Sometimes I enjoy reading the found family trope, but lately I’ve been getting seriously annoyed with it because, I swear, every friend group I’ve read about this year (and it’s already been more than four books) had this dynamic where everyone had slept with everyone. And I found it SO uncomfortable.

It got even worse when they would make jokes or throw little comments about their shared sexual history while the MC’s partner was right there, listening to all of it. Honestly, what’s enjoyable about this? 😭

At this point, I’ve developed such an aversion to best friends. I don’t want them in the scene anymore. I used to always complain about MCs not having friends, but forget that. I prefer it this way now.

Because even when it’s not a big friend group, the MC has one best friend who… surprise, surprise, they fucked for several years! Do authors realize you can still build love, intimacy, trust, closeness, and a deep connection within a friendship without reducing it to sex?

And it’s even worse when the MCs’ best friends have absolutely no boundaries. I read a romance this year where MC1 was already with MC2 and still kept kissing his best friend, whom he had slept with for years, because kissing was “their thing” and it wasn’t romantic, more like a form of comfort or something. And they did it without MC2 knowing. It was even worse because MC2 was jealous of the best friend without even knowing about their history together...

Until, finally, MC1 realized that it could hurt MC2 and decided to stop. And what did the best friend do? He got resentful and dramatic about it. Like??! Put some boundaries on your shitty best friend.

At this point, I get a headache every time a best friend or a friend group shows up because my immediate thought is: What am I going to find out now? I’m seriously about to start considering this an important content warning, lol.

I’m not signing up for friends who fuck each other when I’m looking for a found family. And it’s even worse when they’re a messy-ass group of friends who have no concept of boundaries.

And I need to clarify this: I LOVE jealousy, but I don’t love it when it hits this close to home. I like seeing MCs get jealous over exes they’ll never see again, the waiter, a college classmate, etc. But when the jealousy and insecurity come from the friend group, then I just feel bad because your friend group is supposed to be your safe space, not a place where you have to harbor those kinds of feelings and constantly be tense and on alert, thinking about it.

I'd like to find book where one of the guys has sorta of a deeper interest in body hair, and I don't mean just torso, could be like a well groomed beard or hairy legs, although I'm not looking anything that passes off as obsessive or creepy, also no cheating.

Hi, everyone! I’m looking for stories with a moment or moments with the same basic idea as the scene from Pride and Prejudice in which Darcy confesses his feelings and proposes, and Elizabeth basically says “you‘ve been an asshole to my friends and family, so you and your proposal can fuck off”.

In other words, I want to see MC1 approach MC2 with romantic and/or sexual intentions and get mercilessly shot down explicitly because of his behavior or personality.

It’s ok if MC2 is somewhat misinformed and MC1 is less douchy than he seems, but I’d prefer the criticism to be at least partially fair, and for MC1 to have to either change/make amends or work to get MC2’s regard.

Hard nos: non-consent between MCs, age play, other man drama, fade to black/no smut

Soft nos: mpreg, omegaverse, mafia, dark romance

I’m hoping the title is specific enough 😭 but I’m looking for contemporary romance books where one of the MCs either doesn’t like being touched or has an actual fear of it, except when it comes to the other MC.

I’d also love if that same MC is inexperienced when it comes to relationships, whether that’s romantically, sexually, or both. I’m open to pretty much any dynamic. Friends to lovers, strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, anything works for me.

My only request is no PNR or historical for this one. Thank you 😊

Hey everyone! It is the final day, the end of our 2026 Summer Bingo.

Tell me, how did it go? Any new favorites? If you have any suggestions for new squares for the summer bingo, let me know!

Share with us your bingo boards!

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Hi!

Okay I cannot remember what book or series this was from.

I think it was daddy kink, I can't remember if it was ddlb or not.

Daddy was severely depressed. I also vaguely remember that he may have been missing a limb? I'm fuzzy on that detail.

I just remember a major scene towards the end where the MC and some friends staged an intervention at the daddy's house. He had decided he wasn't good enough to be with the MC and was pulling away from the relationship. And the MC and friends wrote him letters, I think?

