Books like 'The Bluff'
Readers who enjoyed The Bluff by Kate McLay also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance mystery wlw slow-burn bodyguard fake-relationship lgbtq angst
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The Delicate Things We Make by Milena McKay
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHitting rock bottom in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, investigative journalist Jamie Walker lands the assignment of a lifetime: Find the most elusive artist of a generation, who has enthralled the art and fashion world for over a decade.This assignment is supposed to finally be Jamie’s ticket to journalistic fame and fortune... -
![The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter]()
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAustralian crime reporter Maddie Grey is out of her depth in New York, miserable, and secretly drawn to her powerful, twice-married, media mogul boss, Elena Bartell, who eats failing newspapers for breakfast. As work takes them to Australia, Maddie is goaded into a brief, seemingly harmless bet with her enigmatic boss—where they have to tell the complete truth to each other... -
![Under Your Skin by Lee Winter]()
Under Your Skin by Lee Winter
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat do a stolen food-delivery robot, a woman from the past, and a bizarre scheme to microchip military veterans have in common? The infamous Caustic Queen, Washington DC bureau chief Catherine Ayers, would love to find out but she has a lot on her plate right now. She and her fiancée, reporter and Iowa girl Lauren King, are busy wedding planning in Lauren’s home town... -
![The Hatter's Game, Part II by Cole McCade]()
The Hatter's Game, Part II by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsABOUT THIS EPISODE Malcolm Khalaji is missing. And Seong-Jae Yoon is the only one who can find him. But to do so means walking paths he swore he would never tread again. Descending into the blackest hallways of a twisted and sadistic mind. Breaking down every wall he's ever built around himself, to try to predict what Sila will do next... -
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![Where the Heart Leads by Ally McGuire]()
Where the Heart Leads by Ally McGuire
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA stunt car driver, an MI5 agent, a gigolo… Finn Montoya tells everyone she meets she has a different profession. It’s all part of keeping people at a distance while still being a part of the world around her. Really, she’s an accomplished writer who has taken being a mystery to heart. At least that way, she can stay safe. Under no circumstances can her past catch up with her... -
![Hotel Queens by Lee Winter]()
Hotel Queens by Lee Winter
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIce meets fire in this opposites-attract lesbian romance, as layered, sassy, and smart as its characters. Over one long night at a bar in Las Vegas, two powerful hotel executives meet, flirt, and challenge each other—having no clue they’re rivals after the same dream deal.Brilliant ice queen Amelia Duxton is a hotel vice president who thrives on control, truth, and efficiency... -
![The Red Files by Lee Winter]()
The Red Files by Lee Winter
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAmbitious Daily Sentinel journalist Lauren King is chafing on LA’s vapid social circuit, reporting on glamorous A-list parties while sparring with her rival—the formidable, icy Catherine Ayers. Ayers is an ex-Washington political correspondent who suffered a humiliating fall from grace, and her acerbic, vicious tongue keeps everyone at bay... -
![The Mistress Files by Tiffany Reisz]()
The Mistress Files by Tiffany Reisz
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsKingsley Edge, king of kink himself, wants Mistress Nora to write a training manual to instruct his other professional Dominants how to take better care of their clients. But Mistress Nora can't put pen to paper without churning out a sexy short story and Kingsley's training manual quickly turns into true tales of her adventures with her favorite clients. A female submissive who can't orgasm... -
![Diamond in the Rough by Charlie Cochet]()
Diamond in the Rough by Charlie Cochet
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWhen the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds. For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past... -
![The Headmistress by Milena McKay]()
The Headmistress by Milena McKay
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsA chance encounter. An unforgettable night. And back home, trouble is brewing on the remote island of Three Dragons, where nothing feels like it used to. Alone and lonely, Sam Threadneedle wishes upon a star, hoping for change. But when said change comes, it’s with a roar and not a whimper.Torn between loyalty and lust, Sam is forced to re-evaluate everything... -
