


Cover Designer Books 1 – 7: Teased by Antonette Cover Designer Book 8: Amai Designs with Teased by Antonette
Teaser Graphics are done through River Designs.
Allesandro I’m Il Padrone, the Master of this Family, and Emilio will learn his place. I’ll bathe in his tears and watch as he humiliates himself. It’s all for my pleasure. I own it all and he’s just another addition to my collection.
Emilio Il Padrone calls me his toy. His property. He says I can earn the right to be higher in his organization if only I submit. If only I change who I am. I may be younger, but he hasn’t seen the likes of me before.
Just how twisted can a tale of vengeance become?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
Book 1 of the Vendetta Series, ends on a cliffhanger.
Trigger Warnings: This is a dark MM Mafia with graphic violence and extreme sexual situations. Please see inside for more information.
*This has been re-edited as of July 2022 but no new content has been added.
Excerpt from Il Padrone:
“Well, Dr. Sorini, you thought going to the FBI would be a good idea?” I grin savagely at the man shaking in front of me. He’s currently tied to a metal chair that’s bolted down to the floor in a concrete room. It’s a favorite room of mine, with all the best tools scattered around and a drain to help with cleanup. He knows there’s no escape from what’s to come. Both of us have adrenaline flowing through our system. The difference is mine comes from excitement versus the terror that must be eating away at him. “Nothing to say?” I ask softly, pulling his salt and pepper hair back brutally, enjoying his scream of pain as I roll my eyes. If he finds that painful, then he’s so fucking weak it’s pathetic. “I’m sorry, Padrone. So sorry. I couldn’t let them take my license away, though. I worked too hard…” the doctor whimpers, and I tighten my grip further. I have to watch my strength and anger before I do too much damage, at least for now. Unlike this piece of shit in front of me, I’ve actually spent time training, making sure I’m in the best form, not soft like him. It’s why I’m Il Padrone—Master of all. “That license for malpractice? I paid you very well. Where’s the money been going?” I step back and grab a pair of pliers, loving how his panicked breath comes in pants. It echoes in the room, and the fear is palpable, coating everything around us. It burns so sweetly in my veins, pleasure rippling through me at his response. “I have a family!” he screeches like I’ll care. Instead, I grab his right hand and start ripping off the nails. I’m only a few nails in before he’s a blubbering mess. I look back at one of my guards, and we share a disgusted look. I have no patience for such frailty. It makes me want to torture him even more. “I’ll ask you again. Where’s all the money I gave you?” I snap, scaring him further. Fucking weak. So fucking weak. “I spent it,” the doctor gasps. I raise my eyebrow, and he responds in a rush. “Drugs. Drugs from The O’Connel family.” I dismiss the guard with one look. He knows to track down why the doctor’s handler wasn’t doing his fucking job. It never should have come to this, but at least we have plenty of policies in place. With a wicked grin, I go back to torturing Dr. Sorini. I rule this city for a reason. Fuck the O’Connels.
Allesandro Loyalty. My life revolves around it. Loyalty to me and to the Family. I demand it and in return, I will protect them. Emilio thinks he has me fooled but he doesn’t. No matter what I have to do, he will be my most loyal boy yet.
Emilio Loyalty. He offers me vengeance but insists I kneel and pledge my loyalty. Do I give in and if I do will I look in the mirror and see a monster staring back at me?
What happens when vengeance and the heart are tied together?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
Book 2 of the Vendetta Series, ends in a cliffhanger. This must be read after Il Padrone, Book 1 of the Vendetta Series. It cannot be read as a standalone.
Trigger Warnings: Contains graphic violence
Allesandro I’ll find a way to crawl out of the prison I’m in and when I do, the man obsessed with righting wrongs will pay for my forced exile.
Emilio While I fixate on needing to know who harmed my master, someone has decided I’m their new favorite obsession. I refuse to run. I refuse to hide. It isn’t love and it can kill just as easily as hate.
How far will vengeance reach before it’s satisfied?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
This is a continuous series. Il Padrone and Vendetta del Cuore must be read prior to this one. Ends on a cliffhanger.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence and extreme sexual situations. This is darker than the previous two books in the series. Please see inside for more warnings.
Allesandro My fury consumes me. Nobody is safe from it. I will bring my Emilio home. I will rebuild my empire. I’ll demolish anyone standing in my way.
Emilio He thinks he has me beat. He thinks he’s in control. If there’s one thing Master taught me, I make my own destiny. I’ll claw my own way out and when I do they’d better prepare. Nobody has ever seen the likes of me.
What happens when vengeance and fury twist together?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
This is a continuous series. The first three books must be read prior to this one.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence, extreme sexual situations, and homophobic scenes. Please see inside for more warnings.
Allesandro I won’t kneel to a traitor. I won’t let my enemies rip my Family apart. If they think they can take my power away, I’ll bring death right to their door.
Emilio Memories seep into me, taunting me, choking me. I feel like I’m crumbling and have no idea how to make it out. Can I keep myself together or will death stalk me too?
What happens when vengeance isn’t enough?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
This is a continuous series. The first four books must be read prior to this one. Ends on a cliffhanger.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence, extreme sexual situations, homophobic scenes, and other material that may be distressing. It is intended for a mature audience of 18+ Please see inside for more warnings.
Allesandro Family. The ties between us are forged in sin and not even temptation can strike against it. I’ve never wanted a partner in this life. I certainly never planned on having one. But with war striking out, can I take a chance on what my heart is telling me?
