Books Tagged With what - emotion - love

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

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

Summary: A HISTORY OF TROUBLE A Beacon Hill Sorcerer Collection A collection of brand-new short stories, featuring characters from The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series by bestselling author SJ Himes. Red Wine and Blood The Blood Wars raged for centuries across Boston. Witness a brief glimpse into the brutal history of the Wars with Ignacio Salvatore and the vampire he loves, Ashwin Metcalfe, in 1897. A History of Trouble Angel was joking when he asked O'Malley if someone resurrected a mammoth. Little did he know that was exactly what someone did. Experience the untold story of what happened that unfortunate night at the Boston Public Museum. A Dragon in the City What happens when Eroch goes adventuring in Beacon Hill without Angel? Chaos, pure chaos. Fae's Gold Daniel is helping the newly-resurrected fae Ruairi Brennan become accustomed to modern-day living. A boring trip to the bank quickly escalates, and Daniel calls Angel for help. The day goes downhill from there but ends in a comfy meal in a pub for an ancient fae warrior and a necromancer's apprentice. This is an collection, featuring vignettes and short stories from the universe of The Beacon Hill Sorcerer series. For full enjoyment, the Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series Books 1 through 3 should be read before reading this collection.

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Summary: When the organizers of a local charity ask the team at Doover to help build a Tiny Home community for those in need, Owen jumps at the chance. It’s a project he’s happy to be part of until he learns that the organizers have bankrupted the fund before the job is done. With the prospect of leaving the chosen families homeless—and not just for the holidays—Owen will do the one thing that scares him the most. Ask his loved ones for help. Though he’s never had the nerve before, there’s no doubt they’ll agree, and together, they will build homes filled with hope and the foundation for the future. The culmination is every reason Owen began building houses in the first place and having his family’s support only makes the job better. There’s only one thing missing, but Owen can’t think about that and still get the job done. Luckily, his family is working behind the scenes, and they coordinate with friends from afar to bring one final gift to the man who put it all on the line to deliver A Home for the Holidays. Authors Note: This book contains characters from nearly every book I’ve written so far. If your favorite character is missing, I apologize, but it was getting a little crowded. It’s not a standalone and you will be completely lost if you start here. A big thank you to the readers in Jessie’s Garage for planting the seed and Pamela Bankhead for the plot bunny that made it grow. I never intended to write a holiday story, but I’m not sorry for this little side trip and I hope it’s everything you wanted.

Word Count: Click here to reveal21534 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Josh has stepped back into the closet for a guy, but how long can he stay there? Life in a college town suits Josh Cassidy. He has good friends and neighbors, and the bookshop café he runs with his family is thriving. As the winter holidays begin, Josh finds himself enamored with police officer Alex Curiel, an old friend who has recently moved back to town. The trouble is, Alex isn’t ready for the world to know he’s attracted to men. At Alex’s request, Josh agrees to closet their relationship, though the secrecy quickly becomes a burden. When Josh realizes he is falling for Alex, his ability to hide his feelings from the world begins to slip, and he’s forced to decide if love is enough to keep him hiding behind closed doors. A Hometown Holiday is a 21.5K sex-buddies-to-lovers MM novella. It features a bookshop owner with a fondness for jazz music, a closeted cop who could be Mr. Right if only he’d give himself a chance, and the warm, fuzzy HEA that both guys deserve.

Word Count: Click here to reveal111200 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing. Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he's lonely. Hunter's world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he's ever experienced. When Cam's past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam's hope for a future begins to dim. These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they'll have to get past Hunter first. ---------- NOTE: Word count: 111,200. This story is a romantic suspense/mystery novel and the second installment in The Men of Halfway House series. Although characters reappear from book one, this story can be read as a stand-alone.

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

Summary: Please note this story was originally published as part of the Magic Missive in November 2023. The story has not been changed or added to in any way, so if you downloaded your copy through the Magic Missive, you already have a copy of this one. Thank you. (Word count 42,000) “What’s wrong with you?” Devin King, wolf shifter and bodyguard, was anticipating a huge life change as his company plans to relocate. Caught up in his thoughts, he’s suddenly distracted by an incredible scent. Is his elusive mate finally within touching distance? “Did you hit your head when you fell?” Riley Loren, magicless mage and artist, wasn’t upset when a hunky wolf shifter saves him from being hit by a car, but the man was clearly deluded. Fortunately, Riley did understand about wolf shifters and allowed Devin to tag along with him, until the man came to his senses, at least. It shouldn’t take long, right? When I tell Sarah about this she’s going to be pissed at me. The man is clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic. But someone else has their sights on Riley and nothing inflames a wolf shifter’s protective instincts more than a mate under threat. If only Devin could fix Riley’s other issues as easily. Features a persistent wolf, a clueless mage, and magic twisted in unusual ways. This is a Fated Mates Happy Ever After and intended for mature audiences.

