Books Tagged With potential trigger - traumatic past

Word Count: Click here to reveal47319 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Roger Matthews works for a marketing firm as their controller, but constantly stays late at the office because a problematic director continually runs off his staff. His boyfriend, Officer Paul Tomlinson, works several evenings a week, further complicating their ability to spend time together. To make matters worse, Paul’s best friend and partner on the force, Officer Jason Lynch, doesn’t approve of their relationship. When Paul is injured in the line of duty, Roger juggles his work duties on a major software conversion with taking care of Paul’s affairs, including contacting his estranged family. After meeting Stan and Tasheeka Tomlinson, Roger begins to uncover the secrets Paul has been guarding so closely throughout their relationship. As Paul struggles to recover, Roger must navigate between Paul’s past and their future together.

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

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

Summary: Captivated by a dashing pirate, will Job's boldness win him love? When his ship falls prey to ruthless pirates, Job faces a terrifying choice: join their ranks or walk the plank to a watery grave. But these are no ordinary pirates. They're the legendary Brethren of the Coast, who rampage across the Caribbean in pursuit of Spanish gold. The dashing Garrett takes the young recruit under his wing, and Job finds himself captivated by the pirate's rugged charm. Passion ignites within him. An unquenched longing he's never known before. He finally bares his soul, only to have his dreams of love shattered when Garrett dismisses him as nothing more than a naive boy. Heartbreak fuels Job’s resolve to prove his worth with bold action, but his quest to gain respect—and Garrett’s heart—lead him down a dangerous path. Amidst intrigue and peril, Job must tread carefully or risk losing everything. Dive into the captivating world of the Pirates of Port Royal, gay historical romance from the Golden Age of Piracy. Get your copy of Pirate’s Promise today and set sail for romance and danger!

Word Count: Click here to reveal32000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: This is the story of two college professors who share an office and not much else – until the holiday season works its magic. Eric’s semester hasn’t been going all that well. Not only have renovations to the English Department’s physical space forced him to share an office with the department’s newest faculty member, Mike Kistler, his mother showed up at the beginning of the semester with all her worldly possessions and a U-Haul. It’s not that he doesn’t care for his mother, but she’s disruptive. She keeps wanting to honor traditions they never cared about when he was growing up, starting with the giant antique advent calendar she dragged over from her parents’ house in Hamburg. Eric has a solution, though. He might not have much interest in his mom’s traditions, but his irritating office mate does. He’ll bring Kistler over, and his mom will have someone who cares, and someone to speak German with, and Eric will be left alone to grade papers in peace. Mike is the rising star of the English Department. He’s worked damn hard to get from homeless teen to young PhD, he’s proud of his accomplishment, and he loves to give back. He likes his work. He could live without his office mate, who’s attractive but stuffier than an overfull burrito. He’s shocked when Eric invites him to help his mother celebrate Advent, but intrigued by the old traditions. And it’s been more than ten years since he’s had anything like a family to celebrate anything with, so he agrees. Moving from a cramped office to a family setting shifts things for Eric and Mike, and they start to see each other through different eyes. Can they find love, or will old family issues keep them apart forever?

Word Count: Click here to reveal45645 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Animal Control Officer Derek Williams is a wolf shifter and not one inclined to long-lasting relationships. Not only does he take animal abuse personally, he has a temper and isn’t afraid to show it. However, he changes his tune when the newest veterinarian starts working for the Animal Services Center. Recovering from an abusive relationship and hiding supernatural abilities of his own, Brian O’Donogue wants a fresh start and a new place to call home. Quickly dubbed the “animal shrink” by co-workers, Brian doesn’t know what to make of Derek at first. Then he manages to confront Derek during one of his rages, and they both see each other in a new light. Eventually they take a chance on their feelings and the ensuing relationship is better than either of them could have hoped—until a rogue wolf shifter attacks Brian. The abrupt attack forces Derek and Brian to confront their secrets and whether their relationship can weather the storm heading their way. The rogue shifter is out there, and he’s hunting them. BONUS STORY: Celtic Warrior and Wolf Spirit Derek and Brian are celebrating their first Christmas together, and Brian is determined to show Derek a Christmas like those he shared with his family back east. A wolf shifter, Derek has never celebrated a traditional Christmas before—his pack would usually shift on Yule and hunt down prey. But the unexpected appearance of Brian’s abusive ex-boyfriend on Christmas Eve threatens not only Brian’s holiday plans but his future with Derek. Second Edition with updated and revised text.

