Books like 'The Ghosts of Crushes Past'
Readers who enjoyed The Ghosts of Crushes Past by Isla Olsen & Nick J. Russo also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary funny gay romance mystery queer friends to lovers christmas
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Merry and Bright by N.R. Walker
When given the opportunity to make his dream of owning his own bookstore come true, Winter Atkins couldn’t say yes quick enough. Moving to Hartbridge, Montana, with his favorite aunt is the adventure he needs to start over. And leaving behind a string of unhappy boyfriends because of his asexuality, Winter is all too happy to shelve the idea of dating forever. Deacon Clark has never fit in... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 6 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #6) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 22 ratingsWhen Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future? Masamune Takano is the boss—and first love—of rookie shojo manga editor Ritsu Onodera... -
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![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama
Resigned, Shin has to settle for seeing Seiji when they run into each other about town or when Shin makes a point of stopping at his store. Shin believes he's content with that, but one night Seiji changes everything by bemoaning his lack of romantic prospects and mentioning he might as well try his luck with guys. Now Shin has a new goal in life—to win Seiji's heart!Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers contemporary age difference m-m humor explicit-open-door first-in-series -
![Forever Wilde in Aster Valley by Lucy Lennox]()
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... -
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![Jonty's Christmas by Barbara Elsborg]()
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 -
![Misdirection by Gregory Ashe]()
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... -
![The Hitman's Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses by Alice Winters]()
The Hitman's Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses by Alice Winters
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsLeland. Life is normal… suspiciously normal. During my long, lonely years as a hitman, I never realized that one day, I would have a family to call my own... -
![Off Duty Volume 3 by Gregory Ashe]()
Off Duty Volume 3 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsLife happens when you’re not looking. Unfortunately, so do a lot of other things. Hazard and Somerset: Off Duty Volume 3 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:. “If Your Friends Jumped Off a Bridge”. Hazard is going to get Evie the perfect toy for her birthday, no matter what. This story takes place before Relative Justice. “Don’t Tell Your Dad”... -
![The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese]()
The Gift by May Archer, Alexander Cendese
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsListening Length: 9 hours and 55 minutes. Daniel: I suck at relationships and don't trust anyone, but there are reasons for that. For one thing, every person I've ever cared about has let me down. The only recent exception: O'Leary's town veterinarian. .. my new best friend. I came to O'Leary for a fresh start. To pare things down to essentials. To forget about the failures in my past...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary queer-awakening humor length-medium audiobook -
![Declination by Gregory Ashe]()
Declination by Gregory Ashe
Shaw and North are together. Finally. After eight years of knowing each other and loving each other and slipping past each other, they’ve finally told each other how they feel. Borealis Investigations is growing, and they have a major prospective client on the line. Everything is finally moving the way it should... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 7 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #7) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love! When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama]()
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 1 by Niyama
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA young patrolman harbors secret feelings for a middle-aged shop owner on his beat! When a young patrolman gets assigned to a small town, he runs into an old acquaintance, and a casual comment from the older man leads to a fluttering heart and renewed feelings. Seiji Tajima runs a convenience store in a small town, and thanks to his easygoing attitude toward much of life, he’s still single...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers contemporary age difference m-m humor length-short first-in-series -
![Indirection by Gregory Ashe]()
Indirection by Gregory Ashe
Rabid 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... -
![Late Fees by Marshall Thornton]()
Late Fees by Marshall Thornton
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt’s Thanksgiving, 1992 and Noah Valentine is late picking his mother up from the airport. When he arrives he discovers that she’s made a friend on the flight whose also waiting for her son. When women’s son doesn’t show up, they eventually take the woman home for breakfast with neighbor’s Marc and Louis... -
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![What's Santa Got to Do with It? by Bix Barrow]()