Emilio Family. I don’t look for what’s coursing in our veins, but what’s splattered on our hands. We share the good and shoulder the bad. There’s a war coming and it’ll be what stains the ground that makes or breaks us. I’ll stand with my master until our time comes, but whose blood will spill this time around?
What happens when vengeance and love come together?
The Vendetta Series also contains MMM and MMM+ scenes. While the series becomes dark romance, it does not begin that way.
This is a continuous series. The first five books must be read prior to this one. This is not the final book of the series.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence and other material that may be distressing. It is intended for a mature audience of 18+ Please see inside for more warnings.
Allesandro Courage. Loyalty. Victory. These are more than words on the Martelli Crest. They’re ingrained in my very soul. The world can tremble and I’ll put my adversaries on their knees over these values. Vengeance is the only option and it will be mine.
Emilio My ties to the rest of the world, the civilized society, have long been severed. My heart beats for one man and my soul belongs to a new Family. I’ll paint this city crimson if I have to make a point. We’ll have our vengeance, if it’s the last thing I do in this life.
What happens when warped ethics meet their match?
This is a continuous series. The first six books must be read prior to this one. This is not the final book of the series.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence and other material that may be distressing. It is intended for a mature audience of 18+ Please see inside for more warnings.
Emilio I may kneel, but I’ll stand as well.
The fight to live and to claim what’s ours will not be left undone. There may not be many rules in this life, but break them and I’ll be an avenging angel on my Master’s arm. This Family is mine, forever.
What happens when vengeance is all that’s left?
This is a continuous series. The first seven books must be read prior to this one. This is the final book of the series.
Trigger warnings: Contains graphic violence and other material that may be distressing. It is intended for a mature audience of 18+ Please see inside for more warnings.
About the Author: Leigh is a dark M/M romance author from Texas who writes villains of varying degrees. She considers coffee a major food group and her family fears broken coffeemakers. She writes in her spare time, forced to the keyboard by characters entirely too vocal in her opinion and often falls victim to plot monkeys. In between creating mayhem with her characters and friends, her hope is to transport readers to fictional places and provide darkness with a twist.
Contact with Leigh: https://linktr.ee/AuthorLeighKenzie
NEW RELEASE and SERIES TOUR
NEW RELEASE
Book Title: Love on Page Six (Entertaining Love, book 2)
Author: Claerie Kavanaugh
Cover Artist: Cath Grace Designs
Release Date: June 26, 2023
Genres: Sapphic Contemporary Romance
Tropes: actor /performer, Celebrity/Socialite/Model, Hollywood, movie set, Friends to Lovers
Themes: Against All Odds, Character w/ Disability, Coming Out, Femme / Femme
Interracial / Multicultural Relationship, Slow Burn
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 60 000 words/ 240 pages
It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links
An actress with a secret, a journalist with a dream, and forbidden love that could change everything.
Blurb
Desperate to save her family’s dying magazine, love is the last thing on 26-year-old Daphne Fernandez’s mind when she agrees to go undercover as a makeup artist to scoop a juicy story on the city’s most popular telenovela star. But a spur-of-the-moment kiss makes it more complicated. A cheating boyfriend might not be Bombshell Bridget’s only secret.
Bridget Blake has only ever wanted one thing in her life: to be herself. But her overbearing momanger insists showing the world who she really is would mean the death of her blossoming career. So when the new makeup artist fights her way under Bridget’s perfectly moisturized, paparazzi-proof skin, it’s everything she can do to keep the façade in place. Until one spontaneous kiss turns her world upside down. With Daphne, Bridget is the brave, fun-loving, take-no-prisoners girl she’s always wanted to be. But embracing her new self may mean leaving behind everything she’s ever worked for. Is love really worth it?
Book two in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series Entertaining Love.
Excerpt
A movement catches my attention as I hesitantly reach for a shimmering eyeshadow palette young woman with black curly hair and gold-rimmed glasses browses the store with ease. Her hands expertly select items from the shelves as she navigates the space in her manual wheelchair.
She looks up a second later, and her brown eyes meet mine with a flicker of recognition. She freezes, pursing her lips before finally rolling towards me with a warm smile.
“Hi there.” Her voice is soft and melodic with a hint of a Hispanic accent.. “Welcome to the Mystic Beauty. I couldn’t help but notice you look a bit lost. Can I help you find something?”
I adopt an affected Southern drawl. The last thing I need is for my stupidity about something as simple as make-up to be splattered all over the tabloids. “I, um, I’m just looking for some makeup…” Well, duh. I mentally facepalm myself. Why else would I be here? I pluck one from a nearby display and hold it up with an exaggerated flourish. “Clearly, I’m a bit lost.”
“Of course!” she replies, wheeling next to me and holding out her free hand. “I’m Daphne.”
“Nice to meet you, Daphne,” I say. “I’m… Sarah.”
“Sarah” is the first name that comes to mind, and I hope it’s generic enough not to invite suspicion. Daphne’s hand is warm and steady as she shakes mine, and I can’t help but be grateful for her genuine kindness.
“Alright, Sarah,” she says, releasing my hand and gesturing toward a display of eyeshadow palettes. “Let’s find you something that suits your style.”
