Porthkennack Series by Joanna Chambers, J.L. Merrow, Charlie Cochrane, Garrett Leigh, Alex Beecroft

“I want you to work with me, Mr. Hearn. And I’m not generally considered to be the sort of man who’ll take no for an answer.”Grief-stricken after the death of his twin brother, unconventional scientist Sir Edward ‘Ward’ Carrick retreats to Trevathany, a remote village in Cornwall, to continue his work exploring the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds.In Trevathany, he meets Nicholas Hearn, land steward to the Tremain family... more“I want you to work with me, Mr. Hearn. And I’m not generally considered to be the sort of man who’ll take no for an answer.”Grief-stricken after the death of his twin brother, unconventional scientist Sir Edward ‘Ward’ Carrick retreats to Trevathany, a remote village in Cornwall, to continue his work exploring the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds.In Trevathany, he meets Nicholas Hearn, land steward to the Tremain family. When Ward learns that Nick’s Romany mother was believed to be clairvoyant—and that Nick himself may have seen a ghost as a child—he becomes convinced that Nick is the perfect test subject for his work.Unfortunately, Nick is unwilling to participate in Ward’s experiments. However, as luck would have it, Ward finds himself in a position to force Nick to cooperate…It’s an inauspicious start. Nick is furious at having his hand forced by a high-handed aristocrat, while Ward grows increasingly frustrated at his lack of progress with his work. And yet, as the two men gradually learn more about one another—and discover their mutual physical attraction—they begin to form an undeniable bond.But how strong is that bond? Is their fragile connection deep enough to withstand the gathering storm of Ward’s growing obsession and Nick’s doubts? less

A Porthkennack Contemporary Novel South London mechanic Devan Thompson has gone to Porthkennack to track down someone he’s been waiting all his life to know. But Dev’s distracted from his quest by Kyle, a broodingly handsome local of only a few months, who’s already got a reputation as an alcoholic because of his strange behaviour — including a habit of collapsing in the street. Kyle Anthony fled to Porthkennack to escape from the ruins of his life... moreA Porthkennack Contemporary Novel South London mechanic Devan Thompson has gone to Porthkennack to track down someone he’s been waiting all his life to know. But Dev’s distracted from his quest by Kyle, a broodingly handsome local of only a few months, who’s already got a reputation as an alcoholic because of his strange behaviour — including a habit of collapsing in the street. Kyle Anthony fled to Porthkennack to escape from the ruins of his life. Still raging against his diagnosis of narcolepsy — a condition that’s cost him his job as a barrister, his lover, and all chance of normality—the last thing he wants is another relationship that’s doomed to fail. But Dev’s easy-going acceptance and adaptability, not to mention his good looks, have Kyle breaking all his self-imposed rules. When disaster strikes Dev’s adored little sister, Kyle steps up to the plate, and Dev sees a side of his lover he wasn’t prepared for: competent, professional — and way out of Dev’s league. With one man determined that they don’t have a future, and the other fearing it, life after Porthkennack is starting to look bleak for both of them. * * * * * * * The stories in the Porthkennack universe can be enjoyed in any order — jump in wherever you'd like! Word count: 84,800; page count: 320 less

A standalone contemporary novel in the Porthkennack universe Morgan Capell’s life is falling apart by small degrees—his father’s dead, his boyfriend dumped him, and his mother’s in the grip of dementia. His state of mind isn’t helped by his all-too-real recurring nightmare of the wreck of the Troilus, a two-hundred-year-old ship he’s been dreaming about since his teenage years. The story of the Troilus is interwoven with the Capell family history... moreA standalone contemporary novel in the Porthkennack universe Morgan Capell’s life is falling apart by small degrees—his father’s dead, his boyfriend dumped him, and his mother’s in the grip of dementia. His state of mind isn’t helped by his all-too-real recurring nightmare of the wreck of the Troilus, a two-hundred-year-old ship he’s been dreaming about since his teenage years. The story of the Troilus is interwoven with the Capell family history. When amateur historian Dominic Watson inveigles himself into seeing the ship’s timbers which make up part of Morgan’s home, they form a tentative but prickly friendship that keeps threatening to spark into something more romantic. Unexpectedly, Dominic discovers that one of the Troilus’s midshipman was rescued but subsequently might have been murdered, and persuades Morgan to help him establish the truth. But the more they dig, the more vivid Morgan’s nightmares become, until he’s convinced he’s showing the first signs of dementia. It takes as much patience as Dominic possesses—and a fortuitous discovery in a loft—to bring light out of the darkness. * * * * * * * Word count: 65,900; page count: 249 less

