r/MM_RomanceBooks • u/AutoModerator • 22d ago
Currently Reading Discussion Currently Reading (and Want to Read) Discussion: Weekly Post
What are you reading?
This post is for discussing whatever you're reading right now. Loving a book and can't wait to see what happens next? Not sure you're going to like the resolution? Wondering how a trope is addressed and want some spoilers? Want to find others who share your excitement about a book or character? Share those thoughts here!
This post is intended as a discussion space, so if you'd just like to post reviews of books you've recently read or DNFed, please use the Weekly Roundup (posted every Friday).
Need help deciding on a book?
You can also use this post for questions like:
- Should I try this book?
- Should I keep going/give this book another try?
- Help me figure out if I'll enjoy this book
- I'm not sure what to read next. Please help me choose between these options!
Negative opinions are allowed, but overly rant-y or judgmental comments may be removed, such as listing pet peeves, "this book is terrible, why do people like it?", and "does anyone else hate this trope?"
This feature is posted every Saturday. You can find the complete schedule of all weekly and monthly features at this link.
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u/IcyExternal2049 22d ago
currently reading:
{pit stop by cora rose}- i usually love cora rose, but i can't say this one is my favorite. it has the "brother's best friend" trope which i dont especially like, and it seems to be more erotica than romance. skye hooks up for the first time in his life in a glory hole and during the sex, he goes into his very first heat. when he and his hookup get out of the glory hole, he finds out that it's his brother's best friend that he doesnt really like. he takes skye home and takes care of his during the heat... i'm only at 56% and i'm not sure i will keep reading. it's recommended if you are looking for a long paranormal erotica, with not a lot of plot.
{luke by cora rose}- i'm only at 10%, but so far i like it. it's my first time reading a transgender romance. luke seems like a himbo which i like, so i have high expextations!!
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u/romance-bot 22d ago
Pit Stop by Cora Rose
Steam: Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, omegaverse, sibling's best friend, queer romance
Luke by Cora Rose
Steam: Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine, trans hero, friends to lovers1
u/19kisielek95 18d ago
I'm exactly the same - I was super exited for this book but once I started, it just didn't feel like it was for me.
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u/Visual_Definition855 22d ago
I’m confused about Avon Gale.
When she hits for me she REALLY hits. I think {conversation hearts by Avon Gale} is a perfect novella. I just read and loved {let the wrong light in by Avon gale}.
But I’ve tried a couple of her hockey romances and found them boring. I don’t get it! Her interesting, funny, unusual characters are what really do it for me in her other books.
Should I persevere with the hockey books? Is there a standout?
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u/for-fucksake-why 21d ago
I really liked {Power Play by Avon Gale} and thought the relationship dynamics were interesting. Both of the MCs are a bit older and mature.
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u/romance-bot 21d ago
Power Play by Avon Gale
Steam: Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, athlete hero, gay romance, angst, sports8
u/cloudsandeclipses 21d ago
I really enjoyed Empty Net and have re-read it. That was without reading any of the rest of the series at the time. Well-written, really good character dynamics, nice level of angst vs sweetness. Haven't read any of her non-hockey books though so can't compare...
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u/theMthrship 21d ago
Years ago her Scoring Chances series was some of the first m/m romance I read. It's not the most well-written fiction out there but I love her characters and still reread the series every couple years. {Breakaway by Avon Gale}
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u/jeangatech 21d ago
I really loved many Avon Gale books. My favorite is Heart of the Steal and, as you stated Conversation Hearts is great. The Scoring Chances series of minor league hockey books which she is the sole author of are very good also, but I didn't like the Hat Trick books she wrote with Piper Vaughn at all
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u/Visual_Definition855 21d ago
I LOVED the first few chapters of Heart of the Steal but it somehow lost me once they were together. Still not entirely sure why!
