Books Tagged With potential trigger - abuse - past

Word Count: Click here to reveal86000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealDemisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: With imminent destruction possible, and the trust of the townsfolk gone, can Darius and Bale work together and set things right to send Hastur back to his demonic dimension? Darius has worked hard to get where he is now. He has a home, two cats and a close circle of friends. He doesn’t mind that lightning sparks out of his fingers when he’s about to lose control, or his former lover, Bale, keeps hanging around, waiting for forgiveness Darius doesn’t believe he deserves. He is fine. Everything is fine. Bale knows that trying to get back into Darius’s good graces will require perseverance and a lot of patience. He’s determined to do it though, because Darius is the world to him. Agreeing to work with Hastur nearly killed him but it was worth it to keep Darius safe. He’s going to prove to Darius that he always loved him. Though their world is in constant peril, and friendships are strained to almost breaking Darius and Bale will fight to the death to keep the Elder Demon, Hastur, from consuming their town. With second chances, enemies to lovers, prickly heroes and their adoring demons, Darius and Bale will show that all saving the world takes is love and patience.

Word Count: Click here to reveal26900 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary:

Lord Marcus is on a quest to slay the dragon, rescue the princess, and live happily ever after. Falling for the dragon was never part of the plan.

When Lord Marcus set out on his quest, it seemed a simple enough task to accomplish. Slay the dragon and rescue the princess, securing his father's approval and earning his happily ever after--only the princess is a witch and the dragon is nowhere to be seen. Instead he finds a young man who has a very big secret and is in far greater need of rescuing. Marcus's well planned quest might have taken an unexpected turn, but his happy ending could still be within his grasp, if he can earn the trust of a dragon who has been betrayed and hurt by everyone he has ever known.

Word Count: Click here to reveal98000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Ian Pierce is the chef and part owner of the hottest restaurant in Cincinnati, his chosen family is full of happy relationships, and the scruffy, snarky cop who has been haunting his dreams is one step closer to being in his bed. But everything comes crashing down when the past he narrowly escaped nine years ago comes to a deadly head. Hollis Banner was enamored of Ian at first sight. He’s kept his distance, knowing the gorgeous, self-confident man is out of his league. Yet there’s no standing aside when Boris Jagger escapes a raid. Jagger’s world has been nearly destroyed and this time, the crime boss is coming after Ian and his friends personally. Hollis will do whatever it takes to keep Ian safe as they escape to a safe house with a couple of Ian’s overprotective friends. And Ian finds himself in a race to unlock painful memories—memories containing information that could take down the very last of Jagger’s illegal operations forever.

Word Count: Click here to reveal67880 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay, Transgender (Click here to hide)

Summary: Vic Onelasa is a half-black, half-Cherokee ex-gang member with a rap sheet long and varied enough to make his juvie officers shake their heads in dismay. He was heading for either prison or an early grave until he washed up at Diamond Bar Alpha Ranch's home for troubled LGBT youth and found a new purpose in life. Angel Rathbone-DeBartolio is an up-and-coming young corporate exec, heir to one of the largest fortunes in the country. His world of helicopters, sports cars, fast women, and posh parties couldn't be further removed from Vic's life of dust, sweat, horses, and cattle. When the two meet, neither one is prepared for the immediate attraction between them. Vic's terrible life choices are largely a matter of public record. With Angel's past full of corporate scandal, parties, and one night stands, you'd expect him to be the one with skeletons hidden in his closet. But you'd be wrong. Vic has one secret left. A secret that has sent every romantic partner he's ever had running for the hills. And when Angel stumbles across it by accident, Vic knows with complete certainty that he's about to lose the fragile new connection he's only just allowed himself to want. * * * Diamond Bar Alpha 2: Vic and Angel is an LGBT romance with a “happy ever after” ending and no cliffhanger. While it takes place in the same setting as Diamond Bar Alpha Ranch, both books can be read as standalone novels.