As we navigate the aisles, Daphne explains different products and techniques easily. After a few minutes, I no longer feel like an idiot for asking one too many questions I should definitely already know the answer to after so many years in the film industry. But rather someone just trying to take the time to learn a new trade. The longer we wander through the aisles, the more. I find myself becoming intrigued by this mysterious woman who clearly has a passion for her craft.
“Can I ask about your makeup?” I ask, admiring the delicate lines of gold and silver that frame her brown eyes. “It’s stunning.”
“Thank you,” A blush colors her cheeks and I bite back a smile of my own. She’s cute when she’s flustered. “I’m an aspiring special effects makeup artist. I love playing with different styles and trying new things.”
“Wow,” I exhale softly. “That’s really amazing.” It’s not just her skill that impresses me, but the genuine joy in her expression. Just saying the word seems to light up the room, and I can’t help craving more of it from her. As we continue our conversation, I slowly lower my sunglasses, allowing Daphne to see my green eyes.
“By the way, if you ever need any help or advice in the future, feel free to reach out to me,” She hands me a small business card with her contact information. “You seem like someone who could use a friend.”
I take the card with a grateful smile.
“I may just have to take you up on that.” I wink, and we share a laugh. My heart skips a bit, and my chest as a blush pinkens her cheeks.
“Great!” Daphne smiles warmly as she expertly navigates her wheelchair down the aisles, pointing out more products and explaining their uses. I listen intently, absorbing every word like a sponge. “Primer is important for long-lasting makeup,” she explains, handing me a small tube to examine. “And don’t forget about setting powder!”
“Good to know,” I muse, turning the tub between my fingers. “You know my makeup artist was recently fired,” I confess quietly, glancing around and relieved to find out the store is mostly empty. “It’s been really frustrating trying to find someone new who understands my style.”
Daphne’s features soften with sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that. What kind of look were you going for?”
I hesitate, dipping my head down and running my hands along my arms. “I’m… honestly not sure. I don’t know as much about makeup as I probably should.”
Her eyes light up, and she squeezes my hand. That’s OK. We can figure it out together. I actually have some ideas if you’re interested.”
“Really?” My heart flutters with anticipation. “I would love that.”
As we continue to explore the store, Daphne’s passion and creativity spark my own. I can’t help but feel drawn to her, her talent and kindness shining through with every word. The longer we talk, the more amazed I am that this woman barely knows me has already offered me more understanding and support than most people in my life.
“Thank you, Daphne,” I murmur, briefly taking her hand in mine. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Of course.” As we stand between shelves of sparkling eyeshadows and vibrant lipsticks, I watch Daphne’s deft fingers pluck an iridescent shade from its perch. The glittering powder dusts her fingertips as she swipes it gently across my hand, creating a shimmering arc of color. “This would look amazing on you,” she says, grinning. “It’ll bring out the green in your eyes.”
“Wow, that’s beautiful,” I breathe, captivated by the way the light dances across the tiny flecks of pigment. “Do you really think I could pull it off?”
Daphne smiles bashfully and flicks her hand through the air. I’m sure you could pull anything off.” She laughs, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. The way her eyes crinkle at the corners and her lips curve into a smile… it’s all so enticing.
For the rest of the afternoon, Daphne guides me through the store, picking out different shades and colors for me to try on.
Daphne’s face lights up as we pause by a display of elaborate prosthetics. “I love special effects makeup,” she confesses as she gently fingers one of the masks. “It’s such a powerful way to transform someone and tell a story.”
“Really? Did you study it?”
Daphne nods, but her smile dims. “I did, but finding work has been difficult, especially because of my disability. Some people just can’t see past the wheelchair.”
A pulse of anger flares through me, but I stamp it down. This woman is a stranger. I remind myself. Still, I hate how judgmental people can be. “I’m sorry, Daphne. That’s so unfair.”
“Thank you.” Her brown eyes meet mine and my throat dries up. “But I won’t let it stop me. I know what I’m capable of, and someday, the right opportunity will come along.”
Her determination and resilience never cease to amaze me. Nodding I plant my hands on my hips. “I know it will.” Suddenly, an idea takes root in my mind. A bold, daring idea that could change both our lives. “Daphne,” I begin, my voice wavering with nerves. “I have a proposition for you.”
She tips her head to the side and I grin.
“Would you consider being my personal makeup artist?” The words tumble out before I can second-guess myself. “I know it’s not special effects, but I think together, we could create something amazing.”
The faint scent of lavender fills my nostrils as I watch Daphne’s eyes dart back and forth. Her fingers tap the armrest of her wheelchair, betraying her uncertainty.
“I… I don’t know, Bridget,” she hedges, looking down at her lap. “I’m so honored, but… I can’t I just started down at the warehouse and I can’t just abandon my crew.”
Oh. My heart sinks. “Of course. But if you change your mind…”
“Gracias.” Daphne smiles weakly, the gold rims of her glasses catching the store’s fluorescent lights.
“De nada,” I murmur softly, warmth blossoming in my chest.
“Now, let’s get back to finding the perfect makeup for you, shall we?”
The corners of her mouth lift into a genuine smile, and I watch as her hands deftly select products, her fingers moving with practiced ease despite the tremors that sometimes betray her. Her passion for her craft is evident in every gesture, and it only strengthens my belief that she’s the perfect person for the job.
“Thank you, Daphne, “I say as she bags up all my purchases a few minutes later.
She smiles, and my pulse speeds up again. “You’re welcome, Sarah. I’m just glad I could help.” She folds the last of my purchases into the bag and hands it over to me with a nod.
