When a man is consumed by hatred, is there anything left to love?
After a tough day of counseling sessions, Anglican priest Mark Webber is looking forward to a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant. When he sees who’s bellied up to the bar, though, he reaches for his cell phone to call the police.
It’s Lucas Cain, the man who killed Mark’s brother three years ago. Apparently he’s out of jail and hanging out with his old crowd, which has to be a breach of parole, right?
Pulled over upon leaving the bar, Lucas blows a clean breathalyzer and hopes this isn’t a harbinger of things to come. He’s ready to build a sober, peaceful life. His friends aren’t ready to let him move on, though, and he ends up taking refuge in an Anglican half-way house.
Thrown together, Mark and Lucas find common ground in the struggle to help a young gay man come to terms with his sexuality—and the fight against homophobic townsfolk. As attraction grows, the past is the last stumbling block between them and a future filled with hope.
Kapcsolódó könyvek
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Shark Who Rode a Seahorse
Sushi or soul mate? What a ridiculous question. There is no doubt in shark-shifter Byron's mind that what he feels for seahorse Skylar is genuine. But Byron is well aware of the difference between them. He is a monster, and that puts sweet-natured Skylar out of his reach. In his fear of hurting Skylar, he pushes the seahorse away. But when Skylar is attacked, Byron knows he cannot stay away from Skylar anymore. Skylar has always been searching for his soul mate, that special person he would share his life and innocence with. When he meets Byron, he instantly feels the bond between them. In Byron's power and forcefulness, he finds an anchor. But even as they attempt to build a life together, there are still many challenges ahead. When Skylar unexpectedly becomes pregnant, Byron will have to learn to deal with fatherhood and protect his new family from an unexpected threat.
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Pixie Who Played With a Sidhe King
Spy or soulmate? When pixie Kieve shows up in the life of Sidhe king Sterling Tomacelli, he comes with a purpose and an agenda of his own. Even aware of his duty and believing his mate to be another, Sterling can’t help but be drawn to the pixie. And then, an attack on Sterling’s home reveals a growing conspiracy, but also the truth of their emotions.
Unfortunately, Sterling’s problems are just beginning. As the conspiracy unfolds, their friends are gradually struck down. Chaos ensues, and Sterling finds himself facing an unexpected threat from his own heart and one from his own past. It will be up to Sterling and Kieve to mend what was broken. But against all odds, against a force so much more powerful than the two of them, can they really succeed? Or are they just pawns to be sacrificed in a game with no rules?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Warlock Who Hungered for a Demon
Disgrace or devotion? Plagued by the choices in his past, warlock Noah Hall cannot allow himself to claim Rhys Whitaker, the man-the incubus-he loves. He sees himself as a killer, having played a significant part in his own father's death. Torn between shame, reason, and desire, Noah lingers in a platonic friendship that hurts them both, but that neither of them is willing to abandon. Rhys has loved and desired Noah since the very moment he met the warlock. He knows that Noah is his other half, but when the other man rejects him, Rhys can do nothing else but respect Noah's wishes. When Noah's dark secret comes out, Rhys is crushed. In the midst of a conflict between races, their fragile relationship threatens to be overcome. Can Noah let go of his doubts and protect his mate? Can Rhys heal Noah's wounds in time to save them both?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Vampire Who Thirsted for a Wolf
Blood slave or bonded? It is a question that has hounded vampire Kaname Yamamoto since he first saw werewolf Derek Wade. In all his years as an elder, he's never experienced such a powerful pull toward anyone. But is their connection just lust, or something more? Derek's duty as an Alpha's son binds him, keeping him from exploring his feelings for Kaname. But he cannot resist his desires, and as he returns into Kaname's embrace, he realizes he doesn't even want to. For the first time in his life, he opens his heart and trusts someone with his innermost vulnerabilities. Even as the two struggle to balance a relationship in a world that still frowns on vampire-shifter cooperation, the tentative alliance between the species is shattered by an unexpected attack. Old wounds are stirred, and Derek's relationship with Kaname is threatened. Can their bond withstand the weight of divided loyalties?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Gazelle Who Caught a Lion