What's Santa Got to Do with It? by Bix Barrow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA late-awakened bi guy and his secret crush try to play Santa for some kids. But there’s a hitman blocking the chimney. .. Have you ever been locked out of your apartment shirtless, holding a wet rabbit and getting served with legal papers right when your super-hot neighbor walks by? Maybe it’s just me... -
![24 Dares of Christmas by Lee Blair]()
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... -
!['Nother Sip of Gin by Rhys Ford]()
'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 World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 8 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #8) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love! When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Rushing In by Alice Winters]()
Rushing In by Alice Winters
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI finally have a chance to team up with Bradley, the hot fellow police officer that I've been longing to get closer to. Somehow, I haven't scared him off, even with my awkward flirting and my father telling him that I mimed giving birth to a cat as a child... -
![Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes]()
Another Day With Jory by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsJory holiday ficlet from Mary Calmes. __________. Status: Complete. Word count: 5,801.Categorized as:
queer christmas m-m contemporary humor hurt-comfort from hate to love length-novella -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 9 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #9) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love! When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
![Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand]()
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 18 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... -
![Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling]()
Mystery on the Menu by Nicole Kimberling
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsAfter a steady diet of big city trouble Chef Drew Allison has relocated to the tiny island town of Orca’s Slough to get a taste of the laid-back artisanal lifestyle. But when he discovers his bartender dead in his basement, he faces a far greater challenge than whipping up a spectacular lunch special. He’s the local law enforcement officer’s Grade-A suspect... -
![Hidden Treasures by Marshall Thornton]()
Hidden Treasures by Marshall Thornton
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsIt’s about a dress. A valuable blue sequined dress worn by a famed actress in a film from the 1940s. For some reason everyone thinks video storeowner Noah Valentine has it. Which might not be a big deal except that it’s connected to the murder of a prominent Hollywood costumer. In the second of the Pinx Video Mysteries, Noah attempts to solve the mystery of the dress... -
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![Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle]()
Love Directions by A.F. Zoelle
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElias Forthwright. Horoscopes always seemed a bit woo-woo to me, but I don't know how else to explain why it feels like the cosmic universe is pushing me in the direction of the mysterious North Easton, who miraculously comes into my life at just the right time. We’re nothing alike, but for the first time since my mom passed away, life is finally fun again thanks to him...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers m-m contemporary hurt-comfort insta-love queer-awakening humor -
![With This Bling by L.B. Gregg]()
With This Bling by L.B. Gregg
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCaesar Romano’s catering career is doing better than he’d ever dreamed. And so is his love life—even if his boyfriend’s house in Staten Island is way too far from civilization for his liking... -
![Shrewd Angel by Anyta Sunday]()
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... -
![Harder They Fall by J.D. Light]()
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... -
![North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe]()
North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2 by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsShort stories from Borealis: Without a Compass. North 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. “Good Friends”... -
![Salesman Mateo by Sam E. Kraemer]()
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... -
![Law of Retaliation (Haven Hart) by Davidson King]()
Law of Retaliation (Haven Hart) by Davidson King
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo universes unite to take on one formidable adversary. A Halloween party at Joker’s Sin means an evening of fun, drinking, dancing, and entertainment. But when a dead body is found in the club’s bathroom, it’s the loose thread that starts to unravel the hard-won peace of Haven Hart... -
![Santa: A Cultural Hegemony by Gregory Ashe]()
Santa: A Cultural Hegemony by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHazard & Somerset deal with Santa. -
![Saving Mr. Bell by H.L. Day]()
Saving Mr. Bell by H.L. Day
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen is a kidnap not a kidnap? When it's a rescue. Rudolf Bell does NOT need saving. But after the worst performance of his life, there are those who disagree. All he wants is to have a good time and forget everything for a while. Easier said than done when the media have done a hatchet job on him. His career's not over, though. Not until he says so... -
![The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 10 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #10) by Shungiku Nakamura]()
