The Velvet Rides
£3.59
Leo Sterling is London’s most discreet chauffeur, a silent witness to the secrets of the rich and powerful from behind his limousine’s partition. His rule is simple: see everything, acknowledge nothing.
That rule shatters when Alexander “Xan” Thorne, a formidable and intensely private tech billionaire, gets into his car. Their connection is immediate and electric, evolving from charged professional exchanges to a potent, forbidden attraction. Within the private sanctuary of the car and Xan’s lonely penthouse, they find a raw, passionate love that threatens the carefully constructed walls around their lives.
But their hidden world collapses when a tabloid exposes their affair, splashing Leo’s face across the media as a scandalous “distraction.” Overnight, Leo goes from invisible observer to public enemy number one, a liability to Xan’s empire. As the board demands a denial and the press circles, Xan must choose between the empire he built and the man he loves. Leo must decide if he can step out of the shadows and fight for a life in the blinding, brutal light.
The Velvet Rides is a steamy, suspenseful gay romance about love across class divides, the price of authenticity, and the courage it takes to choose your own destination.
Behind the tinted glass, every journey is a secret. But one passenger will change the destination forever.
Leo Sterling is the invisible man. As a discreet chauffeur for London’s elite, he navigates the city’s glittering veins from behind the wheel of his Mercedes S-Class. The partition is his shield, allowing him to observe the raw, unfiltered lives of the wealthy—their clandestine affairs, desperate deals, and hollow performances—all while remaining a ghost. It’s a lucrative life that pays for his own controlled world, but one that demands emotional detachment.
Alexander “Xan” Thorne is a problem that won’t be compartmentalized. A brilliant, reserved tech billionaire, he enters Leo’s car not with performative drama, but with a quiet intensity that pierces Leo’s professional facade. Their first encounters are a dance of charged glances and lowered partitions, where business talk gives way to startling vulnerability. Xan, the master of every room, finds himself confessing his doubts and defeats to the one man paid to listen and forget.
What begins as a professional courtesy spirals into a dangerous, irresistible attraction. In the silent sanctuary of the car and the stark loneliness of Xan’s penthouse, they forge a connection that explodes the boundaries between driver and client, observer and participant. It is a deep, erotic love that feels like the first real thing in either of their meticulously managed lives.
But the world they inhabit has no tolerance for secrets that turn into love stories. When a vicious gossip columnist exposes their affair, Leo is thrust from the shadows into a brutal media spotlight. His name, face, and past are splashed across tabloids, painting him as a gold-digger and a scandal. Overnight, he becomes a liability to the empire Xan has built.
Faced with a boardroom revolt and a public feeding frenzy, Xan must choose: sacrifice the man he loves to save his legacy, or wage war on a system that wants to destroy them both. Leo, meanwhile, must decide if he can survive the glare of a world that only ever saw him as part of the scenery.
The Velvet Rides is a sultry, suspenseful, and deeply romantic novel about the lines we cross for love and the cages we break to be free. Set against the backdrop of exclusive London venues and private limousines, it explores the intoxicating thrill of forbidden desire, the crushing weight of scandal, and the fierce power of choosing your true self over a safe, secret life. This is a story for anyone who has ever wondered what happens when the partition comes down—and there’s no going back.
3 reviews for The Velvet Rides
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
-
Code Name: Sapphire
£3.59Add to cartA reckless MI6 agent. A disciplined CIA operative. A forbidden love that becomes their most dangerous mission.
Jack Taylor (MI6) is chaos in a leather jacket. Mario Rossi (CIA) is control in a tailored suit. Forced to partner to stop a ghost-like trafficker of secrets known as The Broker, their clash is instant and explosive. Professional contempt ignites into a secret, passionate affair—a catastrophic liability in their world of lies.
As The Broker’s schemes turn lethal, targeting one of their own, Jack and Mario must bridge the gap between Jack’s impulsive genius and Mario’s rigid precision to have any hope of success. But when a rival agent from Mario’s past threatens their fragile trust, and The Broker discovers their secret, they are framed as traitors. Hunted by the very agencies they swore to protect, they have only each other.
To survive and expose the truth, they must do the impossible: infiltrate The Broker’s lair. It will take every ounce of their skill, trust, and newfound love to win. But can a relationship born in shadow survive the glaring light of day?
Code Name: Sapphire is a pulse-pounding M/M romantic thriller full of electric tension, steamy encounters, and heart-stopping action. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story about finding your equal in the most unlikely place, and fighting for a future when every rule says you shouldn’t have one.
