The Crimson Compact: A Novel of Espionage and Love
£3.59
Hunted by their own governments, two rival spies must stop a presidential assassination while navigating a forbidden romance that could get them killed.
Alexei Volkov, a cynical FSB operative, and Nikolai Orlov, an idealistic Belarusian KGB analyst, are forced into a partnership to investigate a shadowy threat. They uncover “The Crimson Compact,” a conspiracy by a rogue general to assassinate Putin and Lukashenko. When their own agencies betray them, branding them as traitors, they have only each other to rely on.
Their professional rivalry ignites into a desperate, passionate love as they are hunted from St. Petersburg to the forests of Belarus. Going rogue, they must use Volkov’s lethal skills and Kolya’s brilliant mind to expose the plot. Their hunt leads them to a deadly GRU assassin and a corrupt oligarch, culminating in a heart-stopping race to stop a drone strike at a major military exercise.
Facing an unthinkable choice between their mission and each other, they must trust a paranoid security colonel to help them avert a war. In the aftermath, they are granted a new life, but must learn to live with the ghosts of their past and build a peaceful future from the ashes of their old selves.
“The Crimson Compact” is a gripping espionage thriller filled with political intrigue, high-stakes action, and a deeply emotional MM romance. It’s a story of betrayal, redemption, and the transformative power of love in a world of lies.
Two rival spies. A conspiracy that could start a war. A forbidden love that is their only weapon.
In the grim world of post-Soviet intelligence, Captain Alexei Volkov (callsign: VOLK) is the FSB’s most lethal operative, a wolf in a world of shadows. Captain Nikolai “Kolya” Orlov (callsign: LASTOCHKA) is a brilliant Belarusian KGB analyst, a swallow trapped in a gilded cage of lies. When a botched operation in Moscow gets Volkov’s entire team slaughtered, and a buried financial ledger gets Kolya’s mentor killed, both men become inconvenient loose ends for their respective masters.
Forced into an unwilling partnership, the cynical Russian wolf and the idealistic Belarusian swallow are assigned to a joint, off-the-books task force to investigate a nebulous threat to the Union State. Their first meeting is explosive with mutual distrust. But as they follow a trail of blood and money, they uncover the terrifying outlines of “Operation Thunderstorm,” a plot by a cabal of hardline generals—the “Crimson Compact”—to assassinate Presidents Putin and Lukashenko and seize power by framing NATO.
Branded as traitors and hunted by the very agencies they served, Volkov and Kolya have only each other to rely on. Their professional rivalry soon ignites into a desperate, passionate intimacy, a connection forged in safe houses and firefights. As they are pursued from the canals of St. Petersburg to the forests of Belarus, their bond becomes their greatest strength—and their most dangerous vulnerability. Volkov, the man of action, must learn to trust Kolya’s brilliant mind, while Kolya must find a courage he never knew he possessed to match Volkov’s fierce protectiveness.
Their hunt leads them to Ivan Zaitsev, the oligarch funding the conspiracy, and the deadly GRU ghost operative, Kazan. But when they attempt to expose the plot through official channels, they are betrayed by Volkov’s own superior, Colonel Petrova, in a devastating ambush that leaves them for dead. Officially erased, with their names slandered, they must go rogue, using their combined skills to wage a private war against an enemy with limitless resources.
Their desperate gamble leads them to Colonel Uspensky, the paranoid but loyal head of Lukashenko’s personal security. In a heart-stopping race against time, they must convince him of the truth and infiltrate the Zapad military exercises, where the assassination is set to occur. As the drone streaks towards the presidential viewing stand, Volkov and Kolya are forced to make an unthinkable choice between their duty and their love—a choice that will change the fate of nations and the course of their own souls.
In the aftermath, they are granted new identities and a fragile peace in the West. But the ghosts of their past are not so easily left behind. As Alexei and Kolya Sokolov, they must now build a new life in Rotterdam, learning to trade the language of violence for the geometry of peace. They must confront the anatomy of their own scars and decide if the men they were can ever truly make a home in the world, or if the shadows will forever cling to them.