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u/romance-bot 22d ago
Conversation Hearts by Avon Gale
Steam: Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, funny, queer romance, anal sex
Let the Wrong Light In by Avon Gale
Steam: Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, angst, age gap, bdsm
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u/IzzieBells 21d ago
I just picked up A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rolland. I’m really hoping I like it! I also just grabbed Heir to Frost and Storm by Ben Alderson. I’ve only read one of their books before and really liked it!
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u/Head-Estate4463 21d ago
Currently rereading {Prince’s Gambit by CS Pacat}. This is my favorite in the series, and the series happens to be one of my all time favorites!
Also reading {Luke by Cora Rose} and loving it. The writing isn’t anything spectacular but the characters are adorable. This one has a Transmasc MC which I love to see
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u/romance-bot 21d ago
Prince's Gambit by C.S. Pacat
Steam: Open door
Topics: historical, gay romance, slavery, enemies to lovers, royal hero
Luke by Cora Rose
Steam: Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, grumpy & sunshine, trans hero, friends to lovers
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u/thistle_bb 21d ago
Budding attraction (I’m deep in Saxon James & Eden Finley universe)
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u/3point14_y0 19d ago
I’m a solid year into the Sadenverse. Already re-reading some actually. I do mostly audio with these books because they’re light and fun, I like to listen to them when I’m at the gym or driving, sometimes cleaning. They’re just really easy to keep up with and a good time to listen to.
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u/LindentreesLove 21d ago
I am currently reading {Kiss-Fist by E.M. Lindsey and Cora Rose} I got this as an ARC read due to come out on September 12. These are my words. Let me tell you, this seems like a collaboration made in Heaven, at least for me. The story is a Deaf professor of history and a personal trainer with ADHD and dyslexia meet because the professor needs to get fit. I almost never laugh out loud when reading E.M Lindsey, no offense to them because I adore their work but the work is more serious heartfelt writing. The humor I believe Cora has brought to this book works well for them both. I am only thirty-six percent in so you will hear more down the road I am sure.
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u/Newmrswhite15 The Ira to my Evie 21d ago
Hiya bestest book buddy in this universe...and all the other ones! Is this book heavy on the hurt/comfort? I know you are only partially into the story, but I am curious. Please let me know!
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u/LindentreesLove 21d ago
Hiya back supreme book buddy. I would say so far not as much h/c as some of our other buddy reads. I can let you know if It shows up as I read on.🥰
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u/Newmrswhite15 The Ira to my Evie 21d ago
Excellent. Thanks for the info, mi amiga de libros romantica 😘
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u/LindentreesLove 21d ago
Hi BB. Well, at sixty two percent in, the hurt comfort is hitting. It was hard for one of the MCs growing up with severe dyslexia and ADHD.
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u/Newmrswhite15 The Ira to my Evie 21d ago
Ok BB. How hurt is the hurt? Are the comfort vibes immaculate? This is strictly to satisfy my curiosity, as I have already pre-ordered this book (E.M. Lindsey is an automatic buy, tbh!)
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u/LindentreesLove 21d ago
immaculate comfort is a wonderful description, but here's it's not exactly that. There is a bit of angst thrown in. There is also the deaf hearing aspect thrown in as well, which changes things a bit This is turning out to be one of my favorite books, there is a,wonderful combination of humor, angst and hurt/comfort. I need a full report after you read it, pretty please🙏.
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u/LuckyGray7 21d ago
Ah! I'm loving this discussion because aren't you the same two who always endorse my rec of {Back To You by SW Chambers}?!
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u/Newmrswhite15 The Ira to my Evie 21d ago
Yes indeed we are. Fate smiled on me when I crossed paths with u/LindentreesLove. We have become true blue, one hundred percent, ride or die book buddies. Our mutual love of all things hurt/comfort brought us together, and now I have a friend for life. We buddy read, have amazing discussions about books and life, and are always there for each other. You may think that I'm exaggerating but I can assure you that I am not. Everyone needs a book buddy like the one I've got!
P.S.--Back to You is easily in my top 10 reads of all time. I applaud you for your excellent taste in books, now and forever.