Daphne’s cheeks flame scarlet as I scrawl my number on her hand. “Here,” I say, trying not to let my embarrassment show. “If you ever change your mind, feel free to call or text any time.”
Her gaze flits between the numbers and me. Finally, she gives a small nod and murmurs her thanks. As I back away, feeling oddly proud of myself for taking such a risk, Daphne watches me go with an intensity that leaves me slightly breathless.
CHECK OUT THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Book Title: Love Among the Stars (Entertaining Love, Book 1)
Author: Claerie Kavanaugh
Publisher: Half Caff Press
Cover Artist: Cath Grace Designs
Release Date: March 19, 2023
Genre: Contemporary F/F Romance
Tropes: Matchmaker, Celebrity
Themes: Coming out
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 40 000 words/ 250 pages
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Hollywood’s best matchmaker may have finally met her match.
Blurb
Genevieve “Eve” Davis is Hollywood’s best, most sought-after matchmaker. Just about everyone in the City of Angels owes her for their happily ever afters. She’s been in the business for ten years and has never made a false move. The only person she hasn’t been able to hit with Cupid’s arrow? Herself.
Then Jemma, Hollywood’s most recent “it” girl, appears on her doorstep. But rather than having an extra bounce in her step, she looks like a dog just crapped all over her brand-new designer boots. The date Eve set up for her was anything but a fairy tale beginning. In fact, it was a downright disaster. The first bad review Eve has ever had. If she can’t fix this, her perfect reputation will be torn to shreds.
Even worse, the deeper she digs for that secret ingredient that will help her find Jemma’s perfect match, the harder she falls.
Book one in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series ENTERTAINING LOVE
Book Title: Love Beneath the Stars: A Matchmaker Wedding Novella
Author: Claerie Kavanaugh
Publisher: Half Caff Press
Cover Artist: Lauren Dombrowski
Release Date: April 26, 2023
Genres: Contemporary F/F Romance
Tropes: Age gap, celebrity, matchmaker, wedding
Themes: Coming out, forgiveness
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 30 000 words
It is a standalone story in the Entertaining Love series.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
They say love conquers all, but what if getting it means losing your family?
Blurb
After years of searching, a job gone wrong finally led Hollywood’s most famous matchmaker Eve to her soulmate in up-and-coming starlet Jemma Mason. For a year, they had pictured their perfect destination Valentine’s Day wedding. But when Jemma’s family arrives from Montana, they quickly learn perfection is hard to come by.
Jemma’s conservative brother has always been distant, but when he meets his sister’s fiancée, who is seven years her senior, he worries she’s moving way too fast and refuses to come to the wedding, let alone keep his promise to walk her down the aisle. Can love really conquer all, or are there some wounds that simply run too deep to be buried?
Eve and Jemma’s Wedding Novella. Sequel to LOVE AMONG THE STARS in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series ENTERTAINING LOVE.
About the Author
Claerie Kavanaugh has spent most of her life telling stories, but she never imagined herself writing romance. In fact, she used to think it should only be reserved for Hallmark movies. It wasn’t until college, when she discovered fanfiction, that she learned what romance was truly about: not just fluffy relationships and happily-ever-afters, but human connection, the desire to push one another to be better, and create hope that somewhere, somehow, everyone has someone.
When she’s not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures, helping other authors polish their works as a freelance editor, and singing while doing so. Broadway musicals are her soul-food, something her mother and sister know well. She constantly blasts the newest soundtrack through the halls of their Missouri home, much to the chagrin of her very sassy and spoiled cat.
Social Media Links
Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up
SERIES TOUR – THE LONE FAMILY by ACE FAWN
SERIES DESCRIPTION
The Lone Family is a dark and gritty M/M mafia romance series featuring the enemies to lovers trope and the forced proximity trope between dangerous men in the criminal underworld.
This steamy trilogy is best read in order.
Genre: Contemporary M/M Dark Romance
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 5 flames
The books are best read in order.
BOOK DETAILS
BOOK 1
He’ll rebel at every chance he gets, even if it means sleeping with the enemy.
Book Title: His Playmate (A dark M/M enemies to lovers mafia romance)
Author and Publisher: Ace Fawn
Cover Artist: The Book Brander
Length: 21 054 words/90 pages
Release Date: February 1, 2023
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity
Themes: Mafia, Gangster, Kidnapping, BDSM, Age Gap
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
One mistake has twisted Diego Montosa’s world into darkness.
He kidnapped Wolf Lone’s only son, and the same thing has now happened to him.
Diego has been taken captive by an irresistible yakuza boss, broken down, and turned into his personal plaything …
Wolf is ruthless, subjecting his new pet to painful punishments and addictive pleasures. But Diego is a vicious young gang leader and will rebel at every chance he gets … even if it means sleeping with the enemy.
Content Warning: This book contains BDSM, spanking, impact play, dubious consent, collaring, restraints, age-gap relationships, kidnapping, and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
BOOK 2
Book Title: His Bodyguard
Author and Publisher: Ace Fawn
Cover Artist: The Book Brander
Length: 21 014 words/89 pages
Release Date: March 1, 2023
Genre: Contemporary M/M Dark Romance
Tropes: Bodyguard Crush, Forced Proximity
Themes: Mafia, Forbidden Love, Age Gap
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
Levi never wanted a bodyguard, but when he has a run-in with the police, his father hires a bodyguard to keep him out of trouble. Nick is handsome and protective, and Levi develops a crush on him. But Levi isn’t allowed to date his bodyguard, let alone sleep with him.