“The Crimson Compact” is a sweeping, emotional thriller that combines the intricate political machinations of Tom Clancy with the deep, character-driven romance of “Call Me By Your Name.” It is a story about the cost of truth, the price of love, and the redemptive power of choosing a future beyond the ruins of the past. This is a journey from the cold heart of a Kremlin conspiracy to the warm shores of a hard-won freedom, proving that the most powerful compact is not written in crimson, but in the heart.
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3 reviews for The Crimson Compact: A Novel of Espionage and Love
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Add to cartHe was hired to protect a life. He never expected to lose his heart.
Pop superstar Zion Hayes is trapped. A terrifying stalker’s intimate threats have turned his world into a prison. His last hope is Kael Stone, an ex-special forces bodyguard whose icy professionalism is legendary—and whose own heart is sealed off after a past tragedy.
Forced into 24/7 proximity in Zion’s cliffside fortress, their clash is immediate and volatile. Zion is all glittering defiance; Kael is rigid control. But in the quiet, vulnerable hours, they see past the facades: the artist haunted by fear, the warrior burdened by guilt. A spark ignites, then a flame, forging a forbidden love that becomes their secret strength.
As their passion deepens, so does the danger. The stalker, “The Shadow,” strikes closer, leading to a violent confrontation that separates them. Wounded and hunted, Kael must use every skill to end the threat, while Zion must find the courage to face his fears head-on. Their love is no longer just a secret; it’s the motive, the vulnerability, and the only thing worth fighting for.
Guarding Zion is a gripping, emotional gay romance full of suspense, passion, and healing. It’s a story about two broken men who find in each other the safety to be whole—a sanctuary built not just from strength, but from surrendered hearts. This complete novel delivers a thrilling journey and a deeply earned Happily Ever After.
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Add to cartWhen the first of eight brothers comes out to his traditional Brazilian family, it’s a shock. When the second, third, and fourth follow, it’s a pattern. By the time the eighth and youngest son speaks his truth, the Carvalho family is on a completely unexpected journey.
Spanning seven years from 2018 to a pivotal Christmas in 2025, Oito Sóis: A Christmas Reunion is the epic, heartfelt story of parents Jorge and Maria grappling with a reality that shatters their every expectation. As each of their eight sons navigates love, identity, and partnership with men who gradually become part of the family fabric, the Carvalhos must dismantle their old foundations and build something new, stronger, and more beautiful.
This is a novel about the family you’re born into and the family you choose. It’s a celebration of the messy, joyful, and transformative power of love in all its forms. From whispered confessions and tearful embraces to joyous weddings and the arrival of a new generation, follow the Carvalhos as they learn that the greatest love stories aren’t always romances—sometimes, they’re the story of an entire family choosing to love louder, prouders, and without limits.
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Add to cartCursed Captain Gay Piret cannot set foot on land. Cartographer Noel Laurent is fleeing a gilded cage. When Noel charts a passage on Piret’s ship, their fates intertwine in a quest for a mythical island and the Starfall Heart, a gem that can break Piret’s geas. From the magical dangers of a dream-stealing Maelstrom to the ruthless pursuit of rival pirates and a powerful merchant consortium, their journey forges a bond of trust that blossoms into passionate love.
But breaking the curse is just the beginning. Their unique knowledge makes them targets, forcing them to become revolutionaries in a secret war for the soul of the Caribbean. They must build a sanctuary, protect their legacy, and confront a century-old family secret to find the peace they deserve.
This is a sweeping LGBTQ+ fantasy romance—a tale of magic, adventure on the high seas, and the transformative power of love against impossible odds. Perfect for fans of mystical voyages and character-driven stories where love is the greatest magic of all.
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The House of Lights
£3.59Add to cartIn Amsterdam’s Red Light District, behind a crimson door, desire and survival share a bed.
The House of Lights is an exclusive sanctuary where all fantasies are served. For its workers—escorts, dancers, and servers—it’s a gilded cage of strict rules and dangerous performances. For its clients, from the elite to the closeted, it’s a haven for secret desires.