Word Count: Click here to reveal37,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Sheriff Avery O’Rourke has tried to obey his strict Christian faith and lead a “normal” life. In 1923 in a rural East Texas town, “normal” means heterosexual. A cholera outbreak has made Avery a young widower, so he is married to his job. When a murder investigation forces him to confront his truth, will he finally be able to accept being gay? Veterinarian Garland Sands has returned from Europe to take over his father’s practice. Struggling with shellshock (PTSD) and heartbroken by the suicide of his French lover, he resigns himself to a quiet, solitary life as a country vet. But the murder of the town doctor brings the sheriff to Garland’s doorstep looking for help with the investigation. Seeing Avery awakens dormant feelings. Can he love a man who hates what he is? This isn’t the lavish 1920s of The Great Gatsby. This is the flip side of that coin—rural East Texas. No electricity. No indoor plumbing. No flappers. In 1923, the timber barons have left and racism, homophobia, and sexism thrive. A Little Sin is a realistic mystery with unlikely heroes and a timeless romance between lovers caught in a world where their love is forbidden. This book contains steamy sex scenes and is intended for adults only.

Word Count: Click here to reveal27223 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary:

Graham Hayes decided long ago he’d never be in a relationship. It was better to stay single than to fall in love only to be left alone, which he was certain would happen to him. He’d seen Alzheimer’s ravage his family members all his life, leaving their loved ones to deal with the fallout. Some of them stayed, but some didn’t. Graham isn’t going to risk it.

Word Count: Click here to reveal18282 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: The forest is withering, and with it, the guardian goddess Inaria's hopes of survival. The loss of the goddess's emerald heart has doomed the Forest of Grenarion, if it cannot be retrieved. Aiyana, a brave fae woman, takes it upon herself to reclaim the heart. If Inaria and the forest are to live, the goddess's luminous heart must be returned to her sacred grove, and there it must stay. This is a deeply personal quest for Aiyana, as she and Inaria have a sapphic soul bond. Long has she avoided it in favour of village life, but now she can't dismiss the feeling that her future and her unclaimed love have been stolen away. Who, really, is this mysterious goddess whose erotic touch she is yet to feel? All she knows of her is devotional prayers and dreams of the nature goddess gazing back at her. Aiyana doesn't know who's stolen the heart, but every year poachers, thieves and bandit gangs grow more brazen. Her village has been attacked before and its small militia readies for the day it will happen again. A Luminous Heart is a story of adventure, magic, and steamy sapphic love. It features two women who will realise their destiny and fight for what matters most – their world and each other.

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

Summary: I owe my mother everything. Jasper, the youngest Prince from Lowenthorp, had one driving need - to get away from the castle. After being abducted, abused, and having lost an eye, Jasper believed his only chance of keeping his Mother safe was to be as far away from her as possible. Which was why, when his Mother suggested a Marriage Contract, Jasper agreed. He didn't care who he married, so long as he could keep his Mother safe. I can’t believe I’ve just agreed to marry a man I haven’t met. Maybe there was something in those mushrooms. Avalon, Crown Prince of Cijan, never wanted to marry. He'd lost his fiancé many years before and determined a life filled with duty and travel was enough. Until he heard Jasper's story. Deciding he could be a friend to the young prince, if nothing else, marrying Jasper would at least put a stop to the endless Marriage Contract suggestions his father had been dealing with. A marriage of necessity could work for them both... Magic, whales, and ships that pass in the night. Somehow Avalon and Jasper are drawn together and when Jasper jumps overboard... The heart knows what the heart wants. As an author I rarely include trigger warnings - I rarely write stories that include anything triggering. However for readers sensitive to discussions of abuse, there are two paragraphs in the book where this is alluded to. While I promise this story has a very sweet and happy ending, if this is a trigger for you, then this might not be the story for you.

