Books Tagged With potential trigger - murder

Word Count: Click here to reveal31600 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Can love last when one won’t leave, and the other can’t stay? Fear of moving farther away from his family had cost Eer the love of his life, but now, after twenty-five turns, Kat has returned…with a son, and Eer’s feelings resurface as if it had been only yesterday since they’d first kissed. But any hope Eer has of rekindling their love seems doomed to fail when a murderer’s taste for revenge forces Kat to choose between endangering their family or running… and leaving Eer behind, again. ___________________________ wordcount: 31,600 words TALES OF THE FOREST is an ongoing series of standalone stories linked by a forest world. Content warnings are available in the book's front matter and on the author's website.

Word Count: Click here to reveal85000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A steamy, queer retelling of The Postman Always Rings Twice After a beef with the mob, Sal Minovich has to get out of New York City pronto. He gets as far as Beacon, New York, otherwise known as Nowheresville, and talks his way into a situation working as a handyman at a fading motor lodge. It’s not a bad place to hide out for a while and sock away some cash until he figures out his next step. Then Sal meets the young manager, Will, and things get a whole lot more interesting. Pushed out by his homophobic father, Will hooked up with a small-time real estate investor, and now, six years later, he’s trapped in an unhappy relationship that might also be abusive. Sal thinks he and Will should run away together and leave their pasts behind. But Will won’t leave without a payout for all the time he’s put in. Do they have to get George out of the way to have their happily-ever-after?

Word Count: Click here to reveal90000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A brilliant scientist out to save the world. A jaded agent looking to save the one he lost. And a conspiracy that spans oceans, reaching into the deepest parts of American national security. Lennon is a genius. He’s devoted his energy and his time to designing products to save lives. He’s gotten rich doing it, too. This time he’s created something to revolutionize war, crime, and policing -- a bullet that heals. He’s on top of the world and the one thing he needs is someone to share it with. The one he loved disappeared without a trace years ago, and until he gets closure he can’t commit. Ben is an agent with an agency so secretive for years people didn’t know it existed. He screwed up years ago and fell in love with the man he was supposed to be guarding. Now his lost love is in danger again. He’s developed a product bad actors all over the world will want to get their hands on. When Ben’s superiors order him back to Lennon’s side, he goes without hesitation. There’s only one catch -- Lennon can’t know he’s there. When one of those bad actors strikes, all the rules go out the window. Can Lennon overcome his mistrust once he knows the truth about Ben? When the enemy turns up the heat, will Ben manage to save Lennon from people who want him to kill?

Word Count: Click here to reveal95,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: "Death will come da capo, suddenly silent, and you will not hear your final applause. Fail us, and you die." Blackmail, a death threat and an opera. The Clearwater Foundation is to be launched with a charity gala at the City Opera House where Archer's old friend, Cadwell Roxton, is to star. But Roxton has a dark secret. He will be murdered during his performance unless he exposes Lord Clearwater's homosexuality. Archer's lover, Silas enlists the help of the new footman, James to unlock the mystery and save Roxton, the performance and the viscount's reputation — without raising suspicion. With only three days to go before the gala, it's a race against time that takes us from the notorious Cleaver Street brothel to the Royal Opera House and a thrilling climax with love, liberty and lives at stake. While in the background, enemies old and new plot Clearwater's ultimate downfall. Part three of the Clearwater Mysteries, 'Unspeakable Acts' follows on from 'Twisted Tracks.' The series is best read in order. "Another entertaining, well plotted, action-packed, triple mystery set in the imaginary, Victorian era of England 1888. Jackson Marsh has got me hooked!" Amazon review.

