Marina Pacheco's books
Genres: Short/Flash Fiction Collection
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Lisbon is a city of stories. They swirl like the Tagus tide, carrying whispered secrets through winding alleys and slip between the stones of forgotten ruins. In Living, Loving, Longing Lisbon, past and present blur, love and loss entwine, and the city comes alive. A one-night stand leads to a shocking transformation. A chance meeting on a train sparks a romance shadowed by history. A bitter Christmas wish takes an unsettling turn. Ancient gods, fading from memory, gather for a meal, while spies make use of Lisbon's neutrality during World War 2. From café terraces to riverbanks, from grand avenues to quiet miradouros, these stories capture the city's essence—its melancholy, its oddities, its pull on the heart. For those who have ever lived in, loved in, or simply longed for Lisbon, this anthology is an invitation to wander its streets once more.
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
A saint’s burden in a world of miracles and powerful men 1000 AD, Brother Galen, is on his way home after a perilous journey to Rome where he was hailed as a living saint. Galen’s journey—from battlefields of Viking raids to political intrigues—has forged him into a man of quiet strength. Yet the weight of his new status threatens to overwhelm him. Followers trail his every step, and bishops and kings vie for his influence. Worse still, his deepest beliefs—radical for his time—challenge the foundations of power and piety. With his loyal friend Alcuin at his side, Galen must navigate the treacherous waters of fame, faith, and the human heart. Can he reconcile his calling with the expectations of a world that sees him as something more than a man? Or will the price of sainthood cost him the peace he so desperately desires? A tale of: Faith, miracles, and...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
A Saint by Name. A Pawn in Rome. A Forbidden Love. And a Steadfast Friend . Rome 999AD. Brother Galen never sought sainthood. But in the heart of Rome, where popes make kings and cardinals plot in shadows, choice is an illusion. Will Galen become a symbol of holy power—prized, controlled, and trapped inside the glittering halls of the Lateran Palace? By his side stands Alcuin, his loyal friend and gifted illuminator, who sees the danger closing in as Rome’s ruthless factions circle. Alcuin knows the Church’s praise can turn to poison, and even the purest faith may not protect Galen from those eager to exploit him. But as the political games tighten their grip, Galen risks everything to protect Cara, a young woman fleeing a brutal fate, whose trust in him awakens forbidden desires he has long tried to bury. In a world where every decision carries a price,...
Genres: Short/Flash Fiction Collection
Formats: E-Book
From surreal Lisbon love stories to time-bending romance and office disappearances—expect the unexpected. Step into a world where imagination knows no bounds. In Shorties, Marina Pacheco weaves whimsical, eerie, and deeply human tales that blur the line between reality and the fantastic. A rabbit and a raven defy societal norms to marry in the heart of Lisbon. A woman attends her husband’s funeral years before she meets him. A disappearing boss raises more eyebrows than alarms. Whether it’s a Joycean voyage to the end of the universe or a haunted medieval monk battling demons, each story packs emotional punch with wit, style, and heart. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl’s dark humour, Ursula Le Guin’s speculative sharpness, and the poignant absurdity of David Eagleman’s Sum, these stories span the whimsical and the profound, the speculative and the satirical. Whether you love speculative fiction, literary oddities, or modern fables with a...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Delve into a corrupt and decaying city. Rome 998 AD. Galen and his friends have taken shelter in an abbey where there is much to learn from the local scribes and illustrators. Galen is grateful for the order and tranquillity of their temporary new home, but is it a false peace? Galen seeks the truth about his sainthood and Alcuin must inform the pope of Bishop Sigburt’s demise. But the pope might be behind a massacre, and human and supernatural forces conspire to block their path to the pontiff. Can Galen and Alcuin overcome these obstacles? Will they finally get to speak to the pope, or will fate intervene once more? Join Marina Pacheco’s epic journey today and discover the captivating secrets of Eternal City, the eighth book in the compelling Life of Galen series, where struggle, philosophical questions and vivid portrayals of the Middle Ages collide.
