Books like 'The Allure of Ruins'
Readers who enjoyed The Allure of Ruins by Mary Calmes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance queer boss & employee friends to lovers office possessive hero slow burn caretaking anal sex
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Employing Patience by Saxon James
ArtWhen it comes to regrets, I have none. My life is perfect. I own a bar, work hard, party harder, and smother my niblings in all the love they deserve. I don’t need to settle down, as much as my sister might want me to.But then Joey Manning walks into my office and leaves me all but begging to give him a job … and wanting to give him so much more... -
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... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3: The Case of Ritsu Onodera (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 24 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... -
The World's Greatest First Love, Vol. 3 (世界一初恋 (The World's Greatest First Love) #3) by Shungiku Nakamura
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 25 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... -
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French Martini by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaybe asking my burly golden retriever contractor to be my fake fiance was a bad idea. But as the saying goes, desperate times and all that. Listen, getting married again sounds about as fun as a shopping spree in a dumpster, so dating is definitely off the table. I’ve resisted Oakley’s tempting presence, knowing it can only lead to trouble, and I don’t need any more of that... -
Old-Fashioned Cupcake by Sagan Sagan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA visit to a pancake shop leads to an unexpected May-December romance that breathes life into the monotonous routine of an older salaryman.The daily grind both soothes and troubles older salaryman Nozue, until an unexpected visit to a pancake shop with his blunt younger coworker shakes things up!At 39 years old, Nozue lives a routine, if not melancholic, life of sleep and work... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsJem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:“First Dates”A prequel to The Lamb and the Lion books, this short story shows Jem and Tean as they are set up on blind dates—with disastrous results.“Cheap Seats”Jem and Tean go to the movies. Jem insists it’s an epic bromance date. Tean insists they’re just casual acquaintances... -
My Dearest Patrolman, Vol. 2 by Niyama
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsThe seasons have shifted, and Shin and Seiji are starting their new life together. Living under the same roof as the man he’s had a crush on for a solid decade has Shin’s libido in overdrive, and even his rampant awkwardness can’t get in the way of him getting some! Meanwhile, Seiji is swamped with self-doubt... -
Abandoned But Not Alone by Nicole Dykes
FelixI’ve always been a helper. Someone who sees the world in a brighter light than others do. Who tries to show everyone there’s good in this world.So when I meet Henry, I immediately make it my mission to show him how great the world can be if he’ll only accept a little help.Easier said than done. But I’ve always liked a challenge...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office queer found-family m-m grumpy sunshine contemporary single-father -
Crew: A MM Second Chance Baseball Romance by Kimberly Knight, Rachel Lyn Adams
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing... -
Tall, Dark, & Ginger by Mia Monroe
My hopeless crush has a plan to get over his ex by getting under me, and I’m up for the task. I’ve been pining for Wren since the minute I laid eyes on the handsome man with the perfect mouth, wounded eyes, and my personal kryptonite, ginger hair...Categorized as:
found-family friends to lovers boss & employee queer office age difference hurt-comfort m-m -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology by May Archer, Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOnce upon a time, a bunch of M/M authors wondered… What if a dating app that guaranteed you a love match broke down just in time for Valentine’s Day? What if you found yourself on a blind date with a random guy who might be your opposite in every single way? It could be a disaster. Or… When the code breaks down, fate just might take over... -
Wicked Outlaw by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCole loves the city. He loves the noise, chaos, and having tacos delivered at 2 a.m.He loves his job at Ward Security. He might look like a bodyguard, but there’s nothing better than being counted as one of the hacking tech triplets.There is no way he will ever love horses, cows, and the great wide open of Texas.At least, that’s what he thought until JB Alexander rode into his life...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m cowboys contemporary insta-love queer-awakening -
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Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsBack in high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends--a friendly "bad boy" named Hatoyama--but never confessed... -
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... -
A Daddy In Cameron by Sammi Cee
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIndie’s determined to navigate this world alone, but he’s never come up against a determined Daddy before. Normally, everyone likes Cameron. As the General Manager of The Tap Tavern, he’s protective, empathetic, and considerate of his employees and their needs. Especially those who’ve come in through the Takoda Career Center. Indie knows betrayal. He’s lived with the consequences and survived...Categorized as:
boss & employee friends to lovers queer found-family m-m age play age difference hurt-comfort -
Newly Tied by Mary Calmes
For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers anal sex found-family possessive hero m-m contemporary queer-awakening -
시맨틱 에러 (Semantic Error (Novel) #1-4) by Soori Jeo, 저수리