Nick isn’t supposed to be attracted to the boss’s son. They have to keep their relationship professional, and Nick can’t let his feelings get in the way of his duties. But when Levi kisses him, Nick doesn’t want to hold back anymore.
One thing leads to another, and Levi gets Nick into his bed. They must keep their forbidden affair a secret, but that’s not easy to do when Levi has already let Nick into his heart and isn’t willing to let him go … even if they get caught.
BOOK 3
Book Title: His Challenger
Author and Publisher: Ace Fawn
Length: 19 130 words/82 pages
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Found Family
Themes: Mafia, Kidnapping, Age Gap
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
Trained to be a lethal assassin since he was a child, Mathew is assigned one final test from his boss: to kill his brother, Diego. But when Mathew fails the mission and is caught, he is held captive by the enemy for questioning.
All Rex needs to do is make sure Mathew doesn’t escape. But Mathew fights back and proves he is a force to be reckoned with. Rex is consumed by a strong desire to dominate Mathew and to make the enemy his own. Rex must stay in control, but the longer he and Mathew are alone together, the harder it is for Rex to resist the sexy assassin.
Dangerous men, especially killers, are not supposed to love each other. Mathew knows he shouldn’t be attracted to the enemy, but he develops a hunger for his captor that he hasn’t experienced before … and Mathew can’t deny himself any longer.
Trigger Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content, spanking, age-gap relationships, kidnapping, dubious consent, self-harm/attempted suicide, and violence. Reader discretion is advised.
Excerpt for His Playmate
Diego was stopped from leaving Wolf’s bed by a handcuff around his wrist. He had sat leaning against the headrest for the entire day, his body throbbing and his feet aching.
The warmly lit bedroom was large with a connecting bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. It had wide-paned windows that looked out into the darkness. Diego chewed on his lower lip, growing agitated. A cigarette would be nice, especially out on the balcony in the cool night air.
This was some sort of mental torture. Wolf was treating Diego like he was nothing more than a captive. Diego didn’t have much energy left; Wolf was purposely weakening him. Wolf was forcing Diego to be reliant on him. Diego didn’t like being dependent on anyone because it made him powerless. As much as Diego hated to acknowledge it, Wolf had dominated him, and Diego had already submitted.
The door opened, and Wolf walked into the bedroom, a riding crop in hand. Diego couldn’t stop his body from involuntarily tensing, and he narrowed his eyes at the weapon.
“And I thought you had forgotten about me,” Diego said, his tone sarcastic.
“How could I? You’re all I think about,” Wolf said, mocking him.
Diego rolled his eyes. “Get lost.”
Wolf stopped by the bed, never taking his gaze off Diego as he asked, “Did you think about what you’ve done?”
Diego glared at him, but he didn’t say anything. He had tried not to focus on what had happened because losing brought him a great deal of shame. But the memories of what he’d experienced at Wolf’s hands kept filling his mind anyway. Diego had realized that Wolf was always a step ahead of him.
“Diego …”
“Yes, I have,” Diego said bitterly.
“Are you going to strike at me again?” Wolf asked.
“No.”
Wolf looked pleased. “Good. If I’d known the cane would make you submit, I would have used it on you earlier, pet.”
A spike of heat shot through Diego’s body and pooled in his groin. Diego had slept with plenty of men in the past, but no one had taken ownership over him the way that Wolf did. Diego had gotten used to taking care of himself and being independent. The thought of losing his freedom was terrifying. His captor was a threat in more ways than just punishments. “Stop calling me that.”
“You seem to like it,” Wolf said.
There was a small part of Diego that did like it. Because of the way Wolf said it … his voice deep and smooth. The word seemed to roll off of Wolf’s tongue naturally. There was a hint of something in Wolf’s tone when he called Diego his pet, and it wasn’t hate. But it was his enemy saying it to him, and Diego knew that he shouldn’t want to belong to Wolf.
Diego kept eye contact with Wolf, and it was starting to stir up a feeling of vulnerability in him. Here Diego was, naked and chained to a bed, his captor looming over him with a dark smile on his lips and a riding crop in his hand. No one had done this to Diego before, and that unnerved him
About the Author
Ace Fawn writes sometimes dark and always steamy contemporary M/M romance featuring mafia and billionaires.
An avid reader of M/M romance, she loves books about D/s relationships, the enemies-to-lovers trope, and the forced proximity trope, and tends to involve these themes in her own writing.
Author Links
Blog/Website | Newsletter sign-up | BookBub | Goodreads
Fate Harbor Series are stand-alone novels, guaranteed HEA, no cheating. It will enhance the readers enjoyment if they are read in order.
American cycling sensation and heartthrob Clifford Du Frey is riding the wave of success. Brand Du Frey is a multi-million-dollar business, and during the Tour de France, Clifford is mobbed by fans wherever he goes. The superstar must focus on winning the Tour de France and maintaining his fan base.
But Clifford has a secret. He has fallen hard for Gabe O’Reilly – the dreamy art student from San Francisco whom he met on a summer’s day in Paris.
Can Clifford and Gabe’s budding relationship withstand the media storm and other forces arraigned against them? Can the grit and determination that propelled Clifford to the top of his sport help him break out to find true love and happiness?
You will root for Clifford and Gabe as they take you on a steaming hot ride through France and all the way back to their native California.