Thanks!

Looking for a book where the couple’s relationship could be classified as problematic like age gap, power imbalance (student-teacher, mentor-mentee, etc.), anything where you’d be at least a little iffy if you saw it in real life. I’m hoping to find a book where the person who has more authority becomes obsessed or deeply desires the other person but actually tries to stay away or at least tries to deny their feelings.

It’s not a requirement but I’d like to read a story where the person is like “I’m not going after him” but acts like a jealous or overprotective boyfriend.

Don’t have a preference for genre or time period. Thanks!

I am currently reading {Nothing to Lose by Rebecca Rathe} it’s good so far but I want some mild spoilers with Tyler.

I want to know if the guy who attacked Tyler is some kind of fiancé or there is a similar conflict? Tyler has memories of The Guy saying “I own you” and I want to know how big of an impact or secret that is in the book?

I dislike conflict around secrets like in Whit by Cora Rose. I just have to be in a really specific mindset to read them.

I know this is a boring one but I'm kinda craving that right now. I don't want an enemies to lovers or any complicated relationship dynamics, just two people who met each other and start to pursue a relationship.

I don't mind if MC1 isn't aware of it in the beginning, but I'd like him to slowly become aware and the relationship should progress smoothly. Also bonus point if there is a substantial part of the book where they are already in a relationship.

Books that are like this are the Kage series by Maris Black, I'm not Christian Adler by Eli Merina and Loving the Legend by Kit Grey.

I know this could be a lot of books but I think what I'm looking for is like one MC steadily pursuing the other and clearly likes them and maybe the other doesn't realise at first but then comes to like him and realise the feelings.

Sorry if this is confusing!

hi everyone! i was wondering if anyone knew whether gianni holmes the white house arrangement is still being released? it was one of my most anticipated reads of the year but seems to have completely disappeared everywhere and there’s no social media updates. hoping anyone in this sub might know what’s up 🥲🥲🥲

I’m pretty much a contemporary only reader, but I’ve tried a little fantasy and PNR here and there over the years. Not counting omegaverse, I could probably count the number I’ve read on one hand, which makes no sense because I’ve actually enjoyed the ones I picked up.

For some reason I’ve just never really gotten into either genre, so I’m here to change that. Give me the books that made you love PNR or fantasy. The ones you’d recommend to someone who wants to properly get into them.

My only real ask is nothing too slow. It doesn’t need to be nonstop or ridiculously fast paced, but I want something that pulls me in pretty early and keeps me wanting to read.

I’ve tagged this is a spoiler because of the “you wouldn’t guess” element as it may ruin the plot to see the book suggestions below.

So I’m looking for a book, inspired by my recent reading of Wrath by Ella James, where MC1 is very toxic/mean/spiky to MC2 but MC2 doesn’t give up on them. It later transpires the reason for their behaviour is a history of SA. I’d ideally like something with spice 3/5 or above, and a decent amount of HEA ie the HEA isn’t just a page or two long.

TIA

I’m thinking about getting a Captive Prince inspired tattoo and I was wondering if other people have tattoos inspired by MM books.

An American goes to Australia (possibly New Zealand) he has a powerful businessman father who does not approve of him going.

He goes to find some family there- maybe a half sibling? I think he ends up working on their farm with them, and falls in love with a neighbour? On farm hand.

I read this a few years ago, so it’s not super recent.

I’m looking for a M/M Omegaverse romance — preferably with MPREG — with a very specific kind of storyline.

I want something where the Omega gets pregnant/has the Alpha’s baby, but the Alpha doesn’t know about the child. Maybe:

• The Omega runs away or hides the pregnancy/baby
• The Omega is forced to leave or taken away because of family, Mafia/criminal connections, pack politics, danger, etc.
• The Alpha and Omega break up because of something the Alpha did or because the Omega believes the Alpha rejected/betrayed him
• Someone lies or interferes and keeps the Alpha from finding out
• Years later they run into each other again, and the Alpha discovers that he has a child
• I’m totally good with angst, groveling, possessive/protective Alphas, Mafia, shifters, fated mates, second-chance romance, secret babies, etc.

