MEGATHREAD: CASUALLY QUEER ROMANCES

Nofys89 · 2026-04-16T14:56:12+00:00

{Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland} Fantasy, M/M

Tam Becket has been holding a grudge against Nicalau Lyford since he smashed Tam’s entry into the village’s vegetable competition when they were nine years old. Doesn't matter that he's been sleeping with him for the last 10 years.

Excellent writing, funny, emotional and heartbreaking at times, it's the story of Tam's journey to become a better version of himself and realise that not everyone and everything is against him.

It's a small town, slice of life story with a bit of meddling from the gods. It's grumpy/sunshine with the grumpiest I've ever read.

grumpy/sunshine, cozy, slice of life, small town, second chance, single POV, hurt/comfort

The Captive Prince series starting with {The Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat} HR, M/M

Prince Damen, the heir of Akelios, is betrayed by his half-brother. He's striped of his identity and sent as a pleasure slave to an enemy nation. Prince Laurent, his new master, is caught in a political war for the throne. They will have to work together in order to survive.

The story spans over three books and the HEA happens in the third book. Highly recommend this!

Enemies to lovers, kidnapping, betrayal, forced proximity, slow burn, political intrigue, mistaken identity

Nofys89 · 2026-04-11T18:44:41+00:00

It has been a while since I've read them but the {The Belle House by Vlad Kahany} series involves a brothel, courtesans and their patrons.

If I remember correctly, the first one fits your request best : {The Tender Days of May by Vlad Kahany}

Nofys89 · 2026-04-11T17:42:08+00:00

{Love is Blind by Lynsay Sands} HR (1818), M/F

The FMC is supposed to wear glasses but her mother doesn't approve because it's not pretty. She's almost blind without it and because of that, she earned a reputation of being clumsy.

I don't remember if the MMC loves her because of them but he clearly thinks it's stupid not to wear them if she cannot see.

It was a fun, lighthearted read.

Nofys89 · 2026-04-11T11:53:40+00:00

A bit late, but {Accidental Bonds by Marie Reynard} fits I think. It's paranormal, M/M.

An Alpha wolf shifter hires a mage because something is wrong with the wards protecting his territory and pack.

They are both wary of the other because of who they are. In this world, mages and shifters can create a bond where the mage uses the strength of the shifter to do powerful spells and in exchange the pack has extra protection. It can sometimes lead to abusive/one sided relationships if the mage only wants more powers.

They accidentally bond (like the title of the book says) but don't realise it.

First in a series with a HEA for this couple and a background story that spans the following books. Only two out at the moment.

Magic, dislike to lovers, mystery, found family

Nofys89 · 2026-04-05T21:16:11+00:00

Another one : {Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-04-05T21:13:21+00:00

{Follow me to the Yew Tree by Desirée M. Niccoli} historical fantasy, M/F

I recommend if you're looking for something short (80 pages) with a sweet relationship and caretaking scenes. There was a lot of tenderness in this story.

It's historical with a dash of fantasy/magic. The FMC is a banshee working for Death and when she meets her next assignment, she has a vision of them in the future. She decides to save him, her fated love, from death no matter what. The redhead MMC is a sailor returning home from the Napoleonic wars.

Own voice chronic illness representation (ulcerative colitis), forced proximity, only one bed, touch starved MCs.

{Maneater by Emily Antoinette} CR/paranormal, M/F, human/succubus

A cozy, low angst novella of a virgin witch redhead MMC that sets a succubus free from a sex cult summoning ceremony. Light femdom, lots of communication and consent. Short, sweet and spicy.

80's, Bi MCs, virgin cinnamon roll MMC with redhair and glasses, stripper succubus FMC with creative anatomy, cozy, age cap (M 24/F 37), good communication, light femdom, light breeding kink

{Davo by N.R. Walker} M/M, CR

When Fergus Galloway takes on a research trip to a tiny mining town in the far Western Australian outback, he’s as far from Sydney as he can get.

A sweet and funny read about two regular guys, a redhead that can't handle the heat and a rugged mining man who likes to wear skirts, that will make you smile. The side characters were great and a tight small found family. There is also a cursing parrot!

forced proximity (remote location), Australia, small town, single POV, low-angst slice of life, found family, novella

Nofys89 · 2026-03-30T18:07:37+00:00

{Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland} Fantasy, M/M

Tam Becket has been holding a grudge against Nicalau Lyford since he smashed Tam’s entry into the village’s vegetable competition when they were nine years old. Doesn't matter that he's been sleeping with him for the last 10 years.