They have nothing in common. Nothing, but the pain and hurt of past relationships. Conner O’Reilly moves from London to California to lick his wounds and recover after breaking up with an abusive boyfriend. He is determined to find a job and start a new life. The last thing he needs is another romantic entanglement.
But Conner hasn’t bargained on meeting Ewan Driscoll. Wild, tattooed, gorgeous, messed-up Ewan, who has more baggage than a freight train.
Will Conner be sensible and get his life back on track, or will his heart lead him into the wilderness?
A cute doctor in a small town
Tyler: All I ever wanted was to be a good doctor and serve the community I had grown up in. And I wanted a loving husband to share my dream of a house with a picket fence, two children and a dog. Was that so much to ask of life? Why was it so difficult to find that man?
A moody bad boy with an insatiable wanderlust
Rickie: All I ever wanted was the freedom to sail the oceans, taste salt on my lips and feel sea spray on my face. So when Tyler Matthews offers me the chance of a week’s sailing at Nantucket, I agree to go with him. The only snag – we have to convince his snooty friends that we are boyfriends. How difficult can that be? Tyler is a good friend, I know him. Surely we can pull this off.
The only danger I did not foresee was that all my dreams could be derailed if my heart became entangled with the cute doctor who is rooted to the soil like a giant sequoia.
Can love find a way to bridge the ocean-sized chasm between two men who do not appear to be destined for each other? Read the latest book in the Love at Lake Clyde series. A delicious fake boyfriend romance with many unexpected twists and turns.
To celebrate the release of Ruler of the Waves, Aiden is giving away a $25 Amazon Voucher!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57696/?
Aiden Ainslie lives in the Diablo foothills, east of San Francisco. He grew up in various small towns and loves to draw on that small-town feel for his romances: the sense of community but also the petty grievances, intrigue and rivalries. “An author has to draw on personal experience to create authentic stories.” According to Aiden, setting and mood are critical parts of a romantic story, hence he is always taking pictures of romantic settings to be used in future novels. Check them out on his website http://www.aidenainslie.com When Aiden is not writing or listening to audiobooks, he likes to cycle and hike. During those solitary pursuits, he dreams up the characters and plots for his MM Romance novels. He also enjoys zipping around town on his motor scooter, drinking coffee at the local coffee shops, and watching people to get inspiration for his writing.
Connect with Aiden: https://aidenainslie.com/ https://www.facebook.com/aiden.ainslie
★✩★ SERIES TOUR ★✩★
Finding Your Place Series
Coming Home, Running Away & Believing Again
Genre | Tropes: Romance | First love |Secrets | Second chances Friends to lovers | Unexpected twists.
By Rebecca Barber
Hosted by DS Book Promotions
Coming Home – Book 1
Second chance romance | Young adult
AMAZON
Running Away – Book 2
Romance | Friends to lovers
AMAZON
Believing Again – Book 3
Second chance romance | Single parent
AMAZON
Read the series on Kindle Unlimited
Blurb from Book 1:
Zoe Sinclair was a runner.
The moment she finished school she packed up and took off leaving behind everyone who knew and loved her. Including Spencer.
Spencer McLaren thought he had it all.
Zoe was the girl of his dreams and now they were finished with school, their lives could begin. At least that’s what he thought until the moment she packed up and left him behind.
Years passed without a word and Spencer moved on. At least he was trying to. But the moment Zoe unexpectedly arrives back in town, his world is upended once again when the girl he fell in love with turns out to be the woman he needs to save.
Can Zoe and Spencer overcome a lifetime of love and obstacles to finally get their happily ever after or have there been too many secrets left unsaid to give them a chance?
Coming Home is the first book in the Finding Your Place series. It’s a book filled with first love, secrets, second chances and unexpected twists.
About Rebecca Barber:
Rebecca is a clumsy, introverted, bubble bath loving, chocoholic who’d rather read a book than go shopping. And don’t even mention shoe shopping!
Rebecca is a lucky girl – one of four kids to schoolteacher parents. Wife to a football obsessed husband. Aunt to the most crazy/adorable little girls. And sister to two very determined sisters and one easy going brother.
Rebecca lives in Canberra Australia and spends way too many hours a day working the day job.
She is a book whore who can easily (and happily) read a book from start to finish in one sitting and spends her spare time writing.
Follow Rebecca Barber Here:
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SERIES TOUR – BOOK 2 NEW RELEASE
Two Tribes Series by Kristian Parker
The mean streets of Manchester are the scene for a blood thirsty gang war. But with battle lines drawn, three heroes find themselves falling in love at the worst possible time.
The war for supremacy has begun.
BOOK 2 – NEW RELEASE
Book Title: Everything Changes
Author: Kristian Parker
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Trope: Close proximity
Themes: Gangster, action
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 50 578 words
It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
First for Romance | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Blurb
Fear can open doors we never dreamt possible.
Shaun Moseley is in a trap and it’s all his brother, Liam’ s fault.
Living a normal life running a B&B in Blackpool, he finds himself right in the middle of a gang turf war in Manchester. Shaun is an alien in this horrifying new world of drugs, guns and violence.
Shaun rebels against everyone, isolating himself in the process. But a terrifying experience opens his eyes to gang member Enzo Ponti. Shaun may be trapped for the time being, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have a little fun along the way, right?
He dismissed Enzo as just another hired killer but when he scratches the surface, he finds much more there.