Word Count: Click here to reveal142000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Hank Schatz~ One of my toughest decisions was to join the Army after graduating high school. My second toughest was to decide it was time to get out. I wanted more than that life had to offer—namely the return of my humanity and a life beyond the pain that had leached into my soul during my deployments. Without a hint at what to do next, I said goodbye to my Army life and headed home to Missouri. There were things I’d been hiding from my family for too many years—a secret that had nothing to do with my career as an Army Ranger. It was time I began to live my truth, but how to start, I didn’t know. I was aware of one thing for sure—I didn’t want to be lonely anymore. ## Reed Bayless~ I had a job I loved as a Special Education teacher at Carver Middle School in central Missouri. The kids were amazing, and their parents were supportive, unlike my last school where the parents believed their expensive tuition relieved them of their obligations to actually participate in their children’s education. Sadly, I was still alone, and I was getting a little long in the tooth to play the one-night game. Unexpectedly, my diamond brought her brother to the Christmas Eve service at the local Lutheran church, and I found myself off-balance by the gorgeous man. I felt there was a sadness about him that made me want to hold him in my arms until his hurts healed. Of course, he was an Army Ranger, the toughest of the tough and the straightest of the straight. Between Ranger Hank, and his dog, Cosmo, I wanted things I couldn’t imagine were possible. Or were they?  This work of fiction is approximately 142,000 words in length and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is the first book in the series entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series.”

Word Count: Click here to reveal41147 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: When you reach the edge, you can't avoid taking a leap of faith. Joe Dexter leads a complicated life. In one world he is a consultant criminal psychologist—in another he runs The Edge, a successful corporate training company. He's also an active Dom in the London BDSM scene. A social call to The Underground, a club owned by an old friend, turns into much more when Joe is introduced to a prospective sub. Falling hard for the boy's tumbling blonde curls, huge blue eyes and desperate need for protection, Joe carefully coaxes him out of his shell. By the end of an intense weekend, unbreakable bonds have been forged and Joe is well on the way to becoming Olly's Master. Joe knows that there is trauma in Olly's past, but it is not until his professional and private lives collide that Joe discovers the truth. He knows he shouldn't have let Olly out of his sight but it's too late—Olly's old Master is back on the scene and he's not in the mood to forgive and forget. With Olly's life on the line, Joe risks everything to save him. Has Joe found his perfect submissive only to lose him in a horrible twist of fate, or will love win the day? They've reached the edge and there's no avoiding a leap of faith. Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of D/s, including chastity play, and references to past rape and current PTSD. There are also non-consensual plot elements with an aggressive former Master which include kidnapping, bondage and the forcible insertion of a butt plug.

Word Count: Click here to reveal24264 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary:

Word Count: Click here to reveal63482 (Click here to hide)

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Summary: Danny Jarvis returns to his roots after the death of his abusive stepfather, expecting to sell his mother’s house and get back to his home in Los Angeles as fast as he can. A surprise stepbrother and the childhood coward who’d thrown him to the wolves to protect his own secret disrupt his plans. Todd Larson hadn’t ever expected Danny to return to town, but when his schoolboy crush reappears, he makes every effort to atone for his actions and convince Danny to give him a chance. With Danny’s stepfather’s will not quite making sense, Danny and Todd try to navigate their new reality. The unexpected arrival of Danny’s overly helpful friends test the fragile peace they’ve managed to achieve, but sinister events threaten both their lives and the child in their care.   Rediscovering Todd is the first book of the three-book Black Rock Cult Series.

Word Count: Click here to reveal66000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Chaos lived a life much like his brothers, a torturous life, and as much as he cared for Ash, he knew his future was already decided. He could feel it, like a clock ticking away the minutes of his life, his time was running out. There was no point in letting anyone get attached. After being called in by the Hagrins to help with the initial take down of the recruiter, FBI agent Ashton Michaels found a home for himself among the band of brothers, and the love of his life. If only he could convince Chaos love and living were worth fighting for. Only cowards gave up. With the take down of the last facility, evidence of more sites come into play and unexpected dangers flourish. The Hagrin house has grown, as well as the family and their commitment to each other. It’s the simple things in life some take for granted that mean the most to others – a childhood, family, love, acceptance – and Ash and the brothers will do what it takes to make sure Chaos knows he deserves it all.