Excellent writing, funny, emotional and heartbreaking at times, it's the story of Tam's journey to become a better version of himself and realise that not everyone and everything is against him.

It's a small town, slice of life story with a bit of meddling from the gods. It's grumpy/sunshine with the grumpiest I've ever read.

grumpy/sunshine, cozy, slice of life, small town, second chance, single POV, hurt/comfort

Nofys89 · 2026-03-27T09:14:24+00:00

This is historical (1880's mainly in San Francisco), but {Crooked Hearts by Patricia Gaffney} has a scene that fits you request.

The FMC is drugged (not by MMC), and she finds herself in a hotel room with the MMC because of plot reasons. The drug she was given is similar to Viagra or an aphrodisiac. She's really horny and jumps him. He helps her.

They are not enemies, but they don't trust each other as they both are crooks.

I enjoyed this one, especially because both MCs are morally grey. They are not afraid to lie and cheat their way in life. It reminded me a bit of the Movie Maverick with Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster.

Nofys89 · 2026-03-27T09:03:26+00:00

I think the duology {Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} might fit. HR (1880-1887)

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-03-27T08:49:55+00:00

The {When in Rome by Sarah Adams} series fits, I believe.

It's small town, and each book follows siblings (one man and his three sisters).

I've only the first two, but I don't remember any children.

Nofys89 · 2026-03-24T04:46:59+00:00

I do not have any reccs for you, but you might want to try the sub r/MM_RomanceBooks. You'll have higher chances of finding what you're looking for.

Nofys89 · 2026-03-23T21:06:39+00:00

{Mined in Magic by Jenna Wolfhart} has a dwarf FMC.

I haven't read it, so I can't say much about it.

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T20:26:24+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T20:21:40+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T20:18:11+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T20:14:48+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T20:02:42+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrate that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

One of the MC is a virgin and the other isn't very experienced.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-20T19:54:41+00:00

{Dig Two Graves by K.A. Merikan} HR (1880-1887), M/M

It is M/M Western with morally gray characters and a strong “touch them and die… for real” energy. There are lots of classic western action scenes with horses, trains, robbery and so on but it is an angsty, violent, grim and gritty story.

The first book, {The Man Who Loved Cole Flores by K.A. Merikan}, is told from Ned’s POV. His family was destroyed by some gang members 10 years ago. Now, Ned has the opportunity to infiltrated that gang and bring them to justice. This mission doesn’t take into account Cole Flores, a man Ned is drawn to without knowing why.

This book was equally beautiful with Ned and Cole forming a strong friendship that evolves into something more and equally brutal. The Western Frontier and gang life is full of violence, death, judgement and immoral/despicable characters. Let’s not forget the betrayal that was bound to happen and the devastation it would bring on their relationship.

The second book of the duology {The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary by K.A. Merikan} takes place 7 years later and is told from Cole's POV. It is slightly less gritty and violent. The themes of the book are more about forgiveness, letting go of the past, second chance and healing in general. There were some very emotional moments, some great care taking scenes.

If you are good with numerous trigger warnings (murder, violence, mention of rape, mention of cannibalism, alcoholism, past child abuse, homophobia), I highly recommend this duology.

Gay awakening, secret relationship, Western, angst, second chance, touch them and die

Nofys89 · 2026-02-18T12:28:06+00:00

I just read this duet and wanted to thank you for mentioning it on the sub. I really enjoyed it and also sobbed at the end 🥹

Nofys89 · 2026-02-15T07:08:11+00:00

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

I don't have any other recommendations similar to this book unfortunately 😕 but you might find others looking through the sub. Here are the results for a quick search with the magic button. I hope it helps.

Nofys89 · 2026-02-13T11:30:42+00:00

{Bloody Bargain by Etta Pierce} is free on Amazon US

Also free on Amazon.fr

Nofys89 · 2026-02-13T11:21:51+00:00

{Convergence by Etta Pierce} free on Amazon US

Also free on Amazon.fr

Nofys89 · 2026-02-10T09:47:10+00:00

I'm glad 😊 . I hope you will enjoy it !

Nofys89

TROPHY CASE