Taken Series by Cali MacKay, Julie Farrell

Sometimes you need to go back to your past, in order to move on to your future. Jax Hunter has spent the last ten years trying to forget his first love Nathan Steele—and the brutal betrayal that derailed everything he’d worked so hard for. Jax has finally gotten his life back together, when Nathan returns to deliver another blow – his company is set to bulldoze the bar he’s built from nothing... moreSometimes you need to go back to your past, in order to move on to your future. Jax Hunter has spent the last ten years trying to forget his first love Nathan Steele—and the brutal betrayal that derailed everything he’d worked so hard for. Jax has finally gotten his life back together, when Nathan returns to deliver another blow – his company is set to bulldoze the bar he’s built from nothing. Ever since that summer in high school, Nathan has been denying his feelings for Jax—the only person he’s ever loved. Nathan knows Jax might never forgive him, but when Nathan’s uncle is murdered and Nathan might be next on the hit-list, Jax is the only one he can turn to. Jax still doesn’t trust Nathan—not with his bar, and for damn sure, not with his heart. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the undeniable passion between them. Can they overcome their past hurts and learn to trust each other again? Or will another betrayal tear them apart forever? ***This is a steamy M/M romance with explicit scenes throughout.*** less

Sometimes letting go of your biggest secret is the only way to love again. When Seth broke Carter’s heart ten years ago, Carter vowed it would never happen again. Carter has spent the last decade trying to get on with his life, but when Seth shows up, desperate for his help with a secret only Carter knows, Carter finds it hard to resist helping his former lover, even if Carter’s anger is still alive and well... moreSometimes letting go of your biggest secret is the only way to love again. When Seth broke Carter’s heart ten years ago, Carter vowed it would never happen again. Carter has spent the last decade trying to get on with his life, but when Seth shows up, desperate for his help with a secret only Carter knows, Carter finds it hard to resist helping his former lover, even if Carter’s anger is still alive and well. Rock star, Seth Black, has worked hard and made sacrifices to climb to the top of the music charts. Surrounded by adoring fans and living the life he’s always wanted, a dark secret from his past now refuses to let him enjoy his stardom and threatens his very life. Carter is the only person Seth has ever trusted with his secret and the only one he can turn to for help, but Seth burned that bridge when he screwed over Carter all those years ago on his rise to the top. The last thing Carter wants in his life is more of Seth’s lies and betrayal, but with no one else to watch Seth’s back, Carter agrees to help him figure out who’s behind the threats. With Seth’s career and life on the line, can they overcome their heartache and anger, to leave behind their past and find a future together? Or will Seth’s secret destroy them both? ***This is a steamy M/M romance. Although part of a series, this book can easily be read as a standalone and has a happily ever after.*** less