Word Count: Click here to reveal20043 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A New F/F Fantasy Romance from the author of Cynthia and Eve. Book 1 of 'The Fae Souls'. When I first arrived at the mansion, I couldn't remember anything. My name, how I'd got there or who the people were around me. I knew I was a woman, and the pink dress and brown ankle boots I wore felt vaguely familiar, but nothing more. It wasn't long before I was told my name was Celina. I was given a suite to stay in and encouraged to prepare for the mysterious Prince Eldran's masquerade party. I found everything I needed in my suite, other than the answers I sought. Fragments of memory hinted at dark experiences, at love and loss, but there was no context and I was uncertain about my history and what the future might hold for me. A stranger at the time, Sorcha found me alone as I sought solace in an empty room. I discovered she too had missing memories, and in her I found a person to talk to. A friend and more, but did we have a chance? A Masquerade in Time is a romantic novella of just over 20,000 words, which contains strong steamy content and language.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal145000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A story of healing and confronting demons… Detective Aidan Calloway is rock-solid strong. He's a man of justice—loyal to his friends, family, and job—even if it requires bending a law…or two. He shields himself behind an abrasive, fearless facade, until a phone call one night chips his armor and throws his perfectly planned, hollow life into a tailspin. Jessie Vega is the epitome of optimism. His carefully crafted attitude of hope and positivity protects him from a past filled with too much pain. When a ghost from a dark time resurfaces and nearly breaks him, he must tap into his inner strength or risk losing everything he's worked so hard to build. But Jessie can't do it alone. He must fight to break through Aidan's ironclad defenses to reveal the heart of the man hiding beneath the tough surface and mend his damaged spirit. Only then can they truly heal and become strong enough to battle the demons that haunt them and threaten their chance to finally be together. ---------- ***This book contains scenes and subject matter some readers may find distressing. It is only intended for adult readers.*** Word count: 145K Although part of a series and events from prior stories are referenced, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

Word Count: Click here to reveal45000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Tre Derringer, perpetual underachiever with negative self-esteem, made a mistake. If he’d been a sleeper—sans and unaware of superpowers, that is—he would’ve gotten a slap on the wrist. Too bad Tre has awakened hot-thermal superpowers, so he ended up in lockup instead. One year later, Tre’s picked up from prison by a mysterious woman called Amy, who turns out to be a recruiter for an activist group—or so they call themselves. New Dawn, New Day's leader, Vic, is out to bring the presence of the awakened to sleeper attention once and for all, by any means necessary. Tre becomes a part of the ND2 commune, committed to their mission. But then, at a summer music festival, he runs into a crush from his past, Dorian Archer. Dorian’s compassionate, cheerful, and even hotter than he used to be. He might just manage to keep Tre from making an epic mistake… or he might not. It’s only the biggest secret in the world at stake, after all. 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. While all other Superpowered Love books can be read in any order and without previous knowledge, A New Beginning is the final one and works better after reading at least book 2, Riot Boy and book 5, Re-entry Burn.

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

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

Summary: A Romantic Fantasy Tricks & Treats Short Story! Agustin, the Demon Lord of California, has finally found happiness with Calico Winghorse—a humble phoenix in human form, and the most talented of bakers. While Calico’s confectioner’s skills contribute to Agustin’s weakness for chocolate and butterscotch, Agustin’s current anxiety isn’t about sweets. With Halloween just around the corner, Agustin desperately wants to introduce Calico to his son. Although, Ganymede’s been busy with university, and rarely makes it home—even for his Halloween birthday ball. But this year, Agustin couldn’t be more overjoyed at Ganymede’s sudden arrival. And little does he realize his son has come prepared—with his own bag of tricks. An 11,000 word queer/MM romantic fantasy. This Halloween short story mentions kinks/spanking between a consenting, newly established couple, and harmless pranks pulled by an adult son.

Word Count: Click here to reveal53,000 (Click here to hide)

Character Identities: Click here to revealAce, Bisexual, Demisexual, Gay (Click here to hide)

Summary: “Orcs are the answer but what is the question?” Elias is a priest at the Temple of the Divine Sibyl. When he becomes lost in the woods after his brother’s hunting party abandons him, it’s just his luck that he’d stumble upon an angry orc caught in a trap. Unable to stomach the suffering of others, Elias throws self-preservation to the wind and frees the orc. Then Gurrkk—that’s a name?—ends up leading him to safety. Gurrkk finds himself rather smitten by the sweet, awkward human. He’s always been fascinated with his people’s sworn enemy, and now he has a life debt to fulfill to maintain his honor. Hiding an orc among the temple’s crypts wouldn’t have been Elias’s first choice but Gurrkk is stubborn about leaving. As they learn each other’s languages and spend more time together, Elias realizes they’ve become friends… and maybe more. And when the dying sibyl gives her last prophecy, Elias knows it wasn’t chance that brought them together, it was the gods. But why? This is a sweet, ace romance, so no sexy times, but plenty of snuggles and cuddles!

Word Count: Click here to reveal60700 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Tomas Quiróz is a quiet guy. He's content with his books and his job as a cop, and working with his wolf shifter friend, Riley. But lately, Tomas is lonely — and he starts feeling strangely drawn to a cute guy. Between discovering new things about himself and trying to navigate a possible relationship, Tomas has to deal with Riley's jealous husband, the new guy at the precinct who wants to be friends (or more than friends?), and finding the best way to be himself.