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: There are good guys, bad guys, and then there’s Lucky. Former drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter flaunts his past like a badge of honor. He speaks his mind, doesn’t play nice, and flirts with disaster while working off his sentence with the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. If he can keep out of trouble a while longer he’ll be a free man–after he trains his replacement. Textbook-quoting, by the book Bo Schollenberger is everything Lucky isn’t. Lucky slurps coffee, Bo lives caffeine free. Lucky worships bacon, Bo eats tofu. Lucky trusts no one, Bo calls suspects by first name. Yet when the chips are down on their shared case of breaking up a drug diversion ring, they may have more in common than they believe. Two men. Close quarters. Friction results in heat. But Lucky scoffs at partnerships, no matter how thrilling the roller-coaster. Bo has two months to break down Lucky’s defenses… and seconds are ticking by.

Word Count: Click here to reveal94000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: The balance of power in Skanda is about to shift… Beautiful, broken Tristin of Ysdrach would rather hide in his dragon form than live with a Wytch power that forces him to feel the pain of the past in every object he touches. Struggling to come to terms with a future he never believed he’d have, Tristin needs a reason not to surrender to the beast within. Without Wytch power, Prince Mikhyal of Rhiva is not qualified to be his father’s heir, but newly discovered knowledge possessed by Rhiva’s allies could change that. On their journey to a secret negotiation that could shift the balance of power in Skanda, Mikhyal and his father are attacked, and Mikhyal is left bonded to an ancient sword with a mission, an attitude, and a penchant for blackberry tarts. Even with the distractions of a royal betrothal ceremony, an enemy striking from the shadows, and the complex negotiations of alliance and rebellion, the painfully shy Tristin still manages to catch Mikhyal’s eye. The two men barely have time to acknowledge their mutual attraction before an attempt is made to end the line of Rhiva. Can Tristin and Mikhyal get to the bottom of the plot? Or will the Northern Alliance be torn apart before the ink on the treaty is dry?

Word Count: Click here to reveal195,500 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay, Polyamorous (Click here to hide)

Summary: Speed. Power. Accuracy. All things needed in racing, but for Brandon, Chris, Jason, and Eric it applies to far more... After Brandon and Chris thrust themselves into perilous danger to protect their chosen family, the world seems completely different to them. Chris finds himself suddenly haunted by thoughts of his long-estranged father, and Brandon immediately knows something is amiss. The ill-feelings haunt him as they continue to deal with the emotional distress caused by their efforts—in cohort with Jason's brother Jim—to stem whatever machinations were set out to destroy them. However, Jim finds there are more forces at play than he originally assumed. Meanwhile, when Chris' father shows up and delivers some earth-shattering news, he and Brandon are left trying to piece together what it all means. When Chris finds out his entire life is based on a lie, he is begrudgingly set on a course of discovering himself all over again. What finds him is far more than he ever could have anticipated. In this final installment, the four friends find out far more about themselves and their pasts and present, which in turn guides their futures with each other. When Chris’ lost past merges with his future and a lost connection finds him, he suddenly has more than just protecting his chosen family at stake. It is evident that whatever ordeal awaits them, this unlikely but well-matched group will band together, but will they be able to thwart everything that threatens their safety and happiness?

Word Count: Click here to reveal113,000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary:

ελπίδα. Elpída. Greek. Meaning hope Hope. v. /ˈhōp/ to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true

Michael and Christy attended prom, graduated high school, and Michael leads the USATF tryouts. With Oxford University on the horizon, his future looks bright, and he believes life has returned to normal after Christy’s rescue. He couldn’t be more wrong.

Word Count: Click here to reveal120000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay, Non Binary (Click here to hide)

Summary: Once upon a time, there was a stunningly gorgeous mage named Nikki. They were trapped by evil, horrible Jaeggi mages for ten long years until they were rescued by the brave dragon named Gunter. The grumpy red knight swept in, carrying them off to a fair castle, where they lived happily ever after. That’s how the story’s supposed to go, anyway. Nikki would really like to have that fairytale ending, please and thank you. It’s too bad Gunter is oblivious and the Jaeggi are interfering. Nikki may just have to cook up some explosions to help both situations along, because they’re determined to get their happily ever after. Is there a magic how-to guide on things that go boom? Tags: non-binary MC, Grumpy and Sunshine, it’s basically the air we breathe, Gunter needs a hug, Nikki likes to give them, crippling crush at first sight, Nikki has trust issues, for good reason, Nikki’s determined, Gunter is oblivious, mis-used poetry, Alric and Gunter are once again banned from drinking together, ever, schmoop, wall sex, the tongue thing is awesome, all hail Gunter’s tongue, violence, because bad guys, Nikki feels that explosions are an appropriate response to everything, Cameron and Nikki are explosion buddies, Nikki has mixed feelings on high heels, fairytales do come true

