Books Tagged With where - state - california

Word Count: Click here to reveal44000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: In Vegas, everything’s a gamble—even love. Stone: A kiss in a hallway changed my life. I plan on murdering my best friend. It’s his fault I’m at this party in Vegas, playing a stupid game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. After breaking up with my girlfriend a month ago, the last thing I want to do is make out with someone. But this stranger who is more attractive than any woman I have ever seen—and being a heavy metal singer, I’ve seen plenty of hot women—kisses like a dream and leaves me breathless. The problem? I’ve never been with a guy before, and Devon’s scorching kiss sends my mind spinning. I end up drinking too much and saying the wrong thing to him. I have to apologize, to tell him how I really feel, only that’s not easy to do while traveling from city to city to perform. Devon: Never fall for a straight guy. Even if he is much older, famous, covered in tattoos, and basically my walking wet dream. I need to put Stone out of my mind, but when he unexpectedly shows up at the garage where I work, I’m powerless against him—I don’t let him know that, though—and it seems like he could use a friend to talk to as he comes to terms with his sexuality. Okay, fine. So we’ll be friends. I’ve never been a gay mentor before, and I’m terrible at it, because the closer we become, the more I realize there’s something I need to tell him, something that jeopardizes the relationship we’re building. A HFN story about grumpy aging heavy metal singer having a bisexual awakening and fashion-forward femme mechanic with troubled past. Warning this book contains instances of physical/verbal abuse, discrimination, gun violence, use of deadly weapons, anger issues, and substance abuse and homophobia.

Word Count: Click here to reveal119000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: The Blackwood Pack saga continues… This is part of an on-going series and reading the previous titles is advised. Readers of the past books will enjoy meeting old friends once more as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for each other. Slate, one of the last Dire Wolves, has carved out a life which suits him fine—plenty of traveling to exotic locations and an abundance of one night stands to handle his needs. While he’s happy for his brother, who has found his Fated Mate, Slate isn’t interested in finding his—at least not for a long time. That is, until his body betrays him. Seeking his mother’s help—who is an Oracle—Slate pays a visit to the Blackwood Pack where he finds the Fates have once again, messed with his life. Dakota, the chef for the Blackwood Pack, fell in love with cooking as a young child and ultimately the kitchen became a place of refuge for him. Suffering with a ‘curse’ through much of his childhood, he relied heavily on his mother’s help to deal with it. After the massacre of his mother and siblings by their greedy uncle, Dakota barely survives, but finally forges a life for himself, content to stay home and take care of the people he loves. A long-hidden secret, rejection of a mate, acceptance of rare gifts, and a brutal kidnapping are just some of the obstacles Dakota and Slate must battle together to save their relationship. As the pack rallies around them, both must learn to trust the other before they can find the happiness that the Fates have ordained for them…

Word Count: Click here to reveal29,610 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Recent graduate Dr. Fenton Miller takes December off to decide which job offer to accept. Then he meets his landlord, sous chef John Barton. Suddenly, thinking about his career becomes his last priority. A better option might be a month-long roll between the sheets with John. While John is attracted to Fen and might even agree to his plan, John has got more pressing matters to worry about. His past has arrived in tiny Stone Acres from San Francisco and is intent on sucking him back into a life he hated. Promising to help John and shelter him if necessary, Fen finds he’s also being threatened by a homophobic father who doesn’t find Fen as entertaining as his kids do. As they wade through their problems during the happiest time of the year, Fen and John rely more and more on each other for happiness.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal96200 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: When tailor Marvin Gottschalk abandoned New York City for the brash boomtown of silent-film-era Hollywood, he never imagined he’d end up on screen as Martin Brentwood, one of the fledgling film industry’s most popular actors. Five years later a cynical Martin despairs of finding anything genuine in a town where truth is defined by studio politics and publicity. Then he meets Robbie Goodman. Robbie fled Idaho after a run-in with the law. A chance encounter leads him to the film studio where he lands a job as a chauffeur. But one look at Martin and he’s convinced he’s likely to run afoul of those same laws—laws that brand his desires indecent, deviant... sinful. Martin and Robbie embark on a cautious relationship, cocooned in Hollywood’s clandestine gay fraternity, careful to hide from the studio boss, a rival actor, and reporters on the lookout for a juicy story. But when tragedy and scandal rock the town, igniting a morality-based witch hunt fueled by a remorseless press, the studio brass will sacrifice even the greatest careers to defend their endangered empire. Robbie and Martin stand no chance against the firestorm—unless they stand together.

