Connie Bailey crafts narratives from a place of delightful contradiction, existing as a self-proclaimed Luddite utterly dependent on technology, and an acrophobe with a passion for flight. She navigates life with a fault-finding pessimism that is perpetually surprised by misfortune, and a social reclusiveness that embraces deep friendships. While various jobs have sustained her, writing is the true sustenance that nourishes her spirit.
Alvaro Torres faces significant challenges as a teenager, dealing with an absent father, a reclusive mother, and a dismissive teacher. His life takes a turn when new student Candelario Carlisle arrives, sparking Alvaro's protective feelings and complicating his already tumultuous existence. As their relationship develops, Alvaro must navigate his emotions and the pressures of his environment.
The protagonist navigates the challenges of vulnerability and emotional healing after experiencing heartbreak. While comfortable with physical exposure in his work, he struggles to open up emotionally again, highlighting themes of love, trust, and the complexities of moving on from past relationships. This journey explores the tension between physical and emotional intimacy, as he seeks to reconcile his past with the possibility of new connections.
When British drug lord Gareth "Hairy" Carey stakes out territory in their jurisdiction, openly gay police officer Rick Miles is determined to use the opportunity to prove his worth to prejudiced colleagues. With no backup but his partner Graciela Cruz, Rick goes undercover without official sanction and wins a spot in Carey's gang using his good looks and sheer bravado. Now Rick is in the tank with the sharks, but this isn't his first cruise. He's prepared to deal with the vicious drug traffickers. What he isn't prepared for is Billy Rose, Carey's astonishingly handsome spoiled brat paramour. Billy is sexy and smart, and he delights in seducing dangerous men - men like the one Rick is pretending to be. Thrown together when Carey orders the new soldier to squire Billy around town, Rick finds himself fighting a strong attraction to the sharp-tongued toy boy. Juggling the dangerous distraction and maintaining a credible cover, Rick is thrown off-balance by a sequence of disastrous events, and as he scrambles to keep his footing, the havoc accelerates before he can call in backup. Marooned in a realm of sly deception, immediate reprisal, and sudden violence, he's forced to act against the dictates of his conscience to stay alive when a single misstep could mean death.
The story follows Moonlight and Tiger, two young assassins trained to be lethal weapons from childhood. Their deep bond as secret lovers faces challenges when they are assigned to rival clans. Despite their unwavering love, an emerging, sinister threat looms over them, testing their loyalty and connection. As they navigate their dangerous world, the struggle between love and duty intensifies, raising the stakes for their relationship and survival.
Navigating a new environment, Heydn Case faces the challenges of transferring to the affluent Acton-Pierce Academy. Despite his friendly demeanor, he quickly discovers that his assigned roommate prefers solitude, setting the stage for potential conflict and growth. As Heydn strives to forge connections in a world that feels out of reach, themes of friendship and social dynamics come to the forefront in this engaging narrative.
A reclusive screenwriter grapples with personal tragedy and a drinking problem when he unexpectedly receives a call from acclaimed director Tony Kendall. Tasked with modernizing The Picture of Dorian Gray, Isaac must confront his past and reignite his passion for storytelling. As he collaborates with Tony, he navigates the challenges of creativity and redemption, offering a compelling exploration of artistic revival amidst personal turmoil.
Upon arriving at a dilapidated Welsh castle for a salvage job, Bo Andressen and his crew find themselves entangled in a web of murder, hidden treasure, and historical greed. As they collaborate with local law enforcement, Bo enlists a psychic to investigate claims of hauntings. However, Tristan Lambert uncovers that the real threats extend beyond the supernatural, revealing deeper dangers lurking within the castle's dark past.
Exploring the depths of familial bonds, the narrative centers on the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. It delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the emotional turmoil that accompanies the quest for belonging. The characters face challenges that test their resilience and commitment to one another, ultimately revealing the strength found in unity and love. The story promises a heartfelt journey that resonates with anyone who values the significance of family ties.
In a moment of crisis, Christopher "Kit" Britten's carefree lifestyle is disrupted when his Ferrari breaks down in a rough part of Houston. While navigating his identity as a gay man and the expectations of his family, he encounters Romy O'Keefe at the garage. This chance meeting sets the stage for a transformative experience, as Kit must confront his responsibilities and the complexities of his relationships, both familial and romantic. The story explores themes of self-discovery and the challenges of authenticity.
The story follows Sheyn, a rebellious young aristocrat who ventures to the enigmatic land of Kandaar, where he faces abduction and a life-altering ritual. Sold to a barbarian king as a pleasure slave, his fate takes another turn when the king is murdered by Kashyan, the dispossessed prince of Clan Savaan. This dramatic twist sets the stage for Sheyn's complex relationship with Kashyan, exploring themes of power, identity, and survival in a world of harsh customs and shifting allegiances.