![A Chosen Man by Jaime Reese]()
A Chosen Man by Jaime Reese
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor Wall McCormack, actions speak louder than words. He’s giving and protective, loyal to his friends, and devoted to his job. While confident and powerful enough to conquer any challenge, his greatest strength lies in his calm nature. Until an unexpected assignment sends his world into a loud and colorful chaos he never could have anticipated. Rejection... -
![Rialto by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Rialto by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSomeone has it out for Rialto. Ian Banner is loving his hectic life. He’s newly married, ready to start a family, and opening a new restaurant. All his dreams are coming true. The last thing he needs is a problem with his restaurant. But when one attack after another comes, he grows convinced he has another enemy... -
![Shades of Darkness by Nicky James]()
Shades of Darkness by Nicky James
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSix years ago, an unforeseen incident turned Rory Gallagher’s life upside down. Now, he lives in darkness, fearing the sun, fearing light altogether. Rory has developed Heliophobia. As a creature of the night, Rory has learned to adapt to his unusual lifestyle. He draws comfort from shadows and safety from the nighttime hour... -
![Somebody to Love by April Wilson]()
Somebody to Love by April Wilson
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsChicago homicide detective Tyler Jamison has accepted that fact that he was born defective. Women just don't do it for him, and he can't contemplate any other option. So, loneliness it is. Ian Alexander has met the man of his dreams, but the guy's in complete denial of his sexuality. Ian's not giving up on Tyler, though. Tyler's a domineering, controlling force of nature.. -
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![The Same Place by Gregory Ashe]()
The Same Place by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor what seems like the first time in Teancum Leon’s life, things are looking good: he’s put an end to the toxic relationship with his former sex buddy, work is going well, and Jem Berger has officially decided they are best friends—in spite of Tean’s objections. Things are looking good for Jem too, although he’s not thrilled that somehow Tean has talked him into getting a real job... -
![Silenced by A.K. Evans]()
Silenced by A.K. Evans
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMaxwell ‘Maxie’ Oliver wasn’t looking for trouble. She would have rather remained oblivious. Now that she has information she doesn’t want, a missing coworker, and a scandal on the horizon, Maxie doesn’t think she can remain quiet.But being a whistleblower comes at a high price, and Maxie isn’t willing to risk her life...Categorized as:
slow-burn fake-relationship bodyguard romance contemporary audiobook mystery forced-proximity -
![A Sweet Man by Jaime Reese]()
A Sweet Man by Jaime Reese
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo men. One sweet dream of family and forever. Gabriel “Bull” del Toro loves his fast-paced globe-trotting job, but aches for an honest relationship and the trust that comes with it. After a few too many heartbreaks, he’s nearly given up hope of finding that special someone.Until Ben... -
![The Golden Ratio by Cole McCade]()
The Golden Ratio by Cole McCade
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsABOUT THIS EPISODE The boys are back, and an old face from Seong-Jae’s past plunges BPD Detectives Malcolm Khalaji and Seong-Jae Yoon from a two-month suspension right into the depths of hell — and into one of the most horrific, grisly cases of Malcolm’s life. He's never seen anything like it... -
![Silent Evidence by Rachel Grant]()
Silent Evidence by Rachel Grant
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe man of her fantasies is finally hers. Sort of… Two things haunt forensic anthropologist Hazel MacLeod: the bones of victims of genocide she examines for her work, and former SEAL Sean Logan’s rejection. But within days of moving to her cousin’s estate to take a much needed break, she finds herself faced with both...Categorized as:
bodyguard fake-relationship slow-burn action-adventure adult audiobook book contemporary -
![Fix It Up: Torus Intercession Book Three by Mary Calmes]()
Fix It Up: Torus Intercession Book Three by Mary Calmes
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHow will a man who doesn’t believe in fairy tales ever hope to recognize when he’s found the love of a lifetime? Locryn Barnes knows what it means to be a fixer for Torus Intercession... -
