Lonely Heroes Series by Sam E. Kraemer

Hank Schatz When I decided it was time for me to get out of the Army to begin making my way back to my humanity and beyond the pain that leeched into my soul over time, I had no idea what I would do with my life. I’d been the property of Uncle Sam for fifteen years, and I’d been an Army Ranger for ten, a member of a distinguished group of brothers-in-arms who would give their lives for their country and each other, too many of whom already lost in the fight... moreHank Schatz When I decided it was time for me to get out of the Army to begin making my way back to my humanity and beyond the pain that leeched into my soul over time, I had no idea what I would do with my life. I’d been the property of Uncle Sam for fifteen years, and I’d been an Army Ranger for ten, a member of a distinguished group of brothers-in-arms who would give their lives for their country and each other, too many of whom already lost in the fight. The term, “war is hell,” wasn’t coined for no reason, and I’d had enough hell to last me a lifetime. It was time to go home and get to know my family again, especially my little sister, Jewel. She was the light in our family and much younger than me. I wanted to spend time with her and learn for myself all the wonderful things she brought to our family, and I hoped her gentle spirit could help me fight the demons that accosted me when I least expected it. I also had another mission…to tell my family the secret I’d been hiding from them for too many years…the secret that had nothing to do with my career as an Army Ranger. It was time I began living my truth, but how to start? That was a question I couldn’t answer until I went to my sister’s Christmas program and met my sister’s teacher. He was one who made me want to find the answers. I didn’t want to be lonely anymore. ## Reed Bayless I had more than a few issues to work through when I moved to a small town in Central Missouri to work as a Special Education teacher at Carver Middle School. The kids were amazing, and their parents were supportive, unlike my last school where the parents believed their expensive tuition relieved them of their obligation to actually participate in their children’s education. I had embraced my new job and my sweet students easily, but the Christmas Eve service at the local Lutheran church found me wanting to embrace the brother of one of my most precious pupils, Jewel. Her brother was a handsome man, but there was a sadness about him that made me want to hold him in my arms until his hurts healed. Of course, he was an Army Ranger, the toughest of the tough and the straightest of the straight. The odd friendship that grew between us made me want more from the man because I was tired of being alone. Add in a comfort dog named Cosmo, and I was in over my head before I even knew what happened. The Ranger had me wanting things that weren’t possible…or were they? Please Note: This book contains material which may be offensive to some readers. It includes graphic language and/or adult situations and descriptions of sexual activity between two, consenting adult males. This fictional story is intended for adults over 18, is approximately 140,000 words in length, and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is part of a new series of stories entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series.” Each book can be read alone or as part of the series. I hope you enjoy them. less

an alternate cover edition can be found hereGabriele Torrente“Mr. Torrente? You need to come down here.”My receptionist isn’t one to make demands, so I hurry down the stairs to see what all the fuss is about. Little did I know, the moment I walk down those stairs, my life is going to change in ways I can’t begin to fathom.The boy and girl seated in the lobby come as a surprise, but the man bursting through the front door moments later has me nearly swallowing my tongue... morean alternate cover edition can be found hereGabriele Torrente“Mr. Torrente? You need to come down here.”My receptionist isn’t one to make demands, so I hurry down the stairs to see what all the fuss is about. Little did I know, the moment I walk down those stairs, my life is going to change in ways I can’t begin to fathom.The boy and girl seated in the lobby come as a surprise, but the man bursting through the front door moments later has me nearly swallowing my tongue. He’s beautiful, funny, and infuriating. He says he’s a dancer with a job lined up on a cruise ship, but he’s crazy if he thinks I’ll admit to being the father of these two adorable kids I’ve never seen before in my life. His name is Dexter Carrington.What the hell is happening to my once serene life?Dexter CarringtonA call from my mother informs me that she has my niece and nephew for the summer because my sister, a mediocre hair stylist from Jersey City, has decided to take a job that requires her to travel.The unexpected call a few weeks later telling me my mother passed away is devastating, and a social worker says my niece and nephew will have to go into foster care, which only compounds my problems. I’m able to work out a deal to take the kids until my sister is found or their father is identified. Should be easy since I have a photo of him, right?The handsome man I meet claims to be a wedding photographer, but when I catch the flash of a gun holster while he’s kneeling down to talk to my niece and nephew—who he looks nothing like—I have the impression there’s a lot more to him than he’s letting on. He’s unlike any man I’ve ever met, and his name is Gabriele Torrente.What the hell is happening to my once dull and peaceful life? This book is approximately 103,000 words in length, and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. It is the second book in the series entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series.” less