Angel or appetizer? The question never crossed Clark's mind. Growing up, Angel was only his adopted little brother, a sibling he'd have done anything to protect. But twenty years seemed to have passed in the blink of an eye, and now Angel is a beautiful young man, and one Clark's lion feels is his mate. Angel doesn't know when his brotherly affection for Clark turned into more, but he is well aware he can never let Clark know. The mere idea of Clark rejecting him, hating him, terrifies him. But as they begin new lives at the United Paranormal Academy, hiding their love from each other becomes even harder. When Angel is put in charge of an incubus student, the new arrival's flirtation awakens Clark's jealousy. And while Angel and Clark struggle with their emotions, a murder shakes the academy and is pinned on Clark. Can their love prevail?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Seahorse Who Loved the Wrong Lynx
Best friend or beloved? All his life, seahorse Layton believed he loved lynx shifter Corbin. But when his body and heart reach out to Corbin's brother, Preston, instead, he is left in absolute confusion, humiliated and afraid of his own emotions. For years, Preston has known Layton is his mate. The only thing more painful than his mate choosing his brother over him is the knowledge of Layton's pain at Corbin's rejection. But then, his friendship with Layton suddenly becomes more. The knowledge that it could still be a one-time thing hurts more than Layton's platonic affection ever did. When, as a result of their passionate encounter, Layton becomes pregnant, erratic emotions explode. What will happen when the reason behind Layton's confusion is revealed? Can Preston and Layton overcome the threat on their hearts, lives, and families?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Lynx Who Purred for a Sidhe Prince
Ally or admirer? When lynx shifter Corbin Mckenna falls for Sidhe prince Winter Tomacelli, he doesn't expect being forced into a political marriage. What is more important-the happiness of two men in love, or the safety of two peoples? Years ago, Winter lost his parents to an assassination, and he knows that now, the duty to protect the Sidhe falls on his shoulders. Secretly, he is happy when a wedding with Corbin Mckenna is suggested as a solution to improve diplomatic relations between shifters and Sidhe. With one kiss, Corbin is capable of turning his entire body into flame and sweeping him off his feet. But Winter fears what a bond with him will entail for Corbin. He fears losing Corbin, like he lost his parents. To survive, their love will have to fight their duty, and an unexpected outside threat that could kill Winter. What will their future bring?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Half-Breed Who Found His Other Half
Wolf or ram? Incubus or Sidhe? Isaac and Chantay have always faced the prejudice behind these questions. Their lives are continuous battles. But one fateful meeting changes the course of their destinies forever. Isaac Wade has many people who love him. Even so, he knows none of them grasp the pain of being torn between two conflicting natures. He starts to believe that no one ever will, but he is proven wrong when his path crosses that of Chantay Arceneau. For Chantay, meeting Isaac is a surprise, one he doesn't know how to deal with. All his life, he has struggled to suppress his incubus instincts, and the sexual chemistry between him and Isaac threatens to shatter those walls. Just as unexpected circumstances cause Isaac and Chantay to mate, new enemies emerge, threatening their budding relationship. Can love defeat the prejudice and hatred trying to pry the couple apart?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Wolf Who Fought for His Soul Mate
Claim or cower? Tainted by his mother's machinations, Paris Marrow blames himself for her actions and seeks redemption. The only one who believes in him is his mate, Jace Wade. However, Jace is all too aware of Paris's emotional vulnerability and is reluctant to force Paris into a connection he might not be ready for. At the same time, Paris feels unworthy of the other wolf's affection, the mistreatment and loneliness of his childhood overcoming his sense of self-respect. Even as the two wolves bond, their future remains threatened by their past. Paris and Jace embark on a quest to find Paris's mother and her warlock ally. But the warlock's plan is far more sinister than any of them expected. Paris will have to face his own fears, and fight for his soul mate. Can he find the necessary strength? Can Jace's love wipe away the doubts and pain in Paris's soul?
Eli Easton - Unwrapping Hank
Sloane loves a good mystery. He grew up as the son of two psychiatrists, so he finds most people tediously easy to figure out. He finds his way to Pennsylvania State University, longing for a rural experience, and ends up being lured into joining a frat by Micah Springfield, the hippest guy on campus.
