Historical Romance books

South Carolina lawyer Calvin Amos is confident he can gain Thomas Basinger his freedom on appeal. Thom was convicted of a murder during an armed robbery gone bad. But Basinger’s case proves more difficult than Cal anticipated, and the battle he assumed he’d win turns into a devastating failure. Remorseful over the personal defeat, after Basinger is executed, Cal throws himself out of his office window.

Bizarrely, the fall doesn’t kill him. Even stranger, Thom Basinger rings Cal’s doorbell looking for a job. Both men are drawn to each other. Before long, the two forge a unique, heartfelt connection that transcends the boundaries of life and death.

Calvin Amos always imagined himself in possession of some great love or other. He didn’t know he had to die to find it.

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The realities of war are brutal for any man, but for a Buddhist like Andrew Waters, they’re unthinkable. And reconciling his serene nature with the savagery of World War II isn’t the only challenge Andrew faces. First, he must overcome the deep prejudice his half-Chinese ancestry evokes from his shipmates, a feat he manages by providing them with the best meals any destroyer crew ever had. Then he falls in love with his superior officer, and the two men struggle to satisfy their growing passion within the confines of the military code of conduct. In a distracted moment, he reveals his sexuality to the crew, and his effort to serve his country seems doomed.

When the ship is destroyed, Andrew and the crew are interned in Changi, a notorious Japanese POW camp. In order to save the life of the man he loves, Andrew agrees to become the commandant's whore. He uses his influence with the commandant to help his crew survive the hideous conditions, but will they understand his sacrifice or condemn him as a traitor? 

Third Edition
First edition published by Zumaya Publications, November 2009. Second edition published by Dreamspinner Press, April 2012.

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Sequel to Blood and Rain
Blood: Book Two

Vampire hunter Adrien Gilbert never dreamed he’d fall for his prey or that his love, Nicolas Lambert, would give him the gift of immortality. But when a hunter bent on destroying the truce between vampires and hunters throws the gauntlet at Adrien’s feet, Adrien must travel through time to save Nicolas, and with him, the entire vampire race.

With Nicolas’s marriage to a rival clanswoman only weeks away, Adrien struggles to come to terms with his defeat at the hands of Verel Pelletier, a vampire hunter and an immortal like himself. Adrien and his former teacher, Roland Günter, begin to explore his newly acquired abilities, but without his soul’s sword, Adrien flounders.

Then, on Nicolas’s wedding day, his brother reveals a two-hundred-year-old secret, sending the wedding party into a blazing battle between hunters and vampires. Once again Adrien finds himself facing Pelletier’s superior strength. Just as Adrien believes all hope of a future with Nicolas is lost, he finally learns his true gift—he can turn back time. But time travel comes with a high cost. To save Nicolas, Adrien must become strong enough to use his power without descending into madness.

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Determined to help the war effort, Frankie Norris joins the US Air Force in 1943. Braving intimidating drill sergeants and unending marches, Frankie struggles to hide his secret—he’s queer. But having passed basic training, he’s not going to risk an undesirable discharge or any of his fellow recruits finding out. Then he receives word that he’s been granted a position flying the plane he loves, the P-51 Mustang.

But as Frankie finds his wings in the sky, feelings of isolation may keep him grounded. Slowly making friends among his squadron, Frankie realizes he may not be as alone or as abnormal as he thinks. Other queer men have formed a community in the Armed Forces to offer support. Then Frankie meets his crew chief, Jim Morrow. Initially antagonistic, they slowly become friends and a mutual attraction develops as they join the Eighth Air Force in Britain. Confessing their feelings, snatching what time they can together, and wary of discovery, Frankie and Jim are there for each other through dangerous missions and the loss of friends. It’s a long war with enemies on both sides. All they can hope for is to survive long enough for a chance at something more.

