11/03/2025

The Christopher Books by Stephen G Hardy

SERIES TOUR

THE CHRISTOPHER BOOKS by Stephen G Hardy

 LGBTQ+ Contemporary/Literary fiction with a speculative element

Christopher Dunn is a young man who possesses unique qualities that draw people to him. In return, everyone who meets him is changed for the better. Everyone could use a Christopher in their lives.

The three books in the series need to be read in order.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames

Follow Christopher as he explores various types of relationships

and the impact he has on the lives of others.

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1

Book Title:  Search for Complete

Cover Artist: Ryan Mulford

Length: 83 00 words /380 pages

Release Date: June 4, 2023

Pairing: MMF

Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person

Genres: LGBTQ+ Contemporary/Literary fiction with a speculative element

Tropes: Unrequited love

Themes: Interpersonal relationships, asexuality

It can be read as a standalone story, but it is part of a series.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

“Why do I get the feeling that Christopher is the type of man that would make the perfect husband for any woman and, at the same time, the perfect wife for any man?” Laura says shortly after Christopher begins his new job at the TV station. Laura’s statement would turn out to hold more truth than she could imagine. No one who meets Christopher, especially not Laura, as well as David, a gay man he meets at a party, understands what it is about him that draws them to him. They also don’t realize that Christopher is searching for something, a search complicated by their desires for him.

Awards: 2024 International Impact Book Award winner for LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction; The BookFest Awards, Fall 2023- Honorable mention LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction

BOOK 2

Book Title: The Price of Happiness

Length: 83 000 words/372 pages

Release Date: November 24, 2023

Tropes: Unrequited love 

Themes: Interpersonal relationships, trans

Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person

 This is the second book in the series and the first has to have been read.

It ends on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Blurb

As Search for Complete left off, the birth of his twins had just completed Christopher. However, though he has what he had searched so long for, he now must deal with the associated costs, namely the unraveling of his relationship with Laura, the mother of his twins. The birth of the twins should have brought Laura joy, yet, instead, she finds herself on an intense emotional rollercoaster. Laura resents Christopher's happiness—resents that he is a better mother than she is. But most of all, Laura resents that the twins are Christopher's spitting image—nowhere does she see herself in them. Christopher fears his happiness in becoming a father has become Laura’s undoing. As he tries to help her adjust to the reality of their situation, Laura struggles to find herself in the tangled mess of their relationship.

In The Price of Happiness, Stephen Hardy has created a profound and moving novel on the themes of parenthood, identity, love and loss—and the cost of getting what we want.

BOOK 3

Book Title: When the Sun and Moon Touch

Length:  85,000 words/397 pages

Release Date: March 29, 2024

Genres:  LGBTQ+ Contemporary Fiction, M/M Romance

Tropes: MM relationships/romance

Themes: Gender identity, asexuality, interpersonal relationships

Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person

The stories need to be read in order. This book picks up where book two left off.

This book does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

Christopher has settled into life as a single father to his twins, Loren and Christine. Content with his life, he is contemplating the imminent return of their mother Laura, who has been traveling through Europe for nearly a year, when he meets Benjamin, a direct descendant of the sun. Suddenly, his contentment is upended as he tries to understand the reason for their meeting. Despite what Benjamin says, that they are meant to be together, 

Christopher initially tries to hold Benjamin at arm's length, believing that he is only to be for Benjamin what Joseph was to him—a friend and mentor. 

Excerpt

Opening scene from book 3: When the Sun and Moon Touch

Their laughter brought me great joy as I watched Loren and Christine mount the short flight of steps and slide down the slide on their behinds. They were quite independent, except for each other, even at the age of two, and had refused my assistance. While they romped, I sat on the bench to watch and enjoy what had turned out to be a lovely day for the end of March. In this moment I felt as though I had not a care in the world.

  The sound of an email arriving on my phone startled me. Pulling it from my jacket pocket, I was surprised to see it was from Laura, as it was rare to get one from her.

Christopher

I am planning on returning at the beginning of May. Please let the rental company know they need to have the tenants vacate by the end of April. Thanks.

Laura

  That was it. There was nothing about how she was doing or what she planned to do upon her return. She did not even ask after the twins. But then she never asked about them. I tried not to read anything into this, but it was not easy. 

