Books Tagged With potential trigger - traumatic past

Word Count: Click here to reveal87000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: In AD 107, after a grueling campaign against Rome's fierce enemy, the kingdom of Dacia, Gaius Fabius returns home in triumph. With the bloody battles over, the commander of the Lucky IV Legion now craves life's simple pleasures: leisurely soaks in fragrant baths, over-flowing cups of wine, and a long holiday at his seaside villa to savor his pleasure slaves. On a whim, he purchases a spirited young Dacian captive and unwittingly sparks a fresh outbreak of the Dacian war; an intimate struggle between two sworn enemies with love and honor at stake. Allerix survived the wars against Rome, but now he is a sex slave rather than a victor. Worse, the handsome general who led the destruction of his people now commands his body. When escape appears impossible, Alle struggles to find a way to preserve his dignity and exact vengeance upon the hated Romans. Revenge will be his, that is, if he doesn't lose his heart to his lusty Roman master. Dominus is a plot-packed erotic m/m historical fantasy that transports readers back to ancient Rome during the reign of the Emperor Trajan (98-117). This is the first of four books in an alternate history saga—a tumultuous journey filled with forbidden love, humor, sex, friendship, political intrigue, deception and murder.

Word Count: Click here to reveal77000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Rich Cody joined the U.S. Marshals to hunt down bad guys, not babysit witnesses. Orders are orders, though, and now he’s protecting a hacker with ties to the Albanian and Sicilian mobs. It’s just another exciting day in WITSEC. Leotrim Nicolosi was born into a world of crime and bloodshed. When that bloodshed hits too close to home, taking down Leo’s boyfriend—the son of a notorious mob boss—Leo is determined to destroy the Grimaldi family. He’s got evidence that will send every last Grimaldi to prison, he’s got the family’s wealth in an electronic chokehold, and he’s got a vendetta that can only be settled with the blood of the man who killed his lover. When a routine transfer to a safehouse goes horribly wrong, Rich and Leo narrowly escape with their lives. With the Marshals compromised and Leo being framed for murder, he and Rich are on the run from criminals and law enforcement alike. They have no one to trust except each other, and nowhere to go that their enemies can’t reach. And the only way out might mean making a deal with the Devil. This novel is approximately 77,000 words.

Word Count: Click here to reveal57000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Previously on Dragon War Chronicles, the first strike was made against their enemies, but the cost was heavy. Mourning their losses Danica still must prepare for dragons that will be coming to woo her. She already knows the dragon she wants to mate to, but will she convince Kollin that she's ready to commit? Of all the dragons going to Toulouse to meet Danica and see if they have a chance only one has a completely different agenda. He knows which dragon he wants and it isn't Danica. Will Xavier win the heart of Danica's brother? Anchin Luu, Danica's brother and manager of her Las Vegas casino, Dragon's Hoard, has spent his whole life alone due to his deadly nature. A broken experiment and retired assassin Anchin isn't sure what to make of the water dragon that has invaded his life. Love is in the air, but so is gunpowder. SLIPs going missing, Coyotes crashing parties, and a mating you'll never forget are all in store for you on the next exciting installment of Dragon War Chronicles. Attention: This book contains explicit sexual content between consenting dragons, depictions of relationships that are MF and MM with a dash of doublemint fun. Dragon War Chronicles is a continuous series. It is best read in order. SYN Consulting Secrets Revealed First Strike Dragon's Hoard

Word Count: Click here to reveal71000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Have you ever looked for something you know is there but can’t find it? My name is Draxton Dubois, and I am a speleologist. When it comes to maps and finding what I’m looking for, I become a tire-screeching, hyper-focused maniac. I utilize my charm to get what I want. I know no one can refuse me when I’m wearing my sexy speleologist jean shorts, even if I wear flip-flops and a wide-brimmed hat. My obsession with my work leaves very little room for intimate relationships. But I will do anything to secure an extension to explore the Star Caves, nestled in the Cradle of Mankind, South Africa. With my grandfather’s map in hand, I set out to barter for more time. The plan was simple. Entice, seduce, and bribe the man responsible for my future. He accepted the bribe, my priceless map, but became a pain in my butt as soon as he started showing up at the site. “He can’t get lost, even in complete darkness. He possesses a unique talent. He can effortlessly navigate underground tunnels and cave systems simply by crawling through them. Once he’s outside, with pen and paper, he can recreate everything from memory as if a machine had scanned and recorded it. Draxton Dubois is the world’s finest cave cartographer.” Children of Anzulla is a crossover from Kashel Char’s New Beginnings M/M Series. The true name of Earth is Anzulla, and whether it is recognized in the present depends on the outcome of the past war with Apsu and the Zelk. Draxton and Kellan tumble through a time portal and discover Anzulla desolate, split into two continents. The Zelk’s population thrives on the sweltering Light Continent, while abandoned and orphaned children on the Dark Continent struggle to survive. They are the source of the turmoil and the origin of the paranormal in the present. Magical beings such as angels, demons, polar bears, and dragons result from Anunnaki gene manipulation. Even the Zelk were created this way. WARNING: This story contains speculative, twisted versions of history, explicit, graphic depictions of violence, and crude language unsuitable for young or sensitive readers or anyone offended by gay sex. One of the main characters is on the autism spectrum, and persons sensitive to this character type may find certain situations triggering. Copyright©2025 Draxton: Children of Anzulla Part One by Kashel Char.

