Rags and Riches Series by E.M. Leya, Sara York, Karissa Ariel

When a severe winter storm brings Andy and Darren together, the cold is the farthest thing from their minds. Being homeless, Darren isn't used to anyone caring, especially cops. He's seen the worst in people, and trusting Andy isn't easy. To Andy, homeless means addictions, overdoses, and panhandling. It's a world he doesn't understand, and isn't sure he wants to. Yet, when it comes to life and death, he can't just walk away and let someone die... moreWhen a severe winter storm brings Andy and Darren together, the cold is the farthest thing from their minds. Being homeless, Darren isn't used to anyone caring, especially cops. He's seen the worst in people, and trusting Andy isn't easy. To Andy, homeless means addictions, overdoses, and panhandling. It's a world he doesn't understand, and isn't sure he wants to. Yet, when it comes to life and death, he can't just walk away and let someone die. Their worlds couldn't be more different, but the more they get to know each other, they find that, inside, where it matters the most, they really aren't so opposite. Trust comes hard for both men, but when a murderer starts hunting homeless boys, the two work together, showing them that no matter where you come from, dreams really can come true. less

Jay worked hard to become one of the best attorneys in the state. He loves being able to help others and see lives changed because of what he does. Professionally, he is flying high, personally not so much. Going home to a quiet house is what he thought he wanted, but is it? Chris grew up on the streets, learning how to survive and take care of his needs... moreJay worked hard to become one of the best attorneys in the state. He loves being able to help others and see lives changed because of what he does. Professionally, he is flying high, personally not so much. Going home to a quiet house is what he thought he wanted, but is it? Chris grew up on the streets, learning how to survive and take care of his needs. With his faithful companion, Jake, a beautiful dog who was abandoned and left for dead, Chris works to keep them both alive, always putting Jake's needs before his own. Chris's biggest fear is having Jake taken from him, and when that becomes a possibility, it's Jay who steps in to save the day. The decision to take Jake in was an easy one. Jay can't see him taken to the pound, and Chris and Jake torn apart. Working out a plan to make sure that doesn't happen, Jay finds that he might be the one who is being rescued. The bond formed between the three grows stronger every day, but when it comes time for Chris and Jake to leave, Jay's not sure he can watch them go. Letting go of fear isn't easy, but sometimes it's the only way to find out what is truly in your heart. less

Trevor is one of the most eligible bachelors in the state, but he doesn't want to be tied down in any relationship. He is focused on running his business, making money, and becoming a better man than his father. He enjoys sex, but for him, that's all it is, a couple of hours of fun between him and another man he will probably never see again. Prince has survived on his own for years, working the streets and moving from one city to another. He does what he must to survive, no matter what... moreTrevor is one of the most eligible bachelors in the state, but he doesn't want to be tied down in any relationship. He is focused on running his business, making money, and becoming a better man than his father. He enjoys sex, but for him, that's all it is, a couple of hours of fun between him and another man he will probably never see again. Prince has survived on his own for years, working the streets and moving from one city to another. He does what he must to survive, no matter what. Sex is a business and one that he has learned to do well. Prince is the last person Trevor thought he'd be spending his night with, but when the two meet, there is an explosive desire that draws the two of them together. There is nothing wrong with sharing a night of pleasure, unless one night turns into two. less

Dereck has spent the last year on the run, trying to leave his past behind and focus on starting over, but when an accident leaves him unable to walk, he is thrust back into the care of those he'd tried to forget. Rodney is fresh out of college and excited to find a live-in position helping Dereck recover from his injuries. As a physical therapist, Rodney is able to help Dereck get stronger and learn how to live without the use of his legs... moreDereck has spent the last year on the run, trying to leave his past behind and focus on starting over, but when an accident leaves him unable to walk, he is thrust back into the care of those he'd tried to forget. Rodney is fresh out of college and excited to find a live-in position helping Dereck recover from his injuries. As a physical therapist, Rodney is able to help Dereck get stronger and learn how to live without the use of his legs. The two form a quick friendship as roommates, and the line between patient and caregiver grows thinner every day. Dereck is convinced he's a burden, but Rodney disagrees and is out to show him that it isn't what is on the outside that matters when it comes to love, but something much deeper that stirs the heart. less

Trust is earned, but sometimes we form walls around ourselves to protect us from the pain, keeping others from getting close, and shielding us from the darkness that lurks around us. Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one. Now, off the streets and in his twenties, he still lives a secluded life, letting only a select few into his circle... moreTrust is earned, but sometimes we form walls around ourselves to protect us from the pain, keeping others from getting close, and shielding us from the darkness that lurks around us. Charles has faced the worst of that darkness. Living on the streets from eleven years old, he learned to survive by trusting no one. Now, off the streets and in his twenties, he still lives a secluded life, letting only a select few into his circle. William is one of the best photographers in the country, making a career out of traveling the country, working for some of the best companies in the world. He loves his job, but longs for more. Tired of people taking advantage of him for his status, he hides behind his camera, wishing to find that one person meant for him, but he worries no one will ever see past the lens of his camera to the person behind it. When William meets Charles, he is sure he's found the perfect model for his newest project, but Charles has been in front of cameras before. It's not something he wishes to repeat. Still, he can't ignore the feeling he gets when around William, and as the two continue to talk, a friendship forms that draws them closer together. They both have their scars and their secrets, but as they get to know each other better, they find that they have more in common than they thought. As the walls around them start to fall, they find that sometimes you have to learn to trust in order to love. less

