Books Like...

'You Should Be So Lucky' by Cat Sebastian is a historical gay romance set in 1960s New York City. The story follows Mark Bailey, a grieving journalist assigned to cover Eddie O'Leary, a troubled baseball player. Both men are facing personal and professional challenges, finding unexpected companionship and support in each other. The book beautifully captures the struggles of being gay in a time when it was still a criminal offense, while also delivering a heartwarming and hopeful love story between two unlikely individuals. The writing style is described as evocative, insightful, and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters' lives and the historical backdrop of the 1960s.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen is a historical romance set in the Regency era, focusing on the intertwined lives of Gareth Inglis, who inherits a baronetcy, and Joss Doomsday, a smuggler on Romney Marsh. Their past relationship is rekindled as they navigate the complexities of smuggling, family secrets, and societal norms. The book is praised for its well-rounded characters, original plot, and the way it explores themes of love, second chances, and the challenges of building relationships in a time of homophobia.

K.J. Charles weaves a riveting tale that captures the essence of the Regency era, with a plot that keeps readers engaged and characters that feel authentic and compelling. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and adventure, drawing readers into the world of smugglers and aristocrats on Romney Marsh while addressing deeper themes of acceptance, redemption, and the impact of societal norms on personal relationships.

'Tommy Cabot Was Here' in the series 'The Cabots' by author Cat Sebastian is a short and sweet second chance romance set in the 1950s. The story follows Tommy, Peter, and Daniel, three main characters who present interesting and unexpected narratives that depart from traditional expectations. The book explores themes of secret love, painful yearning, and the complexities of rekindling a relationship after years apart. Despite its short length, the writing style is described as simple yet engaging, with a focus on historical accuracy and heartwarming character interactions.

'You & Me' by Tal Bauer is a heartwarming and emotional story about Luke and Landon, two single fathers who bond over their sons' friendship and football team. The book follows their journey from friendship to a deep and passionate love, exploring themes of grief, self-discovery, and building a family. Written from Luke's perspective, the storytelling is addicting and engaging, portraying the growth of their relationship with tenderness and authenticity.

The author, Tal Bauer, skillfully weaves together the love story between Luke and Landon with the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The book beautifully captures the struggles and joys of parenting, while also delving into themes of mental health, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ representation. With a focus on building relationships and finding love later in life, 'You & Me' offers a touching and realistic portrayal of love in its various forms.

'In Memoriam: A novel' by Alice Winn is set during the first world war and follows the story of two teenagers, Ellwood and Gaunt, who enlist for the war and experience the horrors and tragedies of the conflict. The plot revolves around their relationship, love story, and the impact of war on their lives. The writing style of Alice Winn is described as subversive, electrifying, and attention to historical detail, capturing the essence of the characters and the events they go through during the war.

'Something Wild & Wonderful' by Anita Kelly follows the heartwarming journey of Alexei and Ben as they meet on the PCT trail and form a deep connection that leads to a tender and emotional romance. The book beautifully captures the growth and evolution of their relationship, intertwined with themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of chosen and birth families. Anita Kelly's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke raw emotions, create relatable characters, and craft a story that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant.

'Slippery Creatures' by K.J. Charles is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s London and countryside, blending elements of romance, mystery, and espionage. The story follows Will Darling, a WWI veteran who inherits a bookshop from his uncle and gets entangled in a web of conspiracy, spycraft, and a complex relationship with the intriguing Kim Secretan. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot filled with secret societies, kidnappings, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance between two damaged men. The writing style is described as witty, snarky, and steamy, reminiscent of Golden Age crime fiction, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the characters.

'The Front Runner' by Patricia Nell Warren is a classic gay romance novel set in the 1970s, following the story of a gay Olympic runner and his coach lover. The book delves into themes of love, adversity, social ridicule, and the challenges of living in a homophobic world. The characters are vivid and the plot is described as a page-turner, providing a thoughtful insight into the American gay athletic scene of the time.

The novel portrays the relationship between Harlan, a university track coach struggling with his sexuality, and Billy, a track star who faces expulsion for defending other gay students. Against the backdrop of Harlan training Billy for the Olympic track team, the story unfolds with themes of bigotry, homophobia, and the fight for acceptance. The writing style is praised for being eloquent, poignant, and emotionally impactful, with a powerful portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

'Honeytrap' by Aster Glenn Gray is a unique blend of a historical romance novel set against the backdrop of the Cold War tensions between the US and the USSR. The story follows the journey of Gennady, a Soviet agent, and Daniel, an FBI agent, as they are forced to work together to solve a case, leading to a complex relationship filled with distrust, cultural clashes, and a slow-burning romance. Spanning from 1959 to 1992, the narrative delves deep into the struggles and obstacles faced by the two protagonists, both personally and professionally, as they navigate the changing landscapes of their respective countries and their own evolving feelings for each other. Gray's writing style intricately weaves together themes of love, prejudice, cruelty, and hope, creating a poignant and evocative tale that resonates with readers long after the final page.

The book beautifully explores the power of enduring love amidst adversity, portraying the relationship between Gennady and Daniel as a tender and bittersweet journey that spans decades. Through nuanced character development and rich storytelling, Gray captures the complexities of the protagonists' lives, their internal struggles, and the external challenges they face in a world torn apart by political tensions. The author's ability to blend spy elements with a heartfelt romance, while also addressing important themes of sexuality, cultural differences, and acceptance, makes 'Honeytrap' a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on the Cold War era and the human connections that transcend borders.

'The Queer Principles of Kit Webb' by Cat Sebastian is a historical romance novel set in mid-18th century London, following the story of Kit Webb, a former highwayman turned coffee house owner, and Percy Talbot, an aristocrat in need of Kit's criminal expertise. As Percy tries to recruit Kit for a heist to rob his father, a complex tale of revenge, attraction, and trust unfolds. The book explores themes of social inequality, exploitation, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of Georgian London. The writing style is described as witty, heartwarming, and full of intrigue, with a slow-burn romance that captivates readers until the very end.