It had been nearly a year since Laura had left our children in my sole custody while she backpacked her way around Europe in order to find herself, something I had supported both emotionally and financially. She never let on how she was doing in any of her very short emails. And now, she was coming back. 

I put my phone away and looked at the twins, thinking about what Laura’s return could mean for us. Would Laura still feel the same way about things as she had when she left: that the twins belonged to me and not to her?

“Excuse me?” 

 Blinking at the sound of someone's voice, I looked up to see a handsome man looking down at me with grey-green eyes that were all the more striking given his dark coloring. Suddenly, something flitted within his eyes, and I caught my breath. Could it be? Composing myself, I said, “Hello, may I help you?”

“Hi. No. I,” The stranger paused, suddenly flustered, “Sorry to disturb you, but are those children playing on the slide yours?” he blurted out.

“Yes, they are.”

“I thought so. They look just like you.” He held out his hand. “My name’s Benjamin Johnson.” 

“I am Christopher Dunn,” I replied, taking his hand and then indicating the place beside me on the bench, “You may join me if you wish.” I had to find out if what I had seen was indeed there.

Benjamin sat beside me, looking down at his hands while I looked at him. Looking up, he seemed about to say something and then stopped.

“Yes?” I prompted.

“Yes, what?” He stammered.

“Sorry, I thought you were going to ask me something.”

“Um, I was, but never mind.”

“No, please. Tell me what you were going to say,” I said, giving him a small smile of encouragement.

“Well, and I know this will sound ridiculous, but I had this weird feeling that something led me to you. God, I’m sorry. That sounds like some bad pickup line,” Benjamin said, laughing to cover up his embarrassment. Even with his dark skin, I could tell he was blushing.

“I do not think it sounds crazy at all.” I turned to face Benjamin, giving him my full attention. “Tell me more about this feeling.”

“I don’t know that there’s anything more to tell.”

“I think there is and would like to hear it,” I said, staring intently into his eyes, still amazed by what I saw there. What were the chances that I would meet someone like Joseph here in Balboa Park, seemingly by chance? But no, Benjamin had been guided to me if his statement was true.

“Um, okay, well, I was walking through the park and felt this pushing sensation against my back whenever I stopped to look at anything. It continued until I saw you.”

“Has there ever been another time you felt this?” I asked, not moving my eyes from his face.

“No, I don’t think so.”

“I see.” For some reason, I did not believe him. “I take it you just moved to San Diego.”

“How did you know?”

“Your accent, for starters.”

“Oh, yeah. I guess that is a giveaway. I keep forgetting that here, I have an accent. I moved here in mid-January from Atlanta.”

“Was there a special reason for the move?”

“A job.”

His words surprised me. “Oh. Had you been looking for a new job?” I said, recalling that I had moved to San Diego for a similar reason.

“Actually, no, I hadn’t been looking. I got a call from a recruiter and . . .” Benjamin paused.

“And?” 

“Sorry. I just remembered that when I got the call about the job, I felt something was compelling me to take it. Kind of like what I described to you just now about being guided to you. But that must have been my imagination as well.”

“I see. You felt yourself being pushed to move here, and you felt the same sensation leading you to me,” I said, more to myself than to him.

“Crazy, isn’t it?”

“On the contrary, Benjamin, I find it very plausible.”

“Are you saying that I felt that desire to take the job here in order to meet you?”

“It is entirely possible,” I replied, still marveling at the coincidences of our experiences.

“But what possible reason could there be?”

“That remains to be determined.”

About the Author 

Stephen Hardy was born in the San Francisco Bay Area but grew up in the Pacific Northwest. His career as a fashion designer took him back to San Francisco before he headed to New York City, where he met his husband of twenty years. Tiring of the hectic pace of the fashion industry, Stephen gave up his career to become a stay-at-home dad for his and his husband’s two adopted sons and a quiet life in Connecticut. Now residing in Phoenix, Arizona, and with the kids grown, Stephen returned to university, where he rediscovered his love for writing. His focus is on contemporary fiction, examining social issues regarding gender, sexuality, and relationships. Search for Complete is his first novel.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

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09/03/2025

New Release - Demon’s Past by Shari Sakurai

NEW RELEASE 

Book Title: Demon’s Past

Author and Cover Artist: Shari Sakurai

Publisher: Farnhurst Publishing 

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Tense/POV: third person, alternating POV

Genres: MM Paranormal/vampires

Tropes: Friends to lovers

Themes: Coming out

Heat Rating: 1 flame     

Length: 77 000 words

It is not a standalone story, but you do not need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy it. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

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Immortality has its price 

Blurb

April 1889, Nagasaki, JAPAN

When apprentice merchant Thane Bremen travels with his family to Nagasaki, he is more excited about the exotic destination than studying his trade. A chance encounter with a local man gives Thane the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Japan. 

