"These stories are all darkly beautiful. They won’t be for everyone. But for those who choose to enter these worlds you are in for a treat. I found them each compelling in their own way." - gay list book reviews
FANG: GOTHIKA
Paranormal Romance Guild 2022 - winner (second place) best LGBTQ anthology
This new volume of Gothika features a reunion of the original Gothika authors with novellas by Sue Brown .Eli Easton, Jamie Fessenden, and Kim Fielding.
TRICKLE OF BLOOD by Sue Brown
My vampire clan is dying. Human blood is too tainted to sustain us. On the brink of giving up, the last thing I expect to find is the saviour of my clan, a non-human. He is my mate. I know I must ask the impossible of my mate. If he walks away my clan will die. I don’t know if I’ll be able to let him go if he says no. Do I give him that choice, or his body and blood mine to command?
A DARK HEALING by Eli Easton
The life of a healer is a lonely one. Feared by the local villagers for being both a healer and an albino, Darian lives alone and spends his days picking herbs, making remedies, and talking to his dead teacher. Then one day he finds a mysterious man in the woods who’s been shot through with an arrow. Darian takes the man, Locke, back to his little hut and tends him as best he can.
Locke is a strange creature—at times imperious and at other times nearly feral. But he is stunningly beautiful, and, more importantly, he finds Darian beautiful and unique—like a white unicorn. The two lonely men take comfort in each other’s company, and they bond over the days of Locke’s healing. But when killings begin in the nearby village, Darian must face both the nature of the man he invited into his bed and the villager’s wrath.
THE QUARRY BOY by Jamie Fessenden
A visit from a fearful apparition has marked Josiah Crayne as the next to die. August Walker returns home to confront the ghosts of the past—not only his painful memories of a friend's death, but also his own sexuality.
As August investigates the tragedy that’s befallen the Craynes, it may turn out to be too much for him to bear—especially when he begins to suspect this man marked for death could return his affections.
FARKAS by Kim Fielding
Lee Harker has never fit in anywhere. Not with his immigrant family in rural Nebraska, not on a Navy ship during World War II, and not in Los Angeles as associate in a law firm. But when he’s sent to a remote mansion to complete some paperwork for the reclusive Vincent Farkas, Lee encounters the most unsettling circumstances yet. Caught in a place where things truly do go bump in the night, he must face his fears—and his desires—and acknowledge his true nature.
GOTHIKA: TALES OF LOVE & THE SUPERNATURAL
This volume collects all four of Eli’s Gothika long novellas into one volume. Released Oct 2020. The stories in this volume include:
“Reparation”
On the harsh planet of Kalan, weakness is not tolerated. When young spore farmer Edward suffers an carriage accident that kills his mail-order bride and his factory manager, Edward has little chance of survival, until Knox—an enormous “reconstitute” slave—plucks him from disaster.
Recons are part machine, part human remains from executed Federation prisoners. But Knox is different from other recons. He can read and has flashes of brilliance. With no one else to rely on over the bleak winter, Edward forms an alliance with Knox, and against social taboos, they become friends. Edward struggles against his growing lust for the large humanoid, and while Knox thrives in his new life, memories of his past torment him.
A twist of fate brought Knox and Edward together, but there will be a price to pay in blood when they learn how deeply their lives truly intersect
“The Bird”
Colin Hastings is sent to Jamaica in 1870 to save his father’s sugar cane plantation. If he succeeds, he can marry his fiancée back in London and take his place in proper English society. But Colin finds more than he bargained for on the island. His curiosity about Obeah, the native folk magic, leads him to agree to a dangerous ritual where he is offered his heart’s most secret desire—one he’s kept deeply buried all his life. What happens when a proper English gentleman has his true sensual nature revealed and freed by the Obeah spirits?
“Among the Dead”
Every since his accident, Neil Gaven sees dead people. He’s isolated himself, unable to bear the constant barrage of sadness and grief. But a gentle ghost grabs his attention on the bus one day. He seems to understand, to have some secret to impart. Neil works to interpret the ghost’s clues. They they lead him to Trist, a homeless young man who is also tormented by spirits. Are they two of a kind? Maybe together they can find a way to live among the dead.