Word Count: Click here to reveal125000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealBisexual, Gay, Genderfluid, Lesbian, Non Binary, Polyamorous (Click here to hide)

Summary: This city of fools will be brought to order! Deposed, her father presumed dead, her friends slaughtered and the cavern in chaos, Grace Harrington is on the run and entirely alone. The only ally she has left is the man she hates most in the world: Nathaniel Morgenstern, the assassin who murdered her mother and seduced her father. Grace’s only hope of reclaiming the throne and saving her people is to seek the aid of Éamon Tadhg, the High Druid of Arajon. But she needs to survive the hostile streets of Iole City before she can even think about fleeing to the Violet Valley. Nathaniel made a vow to Doran to protect Grace, but he could never have imagined how quickly and horrifically their lives would fall apart. Grieving the dual losses of the man he loved and his new friend Tsa Lien, Nathaniel devotes himself to the service of the overthrown Lady Archon who despises him – even if it costs him everything he is.

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: After three months, vegan Kyle Slidell is getting the hang of being a werewolf, and of being the predestined mate of the pack Alpha, Tobias Rogan. Now Tobias is bringing Kyle to a gathering of alphas at the home of the regional leader,  where their pack will receive full recognition and Tobias will formally declare Kyle his mate, cementing their bond permanently. But their happiness is dampened by conflict with Alpha Saul Hughes, who has the power to control all other werewolves–and a grudge against Tobias. Working with the wolf who changed Kyle, Saul sets his sights on taking over both Boston packs and removing Tobias permanently. On the night of the full moon, as the werewolves hunt, tragedy strikes at Saul’s command. In the aftermath, Kyle is left to fight for his pack and mate while Tobias fights for his life. This book was originally published in 2012. The current version has been revised and re-edited, with some content added. The book also includes the Christmas-themed short story “Tofurkey and Yams,” originally published as a separate short story in 2011. This book includes on-page discussion of off-page abuse and sexual assault; depictions of PTSD; gun violence; and a main character losing his temper with his mate and coming far too close to crossing the line between consensual and coercion.

Word Count: Click here to reveal70000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Every assassin has an exit strategy – their ultimate plan for leaving that dangerous life and disappearing. They just never expect to live long enough to enact it. Gabriel Prescott was no different. But everything changed when he met fellow mercenary Justin Mallory. Now he’s racing across Europe with Justin to put to rest old threats before they can end both their lives. Of course, it will also mean coming clean to Justin about exactly who he is and who wants him dead. Gabriel can only hope that Justin will still want him when the truth comes out.

Word Count: Click here to reveal188400 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Rescued from the desert, Vulfrey resumes his journey westward toward Ashtilov, now accompanied by his trusty bodyguard Gajdren and the enigmatic brothel matron, Adrelynn. And, of course, Kaill…the foolhardy farmboy who’d barged into his life and risked his own time and again to protect him. The goal to find Archpriest Armundil that Vulfrey might finally fulfill his destiny as the Vessel—to complete the Ascension and return Vahndestrus to the world at long last. Along the way, he begins to nurture his newly discovered gifts, learning to wield the power of his blood. While too the distraction of Kaill’s presence and the feelings buried deep inside continue to grow all the more difficult to ignore. Yet despite his heart’s desire, fulfilling the Ascension means sacrificing his very life—love but a selfish temptation he could never be permitted. As Vulfrey grapples with heart and duty and the allure of untold power rooted within his blood, a fetid darkness begins to descend upon the lands of Dylinthae. With the Ascension hanging by a mere thread, the very Vahndriin faith in crisis, a reunion comes that he has both longed for and feared…

Word Count: Click here to reveal41495 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A bitter drunk meets a lonely paraplegic with a target on his back. Almost on the rim of the Arctic Circle, they’ve both run out of places to hide. Dirk Black is a lost soul with a troubled past. When the washed-up cop happens to see an odd notice in a newspaper, his unshakable sense of irony sends him to a remote point in Scotland’s Shetland Islands. There he discovers something he’s never wanted and bloody hell doesn’t need—a computer nerd and recluse who’s confined to a tiny promontory in the North Sea. Stephan Tavish is a scholar and business entrepreneur who’s managed to run from his family and from society, hoping for peace of mind in the solitude of his own land and his ancestor’s old isolated lighthouse. But karma has bitten him in the arse. He finds himself in a very dark place where he needs to ask for help, from a stranger who’s lost himself in a whisky bottle. Two alienated men, each with a mystery to solve, end up working together at the edge of nowhere. Together, they discover that something in their own past may hold the key to a very intriguing future.

