Plunge into a steamy, exotic Venetian tale with glittering façades that cloak murder, art forgery, and sexual perversion.
Blurb
While spending autumn in Venice, a young American artist, Jenny Kidd, hopes to create a portfolio of paintings to launch her career and establish her independence from her tyrannical father. At the Guggenheim Collec-tion, she encounters Randi, a colorful British woman, who invites her to a masked ball at the Palazzo Barbon. There, she meets the seductive Caterina Barbon and her brother, Sebastiano, who entice Jenny into a world of glittering façades that cloak sexual perversion, art forgery, and murder. As Jenny struggles between her attraction to Caterina and her growing awareness that she is in danger, Jenny discovers an inner strength and spirit worthy of her infamous pirate ancestor.
Excerpt
Jenny Kidd stood at arm’s length from the Wassily Kandinsky painting, White Cross. She had an overwhelming urge to rotate it, so the upside-down “3s” were righted, just to satisfy her visual curiosity. Sometimes she felt the same way about her life. If only she could examine it, turn its orientation, and set off in another direction. That wish, and the opportunity to paint, had prompted her trip to Venice, a destination her grandmother had said was an enchanted place for artists.
The city was lovely in late September—still monstrously crowded and expensive—but Jenny was staying in a flat off Campo Santo Stefano, furnished and hers for ten weeks, an apartment swap arranged with a Venetian friend studying in New York. Even with the free rent, the cost of living and airfare had depleted Jenny’s savings and was skyrocketing her credit card debt. It would be such a relief to have a wealthy and supportive patron, someone like Peggy Guggenheim, whose famous art collection she was now admiring.
As she mused on this, she began to leave the museum’s drawing room, then hesitated, sensing strange vibrations coming from someone nearby. She studied the visitors but didn’t see anyone staring at her or who looked odd. A few minutes later, when the museum was closing, Jenny reluctantly left.
Strolling home, she attributed the odd feeling to a desire to be with people. Living in this romantic city by herself was surprisingly sad, as if Venice’s beauty couldn’t be assimilated into her being unless she shared the experience. Despite her shyness, she had attempted to make friends. First by chatting with tourists, but she soon learned this was pointless. They were like fruit flies: quickly gone. So, too, were most young Venetians, who scurried off at day’s end for Mestre and the mainland because they couldn’t afford to live in their own city. And even if she did meet someone, would it be a man or a woman?
Her ambivalence frustrated her, a confusion that had become more pronounced in recent months and had precipitated the end of her relationship with Greg, which occurred two weeks before she left for Italy. Now, in this foreign place, would she be liberated from her personal history and the overshadowing influence of her parents? Although she had always been too timid to act on her romantic feelings toward women, Jenny hoped Venice might open new doors.
About the Author
Laury A. Egan is the author of fifteen novels: Fair Haven; Jack & I; The Black Leopard’s Kiss & The Writer Remembers; The Psychologist’s Shadow; The Firefly; Once, Upon an Island; Wave in D Minor; Doublecrossed; Turnabout; The Swimmer; The Ungodly Hour; A Bittersweet Tale; Fabulous! An Opera Buffa; The Outcast Oracle; and Jenny Kidd; two collections, Fog and Other Stories and Contrary: Stories and a Play, and four volumes of poetry: Snow, Shadows, a Stranger; Beneath the Lion’s Paw; The Sea & Beyond; and Presence & Absence. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.
In a kingdom ruled by angels, falling for a demon is treason.
Blurb
As an angel prince of Heaven, Raphael has spent his youth fighting for demon rights. His efforts are fruitless until he meets Dante, a demon with dangerous powers.
Seeing potential, Raphael recruits him as his royal guard, scandalizing the court, and turning a demon into his closest ally in a mission to dethrone the King of Heaven.
Dante has always hated angels, but after Prince Raphael saves him from execution, he couldn’t help but follow him. Being the only demon among the angel elite is unbearable, but for the first time, he has hope for the future.
But a coup is a dangerous game. Can Dante protect Raphael long enough for him to ignite real change? And what does it mean for the Kingdom of Heaven when an angel and a demon dare to fall for each other?
Finalist of the 2023 Indies Today Awards.
