnis, each day brings a new challenge. Too bad most of them involve pain and death. Claudia, his office manager and surrogate mother, is still recovering from a gunshot, and Cole’s closeted boyfriend, Kim Jae-Min, suddenly finds his teenaged sister dumped in his lap... -
Censored Soul by Anne Malcom
I give myself to strangers. When I'm on stage, and when I'm off it. Whether it's throngs of screaming fans or just one man, it's always outsiders. People who don't know me. Not the real me. It's easier, because then it's not so obvious that there is no real me. Just layers of lies. Then I'm peeled back to the nerve. Showing the world my ugly. Everyone sees me for what I am... -
Pink Heart Jam, Vol. 1 by Shikke, しっけ
A drunken dare turns into a college student’s chance to confront his own sexuality—by visiting a male brothel!For college student Haiga, starting school in the big city is a chance to make new friends and try new things. On the first day of classes, he spots an impossibly gorgeous upperclassman named Kanae strumming a guitar and decides to join the school’s rock band... -
Landon Alexander by Michael Robert
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEight years ago, Landon Alexander’s father was imprisoned for committing an unspeakable crime, and Landon is still picking up the pieces of his shattered life. With his mother a shell of her previous self and the family business in peril, Landon’s in over his head as he attempts to restore the legacy he was born into... -
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Jonty in Russia by Barbara Elsborg
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Devan, Best Boyfriend in the Entire World, books them a trip to Russia in February, Jonty’s excitement knows no bounds. There’s packing to do, plans to be made, and places to see.Armed with his smile and a handful of dubious Russian Phrases, Jonty is ready for the delights Vladivostok has to offer—the famous glass beach he’s dreamed about, ice skating on a frozen sea, and snow... -
Reining in the Bad Boy by Jacki James
What kind of loser pretends to have a boyfriend?Oh, yeah, that’s me, Landon Nichols. I’m the loser. In my defense, I didn’t actually make up a boyfriend. My mom just assumed I had one, and I figured if it made her feel better to think I had someone in my life, then what could it hurt? Nothing, right?Until she decides I need to bring my pretend boyfriend home for Christmas... -
Positive Raleigh by Sam E. Kraemer
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsRaleigh ‘Nemo’ Wallis Positive. One word with a lot of meanings—but not all of them are good.When I remember my time in the Navy as a SEAL, I know one word will define me and shape the course of my life until I die... -
Wheels Down by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsShaw isn’t his friend—until Ross discovers he’s so much more. Ross Stanton is having a bad week—a bad month—really, a bad year . But the last thing he wants, after the betrayal of his friend and business partner, is for anyone else to know just how much he’s fighting for survival...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer m-m friends to lovers forced proximity contemporary length-medium -
Alone On the Water by MadLori
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsSherlock Holmes never expected to live a long life, but he never imagined that it would end like this. - 7725 WordsSorrow’s my body on the wavesSorrow’s a girl inside my caveI live in a city sorrow builtIt’s in my honey, it’s in my milkDon’t leave my half a heart alone on the waterCover me in rag and bone sympathyCause I don’t want to get over you... -
Keeping Secrets by Alexa Land
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe truth can cost you everything. Twenty-six-year-old Beck Medina is convinced of that. He’s been abandoned by so many people over the course of his life, including most of his adopted family. Now he’s created a new family for himself at the resort he manages on Catalina Island. But they don’t know the whole truth about him... -
Rhythm of Us by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsXavier Cruz has come home after touring with his band for eight years, a life his family and friends would never envy if they knew the truth. Haunted by past decisions, he’s lost himself and his music. Every day is a struggle to recapture them both and forgive the mistakes he’s made. Can Xavier push past his nightmares and hear the melodies all around him again?Ben St... -
Chasing You: A Single Dad Romance by E.M. Lindsey
“Playing house-husband to my best friend isn’t weird, right? Even though I’m head over heels in love with him and he doesn’t have feelings for me?”Adele is a caretaker. Always has been, always will be. So when his lifelong best friend comes home after losing his job to a nervous breakdown and chronic illness, Adele steps in...Categorized as:
queer hurt-comfort anal sex small town male-pov men in uniform friends to lovers contemporary -
The Girl in the Wind by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsThe price for the truth might be their family. When Theo and Auggie return home—safe and sound and miraculously alive after being dragged into a murder investigation—all Theo wants is for life to get back to normal. No more murders. No more investigations. Nothing, in other words, that might put Auggie in danger... -