Kokawa Taku is unlike anyone Thane has ever met before. He is outgoing, charming, spontaneous and Thane finds himself instantly drawn to him. Taku opens Thane’s eyes to new experiences, and perhaps a different future to the one that is mapped out for him. When their friendship turns into romance, Thane struggles with his father’s expectations for him and how the society he is from would view his relationship with Taku. 

As they become closer, Thane learns that Taku is a vampire. With this, he begins to understand just what it means for them both. Taku will live forever, and Thane’s life will be over in a comparative blink of an eye. While Thane contemplates what it is to love the immortal, a disaster strikes that threatens to part them sooner than either of them thought was possible.

Excerpt 

“Those who come to worship at the shrine must first use the water basin to purify themselves,” Taku explained as he knelt in front of the structure. Thane watched as he used one of the wooden ladles available to wash his hands, left first and then right. He cupped some of the water to rinse out his mouth. He did not swallow the water and spat it out next to the fountain. Finally, he dipped the handle of the ladle into the basin to clean it. Thane did not hesitate in following his companion’s example. Taku smiled in appreciation of his actions. He then led the way up the path towards the main shrine.

Taku slipped his shoes off before climbing the steps. Thane followed him and unlaced his boots. This part of the shrine was called the Haiden – hall of worship – Taku explained. Thane looked around, amazement at the intricate detail of the hall filling him. There were beautifully crafted paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, incredibly detailed religious carvings and inscriptions either on wooden blocks or paper.

“This is beautiful,” Thane stated softly.

“The haiden is open to the public for worship,” Taku explained. “The heiden – hall of offerings – is behind it and then the honden where the God is enshrined. The God enshrined here is Ebisu, the God of luck and fishermen, which is quite appropriate for Nagasaki.”

“Can we visit the honden?”

“It is most usually closed to the general public, but I do not see the harm in showing you.”

Taku was about to lead the way further into the shrine when he suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” Thane asked.

“There is someone outside.”

Thane had not heard anyone, however, he quietly followed Taku as he crept towards the edge of the veranda to retrieve their shoes.

“Who is it?” Thane whispered anxiously.

“The police,” Taku’s tone was casual, and he did not appear unduly concerned.

“The police!” Thane did not share his calm. “Why?”

“There have been instances where items have been stolen from the shrines. Someone must have noticed us going in and reported it as it is rather late for worship.”

“We are just looking around. Can you explain that to them?”

“They believe the thief to be a foreigner and considering opinion on the western influences it would not be good to be found here,” Taku slipped his shoes on and kept watch whilst Thane did likewise.

“What shall we do?” Thane could now clearly see a light from a candle. They were still closer to the torii gates but gradually the light was moving in their direction.

“Follow me,” Taku quietly stepped off the veranda. He led Thane around the back of the shrine and towards the perimeter fence surrounding it. Thane glanced doubtfully up at the wooden barrier. With the lights from the shrine behind them he did not know if he could see well enough to climb over.

Taku did not share his hesitation. He had to jump to catch hold of the top of the fence but did so with surprising ease. With a grace that Thane had feeling he would envy, Taku pulled himself up and over.

“Thane, come on!” he called. The voices were drawing closer now and it was only a matter of time before they were seen.

Thane was tall enough to be able to grip the fence without the need for the small jump. He scrambled up the side of it, but with a lot less grace than his companion. The shout that went up as Thane reached the top startled him. He heard a ripping of fabric as he lost his balance and landed in a painful heap on the safe side of the fence.

“Are you alright?” Taku enquired as he helped Thane up.

“Yes, thank you,” he carefully stood, feeling some discomfort from the landing but no serious injuries.