BOOK 2
Book Title: The Secrets of Heaven
Cover Artist: MiblArt
Length: 105 000 words
Release Date: second edition, February 2025
Tropes: Quest fantasy, established couple, power couple, couple on the lam
Themes: more classism than racism in this one, travel adventure vibes
It is not a standalone story and ends on a cliffhanger.
An angel and a demon defied Heaven. Now Heaven hunts them across the world.
Blurb
Five years of stolen peace in the mountains ends when Archangel Remiel, Heaven’s most elite investigator, finds Raphael and Dante’s sanctuary. Tasked with sending the fugitives to their lawful executions, she forces the couple into a life on the run.
Meanwhile, Raphael stumbles upon a clue to his mother’s lost legacy—the archeological artifact that caused her murder all those years ago might be within reach, and it might throw all of Heaven into chaos.
So, the chase is on.
Raphael and Dante travel through three continents, on their way to a secluded island in the Holy Land while evading Remiel’s elite guardian squad. With a prize for their capture, they’re forced to clash with old friends and foes, all eager to exploit their situation for personal gain, and their bond is tested in ways they never imagined.
But the closer they get to the truth, the higher the stakes become. What secrets lie buried in the Holy Land? And will Heaven survive what they uncover—or will it burn?
BOOK 3 - NEW RELEASE
Book Title: The Children of Heaven
Length: 115 000 words
Release Date: November 1, 2025
Tropes: Angels and demons, rebellion, married couple, power couple
Themes: Themes of belonging, family, tragedy
It is not a standalone story. It does not end on a cliffhanger. A Happily Ever After.
To build a better world, they must first burn the old one down.
Blurb
Michael Azelys has awakened a long-forgotten power, and for the first time in a thousand years, angels, demons, and virtues clash in a brutal uprising, reminiscent of the Great War.
Determined to stop his brother, Raphael becomes the key to ending the centuries-long oppression of demonkind. He will return free will to the demons, or die trying.
Far away, Dante braves the desolate Impact Land in search of other awakened demons like himself. What he discovers exceeds his wildest hopes. But will he return in time, with an army strong enough to stop Michael Azelys, and save his loved ones?
As Heaven crumbles and distance tests their bond, Raphael and Dante must face their greatest fears and decide what they’re willing to sacrifice.
Will they survive long enough to meet each other again?
Excerpt From Book #1: The Enemy of Heaven
Without saying a word, Samuel Mitrigard sunk the knife deep into Dante’s side. Piercing pain ignited his senses and weakness spread through his body. He gritted his teeth and glared at the bastard, not giving him the satisfaction of hearing his anguish. Samuel pulled the blade out without even twisting it to finish the job. He was playing.
“Drop him,” he ordered, ever so casually.
The arms pulled away and Dante fell face-first into the dirt. So, this was the end. Dante could never imagine his death, even though he had many close brushes. There were many things he hadn’t done in his life, but at least he took solace in knowing that Peter and Dianna were safe.
Samuel Mitrigard grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled Dante’s head. The edge of an impeccably clean sword lowered to his exposed throat.
“Halt!”
The guardian angels froze and gawked as a hooded figure appeared. Dante could swear he saw this hooded figure, but his vision was blurring quickly. The man walked closer and removed his hood, exposing a blond head and blue angel eyes.
“Don’t kill this demon! I order you to release him in the name of Raphael Azelys, Third Prince of Heaven!”
What did he say? Dante couldn’t trust his ears, or any of his other senses at this moment. A royal heir could not be in the ghetto. It made no sense. Though the guardians were suddenly standing to attention. Everyone but Samuel Mitrigard still held his prey by the hair, his sword still ready to slice.
“Your Highness, I don’t know why you’re here alone, but this is not the place for royalty.”
“Please, guardian Samuel, tell me exactly where my place is.”
Dante felt the body behind him tense. The soles of ridiculously expensive boots stepped close enough for him to smell the leather.
“Remove your weapon,” demanded the prince.
His voice was so calm, as though an owner was asking his dog to drop its favorite toy. The guardians were looking at each other, clueless as to what to do. Samuel Mitrigard pressed the blade against Dante’s throat, enough to break the skin, but no further. He simply did not want to let go, not even when his sovereign demanded it.