Word Count: Click here to reveal15000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Can a retired assassin be the savior his people need? How does a former assassin save his fellow humans from extinction? By allying them with mrrogs of course! But that’s easier said than done as humans are understandably distrustful and suspicious of sescurei, the official species of the InterGalactic community. Leopold must convince them that Mastrodai’s offer of alliance isn’t a trick, which means diplomacy, patience, and tenacity. Times like this make him grateful that he has two strong mates to lean on. And when it comes to understanding his own people, he’d be wise to follow Alex’s lead. Alex has been too long away from her family and is thrilled to see them again. But with reunions come old pressures, old doubts, and old wounds. She must negotiate who she was with who she is, while helping her mates and her colony come together with the shared goal of freedom. Mastrodai, meanwhile, finds himself in the minority for the first time in his life, and the constant hostility has him doubting the wisdom of their choices. But he’s devoted to his human mates and determined to see things through no matter the discomfort… or danger. Not everyone wants what Leopold and his mates have to give, and he needs to break through the resistance humans have built up after generations of degradation, humiliation, and fear. He must win his people’s trust, solve the riddle of his parents’ rings, and navigate the new complexities of his love life. Being an assassin was so much easier. Reader Discretion advised: PTSD, abusive family, a cult, MMF romance, dystopian.

Word Count: Click here to reveal36000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Three years after Jacob Carpenter landed on Caleb Fletcher’s doorstep, the Alpha mates return to the city they grew up in to be married. Aside from the sheer exhaustion of traveling across the country with three children in tow, both men step foot back in New York filled with apprehension about what kind of reception they will receive from their families after abandoning their respective packs. At first it seems they are welcomed home with open arms and much excitement about their wedding but it soon becomes clear that not everyone is so happy to see the prodigal sons return. Indeed, Caleb finds himself wondering if Jacob will go through with the ceremony at all, or whether it would be better to pack up his mate and their children, and head back to Nebraska before the situation does irreparable damage to them both. Sometimes you have to leave a place to realize it’s exactly where you ought to be.

Word Count: Click here to reveal51000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: You can never escape from yourself. When Darach McNaughton returns to his home town, the one thing he isn’t looking for is love. But when he meets the mysterious Brice Drummond, his investigative instinct isn’t the only thing aroused. After a gang beats Brice Drummond, leaves him for dead, and needing to use a wheelchair, he ends up in a witness protection program. His only company is a beautiful cat aptly named Princess. He creates beautiful pieces of art, but allows no one into his life—until a handsome policeman appears out of nowhere. On a snowy night, Darach McNaughton returns a crying cat to its owner and is immediately curious about the beautiful man with the tattoos. Bit by bit, Darach uncovers the shocking truth about Brice’s history. Can he get past what he discovers? Can Brice let someone into his life? Or will the past catch up with them both and tear their fledgling love apart?

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

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

Summary: Someone 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. Ian tries to handle things by himself, but his friends are soon drawn in when the attacks become violent. That’s when Ian realizes the target isn’t Rialto. It’s him. Rialto is the final installment in the Unbreakable Bonds series and features sexy times, Daciana snuggles, overprotective family, fire, and of course, code names.

Word Count: Click here to reveal234 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Sequel to Fire Horse Finally reunited, Preston Fawkes and Konrad Schnell put family and obligations aside, preferring to remain in seclusion on Ned’s estate to get reacquainted. Unfortunately, reality can only be held off for so long, and they return to Texas to reclaim the life they put on pause. Trying to strike the right balance between business, family, and romance requires ongoing effort, and the challenges begin shortly after they arrive. At the top of the list is Bandi, Konrad’s son, and his desire to play polo. A close second is Conrad “Sasha” Fawkes, Preston’s actor son who’s struggling to succeed on Broadway. And last, but certainly not least, is Paloma, the fiery Argentinean beauty Preston sired after a passionate tango. Blending the interests and needs of three grown children is difficult at best and almost impossible when agendas collide and old secrets are unearthed. The situation comes to a head when the family gathers in San Antonio for Thanksgiving, throwing Preston and Konrad into a maelstrom they must weather as best they can, or they’ll face a major ride-off that could throw the game before it even starts.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal68000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Cameron has given up on romance, after a difficult childhood made it hard for him to trust enough for intimate relationships to develop. But mostly he's happy with the life he's built for himself. When two paranormal investigators show up at the home he recently inherited, claiming he may be in danger, he sends them packing, convinced they're nothing but con men. Until several incidents prove they're telling the truth. The past Cameron tried so hard to leave behind is coming for him, and it's angry.