“Good because I believe that we may have to run,” Taku commented in amusement.

As Taku spoke, Thane heard the two policemen shouting again. He glanced down the street in the direction of the noise and saw that they had exited the shrine and were hurrying towards them.

“This way,” Taku took a hold of Thane’s hand and started pulling him away from the shrine.

Thane once more questioned the wisdom in fleeing, but he did not wish to get into any bother. His father might well put him on the first ship home if he did.

“Where are we going?” he asked. Even though Thane was following him, Taku did not let go of his hand. Thane did not consider himself an unfit man, but the pace that Taku set was faster than he was used to running. In fact, Thane was surprised that his feet did not leave the ground all together at the speed in which they were going. Thane almost tripped as Taku suddenly changed direction and pulled him in between two buildings. Thane felt his back hit the side of the first wooden structure. Taku was beside him, their shoulders touching as he gestured for Thane to remain pressed against the wall. Thane heard the two men running past their location. After a few minutes more he felt he could breathe a sigh of relief.

Thane cast his gaze downwards to Taku’s hand that still gripped his own. A spark of what he could only describe as adrenaline went through him as he stared at their entwined fingers. Thane felt the warmth of a blush on his cheeks at the sensation and he gently pulled away.

About the Author 

Shari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBTQ protagonist and/or antagonist. She has always loved to write and it is her escape from the sometimes stressful modern life!

Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.

Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge thirteen times!

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook

Twitter  |   Instagram  |  Goodreads

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07/03/2025

Blade Broken (The Echelon Book 1) by Niranjan

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Blade Broken (The Echelon Book 1)

Author and Publisher: Niranjan

Cover Artist: Artscandre

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Pairing: MM (MF minor)

Tense/POV: Third person/past tense/alternating PoV

Genres: Sword and Sorcery, Political Fantasy

Tropes: Assassins, spies, political intrigue. Not a romance. Has secret siblings, former friends turned enemies becoming lovers again, but it’s just a part of the story.

Themes: Political fantasy with morally grey and complex characters, themes of forgiveness, redemption, found family are present

Length: 75 504 words/335 pages

Heat Rating: No sexual content. Not a romance. Some kissing and fade to black

It is the first book in the series and is not a standalone book. 

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link

A spy lurking in the shadows, a nation on the verge of an invasion, a man desperate to protect his home.

Blurb

Lucian is the Blade of Castrial–the kingdom's spymaster and first line of defence, lauded for his success in repelling an invasion from Garaner. But the war has left Castrial's economy in shambles, and when the neighbouring kingdom of Sarian musters their armies and sends spies into Castrial, Lucian realises two things: they have a spy in their midst, and they can't afford the cost of fighting off another invasion.

And if that wasn't trouble enough, there is Alaric, the Shield of Castrial and the only man in the Echelon whose power is equal to Lucian's. Returned from banishment like the vengeful spirit of their long-lost relationship, Alaric carries a deep-set grudge against Lucian, a grudge that may well be justified. 

Lucian’s desire to protect his nation is nearly equal to his wish to reconcile with Alaric, but if he cannot get his act together and convince the Shield to work with him, Castrial will fall. 

Blade Broken is a queer, sword-and-sorcery fantasy and the first book in The Echelon Series. If you love flawed characters, betrayals and redemption, and gritty worldbuilding with lots of political machinations, you will love this book.

Video Trailer on Youtube



Excerpt 

“You’re here,” the King said, waving Lucian and Alaric to their seats while Astra took her position behind him. “I was about to pronounce the sentence.”

Alaric was alarmed at the King’s tone. His Majesty looked angry, lips pressed together and face red. His form was stiff. 

“Your Majesty,” he said.

“I’ve never seen a prisoner behave as that man did today. Not only did he admit to committing the crime, but he also didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with it!” The King’s hand gripped the sceptre set on to the side of his throne tightly. His voice was hard and cold. “He had no remorse for what he did. A human life was cut short, and he seems to think of it as no matter. Because the man was a commoner. As if that’s what matters!”

Alaric bit his tongue, stopped himself from speaking. Anything he might say now would cause more harm than good. Lord Giles was not the kind of man who deserved anyone’s sympathy. All the same, Alaric was worried about his family. The King had promised leniency, but with how Lord Giles behaved during the trial, how much could he depend on it?