“Your Highness, this is a convicted murderer. He killed a guardian on duty—”
“Any demon’s crimes are erased should they become an honorary angel,” the prince interrupted. “I’m here to make him into one.”
“What?”
“Give him to me, guardian Samuel.”
The guardian tugged on Dante’s hair—one last act of defiance before he reluctantly let him go. Dante’s face planted back into the dirt, but the prince caught him in time.
His vision was blurry, but he could see him. His Royal Highness Raphael Azelys was kneeling before him, supporting his chin in his palm, enough so they could establish eye contact.
“From now on, you’re mine,” he said, and the world sank into darkness.
About the Author
A bilingual author from Bulgaria, a dreamer, a traveler, and a gentle soul who loves writing about diverse power couples, original worlds, wholesome romance and political intrigue.
A starring role in a new show could give Hudson the career boost he needs…
if he lives that long.
Blurb
American actor Hudson Rhodes enjoys working in the UK. After a successful career in film and TV in his twenties, he’s established himself as a bankable star in the theatre world. A month-long run in a new play at Blyham’s Empire Theatre has the potential to lead to a West End transfer and Hudson is ready for it. The only thing threatening to spoil it is a series of sinister letters that point to a role he would rather forget.
Rehearsals for the show are going smoothly until a local journalist, Luke Kamal, arrives to write a piece about the production. Luke is handsome and smart and highly regarded in his field, but Hudson hates reporters. He’s learnt the hard way that the press cannot be trusted.
When a member of the cast is murdered, the show is thrown into greater jeopardy. The victim is someone close to Hudson. As he struggles with his attraction to Luke, the menacing letters continue to arrive. The killer has Hudson in their sights, and he might not make it to opening night.
Excerpt
The handsome man was still at the end of the bar. Their eyes locked once more as Hudson stood. Hudson gave him a friendly smile of acknowledgement and his cock stirred as he walked out of the door. Maybe another time, when he had less on his mind.
The sun was hidden behind the high buildings when he stepped out, but it was still a fine and clement evening. He decided to take the long way back. He would go down to the river and follow the waterfront for a while, before heading up into the city.
“Excuse me,” a voice called from behind. “Mr Rhodes.”
He turned, stunned to find the hot guy from the bar following him. The warm sensation returned to Hudson’s neck, climbing over his face. His balls tightened.
As the man approached, the dazzling smile was at full voltage. He was even more attractive than he had appeared from a distance.
And he already knew who Hudson was.
“Hi,” he said, coming closer. Was that a flush of red in his cheeks and neck? “Sorry to bother you. I didn’t like to disturb you earlier, I just wanted to say hello.” He had a strong accent that Hudson had come to recognise as being unique to this city. He was familiar with Geordie, and this was similar, but softer, sexier.
Hudson returned the smile, full on. This guy was not like the typical fans who approached him for selfies. On the whole, he mostly got recognised for a handful of cheesy romcoms he’d made in his late twenties and early thirties, and it was often women who flagged him down.
Through the open neck of the man’s shirt, he caught a teasing glimpse of dark chest hair. Hudson’s dick swelled to a semi state.
“Luke Kamal,” the man said, thrusting his hand forward.
Hudson took it welcomingly, noting the firm, dry grip. “Hi, Luke. I guess you know who I am.”
Luke’s dark eyes focused directly on him, and it was quite disarming. Hudson had worked with some world-famous actors and heartthrobs and very few of them possessed the raw magnetism of this stranger.
“You’re quite a big deal around here. Everyone is excited about the play launching in Blyham.”
Luke was an apparent flatterer, but he was so good-looking Hudson took his comment as a compliment rather than pure bullshit. “You’re coming to see the show then?”
That smile again, then Luke broke eye contact, seemingly shy. It was quite endearing. “You could say that. Actually, I’ll be there tomorrow. That’s why I wanted to say hello when I spotted you. It seemed rude not to.”
For a second, Hudson wondered if he was so hypnotised by this hot man that he’d misheard what he’d said. And damn, he smells great too. “Oh, we don’t actually open for a couple more weeks. The first preview is early next month, I think.”
