Sugar Pill Duet Series by Risa Cruise

Noel. I’m impossible to love. At least, that’s what my ex-boyfriend said after he moved out and left me short on next month’s rent. Luckily, I've found a sexy solution in the form of Luca, a tattoo artist looking for a place to crash. He’s older, hot, a little awkward…and he’s also in the middle of a divorce. Whatever. All I know is, my new roommate leaves me absolutely breathless. Our arrangement benefits us in more ways than one. .. as long as I can keep it together... moreNoel. I’m impossible to love. At least, that’s what my ex-boyfriend said after he moved out and left me short on next month’s rent. Luckily, I've found a sexy solution in the form of Luca, a tattoo artist looking for a place to crash. He’s older, hot, a little awkward…and he’s also in the middle of a divorce. Whatever. All I know is, my new roommate leaves me absolutely breathless. Our arrangement benefits us in more ways than one. .. as long as I can keep it together. He’s sweeter than I deserve, but that’s only because he doesn’t know how broken I really am. Once he figures that out, he'll leave. Everybody does. Luca. Meeting someone like Noel is the last thing I expect after separating from my wife. But I can’t help being drawn to him. He’s gorgeous, talented, and unapologetically himself—something I’ve struggled with my entire life. Moving in with him may be impulsive, but it is convenient. And our chemistry is next level. Yeah, he’s bit of a brat, but this complicated man is showing me everything I’ve denied myself for years. Falling for him feels almost inevitable. But when my past threatens everything, it’s easy to fall back into familiar patterns—and playing it safe could cost me the one person who’s ever really seen me. SUCKER LOVE is a 95k-word FWB-to-lovers MM romance between a bold art student and a closeted tattoo artist eight years his senior—and they're doing a terrible job of keeping things casual. Expect mess, angst and steam in spades. This is Book 1 in the Sugar Pill Duet. Noel and Luca's story concludes in Book 2, SWALLOW, slated to release in late 2025. Please see the Author's Note or website for content guidance. less

Luca. Months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life: I abandoned Noel. And since then I’ve been desperately looking for him, haunting all the places I expect him to be. He’s nowhere. A ghost. I have no way to contact him anymore. My life is falling apart, but all I can think of is him. One more night. One more club. One more chance to beg for his forgiveness. .. because without him, I'm nothing at all. Noel. I broke the night Luca left me. I’ve got the scars to prove it... moreLuca. Months ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life: I abandoned Noel. And since then I’ve been desperately looking for him, haunting all the places I expect him to be. He’s nowhere. A ghost. I have no way to contact him anymore. My life is falling apart, but all I can think of is him. One more night. One more club. One more chance to beg for his forgiveness. .. because without him, I'm nothing at all. Noel. I broke the night Luca left me. I’ve got the scars to prove it. But somehow, life goes on. I have a new apartment, a new job, and I’m back in therapy, too. I’m not better, but I'm trying. And even though it hurts like hell, I’m determined to prove I don’t need him. So when a good friend needs a night out after a bad breakup, I’m happy to oblige—until I run into a different ex-boyfriend at the same club where everything began, and my whole world fractures once more. SWALLOW is a heartfelt MM romance about fighting for happiness and finding solace in a second-chance. Featuring a very hard-won HEA, it is the second book in the Sugar Pill Duet and should be read after SUCKER LOVE. less