Living on the streets isn't easy, but Angel has found a way to survive by trading street tattoos for things he needs. He's a great artist and dreams of working in a tattoo shop someday, but when his home is in an abandoned warehouse, few are willing to hire him. Matt owns his own tattoo shop and throws himself into work as he tries to avoid his abusive ex-boyfriend who is determined to get him back. He misses having someone in his life, but he won't let anyone push him around... moreLiving on the streets isn't easy, but Angel has found a way to survive by trading street tattoos for things he needs. He's a great artist and dreams of working in a tattoo shop someday, but when his home is in an abandoned warehouse, few are willing to hire him. Matt owns his own tattoo shop and throws himself into work as he tries to avoid his abusive ex-boyfriend who is determined to get him back. He misses having someone in his life, but he won't let anyone push him around. When Angel comes seeking a job, Matt is fascinated with his talent. Offering him an internship in his shop, he watches to see if Angel has what it takes, surprised to find out that Angel is working not to help himself, but to care for others. As Matt and Angel grow closer they find that fate seems to want them apart. With danger stalking them both from different directions, they must work together to stay safe and prove that love really can conquer all. less

After living through an explosion that killed his friends and lover, Joe has a fear of being indoors. He's only calm when he has the open sky over his head. Unable to be inside, he lives his life on the streets, making the most out of what he has. Austin loves his job as a landscaper, never regretting walking away from the family business. His work is his life, especially after his boyfriend cheated on him and left him with his confidence and ego in ruin... moreAfter living through an explosion that killed his friends and lover, Joe has a fear of being indoors. He's only calm when he has the open sky over his head. Unable to be inside, he lives his life on the streets, making the most out of what he has. Austin loves his job as a landscaper, never regretting walking away from the family business. His work is his life, especially after his boyfriend cheated on him and left him with his confidence and ego in ruin. A chance meeting brings Joe and Austin together and the attraction is instant. With both unable to deny the chemistry they feel, they are both faced with confronting their worst fears if they want to explore what is happening between them. When events risk forcing them apart, they must decide how deep the emotions they share go, and decide if what they have is strong enough to overcome the phobias that they've clung to for so long. less

Kyle has struggled to protect his brother from the darkest things in life, but in doing so, they've lived on the streets, making a life for themselves away from those who would hurt them. It's taken years, but life is starting to look up for Ky. Still, he finds it hard to quit working the streets and the easy money it brings. Carson has everything he could want in life. Even with fame and fortune, something is missing in his life. Friendship... moreKyle has struggled to protect his brother from the darkest things in life, but in doing so, they've lived on the streets, making a life for themselves away from those who would hurt them. It's taken years, but life is starting to look up for Ky. Still, he finds it hard to quit working the streets and the easy money it brings. Carson has everything he could want in life. Even with fame and fortune, something is missing in his life. Friendship. He longs for someone who accepts him for who he is, not what he does or can give them. Ky and Carson are as different as they come on the outside, but when they are together, there is no denying the chemistry. Both lost and seeking something they don't think they'll ever find, they seek out the comfort they find only in each other. With life pulling them in different directions, and society's standards telling them a relationship can never work between them, the two must fight to prove that sometimes it's not about what you have in life, it's about finding what you need. less

Karma exists and it hits hard when it comes looking for you. There was a time Tyler had it all, a good job, a perfect boyfriend, and friends to pass the time with, but that's all gone. Bad choices, drug addiction, and anger issue threw that all away. Now he's on his own with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, leaving him homeless and alone. After losing his boyfriend in an accident years ago, Richard turned his attention to work... moreKarma exists and it hits hard when it comes looking for you. There was a time Tyler had it all, a good job, a perfect boyfriend, and friends to pass the time with, but that's all gone. Bad choices, drug addiction, and anger issue threw that all away. Now he's on his own with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, leaving him homeless and alone. After losing his boyfriend in an accident years ago, Richard turned his attention to work. Owning one of the busiest gyms in the city keeps him busy and distracts him so he doesn't dwell on the past. His only escape is his motorcycle and the friends who share his passion and ride with him when they have time. A string of bad luck for both men bring them together, and a quick one-night stand gives them both something they need without any strings attached. But that one night isn't easily forgotten, and as a friendship builds, so does the passion. Still, Tyler doesn't tell Richard the truth about his situation, and when things go from bad to worse, he is forced to come clean, sharing his shame and guilt, convinced that Richard won't want anything to do with him again. Overcoming the past is something both men must do, but letting go of the pain isn't easy for either man. Facing a future just as unsure is even harder, but together they might just find a way to survive and find a way to begin again. less