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Sequel to Home is the Sailor
Royal Navy Series: Book Four

Sail away once again with Will Marshall and Davy Archer in this collection of missing moments from their saga. Meet some of the background players from their story as they take center stage in tales of their own. Enjoy a journey through the family album of the Royal Navy series universe in the following stories:

Captain’s Courtship is the tale of Cynthia Lancaster and newly promoted Commander Paul Smith as they face revolution in both the Lancaster household and the colonies, unwilling to let anything stand in the way of their love.

While fleeing an angry mob who takes exception to a despised Aristo courting a French girl, David Archer's cousin Christopher St. John and his fiancee wind up on the HMS Calypso in See Paris and Live.

The relationship between Will Marshall and David Archer has moved beyond friendship into love worth risking death for—even though neither young man has spoken his feelings. But when a storm leaves them Castaway on a deserted island, their fantasy is within reach… if they dare to take the chance.

After the harrowing events in Ransom, David Archer is given the chance to take the test that will promote him to Lieutenant, and secure the first step in his career. But when Will Marshall realizes the vast difference between their social standing in their Voyage to London, he wonders whether there will be room in Davy's life for him, after all.

Finally, enjoy six short Royal Navy stories that show a glimpse of Will and Davy at the holidays—Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's day, shore leave… and a special nit-picking vignette from Charlie Cochrane.

3rd Edition
First Edition published by Linden Bay Romance, 2006. First Edition of Gift Exchange published in Heroes Unwrapped by Linden Bay Romance, 2006. Second Edition published by Cheyenne Publishing/Bristlecone Pine Press, 2012.

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The year is 1934, and disgraced federal agent Nathan Devereaux is escorting convicted felon John Banks to visit his dying mother. Banks is despondent, miserably ill with a heavy cold, and unenthusiastic about traveling by plane. It isn't a responsibility Devereaux wants, but something about the prisoner’s plight resonates with him.

Devereaux charters a plane to Wisconsin, hoping to get there before Banks's mother breathes her last. But a routine journey swiftly turns into a sojourn in hell when a violent winter storm forces the plane miles off course, and Banks’s seemingly bad cold turns out to be diphtheria.

Stranded many miles from the destination, Devereaux must find a way to save Banks's life without compromising the mission. Like Banks, Devereaux has secrets of his own, and the scope and purpose of his mission don't quite square with the stories he tells. Making matters worse, he is the only one standing between Banks and certain death, but even a federal agent can do only so much—especially an agent with blood on his hands.

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Sequel to Winds of Change/Eye of the Storm
Royal Navy Series: Book Three

The Royal Navy meets the Stately English Manor Murder Mystery, and if it were only a matter of Colonel Mustard in the library, things would be so much easier.

After an ambush by the French while on a routine surveillance mission, Will Marshall and David Archer are advised to retreat to the English countryside to avoid Bonaparte's animosity for a time. Upon their arrival, they discover that David's eldest brother has died after a mysterious accident and this puts his other, very unsuitable brother in line for the title. David's suspicions—that the new heir had a hand in his brother’s death—seem so unreasonable that even Will finds it difficult to believe his fears are valid. If Davy thought his lover was hard to convince, his autocratic father, who still sees him as the inept youngest son, won’t even listen to him. Davy and Will are thrust into the role of sleuths, trying to determine the truth behind the mystery.

All the while Will has concerns of his own: his fear of losing Davy is still stronger than his desire to keep Davy beside him on the quarterdeck… but he knows no other life than the Navy.

2nd Edition
First Edition published by Cheyenne Publishing/Bristlecone Pine Press, 2010

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Officer Thomas Webber made a vow of marriage to his wife, a vow to his God to resist temptation, and a vow to uphold the law. But when Tom is forced to shelter a dark-haired stranger from the tornado raging over the county, long suppressed desires are brought to the surface and he is powerless to resist.

Ben Parker has hidden his true nature his whole life. The laws in 1952 are very clear, and to expose himself would mean rotting in jail, shunned or worse, a possible death sentence. Unable to find a job, he turned to crime. Seven years later, he’s still angry and tired of hiding who he really is from the world. After meeting Thomas, Ben can envision himself settling down for the first time. The only problem is, he’s already forced Thomas to break the law and become his alibi. And then there’s the little obstacle of Tom’s wife, family, and commitment to the town of Ramer.