But evil gangster, Jonny Wellingham, wants revenge on the gang and has set his sights on Shaun. Can he live long enough to find just how deep Enzo’ s waters are?
Excerpt from Everything Changes
They stood side by side, watching some birds flocking over the reservoir.
“When I was in a yoga retreat in Kathmandu, they had all sorts of gay-coloured birds,” Shaun said. “All we have are shitty brown things.”
He kicked a stone.
“I’ve seen you doing your yoga,” Enzo said. “Did you learn it on your travels? You should come and do some weights with me and Giovanni. It would be far more beneficial than getting yourself into silly poses.”
“Have you been perving over me then?”
Enzo reddened. “It’s not a big house. You can’t help it.”
Shaun regretted his big mouth. Enzo had done something kind for him and he should make an effort not to shoot him down every time he tried to speak. They wandered a little farther down the path.
“It’s weird to think that my whole childhood was spent in that place,” Shaun said, nodding to Manchester in the distance. “Where did you grow up?”
“I grew up in Rome. Well, a little village about an hour out of the city. I was very lucky in a lot of ways, but…”
Shaun glanced at him. He found him difficult to read, but there was definite pain there.
“But what?”
“Being attracted to men was not part of that world. Not until Uncle Z came. He changed everyone’s view.”
Shaun whirled around. “You’re gay?” he asked in astonishment.
Enzo raised an eyebrow. “Is it so surprising? Marco. Uncle Z.”
“Bloody hell,” Shaun said. “My gaydar is way out of sync.”
“Perhaps if you’d spoken to me once in a while, you’d have had a better chance of figuring me out,” Enzo said.
His words weren’t spiteful but simply stating a fact. A fact Shaun couldn’t even begin to deny. Embarrassment burnt over his skin. He had been behaving obstructively since coming to the farm. Now he could see himself through Enzo’s eyes and he didn’t like it. “Have I been such a bitch?” he ventured.
Enzo glanced over at him and winked. Shaun had noticed that Enzo was handsome—it was impossible not to. But he hadn’t taken the time to see his dark brown eyes or the way they crinkled at the sides when he smiled. Whether it was the fact he’d just saved his life or something deeper, Shaun imagined staring into those eyes and losing himself.
“We should get back,” he said. “I need to finish tonight’s dinner. I know my place and I don’t fancy being shouted at by Marco for not doing it.”
“And there he goes,” Enzo muttered. “Back into his shell. You would find this whole experience a damned sight easier if you were a little nicer to those around you. We are not all villains, you know.”
Once again, a flash of rage blew through Shaun’s system. He didn’t want to be schooled in how to be a gangster. Not by anyone, no matter how deep their eyes were.
“Thank you for the advice on how to survive a fucking gang war that I want nothing to do with,” he snapped. “I was terrified today, Enzo. Do you understand what that means? I can’t just toe the line and chuckle while my brother or any of you go out there time and again. If I get to know you, like you, it just adds to my fears. I can’t do it. I won’t.”
He was babbling now, but his mouth couldn’t seem to stop. To his amazement, Enzo came over and wrapped his arms around him. Shaun fitted perfectly, his head nestling in the crook of Enzo’s neck.
Enzo’s strong arms instantly calmed him and the shivers he had been battling since he got in the car simply disappeared.
“I get terrified too,” Enzo said softly.
“How do you stand it?”
“I have no idea. You’re not the only one in the whirlpool, I suppose.”
Shaun looked up just as Enzo stared down at him. Their lips were almost touching, but then reality hit Shaun like a sledgehammer. Having an affair with a gangster had put his brother in the hospital. He had no intention of spinning that particular bottle.
He broke away, trying to ignore the hurt on Enzo’s face. “They’ll be missing us now,” he said, smoothing down his jacket.
START THE SERIES WITH BOOK 1
Book Title: Fool’s Gold
Author: Kristian Parker
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Erin Dameron-Hill
Release Date: March 14, 2023
Genre Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Forbidden love, opposites attract
Themes: Gangster, action
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 52 069 words/233 pages
It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
First for Romance | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Falling in love can be a deadly business.
Blurb
Liam Moseley has been living a lie ever since he joined Manchester’s notorious crime boss Jonny Wellingham ten years ago. Liam is gay, and that could get him killed in the deadly world he has fallen into.
When he meets handsome Italian Marco Ponti, Liam’s whole world is turned on its head. Marco is in town looking for business opportunities for his uncle in Rome, and makes Liam see his life in a brand-new light.
But all is not as it seems, especially when Marco shows Liam the past isn’t always as it appears and the future can change in the blink of an eye. In a dangerous world where each job could be Liam’s last, he finds himself fighting for love as well as survival.
Liam will have to put everything he holds dear on the line to make his dreams come true.
Excerpt from Book 1
“So you’re Manchester born and bred?” Marco asked.
“Can’t you tell by the accent?” Liam replied.
Marco beamed. “I love the Manc accent. It’s so…expressive.”
“That’s the first time I’ve heard it called that before,” Liam said. “I’d rather have an Italian one.”
“You find it sexy?”
Marco’s eyes dared him to answer honestly. Something about this guy gave Liam confidence. No man had ever had this effect on him. “Yeah, I do,” he replied before glancing down.
“Why do you do that?” Marco asked, leaning forward, his elbows on the table.
“Do what?” he asked.
“Break eye contact every time you say something. Are you ashamed?”
Liam shifted uncomfortably. “No, it’s not that.”
