Mystery/thriller romance generally includes a central mystery that the protagonists have to solve.
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Word Count: 60500
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: The Burnt is the third book in the Declan Hunt Mysteries series. Finding work-life balance isn't always easy when you're sleeping with the boss. Charlie Watts is feeling stressed as he studies for his private investigator's license, starts taking on his own cases and tries to navigate his relationship with Declan Hunt. He thinks he can handle it, but every time their relationship is going well, work always seems to get in the way. While Charlie investigates a threatening note that appears to be from a boy who mysteriously disappeared ten years ago, Declan tries to find the meaning behind the final words of a man who was brutally murdered. As Declan and Charlie navigate these mysteries, secrets from the past are exposed, Charlie is haunted by ghostly dreams, and Declan is forced to confront some terrible truths from a hidden past. Ultimately, the truth will be revealed, but at what cost? And will Declan and Charlie be able to solve the mystery of where they want to go next with their relationship before things at work take a terrible turn?
Word Count: 50955
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Uncover the conspiracy, outrun the enemy, and trust no one—survival is the ultimate test. Oberon Wycherley never thought his dull London life could take a deadly turn—until a frantic neighbor, American journalist Art Carew, claims to have uncovered an international conspiracy. A Greek industrialist is marked for assassination by a shadowy cabal called the Black Stone and that's only the beginning. When Carew is found dead in his flat, Oberon finds himself the prime suspect—and the only one who can stop the plot. Fleeing to the rugged Scottish Highlands, Oberon must decipher Carew’s cryptic notebook while dodging assassins and evading the police. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with the enigmatic Syd Whatten, a man whose charm is matched only by his secrets. As the Black Stone’s sinister plan accelerates, Oberon and Syd race against time to unmask the conspirators. From explosive escapes to a high-stakes standoff on a storm-battered coastline, every step brings them closer to the truth—and deeper into danger. Will they foil the plot in time? Or will Oberon become another casualty of a deadly game? A gripping blend of espionage, danger, and unexpected alliances, The 39 Steps will leave you breathless to the last page. Publisher's Note: This is a contemporary reimagining of the 1915 novel by John Buchan.
Word Count: 30,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Summer is winding down. For Jimmy McSwain, it’s been a quiet couple of months, leaving this apprentice private investigator with little to do. Be careful what you wish for. Jimmy is asked by his boss to accompany his wife, Beatrice, to a fancy art gallery opening down in Manhattan’s Soho district. The drama begins when the artist who goes by the name Rico pulls a disappearing act on the night of his big debut, leaving the owners of the Barrister Gallery stunned—not to mention the hoity-toity snobs that are expecting to meet the man behind the “Beauty at Death” show. The owners, Jeremy Barrister and Kirkland Waters, claim that Rico has been kidnapped. Jimmy thinks their reaction is a bit extreme. Nevertheless, he agrees to take the case, even as he begins to suspect that he’s not been told the whole story. Especially when the Barrister owners say: no cops. With a growing sense of menace, Jimmy finds himself doubting his ability to solve the puzzling case. How does he find the truth when all he’s heard is lies? He fears that someone could end up hurt, or worse, dead, on his watch.
Word Count: 80000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: The tasks are simple. Everett Mulligan is there to collect the body. Kyle Bowman is there to clean up the scene. Easy peasy. Get in, get out, get gone. But Everett, for all he can be on another planet with fourteen tabs open in his brain, isn’t stupid like the cops think he is. Something about this death scene isn’t sitting right, and he’s going to figure it out. Bonus? He gets to team up with the adorkable crime-scene cleanup guy to solve the mystery. Kyle, ever the thorough and detail-oriented cleaner, can’t ignore the scene’s irregularities either. He also can’t ignore the seriously attractive himbo from the mortuary who insists they should work together to solve what the cops insist isn’t a crime. Especially when that himbo is also enamored with Kyle’s cats and fiercely determined to make friends with his cranky piranha, Steve. There’s a reason this death isn’t being treated as a homicide, though, and there are people who are very motivated to keep it that way. And they’ll do whatever it takes to keep the pair of amateur sleuths from uncovering the truth.
Word Count: Information not available
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a good life. Their marriage is solid, and their Dom/sub lifestyle makes for an amazing and extra spicy sex life. Meeting with another man, Kevin, on occasion adds another level of excitement to their marriage. For Ian, the only thing better than one Dom is two! Taren loves watching Ian being dominated by Kevin. Ian craves complete submission to Taren when they’re alone again. Problems arise when Kevin decides he doesn’t want to remain the casual third man. He puts in motion a plan to drive a wedge through Taren and Ian’s relationship, forcing them to fight for each other and their marriage. Can they put their life back together and regain what could be lost?