All We Are by Jessie Walker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsPride. Will and Waylon have been through hell and back—more than once. But they’re still standing, still loving each other, still embracing their found family. And that’s something Will is stupidly proud of. He’s happier than he’s ever been, and more in love than he ever thought possible. He just hopes he can find a way to make Waylon believe in them as much as he does. Pride... -
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An Allotment of Time by Ripley Hayes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMurder? Suicide? Accident? Or all three? Daniel Owen is coming to terms with not being a cop. He’s happy to find a bunch of likeminded people at the town allotments — until one of them is brutally murdered. Mal Kent is settling into his new job as the man-in-charge of Melin Tywyll CID. The fly in the ointment is bigoted, lazy DI Carey, Daniel’s replacement... -
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
Rookie by Eddie Cleveland
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings* Although part of a series, you will enjoy it as a standalone as well!Rookie is everything you love in an MM first time gay romance. A journey of self-discovery, the undeniable sparks with the man who makes him question everything, the moment of realization, the secret relationship, and coming out... -
'Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Sinners Gin Anthology For Crossroads Gin rock stars Miki, Damien, Rafe, and Forest, life is a Möbius strip of music, mayhem, and murder. Through it all, the sweet, hot moments between tours with lovers, friends, and family keep them sane, healthy, and happy. This Sinners collection features short stories spanning the entire series, from before the first note to after the lights go out... -
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... -
Embracing Love, Vol. 3 by Youka Nitta
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"Perfect for newcomers to the yaoi genre."-AnimeFringe.com The romantic adventures continue as Iwaki and Katou engage in a ten-day sexual romp that leaves them both exhausted and eventually affects Iwaki's day job as an adult film star. But things take a turn for the worse when Iwaki finally confesses his love for Katou . . . a statement that the impossibly beautiful blond does not want to hear... -
The Law of Miracles by K.C. Wells
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe sequel to A Christmas Promise… Joshua Trant is doing his best to support his son Micah and Micah’s partner Greg as they approach the trial of Greg’s attackers. This was never going to be easy, especially as Greg wants them prosecuted for a hate crime, but County Attorney Alexander Rycliffe assures them he’ll do his utmost to make sure the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions... -
Amid Our Lines by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRealising your new boss is the adult star you fancied as a teenager? Awkward.In the snow-kissed Swiss Alps, Adrian’s world is a high-wire act of old-world charm and new-world problems at the Gletscherhaus Hotel. Enter Eric, an undercover London songwriter, seeking a mental break in a place where the Wi-Fi is as patchy as his past relationships... -
Spring Rains by R.J. Scott
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsWhen love is on the line, the only way to move forward is to challenge ghosts of the past and find a place to belong.High School Teacher Chris, an amputee since his teens, has wrestled with darkness and emerged victorious. He’s a pillar of strength in the classroom, deflecting his overbearing family by day and yearning for love by night... -
Hannah's Big Night by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA Jory and Sam Thanksgiving... -
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Fearless by Nicky James
Maxwell Cunningham is a daddy who’s spent far too many years without a boy to call his own. It’s a part of his past he was sure he’d buried long ago. While in town for business, he ventures into Bottoms Up and sets eyes on a sassy, stubborn bartender whose flair and poorly hidden struggles call to him on a level he can’t ignore. Krew Cruwys may be a spitfire, but he is not a boy. No way. No how... -
Embracing Love, Vol. 1 by Youka Nitta
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is a love story about Iwaki and Kato - two impossibly gorgeous looking actors that feel an immediate attraction to one another, but don't know how to express their love... -
Just a Little Heartache by Merry Farmer
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 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... -
Warrior’s Walk by Raquel Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsFate only takes an instant to play her hand.Rhett MarshWhen my leg shattered, I thought my whole world was shattered.Riggs pieced both back together again, and then he disappeared.I never expected to see him again on the other side of the world.Navarro Riggs is a lot of things…Devastatingly hot.My savior.A brave warrior.But, my physical therapist? Yeah, I didn’t see that coming... -