an alternate cover edition can be found hereShepard Smokey Colson -When a man I revere and his wife are killed in a freak auto accident in Greece, something feels off about the accident. He’d been my savior when I was at my lowest, and if it hadn’t been for Saber, I’d have likely not lived to see the sunrise the day after being dishonorably discharged from the Army. That great man put me on the path toward a new life and saved my old one in the process... morean alternate cover edition can be found hereShepard Smokey Colson -When a man I revere and his wife are killed in a freak auto accident in Greece, something feels off about the accident. He’d been my savior when I was at my lowest, and if it hadn’t been for Saber, I’d have likely not lived to see the sunrise the day after being dishonorably discharged from the Army. That great man put me on the path toward a new life and saved my old one in the process.My sense of honor and gratitude push me to go to Georgia to offer support to his son, Parker Howzer, and any assistance I can to help him through his grief. What will it take to repay my debt to Saber? I didn’t anticipate it might take my heart.Parker Buckley Howzer -With one phone call, I’m an orphan again, but this time, there is no one to love me through the pain. On top of that, someone is looking for something belonging to my parents that they believe I possess. How can I find it when I don’t even know what to look for?I didn’t expect Shepard Colson to burst onto the scene like an avenging angel from heaven. He somehow knows I’m in danger and vows to keep me safe, but at what cost to both of us? Whether I’m ready or not, my life as an unknown chef is about to change, but I didn’t anticipate just how much. less

Lawrence ‘Lawry’ Schatz Heartbroken? Check. Unemployed? Check. Homeless? Check. Self-medicating? As often as possible. My life was upended with a two-word text, and a meeting with my boss’s boss nearly finished me off. I fell into a downward spiral with no intention of pulling out, but my brother, Hank, had other ideas. He called in a big gun, Gabriele Torrente, who dragged me to New York and pushed me to get myself together... moreLawrence ‘Lawry’ Schatz Heartbroken? Check. Unemployed? Check. Homeless? Check. Self-medicating? As often as possible. My life was upended with a two-word text, and a meeting with my boss’s boss nearly finished me off. I fell into a downward spiral with no intention of pulling out, but my brother, Hank, had other ideas. He called in a big gun, Gabriele Torrente, who dragged me to New York and pushed me to get myself together. At a family event, I hooked up with the hottest guy I’d ever met, intending to relieve some tension, but he turned out to be more than I imagined. He was sassy, opinionated, and he completely set me on my ear. Maxim Partee wouldn’t put up with my crap, but after I made a huge mistake, he still agreed to be my friend, which was precisely what I needed. I couldn’t envision he might need me in return. # Maxim ‘Maxi’ Partee Sexy? Check. Successful? Check. Lonely? Very much so. Power bottom? You bet your…bottom. I had a successful business…two of them as a matter of fact. I had friends I cherished, and I loved my life, telling myself it would be more than enough for me. I chose the men I spent time with, and it was always on my terms. An unfortunate hook-up at a birthday party led me down a path I didn’t expect, but I met a nice, misguided man from whom I couldn’t easily walk away. The journey he needed to traverse might leave me alone, but I supported his need to do it. Where would it leave me? No idea. Please Note: This book contains material which may be offensive to some readers. It includes graphic language, violence, adult situations, and descriptions of sexual activity between two, consenting adult males. This fictional story is intended for adults over 18 and is approximately 86,000 words in length. It is the fourth book in “The Lonely Heroes Series,” but it can be read as a stand-alone book. I hope you enjoy it. less

Raleigh ‘Nemo’ Wallis Positive. One word with a lot of meanings—but not all of them are good.When I remember my time in the Navy as a SEAL, I know one word will define me and shape the course of my life until I die... moreRaleigh ‘Nemo’ Wallis Positive. One word with a lot of meanings—but not all of them are good.When I remember my time in the Navy as a SEAL, I know one word will define me and shape the course of my life until I die. Loss seems to follow me everywhere I go, but when Benji Hoffman comes back into my life, he makes me rethink a lot of things—mainly…How can I love him and not kill him?o-0-oBenjamin HoffmanThe memories I carry from my childhood on Knott’s Island are precious to me, especially when life throws challenges in my path. I’m running for Congress at my best friend’s insistence, and someone sets fire to my campaign headquarters, just as my best friend is hospitalized for a major illness. When her brother comes back to the island to see her, I’m that fifteen-year-old kid again, crushing on him even though he comes off cool as a cucumber when I’m around him.After getting my ass kicked at a quick stop while on the campaign trail, Raleigh Wallis decides to accompany me to keep me safe because of my friendship with his sister. How can I survive being with that man every day and not die of longing for him?Both men have a desire to make life better for those about whom they care. Can Raleigh overcome deeply rooted fears from his past and let down his walls enough to let Benji in? Who is trying to undermine Benji’s shot at doing the only thing he’s ever wanted to do—make his home state a better place to live? Can they positively achieve their goals together? less