Ben knows what he wants, but in order to get it, Tom will have to turn his back on society and the vows he’s made if they are to find the happiness they deserve.

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Blood: Book One

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When former Indiana farm boy William Henry Rider goes on a bank robbing spree in Benedict Fouts's corner of Depression Era Illinois, it's up to Ben to bring him in. But Rider is no ordinary criminal. Famed for robberies that happen in the blink of an eye, Rider becomes a folk hero who steals from the rich and burns the mortgage papers of poor farmers teetering on the edge of financial ruin.

Intrigued to learn that Fouts has been assigned to his case, Rider approaches him in a darkened movie house with a unique proposition: “We’ll have ourselves a game of Cops and Robbers. I’ll run, and you catch me. The clock starts right now, Ben.”

Ben knows he’s the only one who can stop the Bureau from murdering Rider, but he’s soon struggling with another reason to chase the enigmatic fugitive.

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Sequel to Ransom
Royal Navy Series: Book Two

Winds of Change

Lieutenants William Marshall and David Archer, of His Majesty’s frigate Calypso, have been lovers for more than a year. Because the penalty for discovery is the hangman’s noose, they limit themselves to the occasional night of passion ashore.

But in the Navy, nothing lasts forever. A transfer to a new ship brings with it a bizarre turn of events: their captain orders them to behave as though they are involved in an illicit relationship in order to smoke out a suspected traitor. When their masquerade proves dangerously effective, it threatens to cost Davy his life.

Eye of the Storm

The long war between England and France enters a fragile and temporary truce in the winter of 1802, but the lives of Commander William Marshall and Lieutenant David Archer are more complicated than ever. After almost losing Davy in battle, Will faces the responsibility of command and questions whether he can give orders that will put his love in harm's way once more.

Doubts torment David Archer. Will walked away once, trying to end their relationship for Davy's own safety. His physical wounds have healed, but the loss of trust remains. Now, his biggest challenge is persuading Will their love is worth the risk of loss.

3rd Edition
First Edition of "Winds of Change" published by Linden Bay Romance, 2007. Second of "Winds of Change" Edition published by Cheyenne Publishing/Bristlecone Pine Press, 2009. First Edition of "Eye of the Storm" published by Linden Bay Romance, 2009. Second Edition of "Eye of the Storm" published by Cheyenne Publishing/Bristlecone Pine Press, 2009.

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Professor Diego and his team have made a potentially world-shaking discovery at their archeological site in Central Mexico— two Aztec skeletons lovingly interred. As they begin to examine the remains, the story of an ancient mystery couple begins to unfold.

In pre-Columbian Mexico, a young Aztec warrior called Metzín cannot understand the strange attraction he feels for Tototli, a quiet slave owned by his family. Torn between familial duty and love for his “little bird,” Metzín becomes the target of a sadistic bully, both at school and on the battlefield.

In the present, Diego and his assistant, Gerardo, dare to start a romance amid the conflicting forces of their families, religion, society, and work. With funding for their project in jeopardy, they must balance love with social disapproval and solve the mystery of the intertwined Aztec skeletons.

And for Metzín—as war draws near, he must choose his destiny. Will he prove himself on the field of honor, or stay behind with his love? It is a more dangerous choice than Metzín realizes. Unbeknownst to him, forces beyond his control are gathering. It will be all he can do to survive the coming storm—and hold on to his love.

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After a disappointing trip to a new gay bar, Drew and his long-time love, Kliff, end up in an all-night diner where Drew reminisces about how he 'came out' as a young man. His trip down memory lane takes him past the story of Mike Bailey, his first love, to the time he spent in Dallas in 1967 and the first time he entered a gay bar. His experiences there—far superior to those at the last gay bar he visited—and the young man he met marked his first forays into life as a gay man and his first tentative steps toward an out and proud life.

A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.