Word Count: Click here to reveal94,290 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Sometimes, the best way to overcome differences — is to embrace them. Quinn: Nothing is more important than family. Someday I’ll have my own, if I can ever find the right guy. For now, I'm concentrating on my career and a promotion. That is, until my company hires a hot-shot with the right credentials to snag the position. I should resent him, but Tadhg Byrne is talented. And gorgeous. And though my ASL is pitiful, it means I’m the most “qualified” colleague to partner with him. Or so my boss says. So I guess I’m about to do myself out of a job. Tadhg:  After a nasty breakup with my manipulative ex, I returned home to Seattle to lick my wounds. I’m done with relationships. From now on I’m focusing on my career. There are just a few issues with that. It’s not that easy for a deaf man to succeed in a hearing world, even with the right degree and experience. Quinn MacDougall—my good-natured coworker. He’s incredibly talented, driven, and distractingly handsome. Quinn’s hearing, which is the biggest problem of all. How can someone who isn’t deaf ever truly understand and accept me?   Embrace Me is a low-medium angst, contemporary MM romance about language barriers, loving but demanding families, crappy bosses, and sexy guys in speedos. It contains no cheating, and a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Word Count: Click here to reveal76,715 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Home. Family. Those words often invoke a sense of love and comfort. But for the dark mage Morgorth, they mean hate and pain. As the seventh son of a seventh son, many believe Morgorth's destiny is to become the Destroyer. His father embraced such a future and trained Morgorth through torture and fear to become his weapon. Morgorth managed to escape his father's cruelty, but not the nightmares that still haunt him. For many years he's lived with the stain of his father's savagery, but now he must confront his nightmares head-on. His father has found a stone of power. Morgorth must return to his land of birth, to the memories he's tried his entire life to suppress. Aishe is determined to help Morgorth defeat his inner demons, but he knows he might not be enough to save Morgorth from embracing his darkness. They know it will be a fight to the death and that Morgorth won't be the same if he survives. With Aishe by his side, Morgorth hunts for his father, and finds answers to questions he never dared to ask—and must live with the truths they reveal.

Word Count: Click here to reveal98000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Troubled residents come and go at the Care House where River Caulfield is a caregiver, working towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a nurse. When Silver arrives, a patient found on a roadside near death after suffering terrible abuse, River finds his previous personal detachment is compromised. Seeking to help the mysterious and enigmatic young man locked inside his own mind and memories, River finds his professionalism slipping as Silver begins to open up and live again. But as their relationship begins to blossom, the roots of Silver's past abuse and the abuser who forced him into such a mental state sends forth new shoots of darkness enveloping them in dangers threatening not only Silver's sanity, but their very lives. With River's devotion and help, will Silver finally be able to break away from his past? The answer lies in the words of a priest, a painting and a long walk through a churchyard harbouring the secrets of the enigma that is Silver.

Word Count: Click here to reveal140500 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Silver has been freed from sexual slavery and settled down with River, his lover and former patient, yet cracks begin to form when it becomes increasingly obvious that the stress of constantly having to care for Silver, begin to tell on River. When River’s parents die, leaving him to care for his 12 year old brother it, at first, seems that the introduction of the lively twelve year old into the mix was going to do them all the world of good. However, when spiteful relatives involve Social Services, the previous flaws nearly rip them all apart. Faced with the dilemma of keeping either Ben or Silver at home and sending the other to stay with Sam, a personal friend, River chooses responsibility for his brother over his love and concern for Silver. Things come to a head when a series of misunderstandings lead Silver to believe River doesn’t love him anymore and that everyone is secretly ashamed of him because of his past. After running away, Silver reasons the only place he can fit in is with his own kind and he sets out to search of a new “home.” At the Theatre de la vie he meets Tony, a club owner with big ideas, who ‘looks after’ a group of young men who dance and “entertain” patrons of the club. There, among others, Silver finds Ariel, an ephemeral little minx with a knack for getting into trouble, Alex, the big hearted mountain of muscle, and Asher. With Asher, a former sex slave like himself, Silver finds a kindred spirit and soon finds himself falling for the beautiful, broken boy. Together, Ariel and Asher show Silver a whole new way of looking at the world, a transformation echoing the sleeping chrysalis of his soul, and soon his inner self emerges as the beautiful butterfly he was always meant to be. Yet as happy as he is with his new friends, Silver eventually realises he truly misses River and intends to return to his side, but a dark figure from his abusive past returns to threaten both a possible reunion and the very ones who would protect Silver. River learns of the danger, and hurries to add his own support of Silver and reaffirm their love, but with so many doubts and unspoken regrets between them, is it too late for a chance at happiness together? At the emotional climax to this suspenseful story of love and loss, Silver and River reach conclusions that will either save them both or drive them apart forever.