“I’ll be there for that too, but I’ll be there tomorrow for the rehearsals.” The blank expression on Hudson’s face seemed to confuse him too. He continued. “Luke Kamal, from The Blyham Chronicle. I’m the arts and culture editor. Well, editor is putting it grandly, but I cover all the major arts, music and theatre events for the paper. We’re going to run a major feature on Darkest Blue over the next few weeks—that’s why I’m sitting in on rehearsals for a few days.”
Again, Luke’s words were not computing with Hudson. “Wait, you’re a journalist…? You’re going to watch us put the show together?”
The smile wavered then disappeared. “It’s been arranged for weeks. I thought you knew.”
Hudson withdrew into himself, trying to make sense of what he’d heard. What the actual fuck? How the hell were they supposed to dig deep into themselves, to make themselves vulnerable in search of the characters and stories, with a reporter watching and taking note of every fuck-up, every misstep?
“That can’t be right,” he managed. “You’ve got it wrong.”
Luke fumbled in his trousers, pulled out a leather wallet and produced his press card. “It’s all legit. I’m due there at ten tomorrow and then in and out all the way to opening night.”
“Not if I have anything to do with it,” Hudson muttered.
“I’m sorry. I thought they would have told you. Hasn’t it been cleared with the cast?”
“No, it fucking well hasn’t.” Hudson’s lust for Luke was on the verge of turning into anger. Not just at him but at Rav and Andie and this whole damn shit-show of a production.
About the Author
Thom Collins is the author of the Jagged Shores series and the Anthem Trilogy as well as numerous standalone novels and novellas.
His new series Basic Instincts launches in spring 2025 with the novel Now Comes the Dark.
Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.
Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night.
In this riveting mystery steeped in compassion and conviction, a former pastor—cast out by his church for being gay—finds himself drawn back into the community that rejected him when a beloved elderly congregant is found murdered. Bound by loyalty and grace, he refuses to turn away. As he hunts for the truth, his identity becomes both a source of scrutiny and strength.The Sins of the Righteous is more than a murder mystery—it’s a powerful reflection on redemption, injustice, and the courage it takes to embrace authenticity in the face of rejection. With surprising twists and an emotionally resonant journey, this story offers a gripping exploration of faith, identity, and the secrets that bind us. Ideal for readers who love character-driven suspense with spiritual depth and social nuance.
Excerpt
Chapter 1
The call came at 11:17 PM, the same time Pastor Thomas Reed had received all emergency calls during his fifteen years of ministry. Something about that hour—late enough for trouble but before the true darkness of midnight—seemed to draw out crisis like a splinter.
"Pastor Tom? It's Betty Jenkins. Something's wrong with my television again."
Thomas closed his eyes and pressed the phone to his ear. Eight months after they'd forced him out, Betty and Margaret had gone to the District Superintendent with their "concerns," and she still called him for help. Still, he answered.
"Mrs. Jenkins, it's rather late." He glanced at the half-empty bourbon tumbler on his desk and at the open laptop with the paused video he'd been watching. Men who looked nothing like the congregation who had abandoned him, men who looked everything like the truth he'd hidden for decades.
"Please, Pastor. You know how I depend on my nighttime programs to sleep."
The resignation came like muscle memory. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."
Thomas closed the laptop, hiding away temptation as he had for so many years. He slipped on his jacket with patches at the elbows that made him look scholarly and trustworthy—the costume he'd worn for as long as he could remember.
As he drove through the quiet streets toward Betty's modest home, his mind drifted to the day everything changed. Not when they forced him out—that was merely the culmination. No, he thought of that winter night when he'd found young Jamie Tucker shivering in his underwear on the sidewalk, bruises forming on his thin arms, teeth chattering in the bitter cold. The night Thomas did the Christian thing, the human thing, he opened his door to someone in need.
The night that, ironically, had condemned him.
Thomas parked in Betty's driveway, noting that her porch light was out, unusual for a woman so afraid of the dark. As he approached the door, a movement in the shadows caught his eye—something familiar in the silhouette that disappeared around the side of the house.
"Betty?" he called, knocking firmly. "It's Pastor Tom."
Only silence answered.
Another oddity was that the door was unlocked. Betty Jenkins, who checked her locks three times before bed and called him monthly to change her security system batteries, had left her door open to the night.
"Mrs. Jenkins?"