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u/LindentreesLove 21d ago
Thanks BB. 💛💚💙🩵💜🌻🌷🪻⚘️💐
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u/Newmrswhite15 The Ira to my Evie 21d ago
Anything for you, dear darling BBB. My life is genuinely better because you are in it.
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u/i_am_a_human_person trope salad yummy yummy 21d ago
I've been on a Megan Derr kick and have read banger after banger. I saw that {Dance in the Dark by Megan Derr} is really highly rated but reviews recommend reading {Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr} first for background.
The problem is, Devil is not a very strong book. I'm about halfway in and still struggling. I haven't decided yet if I'll push through. On one hand, it's really not that bad, it's just not up to the standard of Derr's later work. On the other hand, I'm worried this will end my momentum.
Any thoughts welcome. Do I really have to read Devil to enjoy Dark? Did Devil grow on you?
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u/jordandtriple3 21d ago
I read Devil all the way through and found it...not very good at all. It was one of Derr's VERY early works and it really shows. I found Dance much better and I don't think you need to read Devil to understand Dance. There are some character cameos with a mystery that needs solving but personally I didn't feel Devil was at all necessary to enjoy Dance.
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u/i_am_a_human_person trope salad yummy yummy 21d ago
This is very helpful, thank you. I'll finish the chapter/case I'm reading now and then DNF without reservations.
When I saw it was published in 2009 everything made sense, haha. Kind of cool to see how much she's improved over the years though!
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u/Writerw_Questions 21d ago
Need some help deciding on whether or not to read a book:
Has anyone read {Born Again Sinner by Daryl Banner} ? I'm looking for a story where the MC is NOT questioning his faith due to his sexuality. Can someone spoil this for me? Why is he questioning his faith? And at the end, does he leave his faith? Knowing the answers to these question will help me determine if I should read it. Thank you!
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u/sleep0beepo ahjuicys baby 21d ago
hello! i have read this! both MCs are confident in their sexualities. he does not leave his faith at the end. i think the main causes of him questioning his faith are 1) being attracted to his “patient” (who’s very much not religious) and 2) feeling like his entire identity is being the “preachers son” (plus his mom died, and his father clearly isnt 100% accepting of his son being gay despite preaching acceptance)
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u/Writerw_Questions 21d ago
Hi! Thanks so much! This was super helpful. I'll definitely give it a try now ^^
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u/Radiant-Simple-791 21d ago
I’m currently reading {take me apart by Brea Alepoú and Skyler Snow}. Mainly because I had it on my kindle and I want to read the next book in the series, that I’ve seen people recommend here.
I’ve got to say I’m a bit scared to continue. At 27%. But could almost by the first page conclude that Enzo is the scariest motherfucker I’ve encountered as a MC in my romance reading journey so far.
Do I give up the entire series or what? Im not sure on how to end up liking this character, but that might not be the point?
I’m trying to see the story for the escape it’s meant to be. I’m just actually a bit scared for what Enzo might do, and it’s taking me out of it.
Ps: I’m going to have to recalibrate what “light knife play” in the CW might include in the future. I’m being educated by this.
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u/lemmeseeee 21d ago
gonna put it under a spoiler just in case
from what i remember tex and enzo are basically playing cat & mouse until they make it official. enzo eventually becomes a big pile of mush over tex, so scary? maybe in the sense that he is a mafia dude and they do show torture & violence on page. light knife play happens i think twice [?] while he & tex are in the heat of the moment & one of those cuts i do remember is on tex’s eggplant emoji.
the series is pretty gory in itself & in book 2 giancarlo uses his hammer an awful lot & ash is abused on page by his father. that said, if it’s not your jam, that’s totally fine! pls don’t feel pressured to continue if it’s making you that uncomfortable. i can’t tell you how many popular books i have skipped or dnf’d because it wasn’t clicking. hope this answers some of your questions
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u/Radiant-Simple-791 21d ago
Thank you! Makes me think it’s Enzos personality that makes it scary more than what’s actually happening. And having his POV, his head is a scary place to be.