Finding himself in the emergency room after being beaten, Orson is more than ready for a change. His life is a mess, but he's finally in a place where he hopes things can slowly start to look up. He gave up everything to be true to himself, but he suffered for doing it. Jared gave up everything for his dream of becoming a doctor... moreFinding himself in the emergency room after being beaten, Orson is more than ready for a change. His life is a mess, but he's finally in a place where he hopes things can slowly start to look up. He gave up everything to be true to himself, but he suffered for doing it. Jared gave up everything for his dream of becoming a doctor. He finally has his career and the life he always thought he wanted, but something is missing, and he's too scared to take the steps to find the one thing he wants — Love. Two men, the same choice, different decisions. Meeting Orson, Jared sees the life he could have had if he would have been brave enough to admit the truth. Orson sees how easy his life could be if he'd let his parents push him back into the closet. Two lives, two paths, two hearts. Fate brings them together, but it's up to Jared and Orson to find a way to make it work. There is no denying the chemistry, but with their lives so drastically different, the two have to fight to make things work. With one still hiding, and the other refusing to, they must decide if love really is enough to overcome everything so they can have the life they were both meant to live. less

When a violent attack leaves him deaf, Harry wonders if life can get much worse. Taken away from abusive parents at a young age, he was placed in foster homes that were almost as bad. Refusing to stay in another abusive home, he takes off, choosing a life on the streets instead, one where he isn’t under someone else’s control. Harry prides himself on his ability to help others, organizing a camp for the young men and women who have found themselves homeless like him... moreWhen a violent attack leaves him deaf, Harry wonders if life can get much worse. Taken away from abusive parents at a young age, he was placed in foster homes that were almost as bad. Refusing to stay in another abusive home, he takes off, choosing a life on the streets instead, one where he isn’t under someone else’s control. Harry prides himself on his ability to help others, organizing a camp for the young men and women who have found themselves homeless like him. There, he makes sure they have a safe and secure place to adapt to life on the streets. Now that he’s lost his hearing, Harry isn't sure he can continue doing everything he has done in the past. Warren is happy with his life in Colorado, but a sudden phone call telling him his estranged brother has died and has him listed as next of kin, has him flying to Utah. There he finds a mess bigger than he could ever imagine. Trying to hold on to everything he's worked for, Harry meets Warren, pleased to see he is nothing like his brother. Together, they try to find a way to push through the problems they face. It won't be easy, but it doesn't seem so impossible when they work side by side. Facing challenge after challenge, the two stand together, finding that they are unbeatable when they work as a team, but the question remains, are their lives too different to make anything more work? He never felt like he was wanted or belonged, yet Harry finds happiness with Warren, giving him the hope that for once in his life, someone won't cast him aside. less

After losing everything he'd ever worked for, Tony fell into a depression that ended up with him living on the streets, trying to survive. He's tired and wants a chance to make a new life for himself, but that isn't easy when you're starting with nothing more than the clothes on your back. Ozzy is living life, going through the motions, but he's never found happiness. With a father who demands so much, he's never been enough for someone. He simply wants someone to accept him for who he is... moreAfter losing everything he'd ever worked for, Tony fell into a depression that ended up with him living on the streets, trying to survive. He's tired and wants a chance to make a new life for himself, but that isn't easy when you're starting with nothing more than the clothes on your back. Ozzy is living life, going through the motions, but he's never found happiness. With a father who demands so much, he's never been enough for someone. He simply wants someone to accept him for who he is. When the two men come together to save a small child, they find they have a lot in common. The friendship is instant, and Ozzy wants to be the one to help Tony find his way off the streets. It doesn't take long for feelings to form, and even though there is a large age difference, Tony doesn't care. He's finally found someone who understands him, who sees who he is on the inside, not what his life has become. Tony and Ozzy find something neither of them expected, but both of them desire. Just when it looks as if their lives are coming together, everything falls apart in ways they never expected. Faced with losing everything they'd worked for they must fight to see if the heart remembers what the mind cannot. less

Rick Hardy knows fires. As an arson investigator, it's his job to find the clues and hunt down the people who destroy with flames. When a serial arsonist goes after the homeless, he's determined to put a stop to it.Nate's always been independent, seldom leaning on anyone for support, but when he finds himself the victim of the arsonist, he accepts Rick's help, in return, assisting him in hunting down the man who is starting the fires and killing his friends... moreRick Hardy knows fires. As an arson investigator, it's his job to find the clues and hunt down the people who destroy with flames. When a serial arsonist goes after the homeless, he's determined to put a stop to it.Nate's always been independent, seldom leaning on anyone for support, but when he finds himself the victim of the arsonist, he accepts Rick's help, in return, assisting him in hunting down the man who is starting the fires and killing his friends.It isn't long before Rick and Nate realize that it's not just the flames of the fires that are hot, but also the attraction between them. They might come from two different worlds, but the connection between them is smoldering.As feelings grow between the two, so does the danger, and they must work together, protecting each other as they hunt down the man resolved to destroy the city and the homeless who live in it.Determined to keep each other safe, Nate and Rick must find a way to think like the arsonist without putting either of them in the middle of the flames. less