The house was dark except for the flickering blue glow of the television. Thomas moved carefully through the familiar layout, toward the living room where Betty would be waiting in her floral armchair, remote in hand, complaints at the ready.
The remote was there, on the carpet. Betty was in her chair, but she wouldn't be complaining anymore.
Blood had pooled and darkened on her pale pink housecoat. Her eyes, which had narrowed in judgment so many times at church board meetings, stared blankly at the ceiling.
Thomas reached for her wrist automatically, pastoral instincts overriding shock. No pulse. Her skin was still warm.
His phone was in his hand, 9-1-1 already dialed, when he noticed the photograph on the side table. It had been turned to face the chair deliberately—Betty and Margaret standing proudly outside the District Superintendent's office the day of his hearing. Someone had drawn a red X across Margaret's face.
As the dispatcher answered, Thomas realized three things simultaneously: his fingerprints were throughout this house, the murderer couldn't have gone far, and the shadow he'd seen had reminded him of David—the man no one in his congregation had ever known existed.
"9-1-1, what's your emergency?"
Thomas stared at Betty's body, at the evidence of violence that part of him had imagined in his darkest moments of resentment. "I need to report a murder," he said, his voice steadier than it had any right to be.
The pastor who'd counseled countless grieving families now stood over a dead woman who'd helped destroy his life, in a house where he shouldn't have been, connected to secrets that could never come to light.
And somewhere in the darkness outside, someone who knew those secrets was watching.
About the Author
Colin Smith is a freelance writer and historian, and is known for his clear narrative, historical accuracy, and ability to tell a great story.
Sina was demoted from she-demon status to rabid squirrel with active rabies status.
Ruta was the unicorn that farts rainbows and saw the evilness of Sina, the rabid squirrel with active rabies.
Blurb
This is a story about two grandparents, two gay uncles and four little girls growing up in the 1970s and 1980s. The girls’ mother had passed away and their father was transferred by the military so the maternal grandparents and uncle raised the girls. The book is about learning to smile and laugh after loss. Also, this story includes a mean turkey named Pierre and a sassy adorable diva.
This story is about loss but also about unconditional love and the adventures with fun loving uncles around the San Francisco Bay Area.
The story goes through the heart break that the little girls should not have had to face so young, but they were rescued by their grandparents and their loving uncles. The four little girls learned that there is a rainbow after the rain and that you can laugh and smile after loss. In our lifetime a door may have closed but a window opened for unconditional love and an occasional disco dance with the uncles.
Excerpt
Chapter 10
It was Halloween of 1974, and I have to admit, my costume was awesome. Sina, though, looked like a boring farmer’s wife or whatever lives on a farm.
“You girls look so adorable! Aww…” Uncle Rueben praised, reaching out to hug us close.
“No, Uncle Rueben, don’t hug us yet,” I warned. “I don’t want my red cape to get all wrinkled and smashed.” I held up my hands to ward off the hug coming our way.
On Halloween night in 1974, Sina was dressed like Dorothy from the movie The Wizard of Oz. I was dressed as Red Riding Hood with a kick-butt red cape. Oli wore a Casper the Friendly Ghost costume and mask.
I have to admit, I was A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E with a capital A, but I knew I had to stay humble. Sina looked like a boring farmer’s wife in a blue checkered dress and red shoes. My red cape, on the other hand, made me feel like I could save the world—or at least that’s how I felt wearing it.
Rueben drove us to a swanky part of San Francisco, known for giving out full-size candy bars.
“All you girls stay by my side. No running ahead, and always hold each other’s hands when going up to a door. Never leave my side unless I give you permission, okay?” With the safety instructions given, Rueben led the way with a nod of his head.
Back in the 1970s, everyone seemed to give out candy, and all the kids dressed up for Halloween.
As we made our way from house to house, Uncle Rueben could be heard shouting, “Oli, don’t let go of my hand yet!” or “Sina, Ruta, don’t run too far ahead of me!”
“Hold Oli’s hand now and go up to the door. Be nice and say thank you when they give you candy,” Uncle Rueben called as we hurried toward a house with its porch light on.
Ring. Ring. Sina usually pressed the doorbell. We waited in excitement. A few moments passed. No one answered. We were the only kids at that door. Ring. Ring.
