Book Title: Deep Waters
Author: Thom Collins
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Kelly Martin
Release Date: December 27, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance, thriller and suspense
Tropes: Murder mystery, small town, coastal romance
Themes: Secret lives, seeking justice, danger at sea
Heat Rating: 3 – 4 flames
Length: 61 740 words/ 262 pages
It is a standalone story. The third book in a linked Jagged Shores series but can be read alone.
It does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Universal link | Publisher | First For Romance
Amazon
In search of a story, he found murder and romance.
Blurb
Author Christian Costner is researching material for one of his dark thrillers and Nyemouth seems like the perfect setting for his next book. The small seaside town has witnessed plenty of trouble over the years, and Christian thinks it will provide him with the inspiration he needs.
He hires local tour guide and fisherman Harry Renner to help him explore the coastline for a couple of days. Harry is knowledgeable and mature beyond his twenty-eight years. Handsome too, though Christian thinks Harry is far too young for him..
As the weather worsens, Harry cuts short their first sight-seeing trip. Heading back to shore they spot a figure in distress in the water. A difficult rescue is made far worse when they discover the casualty has a knife wound to his abdomen and dies before they reach the safety of the harbour.
United by the trauma, Christian and Harry find comfort in each other, but when another murder comes to light, they find themselves at the heart of a dangerous mystery and the target of a killer more ruthless than they could ever imagine.
The bar had been busy with early evening diners, but he secured a cosy booth at the back of the room, where they could relax in comfort and privacy. As he sipped his gin, he kept a slightly nervous eye on the door. He didn’t think Harry would stand him up, not after the connection they’d made that afternoon, but insecurity was as deep at forty-two as it had been at seventeen.
Christian stifled a yawn. What a great day it had been. Harry had warned him that fresh air worked up an appetite, but he also suspected it had worn him out. He would need all his energy if the evening was to play out the way he hoped.
Harry arrived a few minutes later, and Christian’s fatigue vanished in a second.
Oh my God, he’s gorgeous.
Harry had also freshened up. He wore jeans and a pristine white T-shirt beneath a black jacket. His dark-blond hair had a damp, just-out-of-the-shower look about it. He stood in the doorway, glancing around. Christian stood and waved him over. Harry’s smile when he spotted him illuminated the entire pub.
“Hey.” They greeted each other.
There was a rosy flush to Harry’s cheeks that was utterly adorable.
“Did you get everything done?” he asked. Harry had been busy finishing off work on the boat when he’d left him earlier.
“Yeah. All good. I don’t have another charter until Friday, so I wanted to get everything secure before I left. I need to refuel at some point tomorrow and stock up on supplies, but that should be about it.”
“Are you hungry yet? Want me to get us menus?”
“Not really. It’s still a little early for me. I’d love a drink, though.”
Christian went to the bar and got a beer for Harry and another gin for himself. When he returned to the booth, Harry had taken his jacket off. Christian couldn’t miss the firm shape of his torso in the white T-shirt and the dark, delicious shadows of his nipples. A tuft of dark-blond hair peeked over the collar.
“What are you grinning at?” Harry asked as he sat back down, an infectious grin on his own face.
“I’ve been smiling nonstop since lunchtime, in case you hadn’t noticed.”
The flush in his cheeks intensified. “Yeah. That was pretty special.” He lowered his voice. “I haven’t come like that since…well, ever.”
Christian sat back. “A hot young man like you. Really? That’s hard to believe. I imagine you have to fight men off everywhere you go.”
He shook his head and sipped the beer. “Nah. Not in this town.”
“Don’t you go out of Nyemouth? There must be gay bars up in Newcastle, somewhere you can meet other guys.”
“Oh, there are, but they’re not for me. I can’t be bothered with all that posing and effort. I’ve only been out there a few times, but I didn’t like it. No one talks to anyone unless they already know them. It’s hard to get noticed unless you’re a regular.”
Christian nodded agreement. “It’s like that most places now. The only way to catch the attention of a man across the room is to find his Grindr profile and message him.”
“Right. And I don’t go in for those dating apps and stuff. I’ve been on them three or four times, and it was a waste of time. I don’t know what most of those lads are even looking for, but I wasn’t it.”
“Then they must be blind…or stupid.”
“No, I was the stupid one for even trying. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m not one of those regular gays.”
What a surprise to hear him talk like this. Until now, all Christian had seen of Harry was the strong-willed, confident seafarer. Out on the boat, nothing phased him. What a difference to see him in a more unguarded frame of mind.
Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, North Point and the Anthem Trilogy. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.
Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.
Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook, The Night.
Other links
Twitter: @thomwolf | Instagram: thomcollinsauthor | Newsletter Sign-up
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