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Information not available

Summary: “He’s a bad boy—cocky and damaged. So, why can’t I stop thinking about him?”  Broken Dreams Sociable and unselfish, eighteen-year-old Tucker Graves loves two things—his darling little sister and the thrill of playing baseball. He never dreamed that he’d be homeless, but after a series of misfortunes, his life is nothing like he could have possibly imagined. Shocked and shattered, Tucker, his mother, and his baby sister now must brave the dangers of a dilapidated homeless encampment called Camp Roosevelt.   A Wounded Heart Homeless since the age of fourteen, Dancer has mastered the tricks of living on the streets as a sex worker. The quiet, reclusive, and calculating ways of this twenty-year-old, green-eyed Adonis help him to survive. He hides his emotional scars from the world by interacting only with his clients, whose occasional bizarre requests he reluctantly fulfills. Dancer’s past has taught him to trust no one.   A Second Chance When Tucker and Dancer come face to face on a stormy night, having been thrown together under the same roof, Tucker brings out a feeling in Dancer that he didn’t know still existed in him—desire. Neither man can deny the attraction he feels for the other. But some scars run deep, causing both Tucker and Dancer to question whether falling in love is even possible, especially when survival is on the line.   Bryan T. Clark is a multi-published, Rainbow Award-winning author and LAMBDA finalist.   *** One hundred percent of the royalties from the first year of this novel’s publication is being donated to the Larkin Street Youth Services/Castro Youth Housing Initiative.  The CYHI provides transitional housing in the city of San Francisco, California, for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness. Fear of being raped, abused, or murdered should not be a part of anyone’s youth.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal28000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealDemisexual, Gay, Pansexual (Click here to hide)

Summary: After being thrown out of his home by his aunt, Ethan Gold finds himself living out of his car. One night he parks up in Black Rock Forest and wonders about getting lost in the darkness, in the trees, like the boy he once cared for did. When a snow storm sweeps in, Ethan rescues a naked young man he finds freezing on the forest road. He needs to get Win to a hospital or at least somewhere warmer than his car, but he can’t see well enough to drive in the snow. When the wolves begin to surround his car, he realises he has to get them out of there. He tries not to think about how much Win reminds him of the boy he lost. Win must survive the next twenty-four hours in order to break his curse. If he can’t get warm, he’ll die. He hoped he’d be able to warm up in the town of Black Rock somewhere, at the supermarket or the library. He didn’t expect Ethan to find him in the road. The last thing Win wants is to hurt Ethan and steal his warmth, but he can’t help but be drawn to him. Ethan Gold feels like home. He’s always felt like home to Win. When the wolves track them down, Win begins to realise surviving his curse isn’t enough, he must protect his home. With his life if he has to.