“I don’t think anyone’s giving out candy at this house,” Sina said with a sigh.
We had almost turned around when the door creaked open, and a strange fog rolled out from within. Suddenly, a lady in ragged white clothes appeared, arms raised, screaming in our faces!
“Aah! Aah! Aah!” The three of us screamed right back at the scary ghost lady! I dropped Oli’s hand like a hot rock and bolted from the porch. I thought we had all run, but apparently, that wasn’t the case. In that moment, I didn’t care if Sina or Oli made it out—I was in danger of being killed!
I figured I just needed to be faster than Oli, and I’d be safe. “You only have to outrun the slowest person,” was something Grandma and Pop used to say when watching TV shows. Plus, I wasn’t that attached to Oli. She could always flash her dimpled smile, and maybe the killer scary ghost lady would spare her. Honestly, I didn’t care if either of them was left behind—all I knew was it was every girl for herself. And I should add: not only did I save myself, but I also made sure to save my candy bag. Apparently, danger didn’t mean leaving behind my hard-earned candy stash.
“Run, Uncle Rueben! Let’s go!” I screamed, racing toward where the car was parked. We were going to make it! I didn’t care who else survived.
Uncle Rueben, however, didn’t seem to grasp the gravity of our situation. He was doubled over, laughing hysterically. Fine—let the killer scary ghost lady get him. Then I stopped in my tracks. NO! Uncle Rueben had to survive—he was our ride home!
Little did I know that Sina was right behind me until I turned to look for Uncle Rueben. Of course, she hadn’t warned him to run like I had. She only cared about herself. Big question—who was going to drive us home? I couldn’t drive. Sina couldn’t drive. Uncle Rueben had to survive. Unlike me, Sina had no long-term vision.
Uncle Rueben was still bent over, laughing. Oli was hugging his legs. How could he laugh? Did he not realize we were all in mortal danger?
Uncle Rueben walked confidently towards the danger, and I saw him pick up Oli’s shoe that she lost trying to run or whatever she did, away from the killer scary ghost lady.
“Run, Uncle Rueben! Come on, you’re in danger!” I shouted.
Sina and myself were breathing like we had just ran a few miles when we had only run a half block. I started noticing other kids staring at us, and parents chuckling. Did I mention that adults sometimes have no sense of urgency? What was wrong with them? Did they not realize there was a killer scary ghost lady in that house?
Finally, Uncle Rueben reached us and the car. It took him forever, but at least he was still alive.
About the Author
Ruta Levu, the unicorn that farts rainbows., is currently married and lives in the Pacific Northwest. Ruta has a daughter and five fur babies. I am the crazy cat lady on the block and proud of it. I speak with and see my sisters often. I still bring my glittery joy and happiness to my sisters’ lives to this day.
Welcome to the Soho Knights series, where friendship and love intertwine in the heart of London. Meet Charlie, Langdon, Paolo, Gregory, and Jason, five best friends who became brothers during their university days, each carrying their own scars and dreams.
Now, six years later, they share an incredible flat in vibrant Soho, but one thing still eludes them: their true loves and HEA. Each book in the series follows one of these remarkable men on his journey to find love, while their unbreakable bond of friendship remains the cornerstone of their lives. Join them as they discover that while love may be complicated, true friendship is forever.
All the books can be read as standalone, but book five crosses the timeline with the others, so that is best read after the others, but can still be enjoyed by itself.
The gay version of Pretty Woman you’ve all been waiting for.
Blurb
In the vibrant streets of London, Charlie is struggling to make ends meet. To afford his mother’s care facility, he’s taken on a risky side job that forces him to sell his body. Life is tough, but Charlie remains resilient, finding solace in the camaraderie of his four best friends.
When a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with Sebastian, a wealthy businessman from New York fifteen years his senior, their connection ignites a passion that neither can ignore. After a perfect night together, they are drawn back into each other’s lives, their chemistry undeniable.
But as they navigate their growing feelings, Charlie’s desire for independence clashes with Sebastian’s longing for someone to nurture and care for. Just as they begin to explore their connection, Charlie’s life implodes, and Sebastian's past trauma resurfaces, threatening to tear them apart.