Calum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret... moreCalum Hardy’s life has unravelled. Reeling from the betrayal of a man he once loved, he boards a train heading south, with no real idea where he’s going except a world away from London.Brix Lusmoore can hardly believe his eyes when he spots one of his oldest friends outside Truro station. He hasn’t seen Calum since he fled the capital himself four years ago, harbouring a life-changing secret. But despite the years of silence, their old bond remains, warm and true—and layered with simmering heat they’ve never forgotten.Calum takes refuge with Brix and a job at his Porthkennack tattoo shop. Bit by bit, he rebuilds his life, but both men carry the ghosts of the past, and it will take more than a rekindled friendship and the magic of the Cornish coast to chase them away.Part of a series, but can be read as a STANDALONE. less

A standalone contemporary novel in the Porthkennack universe After a massive anxiety attack, Sam Atkins left his high-powered job in the City and committed himself to life on the road in a small van. Six months in, he’s running out of savings and coming to the conclusion that he might have to go home to his emotionally abusive family. Needing time to think, he takes a walk through a copse by the Cornish roadside, only to stumble upon the body of a ritualistically killed sheep... moreA standalone contemporary novel in the Porthkennack universe After a massive anxiety attack, Sam Atkins left his high-powered job in the City and committed himself to life on the road in a small van. Six months in, he’s running out of savings and coming to the conclusion that he might have to go home to his emotionally abusive family. Needing time to think, he takes a walk through a copse by the Cornish roadside, only to stumble upon the body of a ritualistically killed sheep. As he’s trying to work out what the symbols around the animal mean, the sheep’s owner, Jennifer, and her nephew, Ruan Gwynn, come upon him. Ruan is a kind-hearted young man with a large supportive clan, and since he and Sam feel almost instant attraction, he doesn’t want to believe Sam is a sheep-killing cultist. In fact, the moment he lays eyes on Sam’s miserable solitary life, he wants to rescue the man. But as the killings escalate, he and Sam need to stop whoever is actually to blame before they can concentrate on saving each other. Word count: 66,700; page count: 245 less

A standalone Porthkennack historical novel Michael Gray returned from World War One injured, but at least he returned. Others were not so fortunate, including his first and greatest love, Thomas Carter-Clemence, with whom Michael had parted bitterly before the conflict began. Broch, the Carter-Clemence home in Porthkennack, was an integral part of pre-war holidays for the Grays, the two families drawn together in the wake of their sons’ friendship... moreA standalone Porthkennack historical novel Michael Gray returned from World War One injured, but at least he returned. Others were not so fortunate, including his first and greatest love, Thomas Carter-Clemence, with whom Michael had parted bitterly before the conflict began. Broch, the Carter-Clemence home in Porthkennack, was an integral part of pre-war holidays for the Grays, the two families drawn together in the wake of their sons’ friendship. Returning to the once-beloved Cornish coast for a break with his sister and her family, Michael has to find the courage to face old memories . . . and dare new relationships. When Thomas’s brother Harry makes an unexpected appearance, Michael is surprised to find himself deeply attracted to Harry for his own sake. But as their relationship heats up, it unearths startling revelations and bitter truths. Michael must decide whether Harry is the answer to his prayers or the last straw to break an old soldier’s back. Word count: 66,000; page count: 246 less

A contemporary Porthkennack story - jump into the series wherever you'd like! London Underground worker Mal Thomas is staying in Porthkennack to recover from a traumatic experience. Getting more bad news from home is the last straw—until big, blond museum curator Jory Roscarrock steps up to offer some comfort. As a doctor of English literature, Jory should be in a prestigious post at a top university... moreA contemporary Porthkennack story - jump into the series wherever you'd like! London Underground worker Mal Thomas is staying in Porthkennack to recover from a traumatic experience. Getting more bad news from home is the last straw—until big, blond museum curator Jory Roscarrock steps up to offer some comfort. As a doctor of English literature, Jory should be in a prestigious post at a top university. But a youthful indiscretion led him to abandon academia to come back to his hometown, Porthkennack, and the controlling family he’s never really felt a part of. He’s delighted to find a kindred spirit in Mal. But Jory’s family hurt Mal’s best friend deeply, and while Jory is desperate to repair the damage, his own mistakes threaten to keep him and Mal apart. Meanwhile, Mal is torn between his feelings for Jory and his duty to his friend—and his fears that a failed relationship could be more than his shattered confidence can take. Jory must convince Mal it’s worth risking everything for their love. Word count: 73,100; page count: 281 less