Love Means... Endurance by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Love Means... Story Together for over ten years, Geoff and Eli built a fulfilling life. Their love and support helped raise their adopted son. Their hard work and dedication grew their farm from raising cattle and boarding horses to expanding into therapy riding sessions. Surrounded by a loving circle of friends, Geoff and Eli couldn’t ask for more... -
The Ghosts Between Us by Brigham Vaughn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDr. Christopher Allen knows how to deal with death. He’s a psychiatrist who works with hospice patients and their families, helping them cope with grief and letting go. But Chris’s job doesn’t prepare him for the sudden death of his devil-may-care brother Cal. At Cal’s funeral, Chris is completely thrown when he meets Elliot Rawlings, an artist Cal has been dating... -
Perfect by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAdoption is hard. Paperwork and more paperwork, lawyers and more lawyers and it seems like begging and choosing....all to get your heart broken when the expectant mother backs out. Not wanting to go through that again, or put Morgan through it again; they opted out. Unfortunately, the new guy didn't get the memo and they were chosen by expectant young mother, Haley... -
Never Say Goodbye by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWho knew getting snowed in at the airport could be so much fun?The nomadic lifestyle of a wildlife photographer is perfect for Ren Stewart—he travels the world with no obligations, no place to call home. With time between assignments, he’s ready to leave the cold New York winter for sunny California. But twenty inches of snow on a layover means his flight’s canceled and he’s stranded... -
Until Jude by Briar Prescott
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI'm the first one to tell you doing the right thing has never been high on my list of priorities.Same goes for respecting the law. And ethics in general.It's more like guidelines anyway.Until him.Jude Riley.I invite myself into his life and refuse to leave. I know it's wrong. I know I shouldn't.I do anyway.It's never meant to turn into anything serious.It's never supposed to matter.Until it does... -
Intimation by Vee Hoffman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBook 3 in the Acclamation series, Intimation chronicles the months following the end of Lent and Easter holiday and the increasing and intensifying intimacy between Michael and Dominic. Moments stolen away from public sight, even when foreshadowed by Dominic’s approaching graduation and Michael’s intentions for the future, only serve to strengthen their feelings for each other... -
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ChrisMyths by Amy Lane
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter courtship, cohabitation, and learning about love and each other, Andy and Eli face the ultimate test: being separated at Christmas.Eli’s seen the propaganda—the country boy goes home from the city and realizes his heart is back among the snow, trees, and chickens. A big happy family is something Eli, with his demanding job running a shelter for LGBTQ youth, can’t provide... -
Never Have I Ever: Wanted My Brother's Rival by Willow Dixon
“Why is the one person I hate the only guy I can’t stop thinking about?”West, my older brother’s high school rival. The rich kid who has it all. The guy who disappeared six years ago and destroyed my brother’s life.I thought West and I were friends. I trusted him, but he showed me I was nothing more to him than a means to an end.Being twenty and in my last year of college isn’t easy...Categorized as:
college hurt-comfort queer anal sex small town from hate to love m-m forced proximity -
The Geography of Happiness by Jay Hogan
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOne thing I know about Terry O’Connor—the man has complicated relationship written all over him, something I’ve avoided for pretty much forever. One thing I know about Terry’s hometown, Painted Bay—it’s a long, long way from my life as a Mackenzie Country veterinarian, and dedicated, carefree bachelor. All of which should be good news... -
After Ben by Con Riley
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"Seattle Stories: Book One" A year after the sudden death of his longtime partner, Ben, Theo Anderson is still grieving. The last thing he's looking for is a new lover. But as Theo soon discovers, sometimes life has other plans... -
The Only Thing I Need by Jenny Wood
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsJordan is a new member of "The House"; the transitional housing unit where our previous hero's, Alvin and Josh work. Once a housemate and now an employee; Jordan still suffers from PTSD, nightmares and flashbacks from being held captive and tortured oversea's. He thinks he's beating them back and getting better, until one thing after another proves they're getting worse... -
In-Laws vs. Outlaws by L.A. Witt, Cari Z.
