Books Tagged With potential trigger - traumatic past

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 reveal54247 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: For millennia, they fight side by side. Now one king faces a lonely quest. As Light and Shadow, King Pietas and General Cyken share every battle, as well as a fierce and passionate love. But, torn apart by the king's rage, Cyken ends their stormy relationship. When General Cyken falls in love with another man, Pietas undertakes a perilous quest on the dangerous world of Felidae to prove he is the better choice for Cyken. If he succeeds in his quest, it will either bring Cyken back, or drive him even closer to his new love. Pietas must try, for he cannot walk into eternity alone. He must have a shadow to balance his light...

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: 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

Word Count: Click here to reveal45056 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Can a new beginning be found in leather and chains? Kai Smithson’s life changes dramatically with his first glimpse into the world of BDSM. Completely innocent, Kai can hardly believe his eyes, but he knows what he likes and apparently that’s hot, dominant men in leather. He isn’t sure if he’s a submissive because he doesn’t really know what that means, but the feelings he is experiencing are exciting and new. Harry Croft, bar manager at The Underground BDSM Club, believes in insta-lust rather than love at first sight. And when he agrees to train Kai, the contract between them has one condition—no sex. But Kai has some very definite plans about losing his virginity and a piece of paper is not going to stand in his way. In his new friends at the club and at The Edge, Kai has a ready-made support group of subs that show him that the only rules in a D/s relationship are those he wants to make for himself. The old saying that you can choose your friends but not your family is proved horribly true for Kai, as the mysteries of his past are revealed. As he and Harry start out on their journey together, they must contend with bullets as well as bondage, danger alongside domination, and it’s not easy to establish trust when the whole world is going to hell. Reader Advisory: This book contains characters who have extremely prejudiced views and scenes referencing physical abuse. Publisher's Note: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.

Word Count: Click here to reveal49,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Despised by his family for being a living reminder of his father’s infidelity, Rudy never expected that a blind date mix up would change his life. Meeting Clay, an engineer fresh out of the military, is the answer to Rudy’s dreams, becoming Rudy’s co-worker, protector and lover all rolled into one gorgeous package. But filled with hate, Donny, Rudy’s older half-brother, tries to destroy him and stop Rudy from saving his grandfather’s toy factory. Only Clay can save Rudy’s life and the toy factory, if he’s not too late.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal57,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Rudy and Clay are deeply in love and expecting the birth of their boys thanks to Clay’s twin sister, Clarice. Tragedy strikes, and Rudy and Clay become parents to not just their twins, but Clarice and Patrick’s three little girls as well. They desperately need help with the five kids so Rudy hires a ‘manny’, Jackson Frost. But Frost comes with a horrible past. Guilty of betrayal, and for almost killing Clay while they were in the military, he is freshly released from prison and desperate for work. The man is definitely not Clay’s first choice as a caregiver for his children. Strange things begin to happen, leading them to think that Patrick and Clarice were not just a random attack. Then Rudy is suddenly kidnapped. The clock is ticking and despite their past, Jackson and Clay must join forces to find Rudy before he is killed, or worse…  

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

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

Summary: Rufus will do anything not to remain staked in a coffin, including stealing a psychic and forming a blood bond with him. Rufus Mabuz was a badass assassin until his coven leader had him staked and stored away in a coffin for seven years. He was still a badass assassin, only he couldn’t move. Then one day, the coven leader makes him an offer – bond with a psychic or stay in the coffin for years to come. Jaki Sage is kept prisoner together with a group of psychics. He’s a psychic too, but a crappy one. He can’t foresee anything. The only thing he can do is look back in time to see what the weather was like around a certain event. Not useful. But then his friend, who can foresee things, tells him to go with Rufus the Dead. Rufus isn’t sure why he’s stealing a psychic and forming a blood bond with him, but anything is better than being staked. Jaki might not know much about vampires, but he thinks he’s better off with Rufus than if he hadn’t run away with him. But then the coven leader demands he uses his skills to find someone, or she’ll put Rufus back in the coffin. How will Jaki be able to find anyone when all he can see is weather?