Mateo Torrente A strong sense of loyalty coursed through the lifeblood of the Torrente family. Anyone who knew any of us would attest to it. We looked out for each other and didn’t take threats against family members for granted. Giuseppe Torrente, my papa, was regarded as the patriarch, not only for his branch of the family but all of its members, in Italy and America. Papa’s allegiance was what prompted my move to America, at least for the immediate future... moreMateo Torrente A strong sense of loyalty coursed through the lifeblood of the Torrente family. Anyone who knew any of us would attest to it. We looked out for each other and didn’t take threats against family members for granted. Giuseppe Torrente, my papa, was regarded as the patriarch, not only for his branch of the family but all of its members, in Italy and America. Papa’s allegiance was what prompted my move to America, at least for the immediate future. There was a threat against the family, and my particular services were needed in New York to assist my favorite cousin, Gabriele, against an anticipated attack. His children had a history that wasn’t discussed outside the confines of our group, so when Gabe decided he had a mole in the American office of Golden Elite Associates, the ‘family business,’ Papa dispatched me to guard his children and assist my cousin with ferreting out the traitor. I certainly didn’t anticipate I’d meet a feisty, sexy, barber who would get me out of a jam and fill my mind with lascivious thoughts to the point of distraction. I wasn’t one who looked for the cottage with a picket fence, but my life was lonely. When I met him, I knew exactly what I was missing…a love of my own. He was definitely his own man, and as I began falling for him, I wondered the plausibility of trying to make him my own man. Was I only putting him in danger by association, or could I possibly have the type of happiness I saw between so many of my friends and those they loved? Was I making a selfish decision to pursue Shay Barr? If so, how the hell could I ever walk away from him? o-0-o Shay Barr At eighteen, I ran out of Arkansas like my hair was on fire just to get away from my crazy family, and I didn’t look back, making a life for myself in Little Rock before making the big leap to New York. I did a few things along the way I wasn’t proud of, but we all took our knocks and lived to fight another day. I was no exception to the rule. The only member of my family I kept in touch with was a cousin I had been close with before I took off. She was the only member of my family who knew how to find me if necessary, but it was for her benefit as much as mine that we didn’t stay in close contact. I didn’t want my parents, brothers, or her parents to find out where I’d landed and try to make my life miserable. It was an act of self-preservation and protection for my cousin’s benefit, too. My life had been lonely of late, and yet again, I made some dubious decisions, but they didn’t hurt anyone except me, so I got back up and carried forward. It was all fine until I met a man who had me wrapped around his finger from the first ‘Torrente’ smile he gave me. I was useless to fight the attraction, though I was a bit leery because the man had heartbreaker written all over him. I thought that was my only problem until said cousin showed up with an all-too-familiar story about her little brother’s disappearance. She was worried sick about him, and I had the distinct feeling Chase didn’t take off willingly. If I was right, the kid was in grave danger, and I had it in my power to stop it. Added to all that drama was the fact I had an entire set of baggage of my own, and the salesman didn’t strike me as one who made too many trips to the same sexual buffet. The fact he kept disappearing on me without any notice left me confused and worried. If he learned of all the things about me I didn’t share with friends, would he run back to his beloved Italy and write a tell-all about a crazy, over-the-hill, former twink he had the misfortune to meet? Was I stupid for thin less

A Lonely Heroes Holiday Story The heroes from Golden Elite Associates—America have put their plans and lives on hold for a year as they try to cope with the aftermath of Lawry “Casper” Schatz and Maxim Partee’s engagement party—the night Blue was bombed by an unknown assailant. The explosion impacted everyone’s lives, and recovery has been slow for the group... moreA Lonely Heroes Holiday Story The heroes from Golden Elite Associates—America have put their plans and lives on hold for a year as they try to cope with the aftermath of Lawry “Casper” Schatz and Maxim Partee’s engagement party—the night Blue was bombed by an unknown assailant. The explosion impacted everyone’s lives, and recovery has been slow for the group.In the spirit of turning the page on the incident, Shepard “Smokey” Colson and Parker Howzer decide to host a bachelor party at their lake house. They invite all of their friends to join them for a celebratory weekend, and what better time to have a big party than New Years!Each couple is ready to move forward with their plans in one way or another—someone wants a baby; someone wants to live part of the year in another country; two have job opportunities that will be life changing; someone wants to make future plans that include starting a family; the desire for a forever home is important to another hero. How will they achieve their goals? That’s what they’re all hoping to figure out. Add in a few surprise guests with unclear agendas, and let the chaos begin!One thing is certain—someone’s going to tie the knot! This book is approximately 70,000 words in length and ends happily. It is the seventh book in the series entitled, “The Lonely Heroes.” less