“The Black Dog”
Constable Hayden MacLairty is used to life being dull around the tiny hamlet of Laide on the north Scottish coast. They get occasional tourists, “monster hunters” interested in the local legend of the Black Dog, but Hayden thinks that’s only a myth. A rash of sheep killings, a murdered hiker, huge footprints, and sightings of the Black Dog force Hayden to rethink the matter. With the help of Simon Corto, a writer from New York doing research for a book about the Black Dog, Hayden tries to figure out why the enormous hound is reappearing. Hayden finds himself strongly attracted to another person for the first time in his life. But between the danger stalking the hills, Simon’s inevitable return to New York, and Hayden’s mother’s illness, true love may be more of a phantom than the Black Dog.
EBOOK:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads
READ CHAPTER 1 of each NOVELLA:
Reparation - Chapter 1
The Black Dog - Chapter 1
The Bird - Chapter 1
Among the Dead - Chapter 1
What people are saying about this book:
“What an incredible story! [Reparation] I loved every minute of it, Eli. Knox and Edward are amazing characters and their love story is sublime. A true tale of heartache and redemption.” - Rainbow Reviews
"THIS WAS BLOODY BRILLIANT! I’m speechless; I loved it so much. " - San’s review on Goodreads
“I really think Eli Easton is the master of the short story. I’m so glad Eli decided to re-release these stories, they are so cool and different from anything I’ve read in the MM romance genre.” - Meghan’s reivew on Goodreads
“I loved all of the stories in this collection. The characters drew me in and kept me reading, and I loved the twist in the stories. Some I saw coming, but others left me thinking ‘wow.’ They’re all well worth the read.” - Drops of Ink blog review
“I really loved Hayden and Simon story and the legend that revolves around this story. The mystery and action is breathtakingly intense.” - Bianca’s review on Goodreads
“I highly recommend this to anyone who wants some 'not too scary' short reads for Halloween or, if you just enjoy Eli Easton stories and like dark romances. Whatever your reason you won't go wrong buying this book, but even if you've never read Eli before and enjoy the sound of these stories it will be worth the price.” - Bonkers About Books blog
Below you can see the original Gothika volumes, now out of print.
To be honest, my first reaction was to check him out. He was handsome—dark-haired and slender, with an intelligent, soulful-looking face. Besides the bowler hat, he wore a three-piece tweed suit, looking very genteel for the bus and a bit old-fashioned. It took a second glance to realize he was also, unfortunately, not alive. - from "Among the Dead"
spirit (gothika #4)
Seeing dead people. Haunting and being haunted. Ghosts and those trying to deal with them add a supernatural flair to these four tales of romance.
Among The Dead by Eli Easton
In Among the Dead, Neil Gaven sees dead people. A gentle ghost guides him to Trist, who needs his help. But Trist is tormented by spirits, so maybe together they can find a way to live among the dead.
Dei Ex Machina by Kim FIelding
Dei Ex Machina is the story of Sabbio, a Roman slave who was killed 1700 years ago. He’s been alone until he meets landscaper Mason. But because they're separated by centuries, it will take a miracle to make love work.
The Mill by Jamie Fessenden
The Mill brings a supernatural challenge to Frank Carter and his team of paranormal investigators. The owner’s personal psychic, Toby Reese, is supposed to help. Frank doesn't have much respect for psychics, but when the dangers of the old mill threaten his team, he realizes he and Toby will have to work together to survive.
Unfinished Business by B.G. Thomas
Mike Ellsworth finds himself suddenly deceased. Now he’s a ghost with lots left undone in Unfinished Business. He's never been able to be honest with his wife. He's never been able to tell the man he loves how he feels. He's barely been able to admit he's gay. If only there were a way he could make up for all he’s failed to do….
EBOOK & Paperback:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Dreamspinner
READ CHAPTER 1:
Among the Dead - Chapter 1
EXTRA STUFF:
What people are saying about this book:
"Among the Dead by Eli Easton absolutely bent my noodle. I’m a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan and well…" - Joyfully Jay blog
“This book was worth every penny. Each story captured my imagination and intrigued me and left me with something to ponder. Great job from four terrific authors in the m/m field.” - Amazon reviewer
“The Black Dog was seen here, they say. In 1940 by a boatload of smugglers.”
“Was it now?” Hayden wasn’t all that interested, but he’d pretend to be if that’s what it took to get Simon’s book written.
“Yes. Picture a small boat paddling in to shore from a ship anchored out there. There were five men aboard, all of them hardened smugglers. And they look up and see this huge hound standing atop these rocks, silhouetted against the sunrise. It was growling and slavering at them. It was so menacing, so terrifying, they turned that boat around and sailed on up the coastline for half a day before they dared land.” - from "The Black Dog"
claw (gothika #3)
Beasts lurk in the shadows of wild and forgotten places and in the hearts and souls of men. They are the stuff of dreams and nightmares, but are they feral and savage, or just misunderstood? Creatures of myth and legend stalk these tales of dark desire and animal passions. Three men come face-to-face with such creatures and find they are much more than they seem. While there is danger, there might be unexpected benefits as well, if they can accept the impossible and dare to venture into the primordial regions where nature and the beasts still reign. Three acclaimed authors of gay romance explore the boundaries between man and beast and the place where their worlds overlap.
The Black Dog by Eli Easton
Constable Hayden MacLairty is used to life being dull around the tiny hamlet of Laide on the north Scottish coast. They get occasional tourists, “monster hunters” interested in the local legend of the Black Dog, but Hayden thinks that’s only a myth. A rash of sheep killings, a murdered hiker, huge footprints, and sightings of the Black Dog force Hayden to rethink the matter. With the help of Simon Corto, a writer from New York doing research for a book about the Black Dog, Hayden tries to figure out why the enormous hound is reappearing. Hayden finds himself strongly attracted to another person for the first time in his life. But between the danger stalking the hills, Simon’s inevitable return to New York, and Hayden’s mother’s illness, true love may be more of a phantom than the Black Dog.
Isolation by Jamie Fessenden
When Sean’s marriage breaks up, he returns to his hometown, hoping to find the childhood friend who meant everything to him in his teens. He finds Jack living in a cabin, surrounded by the forest he always loved, and the two begin to tentatively repair their damaged relationship. But a large animal has been seen prowling around the edge of town, and soon Sean comes face-to-face with the beast. Jack insists the creature isn't dangerous—it's been coming around the cabin for years. It isn't long, however, before Sean discovers a far more disturbing connection between his friend and the beast.
Transformation by Kim Fielding
After being caught in bed with another male student in 1886, Orris Spencer is declared an abomination by his wealthy father. Orris is promptly banished from their Fifth Avenue mansion and sent across the continent to Oregon. Now Orris must try to find a place for himself on his brother’s farm and figure out how to deal with life as a pioneer. When he’s called on to help protect the livestock from a predator, he’s not at all certain he’s up to the task. Then he meets Henry Bonn, a strange and intriguing man who lives in a cabin in the hills. Orris’s attraction to Henry may not be an abomination—but it may prove a greater danger than banishment.
EBOOK & Paperback:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Dreamspinner
READ CHAPTER 1:
The Black Dog - Chapter 1
EXTRA STUFF:
My desktop post with the images that inspired this story
What people are saying about this book:
"...this one had me guessing until the reveal at the end. This story also has the most romantic setting (hello, Scotland!), best slow burn, and strongest epilogue.” - My Fiction Nook
"I was completely blown away by this story.” - Love Bytes Reviews
“...the relationship between the two MCs never feels rushed or forced and the mystery concerning the Black Dog had plenty of twists and a great surprise." - Prism Book Alliance
I wanted love, and lust, and passion, tangled bodies and sweaty sheets, at least once in my lifetime. Sometimes my very clothes seemed to choke me, as if the binding threads of civilization strangled the man in me, the flesh-and-blood man…I wanted to let myself feel it all, to touch and be touched. I wanted to breathe. - from "The Bird"
bones (gothika #2)
Vodou. Obeah. Santeria. These religions seem mysterious and dark to the uninitiated, but the truth is often very different. Still, while they hold the potential for great power, they can be dangerous to those who don’t take appropriate precautions. Interfering with the spirits is best left to those who know what they’re doing, for when the proper respect isn’t shown, trouble can follow. In these four novellas, steamy nights of possession and exotic ritual will trigger forbidden passion and love. You cannot hide your desires from the loa, or from the maddening spell of the drums. Four acclaimed m/m authors imagine homoerotic love under the spell of Voodoo.
The Bird by Eli Easton
Colin Hastings is sent to Jamaica in 1870 to save his father’s sugar cane plantation. If he succeeds, he can marry his fiancée back in London and take his place in proper English society. But Colin finds more than he bargained for on the island. His curiosity about Obeah, the native folk magic, leads him to agree to a dangerous ritual where he is offered his heart’s most secret desire—one he’s kept deeply buried all his life. What happens when a proper English gentleman has his true sensual nature revealed and freed by the Obeah spirits?
The Book of St. Cyprian by Jamie Fessenden
"When Alejandro Valera finds a book of black magic in New Orleans, he ships it to his friend Matthew in New Hampshire so he can read it when he gets home. Unfortunately, Matthew’s dog, Spartacus, gets to the package first, and Alejandro returns to find Matthew locked out of his apartment by the suddenly vicious pit bull. The boys call on all the magic they know to free Spartacus from the evil spirit, but they might need to accept that they’re in over their heads."
Uninvited by B.G. Thomas
When a hot tip leads Kansas City reporter Taylor Dunton to a series of grisly murders, his investigation points to Myles Parry and his vodou shop. Myles wants nothing more than to practice his religion in peace, and he hopes Taylor can help him show the community they have nothing to fear. The problem is all the clues point to Myles as the suspect and only Taylor can help him prove his innocence. However, this case has also caught the attention of the vodou spirits of the Lwa... and they've taken an interest in Taylor as well.
The Dance by Kim Fielding
After being surrounded by deaths and near-deaths, introverted chemist Bram Tillman wishes he could undo the past year. Then beautiful Daniel Royer shows up with a warning about more danger ahead—and a promise to use vodou to help Bram discover what’s trying to kill him. But while Bram’s attraction to Daniel grows, vodou spirits change Bram in unexpected ways.
EBOOK & Paperback:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Dreamspinner
READ CHAPTER 1:
The Bird - Chapter 1
EXTRA STUFF:
Eli's Desktop post with visual inspiration for the story
Eli visits RJ Scott's blog to talk about "Bones"
What people are saying about this book:
"Lyrical, unsettling, provocative, passionate, with a brilliant, slightly ambiguous epilogue, The Bird is about the guilt and shame we bury within us, and about the letting go.” - My Fiction Nook
"The writing is very dark and evocative and quite unlike the previous books/stories I’ve read by Eli Easton. She always produces an amazing story and this is no different." - The Kimi-Chan Experience
"This story was definitely my favourite of the collection. I never wished so hard to see a chicken live in my life!" - The Book Pushers
The mist swirled above him, the curls made lavender by the light reflecting up from the rocks. The eddies grew like waves dashing against the cliffs as something parted them—and then he appeared, huge and looming, his shoulders massive, his face lost as he was backlit against the sky. - from "Reparation"
stitch (gothika #1)
When a certain kind of man is needed, why not make him to order? Such things can be done, but take care: Much can go wrong—but then, sometimes it can go wonderfully right. Imagine...
Reparation by Eli Easton
Reparation unfolds on the harsh planet of Kalan, where weakness cannot be tolerated. When Edward needs help, his life becomes entwined with exceptional cyborg slave, Knox. But when Knox remembers things he shouldn’t know, the two may pay a blood price for their taboo alliance.
The Golem of Mala Lubovnya by Kim Fielding
In The Golem of Mala Lubovnya, a seventeenth century rabbi creates a man of clay to protect the Jews, and the golem lives a life his maker never imagined, gaining a name—Emet—and the love of a good man, Jakob Abramov. But their love may not survive when Emet must fulfill his violent purpose.
Watchwords by Jamie Fessenden
In Watchworks, Luke Prescott lives as a gentleman in a London that never was. His unique needs bring him to famed watchmaker Harland Wallace. Romance might blossom for them if Harland can come to terms with loving a man and keeping him safe.
Made for Aaron by Sue Brown
In Made for Aaron, a young man in an asylum for being gay met the love of his life, Damon Fox. Twenty years later, Aaron thinks his life is over when Damon dies and then disappears from the hospital. Aaron is determined to find the truth, but secrets hide the unthinkable.
EBOOK & Paperback:
Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Dreamspinner
AWARDS:
#4 Best LGBT Collection /Anthology - Rainbow Awards 2014
#4 Best Cover - Rainbow Awards 2014
READ CHAPTER 1:
Reparation - Chapter 1
EXTRA STUFF:
Eli's Desktop post with visual inspiration for the story
What people are saying about this book:
"I have a feeling that at the end of the year – with hundreds of books read and thousands of characters met – this will still be one of my favourites of 2014." - Bachelors and Bombshells
"The sheer diversity of these stories made for a delightful read. I really enjoyed it, and can absolutely recommend Stitch." - Joyfully Jay
"A totally unique and moodily atmospheric tale of friends to lovers that was sad, hopeful and sexy all at the same time and I loved it."- Boy Meets Boy Reviews
"I'm a true fan of science fiction and of Eli Easton, so I was not surprised, in the least, that she delivered such an incredible addition to this anthology." - Rainbow Book Reviews