![Deadly Dorian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott]()
Deadly Dorian by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSomeone is trying to kill Marc Foster. Attempted poisoning was bad enough, but when the would-be killer messes with the brakes on Marc’s precious Porsche, the art dealer admits he needs help. He just wasn’t expecting help to be quite so dark and sexy. Royce Karras loves his job at Ward Security. He’s making up for a lifetime of bad decisions and a bloody past he’d rather forget... -
![Hitched by Lucy Lennox, May Archer]()
Hitched by Lucy Lennox, May Archer
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsFormer Marine Percy “Champ” Champion has never encountered a problem he can’t handle. Flying bullets? Daring jungle rescues? Building Champion Security from the ground up? Making people seriously regret using his hated first name? No problem. He’s gotten the job done without a hitch each and every time... -
![Solanum by Max Ellendale]()
Solanum by Max Ellendale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Caroline Donovan and Nora Brody are assigned to the same unit of the FBI, they become fast friends. As they navigate through their careers, the connection they share changes and grows along with them. Their unique challenges, and favorite kinks, entangle them in ways neither expected... -
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![Covenant by Ann McMan]()
Covenant by Ann McMan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPresent Day: Jericho, Virginia.Covenant continues the beloved saga of the residents of Jericho, a sleepy town in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, where life and love have as many twists and turns as a winding mountain road.Six weeks have passed since the fateful unfolding of events at the town’s Fourth of July celebration... -
![The Wayhaven Chronicles: Book One by Mishka Jenkins]()
The Wayhaven Chronicles: Book One by Mishka Jenkins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsYour first case as a detective is forcing you to open your eyes to a world bigger than you thought. But maybe it's better to keep them closed. Knowing too much doesn’t help anyone sleep at night! Seems the supernatural didn’t get the memo that nothing exciting ever happens in the little town of Wayhaven... -
![Magdalene Nox by Milena McKay]()
Magdalene Nox by Milena McKay
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsMagdalene Nox doesn't cast wishes upon stars... She simply makes them happen. But for this particular wish, she had waited for thirty years. Her retribution against those who discarded her three decades ago should be swift and simple.Except a chance encounter and an unforgettable night turn her entire life upside down. Torn between vengeance and lust, Magdalene is forced to re-evaluate everything... -
![Nightingale by Andrea Bramhall]()
Nightingale by Andrea Bramhall
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen Charlie Porter meets Hazaar Alim her first year of university, she’s instantly smitten. Hazaar has it all: beauty, talent, and brains. What she doesn’t realize is that Hazaar’s future has already been decided, and Charlie has no place in it.Hazaar desperately wants to break with her traditions and stay with Charlie, but when forced to choose, she chooses her family over love... -
![Saving Danger by Katie Reus]()
Saving Danger by Katie Reus
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTo maintain her cover and keep her family off her back, they fake a relationship.Having spent her whole life trying to prove she’s just as capable as her three older brothers, art retrieval expert Ivy Danger has landed the biggest gig of her career, one that will pay off the mortgage of the animal shelter she owns. That is, if she doesn’t die before finishing the job... -
![Seduced by a Sinner by Leighton Greene]()
Seduced by a Sinner by Leighton Greene
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe’s innocent. He’s chaste. He’s promised to God. And he’s more temptation than I can handle.I’m supposed to guard the Boss's husband, but I just can’t keep my eyes off his best friend, Aidan O’Leary.Watching him.Wanting him.Knowing I can never have him.Aidan is pure in body and soul. He’s about to be ordained as a priest. Me? I’m going to burn for the things I’ve done... -
![Always Emilie: A Sapphic Romance by Alyson Root]()
Always Emilie: A Sapphic Romance by Alyson Root