Can they find a way to overcome the dangers from their pasts and embrace the love that’s blossoming between them, or will their tumultuous histories destroy their chance at happiness? Perfect Night is a gripping tale of love, desire, and the high stakes of opening your heart.
BOOK 2
Book Title: Dangerous Attraction
Length: 60 000 words
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Tropes: Bisexual rep, second chances, workplace romance, stalker
What if Fatal Attraction was gay, and Glenn Close was played by a sassy twink?
Blurb
In the dark streets of Soho, London, where the nightlife pulses with energy and hidden dangers, Langdon is striving to carve out a life of his own. Having endured a tough childhood, marked by a mother who never valued him, he has found solace in the company of his four best friends, who feel like brothers. Although he thrives working in a bar, Langdon is haunted by his past, feeling like a dirty secret to the men he dates.
When Eric's world crumbles after a disastrous wedding, he loses both his home and job, forcing him to seek refuge with his brother. It’s here that he encounters Langdon, and an undeniable connection sparks between them. As their chemistry ignites, they begin to explore a love that feels both thrilling and terrifying.
But their growing bond faces a sinister threat. Someone is determined to tear them apart, willing to go to any lengths, including violence, to ensure they never find happiness together. As Langdon and Eric navigate the complexities of their relationship and confront the demons of their pasts, they must also fight to protect one another from a force that seeks to destroy them.
In “Dangerous Attraction,” love becomes a battleground where trust is tested, and survival is at stake. Will Langdon and Eric find the strength to overcome the shadows that haunt them, or will they pay the ultimate price for their desire to be together?
BOOK 3
Book Title: Stolen Dream
Length: 60 000 words
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Tropes: First love, forbidden love, second chance, demisexual rep
In a world that tried to change them, love becomes their greatest rebellion
Blurb
At just eighteen, Paolo and Max meet at a conversion therapy camp. Abandoned by their families. left to endure literal hell on earth, their love is forbidden. Their secret romance grows and as they make plans to escape, they are brutally torn apart.
They both spend the next twelve years building lives in different worlds. Paolo in the vibrant heart of Soho, London, surrounded by his found family, and Max thriving as a successful criminal lawyer in the bustling streets of New York. Both of them believing they’ve lost the love of their life forever.
Max finds himself in London after defending a mobster, which leads to an offer he literally can’t refuse. Needing thinking time before his fate is sealed, he unexpectedly crosses paths with Paolo again. The spark between them reignites, yet their reunion is fraught with challenges, and even the magical backdrop of the holidays may not be enough for them to get their second chance at love. With Paolo's sister at risk of suffering the same fate they endured, the stakes are even higher.
Stolen Dream is a tale of resilience, forbidden love, and the fight for a future that embraces who they truly are. Will they save Paolo's sister in time, and can they find a way to be together, against all odds? Join them on this emotional journey of hope and redemption, where stolen dreams may just lead to a love worth fighting for.
BOOK 4
Book Title: Convenient Rivals
Length: 60 000 words
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, class privilege, nerd top/jock bottom, mild kink, fake relationship
Can love blossom from the ashes of rivalry, or will family ties tear them apart?
Blurb
In the heart of London, where privilege and ambition collide, Gregory and Oscar's tumultuous past threatens to resurface in unexpected ways. Once childhood friends, their relationship took a dark turn when Oscar became Gregory's high school bully. Now successful in their own right, their paths continue to intertwine due to the dysfunctional bond between their mothers. While Oscar seeks to atone for his past, Gregory remains trapped in a cycle of hurt and betrayal.
After being abandoned by his family when they discovered he was gay, Gregory yearns for their acceptance, but only on their terms. As he struggles to support his financially reckless brother, entangled with the mob, the stability of his Soho home with his chosen family of true brothers hangs by a thread. With desperation setting in, a glimmer of hope emerges when Oscar proposes a marriage of convenience, which could solve both of their problems.
Oscar’s mother has her own agenda, threatening to upend everything he believes about love and loyalty. Can the reserved tech genius and the charming former athlete put aside their painful history to forge a new beginning? As the tension between them sizzles and threatens to ignite into something undeniably passionate, they must confront their pasts and decide how much they are willing to sacrifice. In a world of titles and privilege, family ties threaten to strangle the love which is building between them. Will they find the courage to defy their legacies for a chance at happiness, even if it means risking everything they’ve ever known?