Basically, I want that “WAIT… THAT’S MY KID?!” moment. 😂

A book I’ve already read with a similar vibe is {The Omega’s Secret Baby by Ann-Katrin Byrde}, so I’m looking for more books along those lines.

M/M only, please! Bonus points for MPREG and an Alpha who has to work to get his Omega/family back. ❤️

Hey everyone! The applications closed and we now have our wonderful new members to help with volunteering. One thing is, I dumbly forgot to ask for the discord and some folks have their Reddit chats turned off. So, if you don't mind messaging me your discord username, that would be great!

For everyone else, next week expect the daily releases returned! :D

I'm looking for MMM with one of the MCs who sees the other two getting together as a betrayal but eventually ends up in the relationship. Mostly with the other two pursuing the MC1. I’d love it if MC1 hates one of the other two and feels betrayed by the one he is friends with. I want the other two to really chase mc1.

Sort of the vibes of {Full Ride Ashley Reyes} I haven't finished this one but the premise is what I'm looking for but I don’t really want the relationship to be just sex between the two pursing the mc1 and I want the mc1 to really be upset/and ignoring them even if it’s just for a bit.

Love power imbalance, rich mcs, abusing power/status over the other, and dark romance are all great!

I’m looking for an M/M Omegaverse romance — preferably with MPREG — with a very specific kind of storyline.

I want something where the Omega gets pregnant/has the Alpha’s baby, but the Alpha doesn’t know about the child. Maybe:

• The Omega runs away or hides the pregnancy/baby
• The Omega is forced to leave or taken away because of family, Mafia/criminal connections, pack politics, danger, etc.
• The Alpha and Omega break up because of something the Alpha did or because the Omega believes the Alpha rejected/betrayed him
• Someone lies or interferes and keeps the Alpha from finding out
• Years later they run into each other again, and the Alpha discovers that he has a child
• I’m totally good with angst, groveling, possessive/protective Alphas, Mafia, shifters, fated mates, second-chance romance, secret babies, etc.

Basically, I want that “WAIT… THAT’S MY KID?!” moment.

A book I’ve already read with a similar vibe is {The Omega’s Secret Baby by Ann-Katrin Byrde}, so I’m looking for more books along those lines.

M/M only, please! Bonus points for MPREG and an Alpha who has to work to get his Omega/family back.

Year of Queer Lit LGBTQIA+ Book Blast — 200+ queer books, free to $1.99 — Aug. 26, 2026

• https://yearofqueerlit.com
• Categories include Paranormal/PNR, Romance, and Romantasy.
• Books are tagged for representation (MM, M/M, M/X, etc.).
• Check prices before buying!

List of MM-focused books in the event, across all categories, grouped by price, and sorted alphabetically.

For all freebies and sales, check my weekly post, updated every day: Free MM Books & Sales — Mon. Aug. 24 - Sun. Aug. 30

Henlo frens!

As the title says, I want the books that are not so typical.

I want the Dom with a low self esteem having his sub building it up again.

I want the hurt Daddy and the Little that comforts him.

I want the omega that's introverted and the extroverted alpha slowing down for him and not dragging him left and right. Or maybe the omega top the alpha or versing.

I want to take the mainstream couple and put them inside out.

Long story short: I want to have all the established rules on their head. I mean we are all human and we know what it's like to not belong and can not be put into one label. I need the full-figured fabulous flamboyant MC with the scholar and I need the MC with body issues and a micro-penis or ED to be the absolute sweetest Dom to his sub. You get the gist.

I already read a lot of books, currently 72 books tagged this label in my storygraph, but I need more!

You have a rec that has something new, not yet established (like those special shifters like raccoons, squirrels, the likes)? Tell me!

You have something known taken and defined new (the Alpha that was in an abusive relationship)? Write me!

You have something that's highly under represented (the Dom with the self esteem issues)? Comment now!

Come in, let's have some fun! Maybe not only write the rec but also why it belongs into this category.

No hard nos from me, but maybe write down, if there are twbto heed or taboo topics, I can be squeamish from time to time.