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 12 ratings*시맨틱 에러(Semantic Error): 전산학상의 논리적 오류조장: 추상우발표자: 추상우part1 자료 조사: 추상우part2 자료 조사: 추상우자료 취합: 추상우발표 자료 제작: 추상우참여한 조원 명단: 추상우교양수업 과제에서 무임승차 조원들의 이름을 모조리 빼버린 컴공과 추상우. 그 때문에 이상한 선배와 엮이게 된다.무임승차3: [덕분에졸업못하게생겼네나좀봐요후배님] 20:23해외 유명 대학원 유학을 앞둔 디자인과 장재영. 디자인 실력, 외모, 집안, 인간관계, 뭐 하나 빠질 데 없는 그가 추상우만은 어렵다.“사람은 감정의 동물이야. 네가 날 그렇게 무시하지만 않았다면 PPT 같은 건 웃어넘기고 말았을 텐데.”“절 아주 호구 새끼로 보시나 본데, 크게 착각하신 거예요... -
A Phoenix Christmas by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIt's a dog gone Christmas!The plan was to gather at Noah and Mac’s place for a holiday celebration, but when the couple’s nine-year-old Labrador Retriever goes missing, the men and women of Phoenix descend on the city of Alameda. The neighbors and local cops get involved in a search that stretches from the streets of downtown to the rocky beaches... -
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA heartwarming Boys' Love romance between a single dad who used to be a "bad boy" and the gentle teacher who takes care of his kid!In high school, studious Hitsuji had a secret crush on one of his guy friends--a friendly delinquent named Hatoyama--but never confessed. Years later, Hitsuji is a slightly anxious but responsible adult who found his calling as an elementary school teacher... -
There Is A Light by Ban Gilmartin
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJamie Gilmour is starting over. A new school, a new city, a tenth attempt at a second start. All he has to do is stop making bad decisions and stick to something for once in his life. All he has to do is stop being himself.Jude Pujari is thinking of calling it all off. He’s overstressed, depressed and frozen in place, trapped by grief and fear of change... -
When The Westons Went To Moscow by Roxie Rivera
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWicked. Scandalous. Notorious. For most of his life, Ty Weston was proud of his wild reputation. He enjoyed the infamy and attention, loved seeing his name and face splashed all over social media.But that’s all in the past now... -
Their Life As They Live It by A.M. Arthur
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratings“Happiness is not a goal…it is a by-product of a life well lived.” --Eleanor Roosevelt Bernard “Bear” Henson is a blessed man. He is happily married to the love of his life, he co-owns a successful business, and his grown son is desperately in love with a wonderful partner... -
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Perfect Match by Pandora Pine
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBrando Lombardi has successfully matched all three of his brothers with their soulmates, gifting them each with a lifetime of love and happiness. The problem is, Brando himself is always the bridesmaid and never the bride… er, groom. But then he meets a broken-hearted man in uniform who takes his breath away and changes everything... -
FOG[电竞] by Man Man He Qi Duo, 漫漫何其多
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 9 ratings现代电竞+男神VS男神医疗师攻X突击手受【主角配角均无原型,谢谢大家】---Yu Sui and Shi Luo met each other when they were much younger. One was a pro-gamer, a widely-renowned, best of the best, in-game medic. The other was an e-sports newcomer who was just starting out. The two originally played for the same team, during which their relationship became increasingly deep.But things did not go as expected... -
Hard Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI don’t have the best history with older men.When Mateo saw my last relationship implode, he was there to help.He saved me.Hopefully self-defense lessons will keep me from getting hit again.I can’t ask for more of my friend.Even dreaming of keeping him is wrong.But when my ex makes things difficult, Mateo steps up again.I don’t want a protector, but maybe it’s time to accept a little help...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m age difference contemporary length-short audiobook -
The Contractor by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsHe’s my best friend, my best worker, and it was just a silly crush.Then he kissed me. Now it feels like he's mine…I’ve shown my best friend Tristan everything: how to use a circular saw, how to lay grout, and how to do a kitchen renovation right. On the job, we became close friends—then even closer as we learned to share a camping tent.It was all harmless. Just like my crush on him...Categorized as:
friends to lovers office queer found-family m-m contemporary queer-awakening length-short -
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... -
Performance in a Leading Role by MadLori
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSherlock/Watson FanficSherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto... -
Grinding by Sean Ashcroft
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTwo childhood best friends. One accidental fake engagement. One Labrador puppy. One week to fall in love.When Harvey runs into his childhood best friend—literally—on the way into Otter Bay for his cousin's wedding, he doesn't plan to end up playing the part of the guy's fiancé... -
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... -
Second Wind by Aimee Nicole Walker
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSecond wind: a new strength or energy to continue something that is an effort. After an amicable divorce, Lincoln Huxley is ready to embrace the sexuality he repressed for more than two decades. Rush Holden is no longer willing to settle for closeted men or those who don’t share his dreams of marriage and fatherhood. A chance encounter on a lakeside pier is the second wind they both need... -
The Guy in the Alley by Cara Dee
MM Romance • Standalone • Hurt/Comfort • Age Gap • Blue-Collar Romance • Found FamilyGet comfortable for a love story that promises Chicago grit, sizzling heat, a playful rivalry between a White Sox diehard and a Cubs fan, and an autistic boy’s dream to see the ocean.There was nothing like starting the new year with a snowstorm and trying to keep a sinking ship afloat in the middle of Chicago...Categorized as:
found-family queer friends to lovers caretaking anal sex office tortured hero cold hero -
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Raven's Hart by Davidson King
Haven Hart stands on the edge of good and evil. Having balance between the two is the only thing keeping the town from crumbling to the ground. For years, one man has been charged with maintaining that balance. Poe. The air of mystery surrounding Poe is one of necessity. He’s the keeper of secrets and for good reason... -