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: Only weeks after witnessing the massacre of nearly half his pack, Quinn Boucher is finding his footing as a guard to the U.S. Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the country. But flashbacks to the killings, and to the extreme abuse he suffered before joining the pack, plague Quinn. And a vital piece of his life is missing: his mate Malachi. From the moment they met in Nova Scotia, Quinn knew he and the older man were destined for each other. But Malachi is unwilling to accept Quinn as his, and his rejection cuts Quinn deeply. At 130 years old, Malachi Powers has spent decades grieving the two human men who shared their lives with him and each other. The last thing he wants is a mate, especially one over a century younger than him. But Malachi can't deny the attraction he feels to Quinn, a pull that isn't merely fate. When Quinn returns to Nova Scotia at the request of the Canadian Anax, Malachi, against his human side's better judgment, gives in to desire and claims Quinn as his mate and, at Quinn's request, his to command. As the walls between Malachi and Quinn crumble and their connection deepens, they're caught in the crossfire of a conspiracy against the Canadian Anax. As a guard, Quinn has pledged to protect the Anax. As Quinn's mate and the one to whom Quinn chooses to belong, Malachi has sworn to protect Quinn at any cost. With threats coming at them from all sides, will their chance at forever end before it truly begins? This book includes discussions of past sexual assault and depictions of grief and mourning. There is a large age gap between the main characters (over 100 years...werewolves live a long time!) It also includes consensual commanding of a character and an adult character being called "boy." This book is set in the Real Werewolves Don’t Eat Meat universe but is not a direct part of that series.

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: Information not available

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

Summary: Hansen has been hot for Sam since they first bonded over their secret superpowers—literally hot, since Hansen can produce fire from thin air. But Sam is always covered in girls, so Hansen keeps his feelings deeply buried and settles for being Sam's best friend. Then Sam's electrical powers go haywire in public, and in the fallout a mutual attraction is forced to the surface—but bisexuality is new to Sam, and Hansen is afraid to admit he's in love. And in the midst of trying to figure out themselves and each other, they have to face—and survive—the unfriendly witness to Sam's explosion. The Superpowered Love series explores the mixed-up love lives of the “awakened”, humans with awakened thermal or electrical superpowers. The series is complete, and the books can be read in any order or skipped altogether.

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

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

Summary: "Vardam needs to be found. We have to know what this thing is capable of, but for God’s sake be discreet! The last thing we need is some idiot journalist suggesting Area 51 has moved across the Atlantic to Buckinghamshire.” Scientist Kurt Lomax’s faltering career and personal problems hit another level when an alluring extraterrestrial shows up at his science lab. Non-binary Vardam has seen the future of the human race, and has travelled through time to prevent the destruction of life on Earth. Talking in sign language through Tom, a secretly employed interpreter, Vardam also reveals their affection for the mentally tortured Kurt, who is the ancestor of the close friend they had to leave behind. The fate of the human race is at stake, but so is the life of a man Vardam has loved from another time. Tom brings light and laughter to the somber laboratory. When he sees the feeling growing between Kurt and Vardam, his matchmaking unwittingly instigates an international crisis.