Nothing in Sloane’s classes is as intriguing as Hank Springfield, Micah’s brother and fellow frat house member. Hank looks like a tough guy—big muscles, tatts, and a beard—but his eyes are soft and sweet. He acts dumb, but he’s a philosophy major. He’s presumably straight, but then why does Sloane feel such crazy chemistry whenever Hank is around? And why does Hank hate Sloane so much?
When Sloane ends up stuck on campus over Christmas, Micah invites him to spend the holidays at their family farm in Amish country. It’s a chance to experience a true Americana Christmas--and further investigate the mystery that is Hank Springfield. Can Sloane unlock the secrets of this family and unwrap the heart hidden inside the beefcake?
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Swan Who Flew After a Wolf
Mate or mistake? Twenty years back, werewolf Anson lost his first love to another man. Now, he realizes his true mate is actually his ex’s son, swan-shifter Reed. He knows that no one would ever believe his feelings for Reed are real. Wishing to protect Reed from the inevitable fallout, Anson restrains himself from claiming the swan.
Reed is disheartened by his mate’s refusal, his spirit and self-confidence destroyed by his fears. He knows Anson no longer loves Reed’s father, but the rejection hurts him deeply.
Anson’s injury in a previous expedition makes both men realize life is too short for doubts. They surrender to their desires, but Reed’s family doesn’t trust their unexpected bond. And then, a new interfering factor appears, the werewolf’s son, one Anson didn’t even know existed. When the boy’s mother insists Anson is really her mate, can the couple survive the challenges thrown their way?
Kristen Zimmer - The Gravity Between Us
The Gravity Between Us is a daring, romantic, emotional story about friendship, love, and finding the courage to be yourself in a crazy world. New Adult novel: recommended for 17+ due to mature themes and sexual content. "It's like there's gravity between us, like she's the only thing anchoring me to the world, keeping me from floating off into the upper stratosphere and being lost in space. I can't risk losing her." Where does friendship stop and love begin? At just 19, Kendall Bettencourt is Hollywood's hottest young starlet with the world at her feet - but behind the glamour and designer dresses is a girl who longs for normal. Payton Taylor is Kendall's best friend since childhood, and the one person who reminds her of who she really is - her refuge from the craziness of celebrity life. With her career taking off, Kendall moves Payton to LA to help keep her sane. But Payton is hiding a secret that could make everything ten times worse. Because to her, Kendall is more than a best friend - she is the only girl that she has ever loved. Just as they need each other more than ever, they'll have to answer the question of where friendship stops and love begins? And find out whether the feelings they have can survive the mounting pressure of fame...
Jade Archer - Where to Find Harte
When you’re a run-away slave, the very last person you should want to make contact with is a bounty hunter. Pity Harte can’t seem to keep his hands off the man.
Harte is in trouble. Big trouble. And the only hope he and nineteen other cat man slaves have of surviving is to get a message out about what is really going on in the secret medical research facility they’re being held at.
Unfortunately, the next to no chance Harte had when he ran away looks like a completely lost cause now he’s been captured by the infamous Logan McCabe. If only the man didn’t look like a walking wet dream he might be able to work out how to get out of this mess.
Logan has always prided himself on his professionalism and dedication to doing a good job, every time. Falling for a target and reneging on a contract isn’t covered under either. It’s simple, not something Logan has ever considered doing before. Until Harte. Now Logan finds himself putting his heart on the line, regardless of his commitments. A pity the gorgeous man of his dreams doesn’t seem to have any qualms about crossing the line and grinding his misplaced affection into the dust.
Between stubborn bounty hunters who won’t listen, a lab full of homicidal medical personnel, a system rife with abuse and injustice and a rather inconvenient internal time bomb threatening to end his life, Harte really is in a world of trouble. One that might not include the happily ever after he’s been hoping for.