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCharlie Baxter has it all. A beautiful house, successful company and a set of tattoos that light women on fire at the mere sight of them. Not to mention, she’s tall and gorgeous! Life is good… Well, that is until her old music teacher calls insisting she return to her old school to take part in their annual charity ball. Charlie left Pickerton Academy behind twenty years ago... -
![Code Blue by N.R. Walker]()
Code Blue by N.R. Walker
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSteve Frost had dreams of wearing the national championship belt in mixed martial arts, maybe even going pro, but instead, finds himself working as a security guard for the rich and famous in LA.Quickly earning a reputation for his blunt and precise people management skills, he lands a position on the security team for an up-and-coming boyband, Atrous. Years later, he’s head of security... -
![Zac's Mulligan by Ann Lister]()
Zac's Mulligan by Ann Lister
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsZac Mulligan is a former Marine now providing personal security for the infamous rock band, Black Ice. Seeing all the guys around him in committed relationships reminds him of his childhood best friend . . . the only person Zac has never managed to get out of his head or his heart. Ben Holland is an artist... -
![Stryke First by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
Stryke First by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis book is part of a series. It contains homosexual relations, violence and coarse language. It is preceded by Falcon's Fox. Rebel Stryker has had to fight to survive from the moment he was born to a heroin-addicted mother. Raised by his grandparents, his only mission in life was to succeed where his mother had failed... -
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![No Surrender by Nora Phoenix]()
No Surrender by Nora Phoenix
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNo matter what he feels for Wander, he’ll never surrender to him.I’m in control of my life. That has become Burke’s mantra. He lost control somewhere along the way, descending into a downward spiral until he hit rock bottom. Now he’s back, sober, and determined to never be in that position again. Ever.That’s why he loves being a dominant. He’s in charge. He can plan everything into detail... -
![Honestly Yours by Jaime Reese]()
Honestly Yours by Jaime Reese
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe truth hurts. But in the end, honesty wins. Or does it? Warren Prescott loves a challenge. He knows how to play the game and adapts when necessary to succeed in his cutthroat world. Tired of pining for a man he’s wanted for months, Warren intends to seal the deal. Until that man throws him an endearing curveball…Be honest.Gian Benedetti doesn’t play games... -
![Harley's Achilles by Sandrine Gasq-Dion]()
Harley's Achilles by Sandrine Gasq-Dion
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis book is part of series, but can be read as a standalone. It is preceded by Fret and Jinxed. This book contains homosexual relationships and coarse language. Rock star Harley Payne seems to have it all. Skyrocketing career. More money than he'll ever need. And women. Lots and LOTS of women. But "seems" is the operative word... -
![Beyond the Breakwater by Radclyffe]()
Beyond the Breakwater by Radclyffe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSheriff Reese Conlon and Doctor Tory King face the challenges of personal change as they define their lives and future together. Tory’s pregnancy forces her to examine her personal needs and goals while Reese struggles with her escalating anxieties over conditions she cannot control... -
![Code of Honor by Radclyffe]()
Code of Honor by Radclyffe
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe face of terror is hard to recognize—especially when it’s homegrown. Blair Powell is set to join her father on the campaign trail even though a domestic terrorist group has already launched one attack on President Andrew Powell's life... -
![Coda by Jennifer Hartmann]()
Coda by Jennifer Hartmann
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSix years ago, I hit rock bottom.In a desperate attempt to pull myself from the ashes, I had to burn the people I loved most.Now, those same people are drowning in darkness after their world is rocked by tragedy.I've made a business out of helping others, channeling my past trauma into a good cause. But when the one person who needs my help the most sends me away, I have another choice to make...Categorized as:
angst slow-burn romance contemporary love-triangle friends-to-lovers realistic mystery -
![Don't Call Me Hero by Eliza Lentzski]()
Don't Call Me Hero by Eliza Lentzski