Lucian seemed to be under some internal struggle himself. Alaric had to remember that Lord Giles’ family was as good as Lucian’s own now. If the King sentenced him to death or exile, he would have to arrange for Lucian to smuggle them out of Castrial. But with Sylvester compromised and not able to live in Garaner anymore, where could they go? There was always Ihweith, or another nation across the ocean which were on friendly terms with Castrial and where an immigrant Castrilian noble and his family would be safe. 

Why didn’t Lucian or Sylvester do it? Was it because they feared Alaric wouldn’t let go? That they thought his hatred of Lord Giles was so intense that he would pursue them no matter where they went? No other explanation presented itself and he couldn’t help how his lips twisted at the thought. 

He wished that Lucian had trusted him enough to know that he wouldn’t have pursued them if they had escaped. Not even Lord Giles. Did he really believe Alaric had become so vindictive?

The King made a gesture that opened the curtains that hid them all. He stood up and walked to the edge of the stage. 

“My dear subjects,” he said quietly, his voice amplified by a spell. “We have tried Lord Giles and have found him guilty of the crime he is charged with. He deserves the worst punishment for his crime, but his son, Sylvester has been selflessly serving Castrial for farials and deserves consideration. I exempt Sylvester Giles from the punishment meted out to his family. Lord Giles and his family are hereby sentenced to slavery for life, to be sold in public auction to the highest bidder within two days.”

He stepped back, the curtains slid back, and the spell dissipated.

Alaric couldn’t speak or move. Slavery. Public auction. He wasn’t sure if the King was being merciful or vindictive. It was better than death, better even than exile, but that didn’t make it all right. It would depend on the master, after all. 

And Keylin and Benjamin... Both of them were young, beautiful, and Alaric couldn’t be certain that they would be safe in any noble’s household. 

“Alaric,” the King said. “Stay. All the rest of you, leave.”

Lucian, Astra, and Jeron bowed to the King before leaving through the door at the back. The stage was set with so many wards that no one outside would be able to hear anything they speak in here, not even if they were listening at the door or used magical means to eavesdrop. 

“I want you to buy them.” The King’s gaze was hard. “Bid first. No one will bid against you.”

“Your Majesty!”

Not that he hadn’t thought of it, but he would not have expected the king to take a hand in an auction. 

“I know it revolts you, that there are no slaves in your household, but you have to do this.” The King paused. “I know I promised to be lenient, but this is the extent of my leniency. If he had shown any remorse...” The King shook his head, pressing his lips together. “All the same, the family is innocent and must be protected. There is no one else I can trust.”

About the Author  

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology.

When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fan-fiction.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  BlueSky  |  Newsletter Sign-up

Ko0fi  Character art and Map available for free)

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one of five ebook copies of choice from the author's backlist 

 

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16/02/2025

And Hubby Makes Three: A Tragically Fabulous Love Story

 BOOK BLAST

Book Title:  AND HUBBY MAKES THREE: A TRAGICALLY FABULOUS LOVE STORY

Author: Michael McHale

Publisher: Hennessey House Publications

Cover Artist: MSM Graphics

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: Third person/past tense

Genres:  LGBTQIA+ Romantic Comedy

Tropes: Gay best friend, family

Themes: Best friend saves friend’s wedding and makes her dreams come true

Length: 21 739 words/164 pages

It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Heat Rating:  1 - 2 flames

Goodreads  

 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 

Best gay friend saves his girlfriend’s wedding from becoming a disaster 

while adding a lot of his own fabulous flare

 

Blurb 

When Wendy is horribly abandoned by her fiancé Bruce just days before her dream wedding, her fabulous gay best friend Mitch steps in to help save the day! What happens next is a plethora of comical miscommunications that lead to one of the most colorful weddings of our time that would make even Martha Stewart proud as Mitch, along with his life partner Kevin and bigger than life friend Bob, rush to make Wendy’s dreams come true. And maybe even some of Mitch’s dreams?

 

Excerpt 

Chapter Twenty-Three: Divine Intervention

The elderly priest had been looking forward to his mid-morning snack with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for Christmas morning. He'd assembled the perfect array of treats on his tray, humming contentedly as he made his way down the cathedral aisle. 