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 10 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #10) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love! When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame... -
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![Partnership by Valerie Vaughn]()
Partnership by Valerie Vaughn
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSyler Perrin's the best in the world at what he does, but beyond that he's sort of a mess. Case in the engineer and cyber security specialist landed his job as Deputy Director of the covert affairs division by hacking into it while drunk off his ass on cheap tequila after getting dumped. Turns out the CIA was in desperate need of his particular brand of help... -
![Out For the Holidays by Cara Dee]()
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 -
![Delicious by Stella Starling]()
Delicious by Stella Starling
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed. ”. “I don’t have time for love. ”. Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Loving My Omega by C.W. Gray]()
Loving My Omega by C.W. Gray
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSam and Teague have been best friends for years. Now that they are both single, can friendship become more? Hurting from a break-up, Sam moves home to Hobson Hills to take care of his great-aunt. After a year passes, he realizes the only thing he misses from his life in Seattle is the one man that has always been there for Sam, his best friend, Teague... -
![The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Andi James, Lila Wilde]()
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... -
![Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
Horribly Harry by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 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... -
![His Boy to Love by Chloe Gray]()
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... -
![Breakfast Included (Snowed Inn) by L.C. Chase]()
Breakfast Included (Snowed Inn) by L.C. Chase
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat’s worse than being stranded at a mountain resort by an avalanche three days before Christmas? Being trapped with your teenage crush—who kissed you and ran away. Reno Pierce spends all his time creating music in his studio, quite happily alone, but at the insistence of his rom-com-loving dad, he finds himself at a Colorado mountain resort speed dating event...Categorized as:
friends to lovers christmas queer forced proximity contemporary m-m second chances humor -
![Dirty Bites by Rhys Ford]()
Dirty Bites by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings**FREE HOLIDAY DOWNLOAD FROM RHYS FORD, GREG TREMBLAY AND DREAMSPINNER PRESS**. Danger. Desire. Loss. Love. In every story, there are a thousand more bound up and waiting to be told; here are just a few from the Cole McGinnis Mysteries... -
![North and Shaw: Out of Office by Gregory Ashe]()
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. “Gone Goat”... -
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![Dirty Minds by Rhys Ford]()
Dirty Minds by Rhys Ford
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsThis is a free Cole McGinnis short done for the Dirty Deeds Tour. I want to say thanks to all of the blogs who hosted me in this tour. This is a free story. Hope you enjoy a bit of Cole’s life. Part One — 3Chicks after dark. Part Two — Boy Meets Boy Reviews. Part Three — Joyfully Jay. Part Four — LoveBytes. Part Five — On Top Down Under. Part Six — Prism Alliance... -
![Broken Bird by Gregory Ashe]()
Broken Bird by Gregory Ashe
All’s fair in love and…publishing? It’s nearly Christmas, and Dashiell Dawson Dane already has enough on his plate finding a present for his parents, coming up with excuses not to hang the Christmas lights, and finishing this stupid story he’s been writing (okay, maybe he needs to start writing it). On top of all that, Bobby has been acting…well, strange... -
![I'll be Boned for Christmas by Katherine McIntyre]()
I'll be Boned for Christmas by Katherine McIntyre
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsNothing like getting caught streaking to bring people together for the holidays…. Jordan. I’ve got a rep in town for causing trouble, and it’s well-earned. But when Nick and I get caught streaking after the tree lighting ceremony, we’re in for a messload of community service to get the town ready for the Collier’s Creek Christmas Bash...Categorized as:
friends to lovers christmas queer m-m contemporary queer-awakening humor friends-benefits -
![Rewind by Marshall Thornton]()
Rewind by Marshall Thornton
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsValentine’s Day, 1993. After years of being single, Noah is finally ready to date again. Unfortunately, things don’t end too well. After spending their first night together, he wakes up covered in blood—next to his very dead date. Already convinced Noah has an abnormal attraction to murder, Detective Wellesley believes it has tipped over to actually killing someone... -
![Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka]()
Ikumen After by Kazuma Kodaka
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThis is a really cute, sweet story about two single dads Asakura and Kentarou, whose young sons happen to go to the same daycare.Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer m-m contemporary humor age difference first-in-series standalone-first -
![Legally Brawn by DJ Jamison]()
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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