-
Add to cartRead with Pride. Russian Roulette with Blood, Champagne, and Caviar is a gripping, tragic MM romance set against the treacherous backdrop of Moscow’s political wars. Alexei Volkov, a cynical bisexual strategist, and Kolya Sokolov, an idealistic gay diplomat, begin a forbidden affair that is as dangerous as it is passionate.
Their world of champagne and caviar is shattered when Alexei’s ruthless boss, a rising political star, targets Kolya as a symbol of “degenerate” foreign influence. Thrown into a deadly conspiracy, the two men must risk everything—using state secrets as their weapon—to protect each other and sabotage a hate-filled regime.
This 44-chapter epic is a masterful blend of gay spy romance, political thriller, and profound love story. It’s a tale of high-stakes betrayal, desperate escapes, and the transformative power of a love that refuses to be silenced. From glittering opera houses to frozen safe houses and the vast, lonely Caucasus mountains, this novel asks: what would you sacrifice for one true thing in a world built on lies?
Perfect for readers of emotional MM books and LGBTQ+ thrillers, this is a gay romance novel that delivers intense passion, intelligent plotting, and a heartbreakingly beautiful conclusion. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves complex characters, political intrigue, and love stories that are truly life-or-death.
-
Add to cartRomeo and Julian: A Gay Romance Novel of Sun, Sacrifice, and Second Chances on the Italian Riviera
Romeo escapes his stifling life in Milan for a fresh start in sun-drenched Portofino. There he meets Julian, a free-spirited lifeguard whose joy is as radiant as the sea. Their connection is instant and profound—a whirlwind of intimate moments on hidden nudist beaches, under starlit skies, and within the discreet sanctuary of a men’s sauna.
But their idyllic romance is threatened when Julian’s traditional fishing family forces him to choose between blood and love. Believing he is protecting Romeo, Julian makes a devastating choice, pushing him away with a noble lie that shatters them both.
“Romeo and Julian” is a heart-wrenching story of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the fight for a love that refuses to die. Can their bond survive the ultimate test of faith and family?
This emotional MM romance takes you on a journey from the glamorous parties of the Italian Riviera to the quiet, profound depths of a love reborn. It is a celebration of living authentically, building a chosen family, and finding a happily ever after more beautiful than any dream.
Perfect for fans of gay contemporary romance and lush, setting-rich love stories. If you believe in second chances and love that shines as brightly as the Mediterranean sun, dive into “Romeo and Julian” today. Read with pride.
-
Add to cartThe Bare Truth: An Ocean Drive Affair
Kevin lives free. A handsome 29-year-old nudist photographer in Miami, he believes in radical honesty—in his art, his pansexual love life, and the sun on his skin. His world is his eclectic tribe and their vibrant South Beach block.
Then he meets Mateo: a sophisticated real estate developer from a powerful family. Their instant, passionate connection offers Kevin deep understanding and offers Mateo a taste of a freedom he’s never known.
But their romance is built on a devastating secret. Mateo is the executive tasked with demolishing Kevin’s entire neighborhood to build a luxury high-rise.
When the truth explodes, Kevin is forced to lead a fight to save his home and his friends. Mateo is caught in an agonizing conflict between his duty to his family’s ruthless empire and the man who has awakened his soul.
As a brutal corporate smear campaign targets Kevin’s unconventional lifestyle, and threats escalate against his community, their love is tested in the fiery crucible of public scandal and private betrayal. Kevin must decide if his fearless openness is a strength or a fatal flaw. Mateo must choose between the gilded cage of his inheritance and the terrifying, liberating chance at a real life.
A gripping, sensual novel of love, integrity, and the high cost of living truthfully. Set against the glittering, cutthroat backdrop of Miami Beach, The Bare Truth is a powerful story about fighting for your home, your chosen family, and the courage to love without walls.
-
The Transaction of Self
£2.99Add to cartRead with Pride in this powerful and poignant gay psychological drama. The Transaction of Self is the story of Julian Croft, a wealthy London executive living a perfect, curated life with his wife and family. Yet, beneath the impeccable suit lies a man drowning in silence. Julian harbors a secret desire for men, a need so dangerous he can only address it through a cold, meticulous system of paid encounters across the globe.
From a transactional meeting in New York to a soul-baring conversation in Paris and a transformative connection in London, Julian’s double life is a high-stakes balancing act. But when his wife’s suspicions harden into an ultimatum, the walls between his two worlds crumble. Forced to confront the devastating cost—both financial and emotional—of his decades of deception, Julian must choose: confess the truth and destroy his family, or perpetuate the lie and annihilate himself.