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: Someone is murdering young gay men in Washington, DC. When Zachary Hall leaves Utah for a job in Washington, it's finally his chance to live as a gay man and maybe find someone special. In a bar he meets Thomas Scarborough, a man who seems perfect in and out of the bedroom. But Thomas never dates. He never even sleeps with the same man twice. Despite their instant connection, he can offer Zachary only his friendship, and Zachary is looking for more. Thomas is tempted to break his own rules, but years before, he became the victim of a stalker who nearly destroyed his life. Even though his stalker died, Thomas obsessively keeps others at a distance. Despite his fascination with Zachary, he is unable to lower his barriers. Frustrated, Zachary accepts he will never have what he wants with Thomas and soon finds it with another man. But the dead gay men all have a connection to Thomas. Once again someone is watching Thomas's every move. Can it be a coincidence? When the depraved killer turns his attention toward Zachary, Thomas must face the demons of his past--or lose his chance to open his heart to Zachary forever. Every Breath You Take is a gay romantic suspense novel with no cliffhanger and a happy ending. Trigger warning for references to child abuse. It is part of the Nights at Mata Hari series but can be read as a standalone.

Word Count: Click here to reveal34613 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Jotham was one of the oldest of the paranormal world, and a dragon shifter. He had been one of the attending Councilmen for the mating Games, since its creations. It is a time, for most, to come and have some fun, play some games, and hopefully find their mate. However, for Jotham, it was the time of his worst nightmare. Someone had taken his daughter over a hundred years ago. Discovering that Councilman Troy, his supposed friend, was behind his daughter’s disappearance was something Jotham had a hard time dealing with. When he was first approached about the sinister actions of his fellow councilman, Jotham had not believed the men's accusations. Then Ricky, Ian, Joop, their mates, and family proved their words were true. Discovering his daughter had died was heartbreaking, but then he saw a picture in a file and knew the little girl looking back at him could only be one person...his granddaughter. Ricky and Ian convinced him that maybe one of the victims might be able to help them find the other captives. That is how he met his destiny.... his Q... his mate. Q had never really known a life outside the labs and captivity. So many people and no ability to communicate was terrifying. Then he saw the most beautiful sight in the world. His koala wanted to pounce and claim the man...but then he found out Jotham was a man of power and that type of person had only brought him fear and pain. Can Q push past his fear and help his mate find his granddaughter and others still being imprisoned? Can Q push his fear even harder aside and allow his dragon mate to claim him? Or will all be lost forever?

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: Click here to reveal170,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: In 1846 London, Oliver Twist has one desire: to own a bookshop and live a simple, middle-class life as far as possible from his workhouse-shadowed past. One thing stands in his way, Jack Dawkins--The Artful Dodger--who's just returned to London and wants to reconnect. Jack's visits cause Oliver nothing but trouble with his master, but he finds himself drawn, time and again, to their shared past, Jack's unguarded honesty, and those bright, green eyes. Oliver craves respectability, and doesn't think he will find it with a forbidden love. Can Jack convince Oliver that having one doesn't mean losing the other? Fagin’s Boy: The Further Particulars of a Parish Boy's Progress is the first book in Christina E. Pilz’s Oliver & Jack series, a gay historical romance. If you like Dickensian characters who fall in love in spite of themselves, and beautiful flowering romance occurring in all the wrong places,  then you’ll love Fagin’s Boy, so pick up a copy today!

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

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

Summary: Stronghold Fair Haven by the Sea is a beacon in a sometimes harsh world, open to all and deliberately, stubbornly kind. It also holds the honour and responsibility of hosting an atelier, a workshop for the rare and highly-prized magical engineers known as Mancers. Hazel lives a comfortable, contented life in Stronghold Haven as a member of the team of elite bodyguards protecting the resident Mancer. But when another Mancer comes knocking on Haven's door to plead for refuge from the stronghold zhey've just escaped, zhey bring the looming threat of invasion in zheir wake. Ash is disruptive to Hazel's peaceful routine in more ways than just that: to his own surprise, he's hopelessly attracted to the prickly, secretive Mancer. This might be the start of something precious...or the end of everything he holds dear.

Word Count: Click here to reveal154223 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Quiet. That's how he likes life, no drama to clean up... Tai Xen-Vorsy leads a straightforward life: work, time at the local clubs where shapeshifters like him can play without fear, and the comforts of home with a cat that's more than half attitude. After breaking up with his last submissive, he's even taking a break from Dom duties. Meeting Gates changes everything, and when Tai's childhood home is destroyed, his simple life goes up in flames. The Callensdale haven was his refuge as an orphan, a hideaway that saved his life. Now it's time to return the favour. Bringing in the Fluff Brigade Brotherhood would make all the difference... if he could just get them back together. Tai won't give up—he's not that kind of unicorn. But can he reunite the brotherhood and keep his new relationship with Gates kindled at the same time?   The darkness is dragging him into the shadows, one case at a time... Helping others is all Gates Colfaethe wants to do, being mostly unicorn shifter with a splash of Faerie. But years as an agent on trafficking cases leave him fearing just how far he'll lose himself in the job before he burns out completely. A random hookup with Tai might be the very change he needs. A new Dom means new rules and the chance to create safe distance from work—until his worlds collide in a twist Gates should leave well enough alone. What he knows is bad enough, but running headlong into danger could kill him.   Horn & Haven is an MM+ romance series featuring a found family of unicorn shifters brought together by tragic circumstances. Friends out to save a magical world in trouble. Family fighting to protect those they love. Lovers falling for the kinkiest unicorns this side of their universe... Welcome to the Fluff Brigade Brotherhood.