Hated? Yeah, I’ll take it and return it in spades. That’s Duke Chambers motto when he begins working at GEA-A at Giuseppe Torrente’s request. His life isn't bad before he tracks down Giuseppe--he's been a drill sergeant in the Marines, garnering the respect of men and women with whom he's served. He has two women who love him like a son, and a “little” older brother he adores. Everything is great until fate sticks her nose into Duke’s life and upends it, leaving him filled with hatred... moreHated? Yeah, I’ll take it and return it in spades. That’s Duke Chambers motto when he begins working at GEA-A at Giuseppe Torrente’s request. His life isn't bad before he tracks down Giuseppe--he's been a drill sergeant in the Marines, garnering the respect of men and women with whom he's served. He has two women who love him like a son, and a “little” older brother he adores. Everything is great until fate sticks her nose into Duke’s life and upends it, leaving him filled with hatred. He finds out a truth he never wanted to accept but is there more than meets the eye? Corbin Barr is trying to adapt to a new world after the mechanic flees Arkansas to try to create a life in New York and make up for past wrongs he participated in that hurt his brother Shay and his cousin Chase. The guilt is soul deep, especially since Corby is harboring his own secrets. His unrequited crush on one of the professionals at GEA-A doesn’t help. Ace Hampton has lived a million lives—everything from an MMA fighter to a mercenary to a bodyguard. He’s meditated with monks in Tibet, and he’s done his fair share of beating fear into the reluctant. He’s traveled the world, meeting men of all walks of life, but when Giuseppe Torrente asks for his assistance, Ace feels it’s important not to turn the man down. What Ace doesn’t expect to find is a brotherhood of security professionals unafraid to do what’s necessary to protect those who are under attack. Among them, Ace finds himself drawn to two men. He’s learned he’s not cut out for monogamy, but can he be faithful to two unique men who have their own pasts to fight? Can three broken men heal themselves and each other? How strong is the power of love? Can Corbin and Ace help Duke see he could have a new family and be an orphan no more? less

Bruno Garvin has been in love with one man in his life, and he’s married to him… Trouble is, the marriage was never supposed to be real. It was a passive aggressive way for Dominic Mazzola to show his mother that denying Dom’s sexuality doesn’t make it untrue.Now, Bruno’s back in the States and Dominic’s more than angry with him for mailing the fake marriage license to the Recorder’s Office in Kentucky where they tied the fake knot with their friends on New Year’s Eve... moreBruno Garvin has been in love with one man in his life, and he’s married to him… Trouble is, the marriage was never supposed to be real. It was a passive aggressive way for Dominic Mazzola to show his mother that denying Dom’s sexuality doesn’t make it untrue.Now, Bruno’s back in the States and Dominic’s more than angry with him for mailing the fake marriage license to the Recorder’s Office in Kentucky where they tied the fake knot with their friends on New Year’s Eve.Bruno’s resolved himself that he’ll find a way to win Dominic’s heart, but when the traitor in their midst—the man he saw with Francesco Mangello in Italy—is finally identified by Bruno, will he inform the Torrente family or will he keep the secret in hopes of keeping Dominic?What’s more important to a man with noble intentions—the fate of innocents or the love of his life? less

One man is set on revenge, another man for justice. Can the two of them work together to find the answers to right two wrongs?Kelly Brown is finally free from the United States Disciplinary Barracks, where he took part in an experimental program that changed his life forever, and he’s got a few scores to settle—who kidnapped his sister at fourteen, and who got her pregnant?London St... moreOne man is set on revenge, another man for justice. Can the two of them work together to find the answers to right two wrongs?Kelly Brown is finally free from the United States Disciplinary Barracks, where he took part in an experimental program that changed his life forever, and he’s got a few scores to settle—who kidnapped his sister at fourteen, and who got her pregnant?London St. Michael is mourning the loss of his good friend, Mathis Sinclair, who is mown down in the prime of his life by a hit-and-run driver. The men of Golden Elite Associates-America are determined to find the unknown driver and bring them to justice.When Kelly shows up at the Victorian with a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder and a list of questions as long as his arm, London is quick to take up the torch to help the man find his answers. Nowhere in their quest for the truth do the two men expect to find an attraction that can’t be denied. This work of fiction is approximately 83,000 words and ends with an H-E-A. It’s book nine in “The Lonely Heroes” series. It is recommended that the series be read in the order released. less

Rafael Torrente, famous New York chef, meets Dallas St. Michael, bail recovery agent, and the sparks fly. The two of them take flirting to a new level, but both of their lives are too busy to make more of a connection… until Dallas hears about an upheaval in the chef’s life.This is the tenth and final book in “The Lonely Heroes” series. Come along and finish the ride, won’t you?