Word Count: 64,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: NEWLY REISSUED! Chad Singleton learns a stunning truth, and uncovers a layer of betrayal that hits far too close to home, in the cultimation of the Eden saga. Ever since the gorgeous Chad Singleton returned to Edenwood, the family estate from which he was banished as a teenager, he has uncovered a series of secrets and scandals. Now the questions surrounding his father's death are overshadowed by the arrival of a mystery man, another shocking death, and an unexpected family reunion. Chad now faces an uncertain future as his past sexual transgressions threaten to undo him. What he most wants is his ex-lover, burly Chief of Police Brett Ellers. Both men have their secrets and only together can they defeat their demons and indulge their undeniable passion for each other. As forces within Chad's family threaten to prevent his happiness, one more cataclysmic event will forever change the course of his life. In Eden, even the wealthy--especially the wealthy--will die.
Word Count: 67,000
Character Identities: Bisexual, Gay
Summary: Some truths are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for. Detective Carlos Santos has seen plenty of tragedy in his years on the force, but the murder of Diego Cortez, a bright and ambitious exchange student, hits differently. The case takes Carlos deep into the shadows of Phoenix, exposing a tangled web of corruption, deceit, and danger that stretches across borders. As Carlos struggles to stay ahead of those who will do anything to keep their secrets buried, he finds an unlikely partner in Asher Rhodes, a sharp-witted journalist with a knack for uncovering truths others would rather ignore. Sparks fly as their personalities clash, but their shared pursuit of justice for Diego forces them to confront not only the case but the vulnerabilities they’ve long kept hidden. What begins as a professional alliance evolves into something neither of them expected. But as the stakes rise and the danger becomes personal, Carlos and Asher must decide how much they’re willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth—and to protect the fragile connection between them. In the hunt for justice, every truth uncovered brings them closer to danger—and to each other.
Word Count: Information not available
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: When the family business is death, how does one help a spirit find the love they lost who’s already on the other side to keep them from doing harm to those on this side?
Word Count: 60,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: NEWLY REISSUED! Chad Singleton continues his investigation into his father's mysterious death, even as his love life spirals out of control. Chad Singleton discovered a shocking truth at the conclusion of Eden's Past, and now the revelation threatens to undo everything he's achieved since he returned to his hometown of Eden. His job with rival relatives at Harte Industries, his relationship with his feisty grandmother, and most of all, his steamy, no-holds-barred love affair with the local chief of police, burly Brett Ellers. But it's the sexy stranger in Eden, William Kelton, who will most affect Chad, the two of them bound by intrigue, betrayal and a mutual attraction. As the mystery deepens surrounding his father's death, Chad buries his wounded heart in Kelt's welcoming arms. But the surprises have only just begun, the biggest of which will forever change his life. In Eden, even the wealthy - especially the wealthy - have secrets.
Word Count: 55,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: NEWLY REISSUED! Chad Singleton returns to his hometown of Eden to uncover secrets and scandals, including whether his homophobic father was murdered. Chad Singleton, 29, and model gorgeous, works as a high-priced escort for wealthy men. When he gets a call telling him his father has died, Chad is torn about returning to his small hometown of Eden, Pennsylvania. After all, it was his homophobic father who banished Chad years ago. When he returns, he is thrown into the mystery surrounding how his father died. Fortunately, the sexy chief of police, Brett Ellers, has caught Chad's eye. As Chad and Brett submit to their heated attraction, forces from Eden's underbelly threaten to undo their secret affair. In Eden, everyone has an agenda, their motives as dark as the night. Intrigue, murder, passionate love affairs - they all dominate the landscape in this picturesque world of horse farms and crumbling, once majestic estates. In Eden, even the wealthy - especially the wealthy - play dirty.
Word Count: 55753
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Damien is a 14-year-old orphan who has spent his entire life in foster care, and one day makes a shocking discovery-he is a vampeal, a being born of both vampire and human lineage. In addition, Damien is also dealing with his romantic feelings for a young man named Brian. Following a kiss that leads to him being kicked out from an overly religious foster home, Damien finds himself abandoned on the streets, only to find himself in a perilous situation involving a vampire. Brian, overwhelmed with guilt, sets out to locate Damien the following night, only to fall victim to the vampire himself. Now, it falls upon Damien and Patrick-Damien's newly assigned caseworker-to rescue Brian from impending danger. In the second installment, we witness Damien securing a more permanent residence outside the foster care system with Patrick and his twin brother Matt. He is now enjoying a budding romantic relationship with Brian; however, Brian is grappling with losing his memories of that fateful night, until he starts having haunting nightmares of a vampire and a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows... Amidst this turmoil, Damien struggles with the fear of disclosing his true vampeal identity to Brian. Will they both be able to share the truth of themselves with one another? In the third installment, Damien's past resurfaces, unwilling to remain buried. As Brian approaches his eighteenth birthday and prepares to return home, the unsettling events of the night at the warehouse continue to haunt them. When rumors of a pair of ghosts sighted near the Ohio River prompt Damien, Pat, Brian, and a friend from Pat's past to investigate the paranormal activity, it becomes clear that all paths lead back to the red-haired vampire and their mysterious hooded friend. Will the gang succeed in aiding the restless spirits to find solace, and unravel the secrets that lie ahead?