This is an award-winning gay fiction contender, a deep dive into the closet’s corrosive grip. More than an MM romance, it’s a gay literary novel about identity, shame, and the fragile architecture of a life built on lies. Perfect for readers of emotional MM books and LGBTQ+ fiction that explores the raw complexities of being true to oneself in a world that demands conformity. Discover one of the best MM romance-adjacent stories of the year, a heartfelt gay love story that is ultimately about learning to love the person you’ve hidden all along.
-
Add to cartA lost warrior. A fiery artist. A love that built a new world. Read with pride in this epic Male to Male romance.
Zoro, a legendary swordsman adrift in Spain, finds himself captivated by Álex, a passionate Flamenco dancer whose performance is a battle cry of the soul. Álex sees in the stern, beautiful warrior the raw power his new show needs. Their professional partnership sparks an intense attraction, a slow-burn fusion of disciplined strength and untamed emotion.
When a sudden injury breaks Álex’s body and spirit, Zoro’s role transforms from teacher to protector. In a sun-drenched Seville apartment, they navigate vulnerability, care, and a deepening bond that challenges them both. From the explosive joy of the Feria to the quiet rituals of building a home, they must merge their opposing worlds.
Facing ghosts from the past and an uncertain future, Zoro and Álex discover that the greatest challenge isn’t finding a path—it’s forging one together. This is a sweeping, emotional gay romance about healing, creation, and finding your true compass in the heart of another. Perfect for fa
Related products
-
Add to cartNORTH SEA FIRES: A Bisexual Romance Novel
On an isolated oil platform in the treacherous North Sea, two men discover a passion that could heal them—or destroy everything.
Erik Larsen, the platform’s senior mechanic, is a fortress of silence, haunted by a past love lost to fire. Liam Walsh, a brilliant but inexperienced engineer, is all sharp intellect and temporary contract. They should be rivals. But when a storm traps them together, their friction ignites into a secret, scorching affair—stolen moments against roaring machinery, under the Arctic stars.
Their clandestine romance becomes their sanctuary until a catastrophic explosion shatters the platform’s steel walls and their carefully built secrecy. Erik risks everything to save Liam, exposing their hearts to the crew’s judgment and forcing them to confront whether their white-hot connection can survive the harsh light of reality.
From the iron embrace of the Troll C platform to the rocky shores of Norway, Erik and Liam must navigate prejudice, family tensions, and the ghosts of the past. Can a love born in adrenaline and isolation transform into a lasting foundation on solid ground? Or will the pressures of the real world extinguish their North Sea fires?
-
Add to cartA lonely student. A weary farmer. One Christmas that changes everything.
Leo, a broke art student in New York, can’t afford the perfect Christmas tree, but he can’t stop visiting the handsome farmer who sells it. Elias, struggling to keep his family farm alive, is drawn to the sad-eyed young man who admires his trees but never buys.
When the market closes, Elias offers Leo an invitation that will alter both their lives: don’t spend Christmas alone. Come to the farm.
Amidst the snow-blanketed fields and warm firelight of Hawk’s Peak Farm, a tentative friendship blossoms into a deep, emotional, and passionate romance. Leo discovers a sense of home he never knew, while Elias finds in Leo the strength and hope to fight for his legacy.
But after the holiday magic fades, real-world challenges await. Distance, financial strain, and family prejudice test their fledgling relationship. A fierce winter storm will force them to rely on each other, proving that their love must be as strong and resilient as the spruce trees Elias nurtures.
The Spruce and the Student is a heartfelt MM romance about finding love in the most unexpected place, and having the courage to build a future together. It’s a story of miracles, hope, and the enduring power of coming home.
-
Add to cartA Christmas miracle is more than a legend; it’s their only hope.
Liam, a pragmatic London lorry driver, finds himself stranded at a remote Danish Christmas tree farm in a blizzard. Elias, the lonely farmer, is fighting to save his family’s legacy from financial ruin. Thrown together by the storm, the two men form an unlikely bond that quickly deepens into a passionate and tender love.
But the outside world hasn’t forgotten them. A corporate giant is circling the farm, and Liam’s old life is calling him back. To have a future, they must fight for it, relying on their newfound partnership and the support of a tight-knit community. Their only hope lies in a local legend: the Julemand’s Star, a mythical token said to grant a Christmas miracle.
This is a heartfelt MM romance about finding where you belong. Set against the magical backdrop of a Scandinavian Christmas, this 59-chapter novel explores the power of love, hope, and the courage to build a new life. Perfect for fans of forced proximity, emotional journeys, and cozy holiday settings with a guaranteed happy ending.
-
Add to cartJulian Thorne has perfected love—for other people. As the genius behind the exclusive Soulmate Architect agency, he uses algorithms to build flawless relationships. But his own heart is locked away, safe in a fortress of discipline and control.