Word Count: Click here to reveal47000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Betrayal, heartbreak, and financial ruin are only the beginning. The last few months have been tough on Grant Parnell. He discovered his boyfriend was having an affair and it’s taken its toll, both emotionally and financially. With his business facing ruin, Grant could lose everything. Dave Monroe is excited to start a new phase of his life. He’s following his dream and pursuing an exciting career opportunity. When Grant visits his friends in the country and finds out Dave might be moving to Melbourne, he offers him a place to stay. For Dave, life’s looking good. Dave had only met Grant a couple of times before moving in with him, but the simmering sexual attraction is undeniable. As he settles into Grant’s home, deeper feelings develop. It’s hard not to fall for Grant’s gorgeous exterior, but it’s the strong man underneath who captures Dave’s heart. Grant always craved success. His business and his home are testament to just how far he’s come, proving his family wrong and making something of himself—or he had. Now everything is falling apart. As Grant’s world spirals out of control, Dave is the one sure thing in his life. But if they are to have any chance at happiness, Dave will need to teach Grant what’s really important.

Word Count: Click here to reveal74271 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: AURA’s offices have been quiet since the mage tower incident—as quiet as they can be for an agency dedicated to policing holes in reality—and the department heads have been free to turn their attention back to mundane matters. The return to quiet bureaucracy gives AURA’s Director of Research, Kai Hiltas, the time to turn his energy to a new issue—a young drow with unusual and dangerous powers named Ryld. Though his shadows always lurk at the edges of his vision, Ryld does his best to live peacefully and not let them hurt anyone. He has his work, his apartment and a succession of minders assigned by AURA who are, ostensibly, there to keep him safe in his new world and to prevent him from causing any scenes with his shadows. Most of the time, the arrangement works. But one disastrous incident causes Ryld’s minder to leave him unattended and lost—the precise thing he was hired to prevent. To replace the faithless minder, Kai suggests Hank, a half-goblin accountant recently in the middle of a string of terrible luck, while Kai works out how best to get Ryld the magical training he so desperately needs. For his part, Hank truly likes Ryld and insists he would be happier working as Ryld’s companion rather than as a controlling minder. As Hank and Ryld slowly come to terms with sharing space—and eventually more—Kai’s search for a teacher for Ryld takes them out west on the invitation of the Elvenhome’s aelfe queen and right into the lap of inter-elven feuds, ancient prejudice, conspiracies and trafficking rings. What should have been a pleasant visit soon turns into more than even forever-scheming Kai can handle.  

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

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

Summary: Ten years ago, Dominic Walsh faked his own death. With no true identity, it wasn’t hard. But if he’d stayed, he would have been drawn further into a life he’d never chosen. He has friends and family at Ward Security now and has managed to escape his dark past. There is only one thing he truly wants. Abraham Stephens. When Dom was first tasked with watching over his friend’s father, he didn’t expect to fall so hard for the gorgeous silver fox. But Abe is interested in friendship only. He’s at a point in his life where he wants something permanent, not a romp with the sexy redhead who happens to be the same age as his son. But Abe finds himself drawn deeper into Dom’s life when cryptic messages start appearing—ones that frighten the skilled security specialist. The more Dom tries to hide what’s happening, the more Abe wants to help him. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll find a way to trust the strength of the bond Dom understood from the start.

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

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

Summary: NOTE: The following blurb contains spoilers for the Deviations series. If that matters to you, stop here and read the series first, beginning with Deviations: Submission. Safe Words picks up where the Deviations series left off. Tobias, Noah and Phan are all working on finding their place, both at Bradford's club and in their personal lives. They're all living together too, and Tobias has taken on the role of full-time Dom to both men, which he loves but finds incredibly challenging. While Noah finds comfort in their new arrangement and is looking forward to deeper submission, Phan has a harder time finding balance and peace. There are many changes happening too fast and making Phan act out, and neither Tobias nor Noah are sure how to deal with it. Life is not perfect for Bradford, either, as he finally confronts his feelings for his sub, Nikki. How will Tobias help his closest friend, manage his job training other Doms at the club, and juggle his relationship with Noah and Phan without allowing the house that he's built for himself fall down around their ears?