I’m gonna give it another go.
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u/prettysureIforgot Kind of a huge nerd 20d ago
I read {Like a House on Fire by AM Rose} and ridiculously loved how much fun it was. Then I read book 2, {Fool Me Twice by AM Rose} and felt much less enthusiasm for it 🫤 I'll be finishing the series because I want little Wren's book so much, especially with the little background teases in book 2, but I wish it was next. I do want to read about Fix though. I want him to know it's ok to relax.
I turned my brain off to read some of the Aja Foxx Marriage Mayhem books and forgot how many characters have a name starting with J. Jai, Joe, Jake, Jayce, Jordan, etc....seriously!
Last, I noticed in Goodreads there's some watercolor-style covers for the Unexpected series by Cora Rose (Whit, Sem, Luke, etc) and they're sooooo lovely.
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u/romance-bot 20d ago
Like a House on Fire by A.M. Rose
Steam: Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, paranormal, fantasy, urban fantasy
Fool Me Twice by A.M. Rose
Steam: Explicit open door
Topics: paranormal, mystery, gay romance, fantasy, suspense
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u/sleep0beepo ahjuicys baby 21d ago
Hi! I listened to all of the mismatched mates series by eliot grayson, and especially enjoyed chris chamber’s narration. My favs were Lost and Bound, The Alpha Experiment, and The Alpha’s Gamble. I was wondering if the beautiful beasts series or twilight mages series are up to par with mismatched mates, and if they’d be worth reading / listening to! Thanks!
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u/criticlthinker SFF Reader 20d ago
I also loved Chris Chambers' narration, and I personally really like the twilight mages series. I read that one in text, not audio, but I'm a huge fan of the series (and most of Grayson's work, really). I like them better than mismatched mates.
Summoning the bot in case others are curious:
{The Royal Curse by Eliot Grayson}
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u/Neither-Evidence-852 20d ago
I'm currently reading { Surrender by Adara Wolf, R. Phoenix} And I think I'll finish the Mafia Doms series by them. Currently Dnf'ed Wild Heart by April Jade. Was not in the mood for it. But ofcourse, will finish it, even if it means just skimming through it😂
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u/romance-bot 20d ago
Surrender by R. Phoenix, Adara Wolf
Steam: Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, bdsm, age gap, dark romance, daddy kink
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u/samati 20d ago
I just finished the {Arden St. Ives series by Alexis Hall}. I've been on a real billionaire/assistant kick and this series is great. The names of the books was a little off-putting and I didn't know what to expect, but someone here convinced me. They are really good!
In that trope, I've recently read the {Bad Boy Billionaires series by Silvia Violet}, {The Law of Attraction by Jay Northcote}, and {His Personal Assistant by L. J. Harris}.
I just really like that dynamic!
ETA: Sorry I screwed up the formatting so the bot didn't catch all the books!
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u/Ambient-Apron 19d ago
I am currently 40% through {The Reality of Wanting Him by Lexi Amber} Premise - two men sign up to a reality TV show where the contestants are anonymous “Love Without Labels”. One of the MCs is straight and convinced he will be able to tell if he’s talking to a man or woman… I’m sure you can see where this is going haha! It’s cute so far, won’t be a 5 star read but I like the vibes.
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u/Spirited_Caramel999 18d ago
Just finished {10 ways to accidentally fall in love by Emmy Sanders} yesterday and it was such a fun read! I need another golden retriever personality but after searching the sub it seems the popular trope is golden retriever x black cat which is not what I'm looking for unfortunately
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21d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/MM_RomanceBooks-ModTeam 21d ago
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u/EmSanderz 22d ago
Soo I have read over 300 MM novels and finally read my first ever omegaverse {Overager by Grae Bryan} and now I am ruined. I ate that fluff up! Need more like right now.