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Sequel to Walkabout
Bushrangers: Book Three
A novella from the Dragon-ghosts of Viscaya Universe

New South Wales, Australia, 1876. As captured outlaws, Jim Kelly and Mark Turner face the gallows. Help comes from an unexpected quarter, but their hasty escape goes wrong and now Jim's life hangs by a thread. Mark is driven by desperation to form an alliance with an infamous bushranger who may hold clues to his mysterious past. But as Jim and Mark’s relationship intensifies, it is also tested. Their secret is discovered, tempers fray, and jealousy flares.

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Quando la principessa Lan’xiu, contro la propria volontà, viene consegnata dal fratello come offerta all’harem del generale Hüi Wei, la sua unica domanda è quando il suo segreto sarà scoperto. Non si fa illusioni: quando il generale scoprirà che lei è in realtà un lui, la morte sarà il suo unico futuro, anche se non ha intenzione di arrendersi. Lan’xiu si è vestito da donna per tutta la vita, ma non è fragile. Sa usare una spada come i migliori guerrieri.

Il generale Hüi Wei ha tutto quello che un uomo può desiderare: potere, ricchezza, successo sul campo di battaglia e un harem di concubine. All’inizio guarda Lan’xiu con sospetto, ma si sente stranamente attratto da lei. Quando scopre che la bellissima giovane in realtà è un uomo, la sua prima reazione è quella di estrarre la spada. Piuttosto che sprecare una tale bellezza, decide di godere della sottomissione di Lan’xiu: la principessa accende una passione e un desiderio profondi, che egli non ha mai provato per le altre mogli. Ma gli intrighi di corte, le ambizioni politiche e i dubbi del generale potrebbero essere un ostacolo troppo grande per il loro amore.

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The Liannarrits and Toritalatians have the world locked in constant war as their battles rage with hatred and bloodshed. Daneliarr, a soldier with the 4th Legionnaire of the Liannarrit Empire, barely survived the last clash. Washed ashore, isolated from the rest of his legion, he has no choice but to accept the help of local healer Arkdian. Trained in the way of the sword from an early age, Daneliarr lacks experience with peace. And growing feelings for Arkdian that could get him killed at home have him wrestling with the conflicting ways of the heart, leading Daneliarr into the one battle he’s not prepared to face.

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Twelve-year-old Autumn's world is shattered when her beloved Great-Pop, Tommy Johnson, suffers a stroke that leaves him comatose. With everyone around her resigning themselves to the inevitable, Autumn is the only one not willing to give up. She and Great-Pop have more secret stories to share with each other, after all. More stories about Roy McMillan—the great love of Tommy's life whom he lost fifty years ago.

Autumn struggles to keep Great-Pop on this side of death's door. But how can she compete with the beautiful and mysterious Valley—a place of surreal magic where the sun never fully sets? Especially when there's someone familiar in the Valley who will do everything he can to keep Great-Pop from returning to her.

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Royal Navy Series: Book One

An officer, a gentleman... and a sodomite. The first two earn him honor and respect, the third may cost him his life. David Archer realizes how hopeless his attraction to his fellow midshipman is from the moment a newly-arrived William Marshall challenges a sexually abusive shipmate to a duel – and shoots him dead.

To Marshall, the Navy is his one chance to move beyond his humble beginnings. While others spend shore leave carousing, he curls up with a navigation text. When they and their captain are abducted, Archer and Marshall become pawns in a renegade’s sadistic game. To protect the man he loves, David Archer chooses to face his own demons of past abuse returned in a different form. When Marshall learns of Archer’s sacrifice, he discovers what he feels for Davy runs stronger and deeper than friendship. He's in love, for the first time in his life, and he wants to know all about this new emotion.

But first they must escape. Only then will they find out if they can preserve their love without losing their lives.

3rd Edition
1st Edition (Print and eBook) published by Linden Bay Romance, LLC, 2006 2nd Edition (Print) published by Cheyenne Publishing, 2009 2nd Edition (eBook) published by Bristlecone Pine Press, 2009

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