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Click here to revealGay, Genderfluid, Transgender (Click here to hide)

Summary: Fusing copper, gold, and moonlight creates the strongest bond. Trajan Gall is ready to meet the sun. The vampire has spent two years mourning a lost love, but he can't refuse his maker one last assignment. Babysitting some VIP's kid is hardly worth his effort. Until he gets an eyeful of David. Spring break in LA is werewolf David Collins’s last chance to do whatever the hell he wants. Graduation in June will be his first step into the family machine, and with one week to paint the town red, he’s aiming to do it in neon and glitter. David’s father is the American Alpha, and something – some rumor or instinct or parental discretion – prompts Dad to hire a vampire to keep his heir out of trouble. Good thing. The shooting starts before David reaches his Sunset Beach hotel. The danger chasing David – not to mention the white hot sparks that fly between them – give Trajan a much-needed jolt of life. When Trajan’s past roars back in a way that won’t be denied, the three of them must find a way to bridge past and present or David won’t have any future at all.

Word Count: Click here to reveal40000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Spells & Stardust is Scott's first anthology - eight sci fi and fantasy shorts that run the gamut from regeneration to redemption. The Bear at the Bar: A gay fish out of water tale with a pinch of magic. Tight: What happens when your lover disappears in midair? Morgan: The year when everything changed. Re-Life: What if you were reborn in a strange new future? A New Year: They met every eleven years. And each time, Hank's life changed. Repetition: What if you wanted to go back in the closet? Gargoyle: Sometimes you get what you deserve. Sometimes it happens on All Hallows Eve. Avalon: A few bright moments in the sun, stolen from outside time. Most of these stories have been previously published in various anthologies and journals. This is the first time they have all been collected in one place.

Word Count: Click here to reveal11000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Cameron Wheeler’s life is all mapped out: he’ll finish business school, return home to Vermont, get a job, and marry his high-school girlfriend. He’s packed away what he really wants—a career as a musician—because he knows it’s never going to happen. But Cameron's well-planned life is turned upside down when he walks into a musty jewelry shop in LA and meets the mysterious Apollo, who tells him to “follow his soul, not his past.” Apollo's magical presence spurs Cameron to discover and follow his true path, in life and in love.

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

Character Identities: Click here to revealLesbian, Polyamorous (Click here to hide)

Summary: Adrenaline addicted veteran, Vivian Chastain, confronts the man who has been following her for days, only to find he has a message of dire consequence for her. Spurred into action by his news, she barrels head on into a tumultuous and violent series of events. Stoic and stubborn, Vivian lands in the hospital, fighting for her life. During Vivian’s lengthy recovery, her partner is released from jail and the two reconnect, stoking up the flames of their toxic union all while Vivian dives into a blossoming relationship with a new love interest who offers fulfillment and love, if only Vivian can figure out how to allow it all in. Still on the mend, she learns that the coast is not clear as former threats return and continue to endanger her. While she cannot rest easy; friends, her work crew, and customers at the night club where she tends bar provide her with much needed fun, comradery, and support. Vivian wrestles with her temper, her penchant for physical violence, and her overwhelming emotional baggage. Struggles from within and without threaten her existence, and in the moment when death is just a breath away, Vivian’s brother shows up and changes everything.

Word Count: Click here to reveal79204 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Tobias Rogan never wanted to be a leader. But in the past several months, he’s gone from a quiet life as Alpha of the smallest pack in the United States to ruling the entire Northeast Region. With his mate, Kyle Slidell, by his side, Tobias is adjusting to his new normal. But now, with the future of the entire werewolf world at stake, Tobias must step further out of his comfort zone. The Anax, ruler of all werewolves in the United States, is no longer competent to rule. Only Tobias is dominant enough to defeat the Anax. And when Kyle’s life hangs in the balance, Tobias must choose: Challenge the Anax to claim the rank, or allow the Anax to declare war. This book includes references to past child abuse and sexual assault, depictions of PTSD, and homophobia from minor characters. This book was previously published in 2014. This edition has been moderately revised and re-edited from the original, and includes a newly-written ending.

Word Count: Information not available

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

Summary: There’s no easy way to come back from the dead… …and Connor MacPherson is living with the consequences. He may be back in Trajan’s life – and in his bed – but the trust they once shared is gone. Some days it feels like David is the only thing holding their threesome together. When Trajan and David stumble over a murdered kitsune, Connor is drawn into the investigation. He uses that murder to cover a second inquiry, one he’s bound by his oath to the Elites to keep secret – specifically from Trajan. Then David uncovers his covert search, and if Connor’s own internal conflict is painful, seeing how it hurts David makes it even worse. But they don’t know the secret Trajan’s keeping, a command that could destroy everything. Trajan’s maker has ordered him to kill, and if they don’t rebuild their damaged trust, this time death will be permanent.