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

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

Summary: Sonny Lakes has found a home with Abe Ellis in Sweetshade, a small town as calm and inviting as the name suggests. But even places like that can hide sinister secrets and dangerous threats. After facing down Sonny’s stalker and coming to terms with their need to work on better communication, they seem to have settled into the domestic bliss they’ve both been craving. But just as Sonny is about to return to the medical field and pursue his dreams, he gets enmeshed in an all-too-familiar nightmare, upending any sense of stability he had. Their hard-won peace robbed from them, Abe fights to keep Sonny on the path toward the career he’s always wanted. Abe is willing to do whatever it takes, but his increasingly risky deceit not only threatens their relationship, but his own life yet again. Can Sonny and Abe find their way through the fire once more and learn to dance in the rain? Warning: school shooting, gun violence, PTSD

Word Count: Click here to reveal13,900 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Some memories are better forgotten. Jules can’t remember his past; he only knows here and now. Oddly, being an amnesiac doesn’t even bother him much until he turns around one evening and finds a guy following him. The guy, Rae, is an old friend who’s come back to the city to help Jules regain his memory—or so he claims. Getting to know Rae sparks new life in Jules … but also gives him a distinctly bad feeling that recovering his lost memories could put them both in mortal danger. Flashpoint is a 13.9K word paranormal mystery MM romance short story. It features an amnesiac who’s trying to figure out what the heck happened to him, a public-school teacher who knows more than he’s saying, mysterious happenings that desperately need unraveling, and a hard-won HEA both guys deserve. (Then again, does ‘ever after’ really have to mean ‘the end’ ...?)

Word Count: Click here to reveal13200 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: In Space, No One Can Hear You Sing … Grayson Eck's life is a drag, in all the best possible ways. He's perfectly happy working in the belt alone as a wildcatter, prospecting asteroids by … well, not exactly by day. At night, he transforms into the Inner System's most famous Valeriana Storm — a secret identity that even his closest friends and family don't know about. When someone tries to steal one of Greyson's mining scores, he has half a mind to just toss the guy off his rock and into open space. But that all changes when he discovers the stranger's identity — and that he knows Greyson's secret. Now he's being chased by a pirate, and has to decide what to do with the apparent thief while also putting on his show. What's a space drag queen to do?

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: (Jimmy) I fell for my best friend. Shifters like us have mates. If I didn't know better, I'd swear he was mine, but Savi's feelings for me? Purely platonic. I need to find a way to fall out of love with him. Because losing him? Not an option. Who would have thought a trip to the zoo would be the start of my forever? At just five years old I knew that the cute kitty in the cage was meant to be mine…my best friend, my person, MY Kiki. At sixteen, I prayed to every deity known in the human world that he would be my mate. At nineteen, I left. Now?  Our lives will never be the same.   (Savi) We should be planning the best summer ever, instead, I’m learning how to live without my best friend for the first time since he and his family rescued me from my terrible foster “parents” when I was a kid. Jimmy, my best friend, my person, up and left me for 6 whole months! One hundred eighty-two and a half-ish days. Maybe forever. It’s only a matter of time before Jimmy finds his mate and our separation is permanent. If only I was that mate. Because it’s only a matter of time before he can’t deny anymore that he needs more than me. He needs a mate. Something I’m not, something I can never be. Shouldn’t be. For anyone, but especially not for Jimmy LaFleur. For All Eternity : Destinies Entwined is an ongoing M/M Best Friends to Lovers, Paranormal, Kindle Vella Romance serial. It contains multiple points of view, but the main bulk of the story and main focus is on these best friends and their path to their eternity. For All Eternity : Destinies Entwined features an autistic main character, traumatic pasts, horses, and lots and lots of cuddling. Oh, yeah, and Blood Play (eventually!) The friendship these two have is nothing ordinary! Note: Heat level of 3 is indicative of the heat in the story thus far, not the entire story, which will be a 5.