Catherine M. Wilson - The Warrior's Path
When she was a child, the author of When Women Were Warriors happily identified with all the male heroes she read about in stories that began, "Once upon a time, a young man went out to seek his fortune." But she would have been delighted to discover even one story like that with a female protagonist. Since she never did find the story she was looking for all those years ago, she decided to write it.
In Book I of the trilogy, Tamras arrives in Merin's house to begin her apprenticeship as a warrior, but her small stature causes many, including Tamras herself, to doubt that she will ever become a competent swordswoman. To make matters worse, the Lady Merin assigns her the position of companion, little more than a personal servant, to a woman who came to Merin's house, seemingly out of nowhere, the previous winter, and this stranger wants nothing to do with Tamras.
Amber Kell - Finding Farro
When Farro's son is stolen by mutants it takes him to another realm where sexy fae roam and one of them follows him home. Meanwhile, Anthony goes to new extremes to be the perfect mate for his alpha lover.
Rowan Speedwell - Finding Zach
For five years, Zach Tyler, son of one of the worlds richest software moguls, was held hostage, tortured, and abused. When he is rescued at last from the Venezuelan jungle, he is physically and psychologically shattered, but he slowly begins to rebuild the life he should have had before an innocent kiss sent him into hell. His childhood best friend David has lived those years with overwhelming guilt and grief. Every relationship David has tried has fallen apart because of his feelings for a boy he thought dead. When Zach is rescued, David is overjoyed and then crushed when Zach shuts him out. Two years later, David returns home, and he and Zach must come to terms with the rift between them, what they feel for each other, and what their future could hold. But Zach has secrets, and one of them might well destroy their fragile love.
Eli Easton - Puzzle Me This
Luke Schumaker designs computer games, working from his home. Every day he walks his dog in the woods nearby, never suspecting that someone who is completely smitten is watching.
The watcher is Alex Shaw, and he too works from home, designing logic and crossword puzzles. Alex’s options are limited: he’s too shy to approach Luke and his wheelchair won’t let him follow into the woods. His solution? Secret messages for Luke in the crosswords he writes for the local paper.
When Luke decodes them, romance begins, but then they face greater puzzles, like Alex’s interfering sister and what commitment to a man in a wheelchair really takes. And, most puzzling of all, how do you know if love is real?
Marcy Jacks - The Half-Breed Demon
Three men, born with one foot in the mortal world and one in the paranormal, are destined to either become fearsome generals of Hell or powerful and holy knights of Heaven. Dante Moore has been plagued by demons his entire life. Before he can finally succumb to them and commit the ultimate sin, an angel comes down and saves his life, and prevents him from harming others. Jeremy Stewart has been assigned to protect Dante and keep the demons from transforming him, but he never expected that there would be more to the tortured man than was obvious. He slowly finds himself falling in love with him. Their love is short-lived when another powerful demon uses it against them and tortures Jeremy until Dante agrees to be taken into Hell. Jeremy must now rescue his lover before the transformation is complete, and they are forever forced apart onto opposite ends of the battlefield.
Hollis Shiloh - The Keeper
One day after a storm, lonely lighthouse keeper Cole stumbles upon a half-drowned man. The man is a magician, who's forgotten everything, even his name. As the two wait for the supply boat to come and take him away from the island, Cole finds himself falling in love.
He doesn't think the beautiful blond man could ever return his feelings. But everything is not as it appears - including the man's past. And someone might just want him dead.
Scarlet Hyacinth - The Lynx Who Claimed the Sun
Heartthrob or hot wings? For lynx-shifter Garth Mckenna, hummingbird Nicolas is both. Without a doubt, Nicolas couldn't be hotter if he tried. He is Garth's sun, his love, and his unexpected mate. Between such different men, finding a middle ground is never easy. When Garth's two sons reject Nicolas, Garth is torn between his boys and his mate. He does not know what to do and what to believe. Nicolas doesn't remember his past, and he has kept what little he does know a secret from his new friends. Garth brings love to his life, and he is hurt when Garth's sons refuse his affection. However, sometimes, the sun is too scorching even for its children. Nicolas's mysterious past emerges to threaten his loved ones, and it might eclipse all his hopes for the future. It is up to Garth to save them from perpetual darkness.