Word Count: Click here to reveal76100 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: When Kyle Slidell was transferred to Boston by his company, he didn't expect to start crushing on his new neighbor, Tobias Rogan. He didn't expect Tobias to say yes to a date. And he sure as hell didn't expect to be attacked by a werewolf while picking strawberries for his dinner with Tobias--or to become a werewolf himself. Even as a werewolf, Kyle maintains his veganism. He's the only known were who can outstubborn his wolf, the only one who isn't bound by the compulsion power possessed by alphas, and the only known *male* mate of a male Alpha. Because that's who Tobias turns out to be: Alpha of the pack Kyle has unknowingly been living among. Which is the last thing Kyle expected. This book contains discussion of past sexual trauma (the trauma does not occur on-page, the conversation does), physical violence between werewolves, abduction, and a werewolf Alpha living with PTSD. This is a revised and moderately edited version of a book previously published in 2011.

Word Count: Click here to reveal64,390 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: The time has come. The Dark Mage, Lord Morgorth, and Aishe of the Ravena Tribe, are to become bondmates. Morgorth is equal parts nervous and excited. He wants to unite with Aishe in the sacred dialen ceremony, to proclaim their devotion to the world, to show everyone that Aishe is his equal and deserving of respect. After all they’ve survived together, why shouldn’t they make the cosmic promise before friends and family? But duty must often come before pleasure. When Morgorth’s estranged mentor, Master Ulezander, comes to him with a time-sensitive mission involving a major stone of power, Morgorth has little choice but to acquiesce. Aishe knows his mate struggles with the revelation of his true destiny, after a lifetime of defining himself as the future Destroyer of Karishian. All he can do is reassure Morgorth that being the Savior is a far better fate for both of them. But as Morgorth and Aishe leap through worlds and dimensions in pursuit of a stone of power, more pieces to the puzzle of Morgorth’s destiny are revealed. And they form an image of sacrifice and tragedy. The dark cloud of an ancient enemy looms ever closer, and the path to becoming the Savior might prove more monstrous than that of the Destroyer.

Word Count: Click here to reveal62000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: James Vicksburg should be happy that he's finally achieved acting success on Broadway, but his conservative senator father controls what he can do and who he can love. When James's baseball idol, Mike Cooper, meets him backstage after his show, the mutual attraction is palpable. The two begin what they think is a secret affair, but James quickly learns that nothing stays hidden from his vindictive father for long. James is torn between his growing love for Mike and his desire to protect him from his father. What he doesn't realize is that Mike has his own plan to fight for James's happiness, even if it means losing each other.

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

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

Summary: Haunted by his years at war, Boston paramedic Gael Dominic spends his time saving other people’s lives. An empty house, a single friend, and living at work, Gael is not content with his existence, but he’s close. Gael was expecting his overnight shift on Thanksgiving to be the same as always—manic crowds, heart attacks...until catastrophe strikes, and Boston’s streets run with blood. On the run from an abusive and politically powerful father, Silas has been on the cold, mean streets of Boston for days, injured, hungry and alone. When he wakes up in the middle of a nightmare, he expects to die in the same alley he was calling home. Brought together by tragedy, Silas and Gael can’t resist their attraction. Gael may have saved Silas, but it’s his alleyway angel who brings Gael back to life. As Christmas approaches, Silas and Gael learn how to love, despite their pasts. And as Silas' past closes in, Gael learns the greatest gift he could ever give isn't something bought in a store, but freely given from the heart.

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

Summary: The court case is over. Alex and Ben can concentrate on healing the wounds inflicted by Alex's mother, Janice. As they find their way back to a normal family life Alex begins to experience life in ways he never has before.  When he takes up a role in a local free clinic, he encounters a teenage boy who has been neglected and rejected by his parents. Will Alex be able to cope when he and Ben decide to take the boy in? Will the new family member help him take the last steps into the lightness of being loved?