Leo Vega, a free-spirited florist who believes love is a wild, untamed garden, is the ultimate challenge. A gift consultation throws them together, and their worlds collide. Julian is captivated by Leo’s chaos; Leo is intrigued by the lonely man behind the architect’s cool facade.
Forced together by a magazine feature, their professional clash ignites a spark that threatens to burn down Julian’s carefully ordered life. Caught between his growing feelings and the pressure to protect his empire, Julian’s fear wins, driving Leo away.
To have any hope of a future, Julian must undertake his most radical redesign yet: himself. His grand gesture isn’t a promise, but a proposal—to build something real, together, from the ground up. Can the master of perfect matches let go of the blueprint and design a messy, beautiful, shared life?
A heartfelt, slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance about vulnerability, courage, and finding love where you least expect it.
-
Add to cartEvan Reed, St. Clare University’s 23-year-old president, has it all: looks, charm, and a brilliant future. He effortlessly charms everyone, especially women, whom he gently rejects with a vow of chastity until marriage. But his perfect facade hides a devastating secret: he is deeply in love with his best friend, Liam Walsh, the school’s star baseball captain.
Trapped by the expectations of his devout family and a conservative town, Evan believes he must choose between his heart and his entire world. Liam, who shares Evan’s secret but not his patience, yearns for a truth they can never speak aloud. Their forbidden connection plays out in stolen glances and secret meetings, a love so powerful it threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for—Evan’s presidency, Liam’s athletic career, and their reputations.
From the pressures of a glittering gala to the threat of blackmail, The President’s Secret is a sweeping, emotional saga of sacrifice and resilience. This 55-chapter journey follows two men across five years as they navigate family rejection, public scrutiny, and the agonizing distance between the lives they have and the life they desperately want. It’s a story about the cost of living a lie and the fierce, painful fight to build an authentic life together. A heartfelt, angsty MM romance about finding the courage to choose love, no matter the consequence.
admin (store manager) –
Name: Marcus Thorne (no relation, just a great name!)
Email: marcus.reads@mailbox.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Title: “More Than Just Steam – A Story That Stays With You”
Review:
“I picked this up expecting a well-written, steamy romance, and it absolutely delivers on that front—the chemistry between Leo and Xan is off-the-charts hot and feels earned. But what surprised and utterly captivated me was the depth of the storytelling. The author uses the limousine as a brilliant metaphor for class, observation, and isolation. Leo’s journey from being a ‘ghost’ to becoming a man fighting for his visibility is profoundly moving. The depiction of the media scandal was terrifyingly accurate, not just melodrama. This isn’t just a love story; it’s about the cost of integrity and the terrifying, beautiful risk of being truly seen. The supporting cast, like Elara, is perfectly drawn. I finished it in two sittings and have been thinking about it for days. Highly, highly recommend.”
admin (store manager) –
Name: Sophie Chen
Email: s.chen.books@gmail.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Title: “Atmospheric, Intelligent, and Deeply Romantic”
Review:
“The atmosphere in The Velvet Rides is a character itself. You can feel the chill of the rain on the windows, the plush quiet of the car, the stark loneliness of the penthouse, and then the claustrophobic terror of the safe house. The slow burn between Leo and Xan is masterfully done; every glance through the rearview mirror, every small lowering of the partition, crackles with tension. When they finally come together, it’s explosive and deeply emotional. I appreciated that their relationship faced real, high-stakes consequences from the outside world—it made their eventual stand feel triumphant, not just romantic. Leo’s final decision about his career was the perfect, empowering end to his arc. This is a smart, sexy, and satisfying read for anyone who loves romance with heft and a brilliant sense of place.”
admin (store manager) –
Name: Thomas “Tom” Rigby
Email: tom.rigby@post.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Title: “A Masterclass in Forbidden Romance”
Review:
“As a longtime fan of romance that explores power dynamics and social barriers, The Velvet Rides hit every note perfectly. The driver-client setup is a classic for a reason, but here it feels fresh and urgent. Xan could have been a stereotypical cold billionaire, but his vulnerability and weariness make him irresistible. Leo is a fantastic protagonist—competent, observant, and strong in a quiet way that makes you root for him completely. The erotic scenes are beautifully written, integral to character development, and seriously passionate. What truly elevates the book is the second half, dealing with the scandal. It’s a gripping, nerve-wracking portrayal of modern fame and privacy that adds immense stakes. The ending was perfect and felt true to both characters. This is a top-tier LGBTQ+ romance. More from this author, please!”