Word Count: Click here to reveal96000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay, Non Binary, Questioning, Straight (Click here to hide)

Summary: It might take the arrival of an alien being to remind an isolated man what it means to be human. With a stressful job, his boss breathing down his neck for profitable results, and an estranged wife and daughter, scientist Kurt Lomax doesn’t think life can get much harder. Until a nonbinary extraterrestrial with an otherworldly beauty, captivating elegance, and a wicked sense of humor inconveniently shows up at his apartment. Vardam watched the destruction of their own world, and they don’t want to see the same thing happen on Earth. They are lonely, and feelings soon develop between them and the supposedly straight scientist—feelings Kurt reciprocates, much to his confusion. The arrival of cheery interpreter Tom Soames—whose Goth appearance belies a gentle heart—is like a ray of sunshine in the somber lab. He acts as matchmaker for man and tentacled extraterrestrial, unwittingly instigating a national crisis when the news breaks out. But will a misunderstanding ruin Kurt and Vardam’s chances for happiness together—along with the hope for peace between humanity and the Var?

Word Count: Click here to reveal80813 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealDemisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: With middle-age looming, Greg offsets his boring day job with what truly feeds his soul: photography. The camera is an extension of himself where he exposes his passion for the intersect of pleasure and pain. However, the lens also acts as a barrier, protecting his subjects from the shameful mistakes of his past, and Greg is left isolated and lonely. Emyr stands on the cusp of fame, but adulation and abuse are both eroding his confidence, and one night, at the river’s edge, he seeks solace in the rain, hoping to hide his tears. The photographer and the virgin rock star share an accidental connection on that dark, drizzly night. When Greg invites Emyr back to his hotel room, no strings attached, the young man should have bolted. Instead, an odd sense of trust allows him to follow Greg’s lead. When the camera comes out, Emyr learns the stage isn’t the only place he loves to perform as Greg touches something inside him that rarely awakens. Faced with a beautiful, talented boy whose soul is as lonely as his own, will Greg be able to face his past and come to terms with it, or will he run from the connection he so desperately desires? 80 813 words

Word Count: Click here to reveal71951 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Is it better to risk it all… or never know what could have been? After surviving an abusive childhood, Vulcan remade himself upon arriving in Los Angeles, California. He became a blacksmith for the paranormal community and strives to earn the respect of the vampire covens and werewolf packs that call LA home. He also prevents the pain of loss by keeping everyone at arm’s length. But he never planned on meeting a former Roman soldier by the name of Marcus Cassius Vespillo. Something sparks between them and turns into a friendship he never considered possible. He can’t deny his intense attraction to the intelligent, courteous, ancient vampire. And it scares him. Though Vulcan is wary of seeking more with Cassius, an attack leaves him at death’s door and forces him to reexamine his priorities. But Cassius has his own secret, one that promises tragedy and loss. And if that wasn’t enough, a slayer arrives in the States, one with a bloody connection to Cassius... and Vulcan himself. Second Edition with revised and expanded text.

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Zane DeWitt is the poster child for traumatic pasts. He’s also the epitome of selflessness, resilience, and determination. Now that he’s finally away from the ones who hurt him, it’s time to reclaim his family’s good name. And seek revenge, of course. Holter Todd would rather forget everything that brought him to this point in life. He doesn’t need friends or family. He’s good at what he does. If a few of his jobs take him across the line of morality, so be it. Holter is hired to kill Zane, but he quickly switches his focus to the most deserving target. What happens next leads the two men on a twisting path toward healing and retribution. With the help of their found family, they find their happily ever after along the way. Fairest of All is a dark, steamy M/M romance between a tough, detached bounty hunter and a sweet, damaged beauty with a heart of gold in the Fallen Fairytales series. Fallen Fairytales is a dark M/M romance, multi-author series. Each book may be read as a standalone, but why not load up your Kindle, kick back, and enjoy sexy men, shenanigans, and deliciously dark fairytale retellings. *Readers sensitive to certain content should make note of the content warning at the beginning of the book.*

Word Count: Click here to reveal64000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: Farm Fresh – Naked Organics #1 Put down roots. You're home. Jude Garrity visits the farmers market every Saturday. As an environmental engineering student, he’s curious about living off the grid and sustainable agriculture. And one particular farmer. Hudson Oliva has worked hard to support his commune, the only place he’s felt was home. When Jude asks pointed questions about living there, Hudson decides to be honest. Few people know what the farm is actually about, but Jude is insistent. Jude moves in, however his sexual hang-ups make it hard to adjust. He’s living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions. Falling for Jude wasn’t part of Hudson’s life plan. But when vindictive rumors about the commune begin to spread, love might be all he has left. 64,000 words, 238 pages