“Tell me what it is, then?” Marco asked, his voice soothing and sincere.
“I guess I don’t think I have anything to say worth listening to,” he replied, eventually.
To his astonishment, Marco’s foot connected with his leg. The pressure told him it was absolutely on purpose.
“I respectfully disagree, Liam. I think I’d listen to you. Whatever you had to say.”
He had that burning sensation on his neck again. It had made him so paranoid at school.
“Sorry, I have made you blush,” Marco continued.
“Don’t worry about it. I always bloody blush. They called me Po at school because of it.”
Marco frowned. “What?”
“The red Teletubby?” Liam expected him to burst into that laughter again. Most people did when he confided this, but instead, Marco just shook his head.
“Kids can be so cruel. But who cares? They are in your past.”
“Yeah, they’re probably sweeping up shit in the hospital now. Serves them right.”
This time Marco did seem amused. “Said with true passion. I like it. So, what do you do, Liam?”
Here it came. The inevitable question. He could hardly say he was a lackey for one of the biggest gangsters in the northwest of England, so he reverted to his stock answer. “Oh, you know, bit of this, bit of that. How about you?”
“As I said, my uncle works in shipping. I’m over here seeing if there is any potential to expand to Manchester.”
Liam nodded. “The city is booming. You could do a lot worse.”
“That’s what I thought. I like what I see more and more.”
The look which followed that statement practically oozed with intent. This time, Liam forced himself to meet Marco’s gaze. “I’ve never been to Italy, but maybe I should,” he replied. “Rome seems pretty good from where I’m sitting.”
“Ah, you definitely should,” Marco said, leaning back. “It is beautiful. I’ve been the length and breadth of it with my job. I worked in Venice recently. Bellissima.”
Liam had seen pictures of the water world on television. “Better than the canals in Manchester. They’re just full of shopping trolleys and used condoms.”
Marco laughed again. It was so loud and carefree that Liam had to stop himself from looking around to see if anyone noticed. But he forced himself to relax and ended up giggling along with him. It had been so long since he’d done something like this.
“This is better,” Marco said.
“What is?”
“You are relaxing. You seemed very tense earlier,” Marco said. “I thought perhaps you’d changed your mind about me.”
“Oh, nothing like that,” Liam said hurriedly. “It’s just that I’m not out, you see. I don’t normally do this.”
Marco’s stunning eyes widened. “Who isn’t out these days?”
Shaking his head, Liam took a swig of his drink. “Me,” he said, placing the drink down. “In my line of work, it isn’t the done thing.”
A group of lads banged through the door. Liam frantically scanned each face but didn’t recognise any of them.
“Wow. I can’t imagine being in the closet. At my eighteenth birthday party, I came out. I figured if I had to enter adulthood, people should know what they were dealing with. Although I like to make a statement now and then. It keeps them on their toes.”
The lads were being quite rowdy. Even the barman appeared nervous.
“You’re very brave,” Liam said.
“Not really. My uncle is gay too, so it was a well-beaten path. No one in our family cares as long as you’re healthy and happy.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Marco chuckled, but Liam couldn’t relax. He watched the group of lads out of the corner of his eye. He could spot trouble a mile off, and these lads were desperate for it.
“We’re a long way from perfect, believe me,” Marco said. “But we get by.”
Liam drained his glass. “You want another?”
Marco shook his head. “There are a lot of things I’d like from you, Liam…but another drink is not one of them.”
The change in tempo took Liam by surprise. Heat crept over his face and he didn’t know what to say in return. He had never been any good at the whole game-playing thing. “Just nipping to the loo,” he managed before bolting for the door.
BOOK 3 – COMING SOON – AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Book Title: Don’t Look Back In Anger
Author: Kristian Parker
Release Date: May 30, 2023
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Trope: Second chance love
Themes: Gangster, action
Length: 50 123 words
Heat Rating: 4 flames
It is not a standalone book, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
Available for Pre-Order
Blurb
Revenge is best served cold, yet old embers can burn hot.
Lorenzo de Luca has come back to Manchester with revenge on his mind.
Supposedly killed by evil gangster Jonny Wellingham’s hitmen fifteen years ago, Lorenzo has waited a long time for this. He has to stay focused. And he does…until a past lover comes back into his life.
But old embers can spark a flame and the couple pick up where they left off—but the war has only just begun, and everyone is fair game…and Lorenzo’s distraction gives Jonny the opportunity he needs to strike a deadly blow.
Torn between his burning need for vengeance and the scorching heat of love, which will Lorenzo sacrifice?
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence, murder, organised crime, sex work, and drugs trafficking. There are also instances of homophobia.
About the Author
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.
I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.
Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.
Author Links
Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up
Giveaway
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win
signed paperbacks of each book in the series.
What happens when temporary becomes forever?
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it.
However, when he gets there he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years, Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He’s also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.
Oz banks on the fact that they’re from two very different worlds to stop himself falling for Silas. But what will he do when he realises that these differences are actually part of the pull to one another? Will falling in love be enough to make him stop moving at last and realise that he’s finally home?
From bestselling author, Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about two very different men and one very dilapidated house.
This is the first book in the Finding Home series but it can be read as a standalone.
To celebrate Lily’s new covers, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57653/?
About Lily:
Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.
She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.
Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?
She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – Chocolate Baileys.
Connect with Lily: Facebook | Lily’s Snark Squad Facebook Group Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest Website | Newsletter
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