Word Count: 85,000
Character Identities: Gay, Straight
Summary: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TWO MEN WHO WORK TWO SIDES OF THE MORAL CODE OF CRIME COME TOGTHER? TODD GLEASON, CON MAN, MEETS JIMMY McSWAIN, PRIVATE DETECTIVE, IN A GAME OF WITS THAT CHALLENGES THEIR OWN TAKE ON JUSTICE. For Todd Gleason, there was something alluring about Jersey-born Angela Delvecchio that caught his attention. They had a fun night, but that’s all, right? On his train ride back to the city, Todd overhears two men of questionable repute discussing the death of a friend of theirs—and the money she left behind. Sounds like an opportunity for an intrepid con man. Fresh off a case of dueling cheating spouses, Jimmy McSwain sees two locals arrive at his uncle’s pub. Known in Hell’s Kitchen as usually up to no good, Jimmy finds himself more intrigued by the man following them. But their chance meeting may force the two of them to work together on a spiraling conspiracy. Kerry-Anne Conklin was rich, beautiful, young--too young to die. Did she have more enemies than money? It’s a tough world out there. New York has its villains. New Jersey has its scams. Both have their bodies. Told in alternating chapters, JERSEY SCORE is fun, dangerous, suspenseful, and fast-paced. It’s a story that could only come from the singular mind of Adam Carpenter and Joseph Pittman.
Word Count: 30000
Character Identities: Genderfluid, Lesbian
Summary: Welcome back to the Skeleton Crew. Keep your knitting needles sharp and have a strong brew in hand for their next adventure. Life for gender-fluid, autistic vampire Hyde Snodgrass has never been better. Her cosy village bookshop is thriving as is their new relationship with witch and taco bus owner, Teresa Vega. Autumn is in full magical tilt in their corner of the Scottish Highlands. Everything is beautifully perfect right up until a tainted meal ends with Hyde sick and someone dead. The police immediately suspect the restaurant owners. Hyde and Teresa find themselves drawn into yet another investigation, trying to save their friends from arrest and themselves from a murderer. The situation becomes even more complex when family feuds become tangled in the midst. Can they find the killer? Or will everything Hyde loves go up in flames?
Word Count: 30718
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Family could be the death of you. Alfie, a humble dishwasher at an Italian restaurant in New York, is thrust into a perilous dance of fate and intrigue when his courageous act saves Mafia patriarch Carlo Borroni from a deadly bomb. Under the watchful eye of Luca, Carlo’s enigmatic enforcer, Alfie’s journey takes a dramatic turn. As he recuperates from the blast within the opulent confines of the Borroni estate, Alfie’s infectious optimism begins to thaw Luca’s stoic exterior, deepening the bond between them. However, a sinister presence looms to cast a shadow over Alfie’s happiness. As he delves into the complexities of his newfound family ties and confronts the truth of his heritage, he becomes a target in a deadly game of power and betrayal. As secrets unravel and threats escalate, Luca faces a ruthless enemy, risking everything to defend the family. With danger lurking at every turn, Alfie and Luca must navigate a treacherous path of love, loyalty, and survival in a world where trust is scarce, and betrayal can be deadly.
Word Count: 78967
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: The last straw was the stun gun. Dex knew it was either flee or die. Ross’s increasingly hateful treatment over the last two years was getting even worse. Leaving his job as lead platform dancer at Over the Rainbow was hard, but he’d find work somewhere else—somewhere far away—somewhere with friendly people and a chance to do what he did best. The job at Hill Country Hideaway seemed perfect. He would teach guests some of his moves. What could be easier? Then he meets Husker, and he’s in trouble again. How could he resist the gorgeous man? Husker was straight, that’s how. But maybe not. Then Ross catches up with him, and his ideal world falls apart. Imprisoned again, he wonders how he could escape Ross's even tighter rein. Would he ever see Husker again?
