Paint Series by Emma Jaye

Smile, wiggle, lie, apologise, and run for the hills.That's the formula Chris has used all his life, but this time, he has something he’s never had to lose before, a family that cares. The problem is, his new brother’s very edible friend isn’t fooled by his act. If his secrets are revealed, they won’t want him and he has nowhere else to go.Thanks to a suicide bomber, ex-military police sergeant Jase Rosewood is back in the English countryside... moreSmile, wiggle, lie, apologise, and run for the hills.That's the formula Chris has used all his life, but this time, he has something he’s never had to lose before, a family that cares. The problem is, his new brother’s very edible friend isn’t fooled by his act. If his secrets are revealed, they won’t want him and he has nowhere else to go.Thanks to a suicide bomber, ex-military police sergeant Jase Rosewood is back in the English countryside. His plans for quiet recuperation are ruined by the effervescent, go-go dancing twink who has everyone wrapped around his little finger. Luckily for the gullible Matt, Jase can smell a liar a mile away, and Chris Bacon, if that’s even his name, stinks to high heaven. Assigned ‘Chris-sitting’ duty while Matt's on honeymoon, Jase has a week to discover what is hidden beneath the bright camouflage. It's a job, just like any other, so why does it feel so different? Unfortunately, Jase isn’t the only one drawn to the boy who can’t stay still, but instead of wanting to reveal his true colours; they want to dull them forever.Contains issues of physical abuse, but not between the central couple. less

Chris Bacon is dead. Long live Chrisander Baccioni? Unable to walk or talk coherently after a hit and run attack, Chris finds himself on the other side of the world with Jase firmly in babysitting mode. Pity and betrayal, even if it was for ‘his own good’ wasn’t something Chris tolerated from anyone, least of all from an ex-lover who was hanging around only out of a misguided sense of duty... moreChris Bacon is dead. Long live Chrisander Baccioni? Unable to walk or talk coherently after a hit and run attack, Chris finds himself on the other side of the world with Jase firmly in babysitting mode. Pity and betrayal, even if it was for ‘his own good’ wasn’t something Chris tolerated from anyone, least of all from an ex-lover who was hanging around only out of a misguided sense of duty. The barely breathing battered boy was all Kathleen had to wipe away her daughter’s shame and continue the Baccioni dynasty. Despite Chrisander’s unfortunate childhood, her grandson was young enough to mould into a god-fearing family man. Surely only an idiot would reject a life of respect and luxury with a beautiful, intelligent woman by his side, for a grubby little flat and a dirt poor, ex-army sergeant. less

Alex Fletcher waits for life.One more year and he can move away, stop wearing hoodies to hide the bruises, self-inflicted scars, and his sexuality.No one knows him, no one sees him, until Chris Bacon shows him how to laugh, dance, live life in the moment, out and proud.The lesson that life is too short hits harder than one of his dad’s punches.Living the dream, being visible, is a step too far without chemical help... moreAlex Fletcher waits for life.One more year and he can move away, stop wearing hoodies to hide the bruises, self-inflicted scars, and his sexuality.No one knows him, no one sees him, until Chris Bacon shows him how to laugh, dance, live life in the moment, out and proud.The lesson that life is too short hits harder than one of his dad’s punches.Living the dream, being visible, is a step too far without chemical help.Doctor, paramedic, drug counsellor, Nate Cooper is haunted by the brother he failed to save.Bringing Alex back to life on the floor of a gay nightclub is only the first step.Peeling away the layers to find the real Alex means blurring the lines between age, upbringing, social position and the patient/doctor relationship.Is Alex worth wrecking his career and giving up his addiction of saving lives?Contains possible triggers for drug use, domestic abuse, self-harm, and social anxiety. less