Word Count: Click here to reveal81000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Shirzah holds a position of honor as a Preparator of the Dead in the great Necropolis of Abdon. His skills assist souls in their journey to the next life, a worthy occupation. But when a body comes into his care bereft of its soul and heart, Shirzah finds himself launched into a chaotic web of murder, intrigue, and fearsome events that force him out of his comfortable, pleasant existence, and give him no choice but to seek out a former friend, lost years ago to the service of the gods. The priest Set-Imbe holds power now, as a priest of the Fourth Rank. Kept to the Pantheon grounds by binding oaths, trained to serve the god Toth, still Seti is delighted when his old friend Shirzah seeks him out, ending eight long years of loneliness and separation. Their joyful reunion nearly overshadows the reason behind Shirzah's visit, all the more so when their old friendship bursts into a new flame of forbidden passion. Frightened by the strength of his attraction to Seti, Shirzah nearly abandons his attempt to secure the priest's help. But the horror of desecrated bodies drives him forward into a whirlwind of events. A demon terrorizes the town of Abdon, feasting upon souls. And a purely inner demon torments Shirzah, as he realizes the strength of his love for Seti, a thing forbidden by his entire society.  And what of the gods? Once, they walked the streets of Abdon, but they haven't been seen in decades. Even the highest ranking priests have had no contact with their deities beyond vague, fuzzy visions once in a while. Where are they now, when a demon is feasting upon their followers? Shirzah and Seti discover an underlying web of corruption powered by death and greed in their quest to defeat the demon and free their missing gods. Will they succeed in saving Abdon and its people? And more, will Shirzah overcome his fears of the love he feels for Seti?

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Click here to revealAce, Bisexual, Pansexual, Polyamorous, Straight, Transgender (Click here to hide)

Summary: Once an exile, Matthias returns to lead his home Enclave and settles into a new life with his beloved Solomon. Struggling with his new role and responsibilities toward the new town of Sanctuary and the people who had once rejected him, he knows that the relative peace he’s found is temporary—the forces that destroyed Haven are still out there, and he knows that they’ll come looking for him. Until they do, there are alliances to make, mouths to feed, and people who look to him to protect them. Then tragedy strikes, sending Matthias, Solomon and Tam out once more, seeking answers in the forbidden north; answers that may lead to new beginnings, or to the end of everything they’ve ever known.

Word Count: Click here to reveal34650 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: When Kirk Stanford moves into his new home, strange things begin to happen. Messages appear in the steam on his mirror, warning him of a nameless threat. Then someone keeps breaking into his house, looking for something Kirk can't identify. With the help of his boyfriend, Damon, Kirk digs into the house's history, and discovers not just the previous owner's brutal murder, but threatening letters written to him from someone named Sam. As the intruder strikes again, Kirk and Damon find themselves fighting not only to solve the mystery, but to keep from being murdered themselves.

Word Count: Click here to reveal104000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Ghost, once known as the cub Luca, is finally home. Back among his kind and learning what it means to be both a man and a shaman, Ghost battles the expectations of his people, his family, and the pressures of a society that is both foreign and familiar. His power is greater than any seen before, dwarfing that of even the legendary Shaman Gray Shadow—and his union with Kane places him in the center of a controversy that rattles wolfkin society around the world. Kane, greater alpha and Heir to Black Pine Clan, has finally defeated the traitor and murderer that destroyed the heart of Black Pine years before. Freed at last from guilt and pain, Kane has a new enemy to face: his own people. Placed on trial for violation of Law and blasphemy, Kane will have to fight to the death to preserve his bond with Ghost and keep his mate and people safe. The soulbond between Ghost and Kane is forged by the creator and Goddess of the wolfkin. Usually, a sacred and treasured union that honors the pair and their clans, this soulbond is seen not as a gift, but a threat to eons of tradition and Clan Law. The union of a Shaman and Alpha is anathema—but how to reconcile that belief when it is the wolfkin Goddess who forged it? Can Ghost and Kane save themselves, preserve their bond, and find a new future when the laws of the ancient past threaten to tear them apart?   **This book is part of a series and is not standalone. Prior books should be read to understand content. 104,000 words. Brief flashbacks of sexual assault and abuse. Mature content and violence.*** Gay Paranormal Shifter Romance