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsReally, guys? Seriously?A fifth book after we said you were getting a standalone?Oh, and now you want a wedding . Because you’ve made it through four books and—You know what? Fine. But we’re not going easy on you.Bet you wish you’d just gone to Vegas don’t you, August and Ricardo?In-laws vs. Outlaws is the final—so help us, it really is the final —book in the Hitman vs. Hitman series... -
Dear Mona Lisa... by Claire Davis, Al Stewart
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTom; shy office clerk by day and drawer of foxes by night, wakes up one Monday knowing the most extraordinary week of his life is about to begin. In five days, a lifelong ‘secret’ will be made gloriously public—but will it mean losing the person he loves most?Getting married… It seems only yesterday Tom changed nappies and sang nursery rhymes to a laughing baby... -
You Don't Know Jack by Anna Sparrows
…And, apparently, neither does he. At 31, Jack Bradford’s life is looking just the way he wants it to. He literally lives in paradise (Surfers Paradise, but who’s counting?), loves his job as a firefighter, has a great group of friends and all the freedom his heart desires and nothing is about to change that. At least, that’s what he thinks...Categorized as:
hurt-comfort queer age difference m-m boss & employee length-medium explicit-open-door -
Unconditional Love by Andrew Grey
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"A Seven Days Story" Can a person's life change in just one day? How about seven? Donald Pottier and Jason Greene are barely more than boys when they meet on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. A day of crabbing soon turns them from strangers to friends, then to something more, but the boys' time is limited: at the end of the summer, Jay will leave Don and the island behind... -
Cort—Unbreakable by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCort I spent years waiting for someone who never put me first. He took my love, took me for granted. Took my heart. Now I’m on my own. Living life my way. The crowd only sees my smile. Never my loneliness and pain. I need someone to need me. When I meet another lost soul my friends try to warn me. He’s a liar. A user. Homeless. Heartbroken. He’s all that and more... -
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Baby Queen by Charlie Novak
Note to self: falling for the new queen you're mentoring will only lead to trouble.Being broke, single, and homeless after winning the UK's biggest drag show wasn't how my life was supposed to go. I’m meant to be the one with everything, but thanks to an unscrupulous tour company I've got nothing but my image and a mountain of debt... -
Paint Our Song by Maia Kinley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMiles Curtis, a painter, owes his success to the popular band Cloverlily. Their music helped him get out of a slump many years ago, and he’s been a huge fan ever since. When he temporarily moves back home to help his family’s inn, he finds out that their guitarist, Calvin Lowe, is staying in one of their rooms...Categorized as:
queer small town male-pov m-m contemporary grumpy sunshine slow burn friends to lovers -
The Outcast by E.M. Denning
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEthan Bennett is too old for Mickey.Ethan Bennett plays guitar, barbecues as often as possible, and owns a diner. He’s a widower whose life still revolves around his sons, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. When Mickey, a younger man his son Taylor had been helping shows up at the diner, cold to the bone, thin as a rail, Ethan knows he can’t send him away... -
Gin & Sin by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHelping him explore his attraction to men was supposed to be no strings fun, not turn me into a whipped puppy dog, but here we are. The college twink scene is wearing on me. Sure, it works out for a no-commitment guy like myself, but the constant drama and faceless rotation of pretty boys in and out of my bed isn’t as exciting as it once was... -
Far from Paradise by Daryl Banner
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSEANYI'm on the run from a bad family situation. Everyone said Dreamwood Isle is where I would find happiness at last, a balmy and promising beach town on the Texas coast.I'm tired of curling up on park benches. I hate stealing to survive. But it seems even here in paradise, I'm still struggling to find a place I belong... -
King's Man by Sally Malcolm
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsTwo weeks on the road together. Two weeks trapped in a carriage. Two weeks to win him back, or part with him forever…Had there been no war, Sam Hutchinson and Nate Tanner would have lived their lives together, as friends and secret lovers...
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