Faking A Groom by DJ Jamison
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCan two men fake an engagement for the greater good?Avery Kinkaid has been bowing to his father's will far too long. But when his dad supports anti-LGBTQ legislation, he's had enough. Sen. Kinkaid says things would be different if Avery had a fiancé in the wings. Well, fine: He'll just have to get one.Rory Fisher is an activist with a heart of gold and nerves of steel... -
Heart2Heart: A Charity Anthology, Volume 3 by Leslie Copeland, Annabeth Albert
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsOnce upon a time, a group of authors wondered… What if the Heart2Heart app -- the dating app with a glitch that matched up the oddest, most perfect couples, and sponsored the charity date raffles that helped dozens of people find love -- offered a classifieds section, too? Need a handyman who knows how to wear a tool belt? Have a closet of drag costumes that needs a new home? How about finally... -
Yellow, Volume 03 by Makoto Tateno
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsGoh and Taki work as underground drugs and arms snatchers! Their fate begins to twist when people that claim to be Taki's "foster parents" show up. As Taki's mysterious past becomes unraveled, the two become exceedingly closer... -
Spotlight Illustrated Edition by Eden Finley
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsRYDERWhen I quit the biggest boy band on the planet, I was supposed to get my life back.It’s not that I wanted to leave the spotlight. I felt like I had to for my daughter. Her picture shouldn’t be splashed all over the tabloids.I thought I could do this parenting thing on my own, but it’s obvious I need help. I just didn’t expect to find it in the form of a gorgeous guy I meet by chance...Categorized as:
queer friends to lovers boss & employee office m-m contemporary single-father forced proximity -
Messy Ink by Ali Lyda
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsDane Chris is a great doctor, but he can’t heal me… I learned to look out for myself on the streets and in juvie. I’ve cleaned up my act, but it doesn’t mean that I’m about to start trusting a guy to stick around. Especially not a clean cut doctor like Chris. No wonder I ended things between us the first time around. I’m sure it’s for the best... -
Unbreakable Stories: Snow by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Unbreakable Stories: Snow is a collection of short stories and a novelette set after the events of Shatter, book 2 of the Unbreakable Bonds series and before Torch, book 3. Follow the continuing, passionate and heartfelt romance between Dr. Ashton "Snow" Frost and Jude Torres as they merge their lives together as a couple... -
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
Golden Sparkle by Minta Suzumaru, 鈴丸みんた
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsHimari Uehara, for a first-year high school boy, knows very little about sex. Without his father at home and having skipped health in middle school, Himari is only confused when he wakes up with his boxers a mess and has no one for advice. Luckily, Himari has Gaku Asada, a new friend from high school who offers to teach him everything and more he missed out in health class... -
Lancelot by Silvia Violet
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMen like me don't spend a lot of time at the library, so I've never had a reason to suspect cardigan-wearing, uptight librarians would push all my buttons. Then I met Julian. I wanted to hate him. He's my opposite in every way. I'm impulsive, and there's no rule I won't break. Persnickety Julian follows every rule. But when I make demands and he stands his ground, I know he will be mine... -
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Finley Embraces Heart And Home by Anyta Sunday
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMUM is the love of his life.Until he meets his STEP-BROTHER. For years it’s been just Finley and Mum. Now she’s getting married, and they’re moving into a flash mansion and his step-dad is lording it over him. He’s clearly a homophobe, and doesn’t want him rubbing off (so to speak) on his son.Like that would ever happen. No way he’d ever go for someone who shares his DNA... -
The Christmas Summons by Kelly Fox
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Kelly Fox comes a Wild Heart Ranch Christmas novella. I’ve loved Gael Hernandez from the moment I laid eyes on him. We had a moment back in the summer, but he needed time to recover from the traumatic events that reshaped his family.It’s now Christmas, and I think my talented shoemaker is finally ready to let me love him for the rest of his life... -
Stolen Hart by E. Davies
With one look, he blew down every wall I built.Barista Aaron Fisher has no time for shame, propriety, or boyfriends. He’s tired of being used—by his family, hookups, and even a would-be blackmailer. A year after his last heartbreak, Aaron’s ready to give love another chance. He swoops in to rescue a gentle, bashful hunky customer from the depths of app-swiping hell... -
A Wedding in a Week by Con Riley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA second chance with his brother’s best friend also comes with a deadline. Three years after inheriting his family farm, an accident forces Stefan Luxton to rethink his future. Turning his farm into a five-star wedding venue is one goal. Another is to reconnect with Marc, who Stefan loved but let slip away to the city...Categorized as:
friends to lovers queer found-family m-m age difference hurt-comfort forced proximity contemporary -
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... -
Gravity by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe was only meant to be a hookup. Until he became my coworker.Only I could ruin the hottest potential hookup ever. One look at the gorgeous ginger, and I was done for. I summoned every bit of courage I had, then panicked. As is my way. I managed to put it behind me until he became my new coworker. Now, every day is a reminder of my insecurities and what might have been...
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