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
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Add to cartOn Thin Ice: A Novel of Forbidden Love
Carter Brennan is hockey’s next superstar: strong, handsome, and living the all-American dream. But his perfect life is a lie. Haunted by an attraction he can’t name, his world fractures when he locks eyes with his only true rival—Liam Thibault, the brilliant Canadian goalie.
What begins as competitive fury ignites into something else entirely: a secret, desperate connection forged through stolen glances, late-night messages, and a desire that defies every rule of their sport. As Carter falls deeper for Liam, he’s trapped between his love for his girlfriend, the expectations of his family, and a truth that could destroy his legendary future.
When their hidden relationship explodes into a public scandal, the fallout is catastrophic. Careers hang in the balance, hearts are broken, and families are torn apart. Carter must face the ultimate choice: deny his identity to save the life he knows, or embrace a terrifying love and risk losing everything.
On Thin Ice is a raw, powerful, and unforgettable story of forbidden love in the hyper-masculine world of professional hockey. A 39-chapter journey of tragedy, romance, passion, and sportsmanship, this novel delves into the brutal cost of living authentically and the breathtaking strength it takes to love who you are.
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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 cartCrushing on My Father’s Best Friend: A Forbidden MM Romance
Leo’s lifelong crush on his father’s charismatic best friend, Gabriel, ignites into a forbidden passion when he moves to San Francisco. For Gabriel, the attraction he’s fought for years is a betrayal of his deepest friendship, but the pull toward Leo is a force he can no longer resist.
Their secret affair is a sanctuary of intense intimacy, but it’s built on a foundation of lies. When a devastating family secret from the past is revealed—a secret connecting Gabriel, Leo’s father, and Leo’s late mother—their hidden world shatters. The confrontation exiles them from the family they cherish, forcing them to face the brutal cost of their love.
This is a sweeping MM romance about the courage to be honest, the long road to forgiveness, and the fight to build a new family from the broken pieces of the old. “Crushing on My Father’s Best Friend” is a deeply emotional story for anyone who believes that the most powerful love is often the one that is hardest to win.
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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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Add to cartChase “The Titan” Jackson has it all: fame, the heavyweight title, and the world’s adoration. Alexei “The Siberian Bear” Volkov carries the hopes of his family and nation on his powerful shoulders. They are destined to be legendary rivals.
But from their first charged stare-down, an unexpected connection sparks. A secret, passionate affair ignites between the fights, offering a refuge from their manufactured lives. In each other’s arms, the champion and the challenger find a shocking, real intimacy.
Their impossible love is tested when the world demands a brutal rematch. Forced to choose between their duty to the sport and their hearts, they are pushed to the brink. A leaked photo threatens to expose everything, forcing them into a terrible ultimatum: deny each other publicly to save their careers and families, or risk losing everything for a truth no one is ready to hear.
“The Canvas and The Closet” is a sweeping, 39-chapter saga of forbidden love, tragic choices, and raw courage. Set against the glittering, violent world of elite boxing, this novel explores what happens when the toughest fight isn’t in the ring, but for the right to love openly. It’s a story of sacrifice, redemption, and the desperate hope for a dawn after a long, dark night.
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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 cartLiam is the perfect golden boy. Caleb is the all-star baseball captain. Their love is the town’s best-kept secret—and its greatest threat.
In Oak Creek, a town where reputation is everything, Liam Hayes and Caleb Miller have mastered the art of performance. Liam, the school president, uses his charm and a promise of piety to hide his truth. Caleb, the team captain, uses his athletic prowess to mask his own. Their only real moments are stolen—in a secret treehouse, in whispered notes, in the life-saving touch of a hand in the dark.
Bound by a love they dare not speak, they dream of a future far from their suffocating hometown. But when a jealous classmate uncovers their secret, their carefully constructed world implodes. Exposed and facing ultimatums from their horrified families—including being sent to conversion therapy—Liam and Caleb are forced to make an impossible choice.
Do they surrender, allowing their love to be erased by those who claim to care for them? Or do they risk everything—home, safety, and their very future—to run away together and fight for the life they’ve only ever dreamed of?
The Secret Chord is a gripping, heart-wrenching, and ultimately hopeful story of forbidden first love, devastating sacrifice, and the breathtaking courage it takes to choose your own truth. This 54-chapter epic is a testament to the resilience of young love against overwhelming odds.
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Add to cartHow to Come Out with Your Book to an Audience (free after payment options under attachment section )
You’ve written a gay romance, a lesbian love story, or a groundbreaking piece of queer fiction. Now you need a publicist who actually understands your work.
readwithpride.comis the first portal dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ authors with specialized publicists – but using it effectively requires insider knowledge.This 35‑chapter guide walks you through every step: creating a profile that attracts publicists, mining your manuscript for marketing gold, writing targeted pitches that get responses, and negotiating fair rates. You will learn to leverage beta readers, community forums, and live Pitch Parties to get noticed. Real case studies show how romance, memoir, and YA fantasy authors succeeded.
Beyond launch, you will discover how to handle negative reviews, collaborate with BookTokers, manage a crisis, and build a sustainable writing career. The book includes templates, checklists, and a 100‑day action plan.
Whether you write MM romance, WW contemporary, gay historical fiction, or queer thrillers, this guide gives you the tools to come out with your book to an audience that is ready to embrace it. No more generic marketing advice – only strategies tailored for LGBTQ+ authors on the portal that was built for you.
Read with pride. Publish with purpose.
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Single Dads LGBTQ+ Club: Love, Hugs, & Second Chances: Book 1 of the Single Dads Club Romance Series
£3.59Add to cartSingle Dads LGBTQ+ Club: Love, Hugs, & Second Chances
Architect Marcus’s life is orderly, quiet, and lonely. Teacher Leo’s life is chaotic, warm, and on pause. Their worlds collide in the one place designed for them: the Single Dads LGBTQ+ Club.
Marcus, a single father to Lily, is intrigued by Leo’s genuine profile—a fellow dad to Sofia who admits to failing at French braids. What begins with hesitant texts about parenting fails blossoms into a powerful connection over pancakes, pillow forts, and shared fears.
But merging two ready-made families is the ultimate test. They must navigate skeptical exes, blend chaotic schedules, and build trust with each other’s daughters. From designing their dream home together to facing a real-life storm that threatens it, their love is tested at every turn. Supported by a vibrant found family from the Club, they learn that true strength isn’t in going it alone, but in building a “village” strong enough to hold all their dreams.
This is a heartfelt, steamy romance about second chances, blended families, and the beautiful, messy work of building a home and a love that lasts. It’s a story that proves family isn’t just who you’re born to, but who you choose, and that the bravest thing a person can do is open their heart to love again.
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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.
Tentatively, they embark on a second chance. But the past holds painful secrets, and the present brings new challenges: small-town gossip, family rejection, and a health scare that tests their commitment. They must learn to love as the men they are now, not the boys they were then.
The Unspoken Chapter is a deeply emotional MM romance about forgiveness, resilience, and the courage to claim a second chance at love. Follow Alex and Liam’s journey as they prove that some loves are worth the wait, and that the most beautiful future can be built upon the repaired foundations of a broken past.
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!”