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: Not all vampires are idly rich. Some of them have day jobs. Er, night jobs. In a world struggling to come to grips with the existence of vampires, where reactions range from excitement to fear to determined disbelief, these vampires are just trying to make ends meet. Some of them do mundane work—like waiting tables or driving a cab. Others have more prestigious careers in medicine and crime prevention. But what all their jobs have in common is people. Unpredictable, interesting, frustrating, hostile, helpless, tasty people. Whether they’re pouring drinks, answering phones, hacking into a computer system, or serving up the perfect food/wine pairing, these working stiffs are too busy to fall in love. Or are they? This International Workers Day, celebrate by sinking your teeth into thirteen awesome stories about vampires at work. Because even the undead have to earn a living. Proceeds benefit the WHO's Covid-19 Response Fund. Bad Blood by Lyra Evans Dr. Alek Matsouka and Dr. James Crawford have been at each other’s throats since the first night of their ER residency. And not in the way that gets Alek fed. He doesn’t know why Crawford is so hostile—whether he’s an anti-Vampire bigot or just hates that Alek is the better doctor—but Alek does like to provoke the arrogant prick. When their competitive antics get the better of them one night and a case takes a dangerous turn, both doctors will have to face the truth of their bad blood—or risk their careers. Fangs for the Memories by Sadie Jay Rollie Brown was 20 years old when he staked his vampire boyfriend. Now, fifteen years later, he’s discovered Alex is alive, bartending, and more forgiving than Rollie deserves. They might have a second chance at love—but first they have to rescue Rollie’s wayward ex. Fire and Ice Cold Skin by Mel Gough When a firefighter takes pity on a gorgeous young man who has been made homeless by a blaze, he has no idea who he’s invited into his home—and soon into his heart. How To Keep an Author (Alive) by AJ Sherwood The funny thing about living forever is that you still have bills to pay, which is why Justus is now working for JD Cooper. The man is a writing raconteur—known to craft a mean mystery—but he’s one step away from hoarder level. When Justus takes a job as his housekeeper, he expects eccentricity. But he gets so much more. Graveyard Cops by Crystel Greene Police officer Jesse Hendricks, twenty-one since 1900 and hating being a vampire, is secretly in love with his patrol partner Angelico “Lico” DiMarco. Chronically upbeat Lico doesn’t believe in anything supernatural, thankfully, but he keeps teasing Jesse for his vampire-like reserve, pallor, and beauty in the most annoying of ways. Then, one fateful night, Jesse is injured with a silver blade and needs to feed to survive. Lico steps up and saves him—body and soul. Life Hacks by Eliott Griffen Josh is a corporate big shot, living the life he thought he wanted. Vin is a vampire on the hunt, with zero self-confidence and a truckload of regrets. Living on opposite sides of the equation, they have nothing in common, until one day their lives collide in the worlds of ones and zeros. Long Haul by Tanya Chris When Vlad intervenes to stop a shakedown in progress, he doesn’t plan on keeping the young sex worker he saves, but Silver has an irresistible tenacity. He also has a little something extra in his blood—something that drives Vlad wild in both good and bad ways. Off the Menu by R.J. Sorrento Johnny Russo, a newbie-vampire and chef, refuses to feed from humans. His new job at a Chicago restaurant is going well until he’s forced to work with Nate Beaumont, a handsome but snobby sommelier with an intoxicating scent. The tension between them builds for weeks, and Johnny fights the urge to feed. Despite first impressions, they could be good together if Johnny can be himself. But feeding from Nate might make him feel less than human, and Johnny would be crushed if Nate sees him as a novelty instead of boyfriend material.