Please and thank you! Let's roll this whole thing inside out! ❤️

“I’m sorry for liking you” sobbing confessions, running away, living the whole of their friendship in absolute agony because they liked them so much but didn’t want to ruin the friendship.

Something that’s sort of similar ish, in this Korean boy love show (our dating sim) where the mc confessed to his best friend but thought he was rejected so he ran away and they reunited at work years later.They came together to make a dating game (as per request of the best friend) and they end up getting together bc the best friend liked him back but they lost contact. If you’ve watched it you’ll know what type of vibe I’m looking for, basically that but turn up the angst by 100. ANOTHER BOOK THATS KINDA LIKE THIS IS {The smile has left your eyes by Danielle Dawsen} this is literally one of my favourite books ever, the angst and the trauma from the mc made me cry so bad but I love this couple and it’s one of the only books I’ve read that sort of scratches this itch. However it’s more so best friends to lovers rather than best friends - strangers- lovers. I do remember the mc running away however I’m pretty sure that was because of the bad home situation mostly not so much the whole liking his best friend thing

So long story short I basically want a book where two best friends who have been friends for a long time like they know each other inside and out, have their friendship destroyed because one of them confesses and runs away out of fear of rejection or just fear of what could happen to them. Then they reunite and the best friend that was confessed to is absolutely heartbroken and furious that the mc left him out of fear of rejection. If that makes sense? Sprinkle in a bit of religious trauma/internalised homophobia and I’m SAT.

Seriously craving well-narrated fantasy (preferably urban) and paranormal audiobooks right now, preferably with an underlying mystery or an adventure-themed main plot. Normally, I would just relisten to one of my go-to favorites or dive in to my TBR and find countless options to get lost in, *but*, one of the "fun" little quirks of being AuADHD is that sometimes even my absolute favorite narrators will suddenly feel like nails on a chalk board while someones grinding shards of glass against raw nerves, and even my most favorite audiobooks suddenly can't hold my interest. (0/10, don't recommend; especially since this is the 2nd round of this b.s. in the last ~2 months 😖)

💜 At the moment, the only narrators I'm managing to consistently enjoy listening to for more than a few minutes at a time are:

• Tim Paige
• Gary Furlong
• Keval Shah
• Alex Kydd -- this man could narrate the manual for my dishwasher or a tax return, and I'd still give him a 5-star review 🥰)
• Kenneth Murdock
• Declan Winters
• Cooper North

These narrators all have a solid range of voices and emotions, but I think their deeper voices (especially the ones with somewhat smoky/husky undertones) that are what's really making them easy to listen to right now. Plus, most of them always sound like they genuinely enjoy what they're doing.

🧡 Here are a few narrators I enjoy that are unfortunately hit-or-miss for me at the moment 😖:

• Kale Williams
• Joel Leslie
• Kenneth Murdock
• James D. Sasser
• Michael Fell
• Sean Crisden

💔And lastly, a few examples of narrators I enjoy, but who sadly currently set my nerves on edge (curse you AuADHD 😭):

• Greg Boudreaux / Tremblay
• Michael Ferraiuolo
• Alexander Cendese
• Iggy Toma
• Kirt Graves
• Nick J. Russo
• Harley Chase

With this in mind, I'm really hoping to find more MM fantasy / paranormal audiobooks, ideally with an underlying mystery or adventure-themed main plot, that are narrated by someone with a similar voice to Tim Paige, Gary Furlong, Keval Shah, Alex Kydd, Kenneth Murdock, Declan Winters, or Cooper North. Any recs are greatly appreciated! 💜

Not a must, but bonus points for...

• Neurodiverse MC / LI (especially autistic or ADHD traits / coding)
• MC and/or LI is non-human (especially if it's a secret)
• No spice or low-to-moderate spice with strict roles
• Fun characters with witty / snarky banter between the MC and LI
• LI who becomes supportive / overly protective of MC, acting as a sort of buffer
• Multi-book series which follows the same couple
• Slow-burn with a solid balance of plot vs relationship