Tired of the London rat race and the heartbreak that comes with it, photographer Jas Manning returns to Porthkennack, the Cornish seaside town where he spent every childhood summer on his father’s farm. Resigned to year-round rain, wind, and homemade jam, he’s sorely unprepared for the impact that artsy carpenter Kim Penrose has on his heart.Kim’s free-loving reputation precedes him, and he’s as generous with his inked-up body as he is with his time... moreTired of the London rat race and the heartbreak that comes with it, photographer Jas Manning returns to Porthkennack, the Cornish seaside town where he spent every childhood summer on his father’s farm. Resigned to year-round rain, wind, and homemade jam, he’s sorely unprepared for the impact that artsy carpenter Kim Penrose has on his heart.Kim’s free-loving reputation precedes him, and he’s as generous with his inked-up body as he is with his time. The sex is hot, the easy friendship even better, and Jas’s time with him building his family’s new farmhouse canteen is everything Jas was missing in his empty city life.But Kim’s carefree existence isn’t as simple as it appears. He’s worked hard to vanquish his demons and build his dreams, but the devil on his shoulder is ruthless, and when it comes to call, their happy bubble bursts like it was never there at all. The canteen opening looms, but Kim is gone in more ways than one, and it’s down to Jas to shore up Kim’s soul and convince him that he deserves his place in Jas’s heart.Part of a series, but can be read as a STANDALONE. less

NathanI’m a fixer by nature. The man everyone turns to in a crisis. I even gave up a lucrative career in the city to save the family business from ruin and now I’m back living in my little home town by the sea.But when my half-sister Rosie falls ill and needs a transplant, I have to face the fact that I can’t fix everything. I’m not a match and neither is anyone else in the family.We’re getting desperate when, one night, out of the blue, my stepbrother Mack turns up to offer help... moreNathanI’m a fixer by nature. The man everyone turns to in a crisis. I even gave up a lucrative career in the city to save the family business from ruin and now I’m back living in my little home town by the sea.But when my half-sister Rosie falls ill and needs a transplant, I have to face the fact that I can’t fix everything. I’m not a match and neither is anyone else in the family.We’re getting desperate when, one night, out of the blue, my stepbrother Mack turns up to offer help. Mack and my stepdad haven’t spoken in years. Rosie and my mum have never met him.But I have.I met Mack last night, at a club. We had a one night stand.The hottest one night stand of my life… This book is a 2024 self-published edition of a book originally released in 2018 with Riptide Publishing. Some names have been changed and other light revisions made but the book is substantially the same as the original edition. less

His future depends on bringing the smuggler to justice. His heart demands to join him. Customs officer Peregrine Dean is sent by his patron to investigate rumors of corruption in the Porthkennack customs house. There he is tasked by the local magistrate to bring down the villainous Tomas Quick, a smuggler with fingers in every pie in town. Fired with zeal and ambition, and struck to the core by his first glimpse of Tomas, Perry determines to stop at nothing until he has succeeded... moreHis future depends on bringing the smuggler to justice. His heart demands to join him. Customs officer Peregrine Dean is sent by his patron to investigate rumors of corruption in the Porthkennack customs house. There he is tasked by the local magistrate to bring down the villainous Tomas Quick, a smuggler with fingers in every pie in town. Fired with zeal and ambition, and struck to the core by his first glimpse of Tomas, Perry determines to stop at nothing until he has succeeded. Tomas Quick is an honest thief—a criminal regarded by the town as their local Robin Hood. He’s also an arrogant man who relishes the challenge posed by someone as determined and intelligent as Perry. Both of them come to enjoy their cat-and-mouse rivalry a little too much. But the eighteenth century is a perilous time for someone like Perry: a black man in England. Two have already disappeared from the wrecks of ships. Tomas and Perry must forsake their competition and learn to trust each other if they are to rescue them, or Perry may become the third victim. less

The Porthkennack stories can be enjoyed in any order — jump in wherever you'd like! First impressions can doom second chances. Bran Roscarrock has been living in the closet all his life. As heir to an expansive family legacy in the town of Porthkennack, old-fashioned ideals of respectability and duty were drummed into him since childhood, and he’s never dared to live — or love — openly... moreThe Porthkennack stories can be enjoyed in any order — jump in wherever you'd like! First impressions can doom second chances. Bran Roscarrock has been living in the closet all his life. As heir to an expansive family legacy in the town of Porthkennack, old-fashioned ideals of respectability and duty were drummed into him since childhood, and he’s never dared to live — or love — openly. Sam Ferreira, an old friend of Bran’s brother, Jory, is a disgraced academic desperate to leave his dead-end job. When Jory asks him to take over as curator of a planned exhibition on Edward of Woodstock, the fourteenth-century Black Prince, Sam leaps at the chance to do what he loves and make a fresh start. But Bran’s funding the exhibition, and though sparks fly between the two men, they’re not all happy ones. Bran idolises Prince Edward as a hero, while Sam’s determined to present a balanced picture. With neither of them prepared to give ground, a hundred years of war seems all too possible. And if Bran finds out about Sam’s past, his future may not be bright, and their budding romance may be lost to history. Word count: 86,000; page count: 325 less