Word Count: 25,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Jimmy McSwain is enjoying a relaxing holiday at his grandmother’s cottage, but it turns out to be a set-up. Hester Bryne has a favor to ask: to meet with her old friends, Franklin and Carolyn Hardy, who wish to hire the young private-eye-in-training to find their son. Seems he’s been gone for forty years. Jimmy, taken with the idea of reuniting a father with his son, wants to take the case. But he must get the all-clear from his new boss, Finn, the ex-cop who has taken Jimmy under his wing. A visit to Finn’s home proves to be yet another set-up, one that takes an unexpected twist in the name of a newcomer to the city, Aiden Garvey. As Jimmy immerses himself in the case of the missing son, his attention keeps getting distracted by the newfound presence of a man who makes his heart skip a beat. Juggling the promise of a new relationship with the complexities presented by this puzzling case, Jimmy realizes that he’s getting too close to one of them, and it could end with more broken hearts than lives. Can a remembrance of his father be both his motivation and the cause for the destruction lying in wait?
Word Count: 25,000
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: A recent graduate of the NYPD’s cadet academy, Jimmy McSwain dreams of anything except being a cop. He’s got bad history with them, and it’s not a rap sheet. Years ago, his police officer father was gunned down during an off-duty incident, leaving Jimmy bitter that his killer was never found. Now, grown-up, trained in the art of law, Jimmy decides to embark on a new career: that of private detective. But you just can’t get your own license, you need experience. What happens will lead Jimmy into a part of New York he doesn’t know, realizing he’s the stranger in a neighborhood that lives by its own rules. Skeptical about his job is his mother, Maggie McSwain, but there’s nothing she can do to stop her headstrong son from entering this shadowy new world. As a warm May settles over the city, a twist of fate has Jimmy taking on his first case, one that is a time bomb ready to explode. What he can’t leave behind is the memory of his father, and the silver shield which he earned only out of respect. Can he live with his decision?
Word Count: 91000
Character Identities: Bisexual, Gay
Summary: Detective Sawyer Villeray has his hands full. He’s got a mercurial partner whose personal life is deteriorating, a semi-estranged family whose drama he can never fully escape… and now a series of murders whose only connection is their sheer weirdness. A serious crush on the county medical examiner doesn’t exactly simplify things, but at least it’s fun. Or, well, it would be if said M.E. didn’t adamantly refuse to date cops. Or if his assistant wasn’t quite so hostile to anyone who looked his way. Dr. Bashir Ramin would very much like to catch a break. A date that isn’t interrupted by death. A fellow pathologist who isn’t a cranky jerk. A forensic assistant who doesn’t gnash her teeth any time Bashir is interested in someone. And maybe, if he’s lucky, an autopsy that isn’t such a baffling puzzle, it leaves him wondering if he’s as good at his job as he thought he was. At this point, the annoying but cute detective is the one good thing in his world. Too bad Bashir doesn’t date cops. Right? But there’s no time for romance. As the bizarre murders keep piling up, Sawyer and Bashir need to work together to stop a killer. Ideally before one of them becomes the next target.
Word Count: Information not available
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Only Light can balance Darkness. Lio wakes in someone else’s battered body with plenty of questions but no answers. Who is he? Who are the strangers who rescued him? Why do they call him Tenebris and Darkness? And why does everyone treat him like a feral dog about to attack? Bel Am’I’s home world of Domus died moments after his escape, trapping him in the human realm with a clear mission. As Light, he must prevent Darkness from destroying Terra and the Domusians who’ve escaped there. Failure will doom billions to certain death, but how can he locate and balance a single, hidden being who doesn’t want to be found? A mysterious carnival unites Lio and Bel, who must work together to uncover Lio’s true identity and stop him from accidentally annihilating the world. Yet someone doesn’t want them to succeed, someone who will stop at nothing to achieve the total destruction of both realms—even pitting Light against Darkness. The battle for the end begins… Lighting the Darkness is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series and a side story to Eden Winters' Darkness. Each book includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains characters from Darkness as well as new ones, alternate realms, a twist on soul mates, and bad guys. I mean, evil, horrible, terrible guys. Definitely the type you wouldn’t bring home to Mother. And one cookie-baking demon.
Word Count: 27900
Character Identities: Gay
Summary: Stiles Long and Michael O’Leary were asked to join two agents from the Secret Service to break up a counterfeiting ring. They didn’t usually work with other agents, but since several Secret Service agents had been killed, the president wanted the Pinkertons in on the job. Reginald McCullough did not want to be anywhere near his uncle, but this was a chance for him to move up in the ranks. His new partner, Rochelle Warner, was a stranger, but he’d do whatever it took to do a good job. When he entered his uncle’s office in St. Louis, he was shocked to see his old lover, Michael O’Leary there as well. The assignment would take them on a new Pullman train across several states and cities. Death seemed to be at every turn. Stiles, Michael, Reginald, and Rochelle; all had attempts made on their lives. Every clue seemed to lead to a dead end. Could Reginald pull Michael away from Stiles? Could they discover who the head of the counterfeit ring was before the end of the line in Santa Barbara, or would they end up just another dead agent riding the Death Train?