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt’s been over a year since Cassidy Miller retired from the United States Marine Corps, but try telling that to her nightmares. She knew that coming back after eight years in a war zone wouldn’t be easy, but she’d underestimated the real difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. War is hell, but the aftermath is endless... -
![Honey in the Marrow by Emily Waters]()
Honey in the Marrow by Emily Waters
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn enemies-to-friends-to-lovers lesbian romance about finding heart, hope, and second chances you never thought you’d have.Stella Carter is a former criminal prosecutor and new widow facing down middle age alone in Los Angeles. Without being a prestigious lawyer and someone’s wife, she’s not sure who she is anymore or where her life is headed... -
![The Fixer by Lee Winter]()
The Fixer by Lee Winter
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA naive activist is hired by a corporate villain but doesn’t realize it. Cue one awkward farce, a twisty puzzle, and the slowest of slow burns in this opposites-attract, ice queen romance.Nine years ago, aloof, icy Michelle Hastings chose career over love. She’s now living with that choice as she rules a secret corporation catering to the rich and powerful.Enter Eden Lawless... -
![A Lover's Game by Max Walker]()
A Lover's Game by Max Walker
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsZane Holden, the founder of Stonewall Investigations, has been haunted by the same case for years. He’s had loved ones taken by the serial killer known as the Unicorn, and his drive to find the monster is higher than ever. Finally, he feels like he’s getting close. Something else that’s getting closer? His wedding day to the man of his dreams. Lorenzo De Luca found the love of his life in Zane... -
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![The Progress of Sherlock Holmes by Ivy Blossom]()
The Progress of Sherlock Holmes by Ivy Blossom
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAuthor's summary: Sherlock is head over heels for John, but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. First-person present-tense series of short scenes from Sherlock's point of view, borrowing heavily from Arthur Conan Doyle's stories... -
![Yet a Stranger by Gregory Ashe]()
Yet a Stranger by Gregory Ashe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhen Auggie Lopez returns to Wroxall College, he’s determined that his second year will be different from the chaos he faced as a freshman. He’s living in the Sigma Sigma house, he’s got a good group of friends, and his social media presence is growing. Meeting a hot older guy on move-in day is just the cherry on top. All he has to do now is avoid getting dragged into another murder... -
![Sun Catcher: Book One by Giselle Fox]()
Sun Catcher: Book One by Giselle Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPlaying it safe may be the greatest risk of all ...Cate is sick of her boring job and stolid boyfriend. She craves excitement, and a trip to Panama to visit a wild and crazy friend from her college days is the perfect solution.The expat community there welcomes her, but Cate is more intrigued by Lexi, her friend’s beautiful but mysterious neighbor... -
![News Boy: Storm Front: An MM Age-Play Romance (News Boy Trilogy) by Susan Hawke]()
News Boy: Storm Front: An MM Age-Play Romance (News Boy Trilogy) by Susan Hawke
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsEven the best Daddies can’t keep the storms of life away… but they’ll always try. Morning news anchor Neil Klein has loved being in love for nearly six months with the best kind of “Daddy” ever—his boyfriend and bodyguard, Brody Johnson. Sassy as ever, Neil keeps his man busy at work and even busier at home. And Brody wouldn’t have it any other way. Love has made both their lives complete... -
![The Lost Prince by Harper Fox]()
The Lost Prince by Harper Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLaurie and Sasha have built a bright new world. It’s taken two years, but now Sasha is working for the Romanian embassy, and Laurie is landing theatre roles he once could only have dreamed of. Best of all, they’ve spent each day of those two years enjoying the love they snatched from the jaws of Sasha’s dangerous, violent past... -
![Faith's Crossing by Carrie L. Carr]()
Faith's Crossing by Carrie L. Carr
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn the sequel to Destiny's Bridge, new lovers Lexington Walters and Amanda Cauble have withstood many things to be together. When Amanda decides to move to Texas for good, she goes back to her family's California home to get the rest of her things, taking Lex with her. Even though her parents have never understood her "lifestyle", they've not exactly fought against it...
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