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

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

Summary: In 1860, four brothers on a mission from God tunneled beneath the surface in Nevada territory, looking to find the next Comstock Lode. Legend has it they went down into the Earth as honorable Christian men but returned as something more sinister, their good intentions abandoned. There they became possessed and altered by an evil force, and their hold on the residents of what was known then as Lake’s Crossing allowed them to gain unfathomable wealth and power. Youngest brother Jonah ran from that evil and has been in exile under an alias for nearly 70 years. He spends his existence as Jimmy Manwaring, playing piano nightly to the rough-and-tumble saloon crowd in Fort Bragg, California, with the final words of his beloved deceased wife constantly on his mind. “When hope comes, you must protect them.” An act of violence thrusts barmaid Hope Johnson, her unborn twins, and her lover, Bonnie, into his world, and he swears to protect them, but not even one with the power of Sight could predict the series of events that threaten their safety. Will Jonah receive the absolution he seeks, or will his new family suffer for the sins of the Bane brothers?

Word Count: Click here to reveal67000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Sequel to the award-winning The Necessary Deaths A man is murdered, and takes a deadly secret to his grave.   Is it true the murdered man is Dominic Delingpole’s former lover? And were they still seeing each other just before his recent wedding to husband Jonathan?   Or are these simply lies? This is more than a story of deceit between husbands. A man’s death plunges Dominic and Jonathan into a world of international espionage, which puts their lives at risk. What is the ruthless Charter Ninety-Nine group, and why is it pursuing them across Europe and the United States? Dominic and Jonathan are forced to test their relationship to its limit. What deadly lies must they both confront? And if they stay alive, will their relationship remain intact?

Word Count: Click here to reveal114000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A Slow Burn Meet Cute! Baker. Wizard. God of Space and Time. Cupcake enthusiast. How long will it take to fan the flames and enrage this gentle phoenix? Start counting. What's a wounded and lonely little cinnamon roll to do? Stripped of his psychic powers, Calico Winghorse flees his homeworld and travels to 19th century Earth via his inter-dimensional portal. As a mixed-blood phoenix trapped in human form, he opens a bakery in the San Francisco Bay Area and quietly nurses his wounds. But the unique method of his arrival draws the unwanted attention of Infinity Corporation. Representing this angelic-run company is Agustin Chavez de la Cruz, the Demon Lord of California. Even though Agustin is IC's heir, he finds himself demoted from his duties to concentrate on his new assignment: take absolute control of Calico's portal. But Calico refuses to sell at any price. He is also very busy ensuring that the good people of the city are getting their fill of baked goods. Before Agustin can formulate a more gracious avenue of acquiring the gateway, the demanding head of IC interferes, further complicating matters. So as negotiations stumble along, Calico and Agustin come to realize they both want more than a stuffy business arrangement. However, due to Calico's injuries, the portal remains vulnerable to the darker forces that want it at any cost. Agustin will have to push both his angelic heritage, as well as his own psychic powers to the very limits to heal this sweet baker, who is also the portal world's God of Space and Time. The Demon Lord of California is the first book of an LGBTQ+ paranormal-fantasy series. You won't want to miss a first love found, hidden worlds, and a recovering workaholic grasping at his second chance. All centered around the control of an otherworldly portal. So curl up with your favorite beverage, and hang out with Cal and Gus for a while. You'll be happy you did!

Word Count: Click here to reveal317000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: For the first time, the entire Lonely Hearts Series is available in one box set. Including never before published epilogues for each of the four stories and a bonus short story, Time to Play. His Kind of Love Joel Reading is lonely, and Gabriel Hunter has been waiting years for the right man. The Colors Between Us Roland Wilson is a haunted man, and Adonis Smith wants something he can't have. Love Comes After Bennet James's world is imploding, Aiden Hennessey is devastated, and Chris Wheeler doesn't do emotions. Until You Say Otherwise Richard Harrington is tired of saying goodbye, and Sam Sanders is determined. TIme to Play Athena Smith is ready for her time in the spotlight with Wesley and Grant.