When Leo, a young man fleeing his past, stumbles into this world, he must learn its brutal economics fast. Guided by the pragmatic escort Marco and intimidated by the enigmatic madam Sylvie, Leo is drawn into the orbit of Luna, a dazzling drag queen battling shame from a conservative upbringing. Their fragile existences are upended by a violent police raid, a predatory client testing limits, and the arrival of Maya, a transgender runaway seeking shelter.
This is a story of a “found family” bound by necessity and secrets. It’s a gripping exploration of identity, power, and the cost of belonging. As scandals threaten from outside and rebellion brews within, the inhabitants of the House must decide: is this velvet-walled world a prison or the only refuge they have?
A raw, atmospheric, and emotionally charged novel, “The House of Lights” pulls you into the heart of a hidden Amsterdam, where every night is a performance and survival is the ultimate art.
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Add to cartThe King’s Gambit Accepted: A Tragic and Romantic Gay Chess Love Story
Leo Vassar is America’s golden boy—world chess champion, handsome, successful, and adored. But behind the smile, he is drowning in a secret he has never dared speak. Alexei Volkov is his Russian rival: tall, beautiful, with diamond-sharp eyes and an icy demeanor that hides a similar truth. He is a prisoner of his country’s expectations.
When they meet for the World Championship, their rivalry ignites something neither expects—a forbidden, magnetic attraction that shatters their carefully constructed lives. What begins as stolen glances and secret analysis sessions erupts into a passionate, clandestine affair. But one leaked photograph destroys everything.
Leo loses his sponsors, his reputation, and the woman he loved. Alexei faces something far worse: exile, disownment, and the terrifying wrath of the Russian system. Stripped of their titles and forced into hiding, they must fight not only for their future but for their very survival. As Alexei sinks into a devastating depression, Leo must summon the courage to save the man he loves.
The King’s Gambit Accepted is an epic gay romance of sacrifice, identity, and hard-won hope. Perfect for fans of Call Me By Your Name and The Queen’s Gambit, this MM romance will captivate you with its emotional depth, intense passion, and unforgettable love story.
18+ for adult content.
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The Ashen Queen
£3.59Add to cartA Cinderella story reimagined with fire, passion, and two queens destined to rewrite their world.
Cinderella’s prison isn’t just a manor; it’s the frozen magic of her cruel stepmother, Beatrice. But beneath the ashes smolders a wild, elemental power. When a royal ball calls, Cinderella forges her own magic: a gown of twilight and slippers of moonlight, and walks to the palace on a path made by the loyal earth.
Princess Arianna, sharp and sovereign, seeks an equal, not a suitor. In the defiant, powerful woman who arrives from the night, she finds her queen. Their instant, incendiary connection defies court and convention, sparking a war with the vengeful Beatrice, who poisons the very land to destroy them.
To save the kingdom, Cinderella and Arianna must unite Cinderella’s nurturing fire with Arianna’s commanding will. Their battle is one of symbiotic love against parasitic control, a fight that will crown them as twin rulers of a new era.
“The Ashen Queen” is a complete, epic F/F fantasy romance. It’s a tale of intense passion, magical warfare, and a love so profound it heals a blighted kingdom and seeds its harmony into the stars. This is a “happily ever after” that builds a throne, founds a dynasty, and ultimately becomes the foundational truth of a universe. For fans of sapphic romance, dark fairy tale retellings, and stories where love is the most powerful magic of all.
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Add to cart
He was hired to protect a life. He never expected to lose his heart.
Pop superstar Zion Hayes is trapped. A terrifying stalker’s intimate threats have turned his world into a prison. His last hope is Kael Stone, an ex-special forces bodyguard whose icy professionalism is legendary—and whose own heart is sealed off after a past tragedy.
Forced into 24/7 proximity in Zion’s cliffside fortress, their clash is immediate and volatile. Zion is all glittering defiance; Kael is rigid control. But in the quiet, vulnerable hours, they see past the facades: the artist haunted by fear, the warrior burdened by guilt. A spark ignites, then a flame, forging a forbidden love that becomes their secret strength.