BOOK 5
Book Title: Broken Promises
Length: 65 000 words
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Tropes: Hurt comfort, Age gap, Second chances, Neurodivergent rep, Daddy kink
Jason’s love life: a rom-com, a tragedy, and a crime thriller all in one.
Blurb
Jason is successful, confident, and unlovable. Living in the heart of Soho with his found family brothers, he masks his trauma with more sass than you can throw glitter at. After love burned him once, he vowed never to let it happen again. One night, one time, no attachments. That’s how he survives and protects his heart.
Patrick knows loss too well. His husband’s sudden death shattered his world, and he believes he’ll never feel that kind of connection again. Then Jason storms into his life. A pint-sized spitfire with haunted eyes. Fifteen years younger than him, a boy who he shouldn’t want but can’t resist. Patrick’s daddy instincts are to hold, to heal, to care, but Jason refuses to be saved.
Their undeniable attraction spans a year of push and pull, as all of Jason’s brothers find their happy endings around him, leaving him with the possibility of being alone, as he has been all his life. When Jason gives into his desire for Patrick, his past mistakes come back to bite him. His ex-husband, a ruthless mob boss, wants him back. And he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process.
In the explosive final chapter of the Soho Knights series, all the questions will finally be answered. Will everyone’s baby brother, Jason, finally get the happily ever after he truly deserves, or will it come at the price of another devastating loss?
Excerpt From Perfect Night
The guy he’d crashed into was sex on a stick. A big, tall, muscular stick. He was another one wearing a suit and had to be six foot five. He towered over Charlie’s respectable five foot eleven. The black hair, slate-blue eyes and five o’clock shadow were checking more of Charlie’s boxes. After a few seconds of literally drooling, Charlie realised the guy had hold of his arms as he’d steadied him.
“Sorry,” he spluttered.
“No problem at all. Are you okay?”
He had a strange accent, a blend of American and British.
“Was that guy giving you trouble?”
Oh God, he’s nice as well. There had to be something wrong with him. Nobody was this perfect. He felt like a horny teenager again, wanting to get his hands and tongue all over that body. It took all his restraint to not start humping Spartacus’s leg. Until he had a name, ‘Spartacus’ was what he was going with. He had a gladiator vibe about him. Woof!
“It’s fine. He did me a favour by sending me your way.”
Oh my God, did I just say that? Kill me now!
“I’m Sebastian.” He smiled, holding out his hand.
Sebastian was an even hotter name than Spartacus. Charlie wasn’t sure why; it was just a fact. There was also something about Sebastian. He shook Charlie’s hand, which was formal, but didn’t seem out of place. The guy just oozed confidence. Charlie wondered if that confidence transferred to the bedroom. He needed to stop with those thoughts, or the leg-humping would be an embarrassing reality.
“Charlie,” he said, introducing himself.
“Are you here with anyone?”
“Just my flatmate, who was humping the leg of some bear when I left him.”
Sebastian laughed. It changed his face completely. This was a guy who was confident and controlled, yet when he let go, Charlie could see there was a fun side. Charlie wanted to know it all.
“Can I buy you a drink?” Sebastian asked.
Charlie would be stupid to say no. He didn’t know why a guy like this was giving him the time of day, but he’d had a shit week, so he was just going to go with it. Charlie agreed. Sebastian took his hand, which was sweet and possessive at the same time.
The crowd seemed to part, probably because of Sebastian’s size. A few twinks spotted their joined hands and glared with jealousy. It was a heady feeling, and Charlie was enjoying it while it lasted.
About the Author
Oliver Takely is a passionate MM romance author who revels in dark, edgy stories featuring complex, flawed characters. With years of writing experience and a creative day job, Oliver Takely is also an avid reader of MM romance, consuming 300 books in both 2023 and 2024. His favourite trope is enemies to lovers, but is also a sucker for a feel-good Christmas romance.
Originally from the north, Oliver now resides in the south of England with his husband and their beloved fur baby, who is treated like a princess, living their own happily-ever-after straight out of a romance novel. When not writing or reading, he enjoys holidays and indulging in lots of good food, because who doesn’t love a delicious combination?