That's when Wendy burst in, tears streaming down her face, and dove into the confessional.

The priest looked longingly at his snacks, then skyward with a resigned sigh. The Lord worked in mysterious ways, particularly when it came to interrupting a much needed snack 

time.

"Father, forgive me, for I have sinned."

"You don't mind if I eat, do you?"

"Excuse me?"

"I haven't eaten all morning. I'm starving. Please, I

promise it won't interfere."

"Uh, okay... I mean, it is your house and all, so..."

"Thank you," he managed around a mouthful of

sandwich. "So, tell me my child, what is troubling you?"

"Well, I believe I may have caused my fiancé to 

stumble."

"Hmmmm... How so?"

"By marrying my husband!"

The priest nearly choked on his snack. "By marrying your...? Wait! Didn't you marry your fiancé?"

"No. I married my best friend."

"Oh, that's lovely. One should always marry their best friend."

"But I was supposed to marry my fiancé."

"What's wrong with marrying your best friend?"

"Well, aside from the fact that he's gay, and already has a life partner, nothing I guess."

"Ah, so your fiancé is gay?"

"No, no. My husband is gay. My fiancé is straight."

"I see." (he didn’t) The priest set down his sandwich, sensing this might require his full attention. 

"So, did you marry him to ummm... change him?"

"No, I married him because my fiancé told me to."

"Does your fiancé know that he's gay?"

"My fiancé isn't gay! My husband is gay!"

"Okay, okay. So… what was the question again?"

"I believe that my marrying Mitch..."

"The gay best friend..."

"Right."

The Priest was so proud of himself, "See, I'm catching on."

"Good. Now, I'm afraid that my marrying Mitch may have caused my fiancé, Bruce, to stumble. It was a joke, you know? I just wanted to go through with the wedding, and when Bruce wouldn't, Mitch said he would, so..."

"The stumbling part... let's get to the stumbling part.” He picked up his sandwich with empty high hopes.

"Right. Well, I found him with another woman!"

"I thought you said he was gay?"

"No. My husband's gay! Not my fiancé. Ya know, I thought you were catching on? Maybe you shouldn't be eating while we do this..."

The priest set down his food with a heavy sigh that suggested he was reconsidering his vocation.

"So, what should I do?"

He took a fortifying gulp of milk before delivering his verdict. "Go to him."

"Who? Which one?"

"Your gay husband. Your straight fiancé. Your second cousin’s lover! I don't care! Just go! Go to one of them. Go to both of them! Go to none of them, but please, I beg you -- just go! Oh, and you are forgiven!  Say ten Hail Mary’s and five Our Fathers.  Now Go! Go! Run like the wind!”

As Wendy left the confessional in a daze, the priest returned to his interrupted snack, making a mental note to suggest that the seminary add a course in modern relationship dynamics. Clearly, the traditional marriage counseling training wasn't covering all the bases anymore. At least the sandwich was good. 

Though he had a feeling he'd need something stronger than milk to process this particular confession.

 

About the Author 

A storyteller across multiple mediums, Michael McHale has entertained and educated audiences for over three decades.

From writing for the iconic TV series Power Rangers to his LGBTQ+ web series The Queerburgs (on YouTube), to bringing his real-life story to life to the big screen with the short film Lena's Dance to creating more than 100,000 riddles and clues for over 20,000 mysteries through his educational company Mysteries By Mike, his creative footprint spans television, film, education, and literature.

Known in Hollywood as the go-to party planner for celebrity children's events, he's authored multiple books including two children's titles that includes an insider guide to Hollywood entertaining. His latest novel, adapted from a screenplay he wrote in 1997, was born from a conversation about marriage equality long before it became reality - a reality he now shares with his husband Bob, celebrating 21 years of marriage in Los Angeles.

With the upcoming YA series MURDER HIGH SCHOOL: DETENTION CAN BE MURDER! in development, McHale continues to expand his literary universe while infusing his work with the authenticity that comes from being a 35-year AIDS survivor (Victor) and dedicated LGBTQ+ activist. His storytelling celebrates life, love, and chosen family with equal measures of humor and heart.