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: Harper, lead singer of glam rock sensation The Rade, knows his face, his body, and his voice are beautiful---so what if he secretly suspects he's an unlovable mess? He and his bandmates escaped a tortured existence in Fairyland years ago, and now they use their glamour and style to delight mortals instead of enthralling them. They love what they do, so when another band starts talking trash on their authenticity, Harper has to clap back. Beck O'Leary, lead singer of hard rock outfit Fireborn, has three platinum albums and the perfect life, and he's miserable. His bandmates are a joke, his family is held together with emotional duct tape, and his writing is, for the first time in his life, uninspired. He starts trash talking The Rade out of a petty grudge, but then keeps doing it for the thrill he gets from Harper's livestreamed reactions. And hates himself for both. When the two front men finally meet, they can’t deny their physical attraction. Sparks fly after a charity football game, but fan gossip takes a dark turn. Between Beck's disintegrating life and Harper's secret Fae existence, there's a lot to handle if they want to hang onto the magic they've found in each other. Or maybe two lead singers in one relationship is just too much?

Word Count: Click here to reveal70,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Colin Hunt, a vivacious and outspoken art student, is a comic-reading, anime-loving, all-around geek. What he lacks in size, he most definitely makes up for in personality. But things have been tough for him lately. A heavy workload. A showcase to prepare for his final. A sick mother to take care of. Ever the optimist, he's more interested in finding someone to have some fun with rather than finding anyone serious. For Dexter Erikson, life has been difficult ever since an accident left him in foster care and cost him part of his arm. After discovering music therapy, he found an outlet for his pain and the perfect way to express himself. Now, sporting tattoos and piercings, Dexter is the lead singer of a pretty kick-ass punk rock band and owns the stage like it's nobody's business. He’s also goofy and dorky, shy and bashful, with a bad habit of falling in love yet a horrible fear of commitment. So what happens when vivacious geek meets shy punk rocker? The first answer is a lot of sex. The second answer might bring both Colin and Dexter to places they never dreamed possible.

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

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

Summary: Dax I've cut and run on my life more than once in my thirty-one years, leaving everything behind, even my name. Now I'm Dax Crow, long lost half-brother and mixing technician for Jameson Crow, the lead singer of Corvus Rising. I'm using my hard-won skills to help my brother make it big. The rest of the band are incidental to me, although new bass player Lane Bennett is a hot mess of young talent who urgently needs someone to take him under their wing. Not my job. I never get close to anyone. Until some douche of a boyfriend begins jerking the kid around, and I've been there, done that. Maybe I can at least give him some advice. Lane Playing with Corvus Rising is my dream come true, and I can't believe in October we'll play for sixty thousand fans at Rocktoberfest. I just hope I can measure up. The last six months have been a steep learning curve, but I have my secret boyfriend to encourage and direct me whenever he's around. I wish we could go public, but he's with the record label and it wouldn't look good. I also have my secret joy— performing drag as Ms. Fox, when I get the chance. It's hard juggling everything while touring with the band, but I think I have it under control. Then my worlds collide and my boyfriend shows his true face. I find myself getting surprising advice and support from Dax, the gorgeous, secretive guy behind Corvus's sound. But I doubt even Dax can turn this disaster into a triumph. content warning: emotional abuse, coercion Rocking Karma is a book in the multi-author Road to Rocktoberfest 2023 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for. Kick back, load up your kindle and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest!

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

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

Summary: For killing his husband, Rook is sent to B-226—an alien planet populated by deadly creatures, where the average life expectancy for a prisoner is three weeks. Rook is relieved by the sentence—all he wants is to die and rejoin his husband. Upon arrival on B-226, Rook is partnered with Stevie, who has beaten the odds and survived for several months. Rook is drawn to Stevie in a way he didn't expect in the aftermath of losing his husband. Before Rook can untangle the mess of his emotions, the already deadly situation on B-226 worsens, plunging Rook and Stevie into an even more desperate struggle to survive.

Word Count: Click here to reveal150000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Rookie forward Isaac Rivera is still finding his footing in the big leagues where he’s no longer the best player on the roster. It’s a whole new world, especially now that several of his hockey idols have become teammates. Friends, even. There’s one who’s more than a hockey idol, though… and he might end up being more than a friend. Julien Landry is a powerhouse on the ice. In eight years, he’s become one of the league’s top defensemen and the heartthrob everyone wants to bed. But fallout from a painful mistake as a rookie, followed by years of rough-and-tumble hookups, have him itching for something more. When a connection sparks between him and Isaac, he discovers what he’s been missing: someone he can trust with his body and his heart. As long as Isaac and Julien keep the heat between them off the ice, what could go wrong? But Julien’s past is never far behind him, and when it comes crashing in, he might lose everything—his career, his friends, and the first person he’s ever really loved. CW: discussions of past abuse and sexual assault