Word Count: Click here to reveal117500 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Cole Renzo thinks his greatest challenge is to behave for the remainder of his term at Halfway House. Until he meets his new boss, Ty Calloway, a man who ticks off every box on Cole’s list of interests. A sought-after restorer and customizer of exotic and collectible cars, Ty had enough confidence to command what he wanted in life, until one fateful night changed everything. Almost two years later, he’s slowly rebuilding his life with great control. He’s defied the odds and works tirelessly to be the man he once was—but he still feels broken. Cole’s candor and unfiltered personality awaken Ty’s barely-remembered desire to greet each new day with a smile, while Ty’s unwavering acceptance of Cole’s quirks and brash humor makes Cole feel as if he fits in for the first time in far too long. When a nemesis threatens Ty’s personal restoration and the things he holds dear, Cole is determined to protect their relationship, even if that means sacrificing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve. But Ty will have to let his guard down, surrender control, and admit he needs Cole first, even if that puts himself at risk of breaking beyond repair. ---- Word count: 117,600 This is book 3 in The Men of Halfway House series. Although part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.

Word Count: Click here to reveal20302 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A Reverie of Flames is the new, spell-binding third installment of 'The Fae Souls' series. Born again into the mortal world, I'd hoped to escape the war between light and dark fae. I wasn't alone - Sorcha (my love) and Princess Saphira of the seelie (who we were sworn to protect) were with me. Rings gifted by Queen Carisse of the seelie ensured we were born in the same timeframe and we'd remain together. More than chance brought us to the city of Grayhaven. It was magic and destiny. Sorcha had returned to my life the day she saved me from an unseelie attack; that was when my memories had come flooding back. Now I found myself regaining my awareness of who I was and discovering how serendipitous fate can be at bringing you to the right place at just the right time. In the unique position of remembering our fae origins, Sorcha - now Angelica, a white witch who opposed unseelie interests in the city, and I had a lot to catch up on. As she brought me up to speed, I realised the depth of my feelings for her, and that I wanted to continue our romance into this, our next lifetime. Princess Saphira was reborn as Ayla: my sister. Now an 18 year old student and budding witch, she was a prime target for the unseelie who sought to overthrow the seelie royal family. We had to protect her, and Angelica and I would do our best to ensure she stayed safe. A Reverie of Flames is a romantic urban fantasy novella of just over 20,000 words, which contains strong steamy content and language.  

Word Count: Click here to reveal73001 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Light cannot always illuminate— sometimes the truth lies in Darkness... Prince Theryn and his loyal knight, Sir Atrum, are both bound by duty: Theryn serves the kingdom of Glinden, and Atrum serves his prince. Although they harbor a secret love, a relationship between a prince and his servant is forbidden. Things change when the king promises Theryn’s hand in an arranged marriage to the volatile Prince Lyar of the Soltaran Empire, who needs Theryn’s Light magic for some sinister religious rite. Theryn and Atrum's struggle to discover Lyar’s scheme brings them together at last, but there is more at stake than their happiness. Atrum discovers Dark magic of his own, but neither his love nor his power may be enough to save Theryn from Lyar's dangerously seductive pull. And if Atrum loses Theryn, the world as they know it may be lost as well.

Word Count: Click here to reveal49000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: A Scotland honeymoon promises joy for a Dom and his sub, but a criminal's revenge may prove deadly. Sure the danger that dogged their steps in Los Angeles has finally passed, Brian and Jackie seal their hopes for a new beginning with a New Year’s Eve kiss. Though Brian’s trauma at the hands of criminals has left its mark, they do their best to leave troubles behind and enjoy a Scotland honeymoon. The ancient city of Glasgow offers nightlife, historic sites, long walks through snowfall, great Scotch whisky, a cozy fireside -- and a blazing hot private encounter with a cool, cool ghost. But every time somebody wins, someone else loses. When Brian helped State Department cop Jesse Douglas take down a crime ring, a rogue FBI agent lost everything. She blames Brian, and with the help of false identities and very good skills at disguise, tracking him and Jackie down in Scotland poses no problem. When a final encounter in the Highlands turns deadly, the key to keeping Brian alive lies in Jackie’s hands. With everything he loves at stake, can he call up love, courage and confidence in time to take that single, vital shot in darkness?

Word Count: Click here to reveal50,000 (Click here to hide)

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

Summary: Kink and wedding vows can’t stop danger, but love gives a Dom and his sub courage to fight. After too much time apart from his lover and sub, Brian Harrison is thinking kink, a cowboy hat, and one more marriage proposal. When Jackie Vasquez finally says “yes” to a wedding, he also says, “why wait?” But their vows and the toasts to the happy couple have hardly faded when a phone call reminds them that trouble still awaits. Despite his best intentions, Brian broke the law in his efforts to stop a powerful criminal from harming those he loves. He could go to prison, or he could risk his life going undercover to help bring one of Europe’s most nefarious citizens to justice. Friends and smart thinking can help him do the right thing. But only love can supply the courage he and Jackie need to prevail against schemes and guns and, if they’re lucky, stay alive to enjoy a honeymoon.