Word Count: Click here to reveal115000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A group of strangers meets at Ragazzi, an Italian restaurant, for a cooking lesson that will change them all. They quickly become intertwined in each other's lives, and a bit of magic touches each of them. Meet Dave, the consultant who lost his partner; Matteo and Diego, the couple who run the restaurant; recently-widowed Carmelina; Marcos, a web designer getting too old for hook-ups; Ben, a trans author writing the Great American Novel; teenager Marissa, kicked out for being bi; and Sam and Brad, a May-September couple who would never have gotten together without a little magic of their own. Everyone in the River City has a secret, and sooner or later secrets always come out.

Word Count: Click here to reveal115000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A group of strangers meets at Ragazzi, an Italian restaurant, for a cooking lesson that will change them all. They quickly become intertwined in each other's lives, and a bit of magic touches each of them. Meet Dave, the consultant who lost his partner; Matteo and Diego, the couple who run the restaurant; recently-widowed Carmelina; Marcos, a web designer getting too old for hook-ups; Ben, a trans author writing the Great American Novel; teenager Marissa, kicked out for being bi; and Sam and Brad, a May-September couple who would never have gotten together without a little magic of their own. Everyone in the River City has a secret, and sooner or later secrets always come out. Narrated by Michael Lysan.

Word Count: Click here to reveal41449 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Oscar Lozada is repulsive, and he likes it that way. His apartment is always a wreck, he works at a sewage plant, and he’s an abrasive jerk to just about everyone. When he's not out drinking and hooking up with strangers, he trolls people on the Internet for lulz. His life changes when he finds out a victim of his trolling lives right next door. Noah is super hot and disarmingly nice. In spite of himself, Oscar starts to fall for him. All he has to do is make sure Noah never discovers the truth behind his trollish ways.

Word Count: Click here to reveal97000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Gene Caldwell has given up on love. After two messy divorces and countless failed relationships, he’s sixty-one, he’s single, and he’s done trying. Terry Hanson still believes in love, but after burying two partners in thirty years, he’s prepared to spend the rest of his life alone. Even if the nights get cold, he refuses to go through that heartbreak a third time. At a mutual friend’s wedding reception, the two men bond over their loneliness and cynicism. They spend the evening commiserating… and the rest of the night pretending they’ll be able to walk away from each other in the morning. Neither can help coming back for more. They can't get enough of each other’s touch, the affection they’ve both been starving for, and the companionship they both crave and fear. If they lower their decades-old defenses, they’ll risk more heartbreak. If they don’t lower those defenses, though, they’ll miss out on love that was worth waiting half a century to find. This 97,000 word Las Palmas Fencing Club novel is the sequel to The Master Will Appear, and can be read as a standalone.

Word Count: Click here to reveal24000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: When Sparks Fly: A Sizzling Gay Erotic Romance, With Firemen, Firemen, Firemen! "Fire Captain Thom thought he had it all figured out, until Lisa burst into his life, igniting feelings he never knew existed. Now, he can’t get her out of his mind, and neither can his husband. As the flames of desire grow, will they be able to handle the heat? If you like character driven plots, you’ll love this page-turning romance by award-winning author Stephanie Lake. Discover this must-read story today! “Stephanie Lake gives us appealing characters, fun storylines, and crisp prose. I especially enjoy the skill she uses with her historical settings. Her stories are perfect when I need an escape from the here and now.” – Kim Fielding, award-winning author of The Bureau series. “Bold, sensual historical settings that immerse you in the experience and characters that bring the past startlingly to life.” – Amy Lane, award-winning author of Fish out of Water series."

Word Count: Click here to reveal74000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Typhoon Toby: Forces of Nature Book Two Blurb   On the surface, Toby Griffiths appears to have it all: talent, money, a brilliant mind, and model good looks. With his best friend Reese, he’s built an empire as a singer/songwriter. But beneath that glittering exterior, Toby suffers the lasting effects of betrayal (or abuse?). To keep his tempestuous past where it belongs, he insists on anonymity with lovers—no names, no personal information. A vacation fling in Bali changes all that, and he can’t get his recent playmate out of his mind. Therapist Spencer Hart left Bali with a bad case of pneumonia and a broken heart. While recovering, he's shocked to find his secretive partner on TV—and he's determined to see him again.  Spencer arranges to attend one ofToby’s fundraising galas, and their reunion is tense. Toby tries to stick to his rules… until a New Year’s kiss with Spencer washes away the last of his resistance. ButToby is a man with secrets, and when the storm that’s been holding comes ashore, it could devastate not just his professional life, but his fledgling love affair and long-time partnership with his best friend. Will Spencer stand by his side and help him weather the storm as Toby faces his worst fears?