As their passion deepens, so does the danger. The stalker, “The Shadow,” strikes closer, leading to a violent confrontation that separates them. Wounded and hunted, Kael must use every skill to end the threat, while Zion must find the courage to face his fears head-on. Their love is no longer just a secret; it’s the motive, the vulnerability, and the only thing worth fighting for.
Guarding Zion is a gripping, emotional gay romance full of suspense, passion, and healing. It’s a story about two broken men who find in each other the safety to be whole—a sanctuary built not just from strength, but from surrendered hearts. This complete novel delivers a thrilling journey and a deeply earned Happily Ever After.
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Add to cartTwenty years ago, they were a secret. Now, they’re building a forever.
Alex Vance and Liam Hayes were the golden boys of Northwood High—the football captain and the school president. Behind closed doors, they shared a forbidden love: a first kiss full of promise, and a heartbreaking breakup fueled by fear.
Two decades later, a school reunion brings them face-to-face. The successful architect and the driven non-profit president are both single, both scarred by life, and both stunned to find the embers of their first love still burning bright.
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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.
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admin (store manager) –
Name: Michael Thorne
Email: mthorne.reads@gmail.com
Review: (4.5/5 Stars) “The Crimson Compact is a masterful blend of heart-pounding thriller and deeply moving romance. As a longtime fan of espionage fiction, I was immediately drawn in by the authentic and gritty depiction of the Russian and Belarusian intelligence world. The political intrigue is complex and believable, never feeling forced or simplistic. But what truly sets this book apart are the characters. Alexei and Kolya are exquisitely drawn, their evolution from distrustful rivals to partners and then to lovers is paced perfectly, feeling earned and devastatingly real. The intimate scenes are charged with emotion and vulnerability, never gratuitous. The author doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll of their lives, and the final section dealing with their trauma and recovery in Rotterdam was as compelling as the action-packed first half. The ending is profoundly satisfying. This isn’t just a gay romance set against a spy backdrop; it’s a top-tier spy novel where the central relationship is the emotional core that drives the entire plot. Highly recommended for anyone who loves well-written thrillers with soul.”
admin (store manager) –
Name: Sofia Petrova
Email: spetrova.books@outlook.com
Review: (5/5 Stars) “I devoured this book in three days. The emotional depth is staggering. The relationship between Volkov and Kolya is one of the most beautiful and raw I’ve ever read. It’s a story about two broken men finding wholeness in each other, but it’s never saccharine. The backdrop of betrayal and political machinations is relentless, and the constant danger had me on the edge of my seat. The scene at the Zapad exercises, where Volkov has to make an impossible choice, literally took my breath away. The author has a gift for prose that is both lyrical and sharp, making the action sequences visceral and the quiet moments poignant. The supporting characters, like Colonel Uspensky, are equally well-drawn and add layers to the narrative. The way the book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and what it means to be a patriot when your country has betrayed you is thought-provoking. The final chapters, where they build their new life, had me in tears. It’s a perfect ending to a perfect story. A stunning debut.”
admin (store manager) –
Name: David Chen
Email: dchen.literary@yahoo.com
Review: (4/5 Stars) “A fantastic and unique entry into the thriller genre. The premise is brilliant: a classic Cold War-style spy story with a central, passionate MM romance. The world-building is impeccable; you can feel the cold of a Vyborg safe house and the oppressive bureaucracy of the KGB. Alexei’s internal struggle with his identity as a weapon versus a man is powerfully written, and Kolya’s intelligence and quiet strength make him a perfect counterpart. The plot is tight, with several clever twists, though I found the middle section’s pacing slowed slightly during their time in the forest. That minor point aside, the book is a triumph. The action is crisp and believable, and the romance is integral to the plot, not just a subplot. The love scenes are intense and emotional, serving to deepen the characters’ bond. This book proves that diverse stories can not only exist within established genres but can elevate them. I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever this author writes next.”