Word Count: Click here to reveal110000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Courage. Honor. Loyalty. All fine things, but they’ve led John Ringo to kill a man. He was raised right and he knows he’s not a murderer, but it’s already too late. He’s lost his soul, and his demons are real. Doc Holliday is fascinated by this man who claims to have a demon lover – the son of the Devil, no less! Doc promised himself a few months of debauchery before he meets up with his dearest friend, Wyatt Earp – and the troubled Johnny Ringo is as dissolute as Doc desires. In between times they talk, and Doc suspects that he alone can see Ringo’s complexities and help him understand himself. The affair grows dangerously close to meaning something… But Doc’s deep-seated love for Wyatt outweighs his affection for Ringo, and they part, despite Doc assuming that Wyatt will never return his feelings in kind. Which leaves Johnny Ringo prey to his demonic distractions. Imaginary or not, if this creature abandons him, too, then surely his sanity is forfeit – and what will his life be worth then? This Queer Weird West novel follows these three along the complex trails that lead into and out of Tombstone, Arizona in 1881.

Word Count: Click here to reveal50000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Anthony’s life on the League space colony Advent is everything he ever wanted. Born into a League military family, Tony forges a respectable career at the Bureau—the investigative arm of the Morality Police. Tony’s job involves monitoring the communications of Advent citizens for any sinful activity punishable by Advent law—a duty he carries out with civic pride. What Tony doesn’t count on is his boss—the charming and enigmatic Edward. Captivated by a man who shows him kindness and empathy in a lonely world, Tony finds himself questioning everything he’s been taught as his feelings send him spiraling into forbidden territory. His only saving grace is that Eddie is a League loyalist who could never reciprocate—until an encounter in secret proves otherwise. As Tony begins to strip away the lies surrounding his identity, he learns that the League is evolving too, gearing up their anti-gay rhetoric in preparation for the coming Culture Wars. As Eddie slips secrets and sweet-nothings into his ear, Tony realizes that politics are something he can no longer sit on the sidelines and merely observe. To keep Eddie and their love alive, he’ll have to make choices and sacrifices he never imagined himself capable of.

Word Count: Click here to reveal60000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: The year is 2228. Bill Ashwood is set to become the most powerful man in Florida since the separation of America into individually governed states. Discovered by the League and primed to win the gubernatorial election, Bill is expected to give the voters what they want – a fiery speech condemning gays in America. Despite his reservations, Bill goes ahead and gives the speech, but the seeds of doubt are planted in his mind. Along with the secret desires he harbors in his dreams, Bill’s poised for a change of heart that will ensure nothing in his life will ever be the same again. Daniel Wilson – a journalist for the Miami Reporter – receives a late night phone call asking him to watch the video of Ashwood’s speech. Incensed by what he sees as a personal attack on him and millions of others, he hatches a plan to seduce Ashwood and expose him in a special report. Seduction is never easy, and soon Daniel finds himself falling for Ashwood, who claims to want out of the hateful riots planned by his campaign manager. If Ashwood wants to bring down the League’s campaign in Florida, he’ll have to take off his mask and tell the world the truth about his affair – but the League will go to any lengths to keep their dirty laundry under wraps.

Word Count: Click here to reveal73000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Nikita Ravenov It was supposed to be a simple job—tail the Italian for an evening, see if he was up to anything shady, and report back to the Bratva. But I didn’t expect him to go into gay bars. Is someone trying to out me to the Bratva? Am I being set up? And what the hell do I do now that my mark knows I’m following him? Lorenzo Ferrari It’s insulting, really. My organization wants to do business with the Russians, but they’re putting tails on me? That’s just bad manners. But when that tail get a beating from his own for failing to tell them everything he knows about me, I know something is up. Now we’re both in way over our heads. Our only hope is working together. And even then, I’m not so sure we’re getting out of this. CW: On-page drug use, active addiction, graphic violence, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse.