Read by Candlelight Series by Gillian St. Kevern

Pip Leighton is in a fix. His sister’s marriage hinges on him staving off the family’s impending financial ruin by taking the job of secretary to Lord Cross, a reclusive man with a temper befitting his name. Developing a passion for his employer was not on the cards. Neither was getting caught up in the deep mystery surrounding Foxwood Court and its resident ghost, but Pip has never been one to shirk a duty... morePip Leighton is in a fix. His sister’s marriage hinges on him staving off the family’s impending financial ruin by taking the job of secretary to Lord Cross, a reclusive man with a temper befitting his name. Developing a passion for his employer was not on the cards. Neither was getting caught up in the deep mystery surrounding Foxwood Court and its resident ghost, but Pip has never been one to shirk a duty.As Pip delves deeper into the past, he discovers that his only hope for a future with Cross may depend on a man long dead—a man with a curious resemblance to himself. Written for lovers of gothic romance and ghost stories, The Ghost and the Secretary is the first in a series of gay romance novellas. less

Stephen Mereweather, a young invalid, doubts that gloomy Brackenwell Hall can cure him. What chance does country air, no matter how fresh, have against a disease that has baffled the greatest medical mind in London—his own father? Resigned to a long recovery, Stephen encounters instead a cheeky trespasser who takes Stephen’s bad mood as an invitation to be even more obnoxiously cheerful. It’s enough to make anyone reach for the nearest bottle of laudanum.. moreStephen Mereweather, a young invalid, doubts that gloomy Brackenwell Hall can cure him. What chance does country air, no matter how fresh, have against a disease that has baffled the greatest medical mind in London—his own father? Resigned to a long recovery, Stephen encounters instead a cheeky trespasser who takes Stephen’s bad mood as an invitation to be even more obnoxiously cheerful. It’s enough to make anyone reach for the nearest bottle of laudanum...   But Charlie’s inflated self-regard is not the only inexplicable occurrence at Brackenwell. Stephen’s family is plagued by a series of disappearances and deaths. If Stephen wants to avoid a premature death, he’ll need Charlie’s help... But Charlie may prove an even bigger mystery. less

When the full moon is a black-tie event. Felix Wood, valet, is determined to halt his employer’s downward spiral. Just because the man is a vicious beast three nights a month doesn’t mean he can’t be an impeccably dressed gentleman the rest of the month. Felix’s commitment to duty convinces Westaway, a man of more wealth than sense, that Felix is the valet he—and his large wardrobe—deserve... moreWhen the full moon is a black-tie event. Felix Wood, valet, is determined to halt his employer’s downward spiral. Just because the man is a vicious beast three nights a month doesn’t mean he can’t be an impeccably dressed gentleman the rest of the month. Felix’s commitment to duty convinces Westaway, a man of more wealth than sense, that Felix is the valet he—and his large wardrobe—deserve. There’s just one problem: Felix already has a gentleman, and his presence is the only thing between Robin and self-destruction. When a werewolf and his keeper are brutally murdered, Westaway and Felix must work together to prevent the Society of Lycanthropes and their Keepers being ripped apart. But even as he risks his life to save Robin, Felix finds himself drawn closer to Westaway, in an attraction that could destroy everything he values. A Gothic Paranormal Romance. less

Wiremu’s not come halfway across the world to be stopped by a ghost.Summoned from New Zealand by his tyrannical grandfather, Wiremu arrives at isolated Scarhill House to discover scheming relatives, hostile servants, and a secretary on the verge of a nervous collapse. Little wonder: the house is inhabited by a poltergeist with an apparent grudge against Wiremu’s family.The poltergeist isn’t the only ghost in Scarhill House. Wiremu shares his bedroom with an invisible presence... moreWiremu’s not come halfway across the world to be stopped by a ghost.Summoned from New Zealand by his tyrannical grandfather, Wiremu arrives at isolated Scarhill House to discover scheming relatives, hostile servants, and a secretary on the verge of a nervous collapse. Little wonder: the house is inhabited by a poltergeist with an apparent grudge against Wiremu’s family.The poltergeist isn’t the only ghost in Scarhill House. Wiremu shares his bedroom with an invisible presence. As the ghost grows increasingly familiar, Wiremu enlists the reluctant secretary Patrick’s help to uncover the secrets of Scarhill House. Can Wiremu and Patrick lay these ghosts to rest? Or will they be haunted for the rest of their lives by Scarhill’s ghosts? less

Does a vampire ever really die?Actresses Hester Wilson and Kitty O’Hara have taken some strange gigs in their careers, but their latest is something else. The aptly named Lord Cross has hired them to investigate the disappearance of Leighton, his secretary. Kitty’s convinced this opportunity will secure their fortunes. Hester’s not sure. The more she hears about Leighton, the more skeptical she becomes. It’s the 1870s, after all... moreDoes a vampire ever really die?Actresses Hester Wilson and Kitty O’Hara have taken some strange gigs in their careers, but their latest is something else. The aptly named Lord Cross has hired them to investigate the disappearance of Leighton, his secretary. Kitty’s convinced this opportunity will secure their fortunes. Hester’s not sure. The more she hears about Leighton, the more skeptical she becomes. It’s the 1870s, after all. Who in their right mind believes in vampires, let alone voluntarily hunts them?Countess Kohary, Vanda de Szigethy, is beautiful, charming, secretive—and cursed. Wherever she goes, sickness and dead bodies follow. Cross believes she has a hand in Leighton’s disappearance, but when Hester takes a position in Vanda’s household, she discovers a woman fighting the cruel legacy of her late husband. Vanda’s desperate struggle wins Hester’s admiration, even as her strange beauty casts an almost hypnotic spell. Is Vanda victim or vampire? Can Hester discover the truth in time to save Leighton? And what will it take to end the vampire’s legacy for good? less

How far will an artist go for his muse? Frustrated artist Francis Dawson has come to the remote Scottish fishing village of Armadale to reconnect with his battered muse. But he gets more than he bargained for when he's struck down by a condition fatal to art: love. Leith’s moods shift with the sea. Silent on his past, his present, in fact, on pretty much every subject, he nonetheless provides the inspiration Francis has been lacking... moreHow far will an artist go for his muse? Frustrated artist Francis Dawson has come to the remote Scottish fishing village of Armadale to reconnect with his battered muse. But he gets more than he bargained for when he's struck down by a condition fatal to art: love. Leith’s moods shift with the sea. Silent on his past, his present, in fact, on pretty much every subject, he nonetheless provides the inspiration Francis has been lacking. But even as his art takes flight, Francis finds himself mired in doubt. Are his feelings returned, or do Leith’s actions conceal a deadly secret? When a fisherman drowns in perfectly fine conditions, Francis is drawn into a conflict knottier than a fishing net. But will solving this tangle free Leith—or end Francis’s painting career? less

Is Patrick’s faith his salvation—or his doom?Patrick and Wiremu’s travels through Italy are not going to plan. Brain fever strikes Wiremu, forcing them to take refuge in a small Italian village. The locals are struck by Patrick’s resemblance to Sienna, a woman who died many years ago, letting them stay despite their better judgement. But as Wiremu’s condition worsens, trapping them in the village, Patrick realises their refuge is a deadly prison... moreIs Patrick’s faith his salvation—or his doom?Patrick and Wiremu’s travels through Italy are not going to plan. Brain fever strikes Wiremu, forcing them to take refuge in a small Italian village. The locals are struck by Patrick’s resemblance to Sienna, a woman who died many years ago, letting them stay despite their better judgement. But as Wiremu’s condition worsens, trapping them in the village, Patrick realises their refuge is a deadly prison. Sienna’s spirit seeks revenge for her early death, killing the villagers one by one.Urbano, the village priest, believes he has the solution to the curse hanging over the town. Patrick can save them all—if he is willing to embrace his faith once again. Patrick fears that revisiting his past will trap him once again in the cycle of fear and denial that made his life a misery, and this time, Wiremu cannot rescue him. As he sinks deeper into darkness, he realises that the only way to break this curse requires him to make an impossible choice: his love or his life. less

An ancient queen refuses to stay in the past.One day Florence Skelton is risking her father's wrath by reading Jane Eyre and befriending Rosemary, the neighbourhood rebel. The next, a woman she doesn't know is trying to drown her. To escape her would-be murderer, Florence takes a job as secretary companion to an archeologist and his beautiful, distant wife. But excavating Aylesport bog brings ancient-and deadly-secrets to the surface... moreAn ancient queen refuses to stay in the past.One day Florence Skelton is risking her father's wrath by reading Jane Eyre and befriending Rosemary, the neighbourhood rebel. The next, a woman she doesn't know is trying to drown her. To escape her would-be murderer, Florence takes a job as secretary companion to an archeologist and his beautiful, distant wife. But excavating Aylesport bog brings ancient-and deadly-secrets to the surface.Florence can write about heroines, but navigating the bog's treacherous waters requires courage she doesn't possess. Her only hope of survival is Rosemary-and Rosemary doesn't even know she's in trouble. Can Florence find her inner heroine before she becomes part of Aylesport's chilling history?The Lady of the Bog is the eleventh instalment of the Read by Candlelight series, gothic standalone novellas featuring an ever growing LGBTQIA+ ensemble cast. Pre-order now to sink into a mist-filled world of ancient queens, literary heroines and a collective of lepidopterists. less

Look what the mailman dragged in…Jasper Carruthers has turned deciphering smudged addresses and avoiding conflict into a fine art. A crate from Egypt contains a problem he cannot return to sender: a mummified cat sought by a desperate thief. Failure to deliver the cat will give the Postmaster General—Jasper’s vengeful son—the excuse he needs to oust Jasper from the postal service... moreLook what the mailman dragged in…Jasper Carruthers has turned deciphering smudged addresses and avoiding conflict into a fine art. A crate from Egypt contains a problem he cannot return to sender: a mummified cat sought by a desperate thief. Failure to deliver the cat will give the Postmaster General—Jasper’s vengeful son—the excuse he needs to oust Jasper from the postal service.Jasper’s attempts to deliver the package attract the interest of Captain Candy, an insufferable bore under the mistaken impression that Jasper tolerates him. Even worse: the cat does not seem to realise she’s dead. Jasper’s not sure if he needs an Egyptologist or an exorcist. There’s only one thing he’s certain of: he needs help.Forced to trust Candy with his secret, Jasper may at last have found something worth fighting for—but can he deliver the package before the cat lets herself out of the bag?The Dead Letter Office is book twelve in the Read by Candlelight series of standalone Gothic novellas featuring an expanding cast of LGBTQIA+ characters. Pairs well with a hot pot of tea and a biscuit. less

Death is not the worst thing that can happen. Thomas Cross, Lord of Foxwood, has received a double blow. The discovery of his terminal illness is followed immediately by the news that his longterm partner Pip is marked for death by the banshee of Connaught Castle. There is no cure for Cross's condition, but there may be a way to save Pip-at the cost of his remaining time.Recruiting his adopted son Julian to aid him, Cross travels to Ireland to free Pip from the banshee... moreDeath is not the worst thing that can happen. Thomas Cross, Lord of Foxwood, has received a double blow. The discovery of his terminal illness is followed immediately by the news that his longterm partner Pip is marked for death by the banshee of Connaught Castle. There is no cure for Cross's condition, but there may be a way to save Pip-at the cost of his remaining time.Recruiting his adopted son Julian to aid him, Cross travels to Ireland to free Pip from the banshee. As each successive encounter with the banshee leaves him closer to death, Cross grows more dependent on a dangerous fairy relic. But the gifts of the fair folk come at a price. What is the cost of Pip's safety?The Lord and the Banshee is the thirteenth in the series of Read by Candlelight gothic novellas featuring an ever-decreasing cast of LGBTQIA characters. Pairs well with chocolate and regret. Preorder now to hate everything. less

Tidings of comfort and—ghosts?Pippa Goodfellow is a young woman with five thousand pounds a year and a simple ambition: to scare the socks off her stuck up cousin Julian and his odious friend Bryant. To do that, she needs the cooperation of Micah Evanovitch, sole inhabitant of a notoriously haunted house... moreTidings of comfort and—ghosts?Pippa Goodfellow is a young woman with five thousand pounds a year and a simple ambition: to scare the socks off her stuck up cousin Julian and his odious friend Bryant. To do that, she needs the cooperation of Micah Evanovitch, sole inhabitant of a notoriously haunted house.Micah is many things: thwarted composer, confirmed pessimist, spectre… Pippa’s plan to throw a Christmas party in his house imperils his very existence—but with her help, he might actually have a chance at leaving the failures of his life behind.Drawn into Pippa’s schemes, Micah discovers that Bryant has a sinister agenda of his own. It will take more than the ghosts of Christmas Past to save Pippa and her family. Micah must find a way to escape his past before Pippa’s Christmas party ends in Christmas tragedy.The Christmas Party is the fourteenth in the Read by Candlelight series of standalone gothic novellas featuring an extended cast of LGBTQIA characters. Pairs well with Christmas mince pies and ginger beer. less