When not writing or planning spectacular events, he can be found at home with Bob, their mischievous pug Gabby Rose, and their trio of cats - Princess Charlotte, Rascal, and Marley - plotting his next story or party, whichever comes first.

Early readers are already calling his latest novel 'an instant gay classic' with strong potential for adaptation as a Netflix limited series.

 

Author Links

Website   |   Facebook   |   BlueSky  |   Twitter

Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Newsletter Sign-up

 

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Now Comes the Dark by Thom Collins

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Now Comes the Dark

Author: Thom Collins

Publisher: Pride Publishing / Entwined Publishing

Cover Artist: Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Pairing: Contemporary Dark MM Romance

Tense/POV: Third person

Genres: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense

Tropes: Instant lust, serial killer, community

Themes: Erotic thriller

Heat Rating:  4 flames  

Length: 63 000 words

It is the first book in a new series, but works as a complete standalone

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK


Blurb

Roman Ballentyne is forced to make some changes. The city he loves is no longer safe. Tensions are high as a psychotic killer preys upon the LGBTQ community. Five men have been murdered in the last year. Every encounter is a risk. Anyone could be next. The Viaduct was once the shame of Blyham, an illicit club filled with private booths and dark rooms, sleazy in the extreme. Now it offers a secure space to hook up when it’s too dangerous to take a stranger home.

Mallon Garnier catches Roman’s eye. He’s moody and mature and the hottest man in the club, but as Mallon pairs up with someone else, Roman thinks he’s missed his chance. When Roman is the victim of a hate crime at the end of the night, Mallon is his saviour, taking on his attackers with savage efficiency. Their attraction is immediate and intense. Roman knows it’s wrong to go home with a stranger, but what harm can there be from the man who saved him?

The encounter is the start of an intense and passionate affair. But as the murders continue, Roman learns Mallon is keeping a deep secret, and the killer is closer than he thinks.

Excerpt 

Roman stared at the man who had saved him as they drove away. He tried to speak, but there were no words. His throat was paralysed.

“Come on,” the stranger said. “Before their egos get the better of them and they circle around for another shot.”

“The police,” Roman gasped at last. “You called the police.”

“No. I didn’t have time. And it turns out, I didn’t need them.” He took a gentle grip of Roman’s arm and led him back down the road. “Come on. The New Inn will still be open. We need to get off the streets for now.”

The man walked fast. Roman had trouble keeping up with him and couldn’t stop from looking over his shoulder to see if his attackers were following. The road was clear.

“Thank you,” he said at last. Now that the shock of the ordeal was sinking in, he felt a growing weakness all through his body. I could have died there. At best he’d have faced a trip to the hospital to fix several broken bones. Those men had been serious, and though he hadn’t paid attention to all the hate crimes that had occurred in Blyham, he knew how badly beaten the survivors had been. And five men hadn’t been lucky at all.

“Mallon,” the man said. “My name is Mallon. I couldn’t stand by and watch them get away with that.”

“Thank you,” he repeated. “I’m Roman. How…how did you do that? There were three of them. That could easily have ended differently.”

“Boxing. Boot camps. I’ve been a fighter since I was a boy.”

The New Inn was fifty yards ahead. Roman saw a group of customers outside, and relief rushed through him. People. His kind of people. They were safe—for now, at least.

He glanced at Mallon as they walked. His gaze was fixed in front. A man with purpose and determination. His expression was deadly serious, his jaw taut.

The New Inn was the most traditional of the bars in the village, with old wooden floors and dark wood panelling. The long, original bar led through to a more recent extension and conservatory with a beer garden. The DJ played a selection of songs from the 1970s and ’80s, while the clientele of older gays stood around chatting. The bar area was packed. Mallon guided Roman through the crowd to the near-empty beer garden. Efficient heaters kept the night chill at bay.

“Stay here,” Mallon said, releasing his arm once Roman was seated. “What do you want to drink?”

“Vodka. Diet Coke.”

Mallon nodded and left him.

Roman wrapped his arms around himself and shivered, despite the warmth. Fuck. He’d never experienced anything as frightening in his entire life. Like any gay man, he was used to homophobia, but the abuse he’d experienced in the past had always been verbal—name calling and hateful comments. This was the first time he’d been threatened with physical danger. And if Mallon hadn’t turned up when he did? Roman shuddered and his heart raced again.

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

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