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Will Galen find the answers he seeks? Europe, 998 AD. Galen and Alcuin have finally escaped the clutches of the Moors. Now they’re adrift in an unsettled continent where invasions, cults, plagues, drought and the looming millennium have upset the world order. Do these two young monks have what it takes to fulfil Alcuin’s promise to get to Rome? The journey over the Pyrenees and across the Mediterranean isn’t even the greatest challenge. Galen needs to decide whether he’s a saint. Can he find the answer amongst the people he meets or will he have to look deeper within himself to find the truth? Road to Rome is the seventh book in the compelling Life of Galen Historical Fiction series. If you like quests for truth, friendship under the harshest conditions and realistic depictions of early Medieval life, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting short novel. Buy Road to Rome...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Captured by an implacable enemy, their future looks bleak. Will escape even be possible? Al-Andalus 998 AD. Galen and Alcuin have been taken prisoner by the Moors. Galen is a Moorish doctor’s latest project. Alcuin languishes in the dungeons, watching over the bishop, who is slowly being tortured to death for a treasure. Galen and Alcuin must learn how to survive in a strange new kingdom which is rapidly turning hostile towards Christians. Martyrdom, a life of slavery, or escape are their only options. But how can they escape when they have been separated? Will Galen touch the heart of his captors and win their freedom? Friend of My Enemy is the 6th book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like exploring the lives of people in the past and tales of friendship enduring under the harshest of conditions, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s ongoing...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
When the Pope calls, can a pious man survive dangerous seas to prove a miracle?Medieval England Spring, 998 AD. Brother Galen of Yarmwick is desperate to return to friend and family. So after the triumphal unveiling of the king’s gem encrusted Book of Hours, he’s ready to rush home.But just as he thinks life will go back to normal the Bishop of Crowland orders Galen to accompany him to Rome. Galen thought the journey to Lundenburh was gruelling. How will he face an epic voyage of thousands of miles?Fortunately, he has his friend Brother Alcuin to support him. The first step of their journey is just a short voyage across the English Channel. What could possibly go wrong? Will Galen and Alcuin weather the storms of a restless sea and make it safely to the other side?Restless Sea is the fifth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
As if being commissioned to create a book to turn back the Apocalypse isn’t enough, intrigue and romance threaten to destroy everything he’s come to rely upon.Medieval London, 997 AD. Galen and Alcuin finally arrive at the King’s Hall only to be plunged into the middle of a dangerous blood feud, a forbidden romance and a miracle that brings more questions than answers.Surrounded once again by harsh men with full knowledge of the shocking event that led to his banishment, Galen has only one person he can depend on. But Alcuin is being pulled away by family duty and a new obsession. Is it time for Galen to stop relying upon others and solve his own problems? Will Galen survive this dangerous new world and forge a safer future for himself and his friend?The King’s Hall is the fourth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Trapped in a land plagued by vikings, can a small miracle be what they need to survive?Anglo-Saxon England, 997 AD. 16-Year-old scribe, Galen, and his friend Alcuin the illuminator, are running late. Galen’s frailty has delayed their mission – to produce the most glorious book in honour of the king. They are crossing the treacherous marshes of eastern England when vikings attack.After the battle, a child claims that Galen performed a miracle. Ill, surrounded by strangers and expecting a second viking raid at any moment, Galen struggles to understand what actually happened.Did Galen perform a miracle? What does it mean for him and the people around him if he did? Will it even matter if they are overrun by vikings?Kindness of Strangers is the third book in the absorbing Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like historical detail, human dilemmas, and a heartwarming story, then you'll love Marina...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Proven innocent, he’s returned from exile. Can he recover all that he lost?Anglo-Saxon England, AD 997. Brother Galen is anxious anxious about the haven of his abbey. Suddenly reconciled with his father after being disowned, he fears he will never again fit in with his estranged family. But when he’s commissioned to produce a manuscript for the king, the shy scribe has the chance to visit his relatives after three years of banishment.Relieved by the warm welcome from his sisters and mother, Galen still struggles to face those who once cast him aside. And with the village’s priest refusing to believe his innocence, this young man’s reputation could bear deadly consequences.Can Galen finally find the peace he needs to move on?Comfort of Home is the second book in the absorbing Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like captivating characters, chances for redemption, and uplifting quests, then you’ll love...
Genres: Historical Fiction
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Cast out for a crime committed against him, his future looks bleak. Until an unexpected visitor gives him hope for justice.Medieval Europe, 996 AD. Fifteen-year-old Galen survived a horrendous assault, only to be exiled by his family. Taken in by monks and grateful to be spared as a suspected sinner from the execution block, he ekes out a lonely existence of unrelenting pain. But he gains a chance to prove himself worthy when a famous young illustrator arrives at the abbey and selects him to help with an important manuscript.Thrilled to be handpicked for his superb scribing skills, Galen fears the other members of the order will sabotage his newfound fellowship with their whispered accusations. But when more brutal attacks rock the quiet community, a confrontation with his assailant might force him to finally speak his truth.Will Galen find his voice and triumph over trauma and tragedy?Fraternity of Brothers is...
Genres: Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
An Advent Calendar of 24 Short, Sweet Romances Embark on a heartwarming journey through the enchanting streets of Lisbon where love blossoms as Christmas approaches. Loves of Lisbon invites you to unwrap a story a day like a delicious, literary advent calendar. Or, if you have no patience devour the whole lot in a single sitting. Indulge in feel-good, sweet tales that range across the full spectrum of romance, from friends turned to lovers, second chances, older romances, young lovers, enemies to lovers and affluent individuals falling in love with the boy or girl next door. While each story stands alone, Lisbon is a small city, and some characters pop up in more than one place. Read Loves of Lisbon for a celebration of love, where the spirit of Christmas and the charm of Lisbon collide in tales that will warm your heart throughout the holiday season.
Genres: Short/Flash Fiction Collection
Formats: E-Book
Age Groups: 18+
Discover the captivating essence of Lisbon in this collection of tales from residents, visitors and people who have fallen in love with this ancient and quirky city. Uncover what the locals really think of tourists — wherever they come from; feel your heart race as the sea life’s vengeance unfolds; accompany a solo visitor on a voyages of internal and external discovery; bear witness to a life changing tragedy that unfolds within the walls of a café; take a walk with an inspirational poet; succumb to the allure of a beguiling mermaid and shudder at the chilling presence of a werewolf; embark upon a daring gamble up a monumental landmark; and take a crisp bite out of a custard and cinnamon flavoured romance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tales of Lisbon, where ancient traditions and eccentricities collide, delivering a collection that will leave you longing for more.
Genres: Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
A detective and the son of a serial killer, what could go wrong? Jaq should know better. As a detective in the homicide division, she’s worked hard to get there. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a criminal. Simon has buried his past and any hopes for a meaningful relationship with it. His only aim in life is to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. But fate keeps bringing Jaq and Simon together. That, a dollop of attraction, and a whole lot of guilty convenience. Or is the latter just a handy excuse? Do opposites really attract? Will Jaq and Simon decide it’s safest to stay apart, or will they risk everything for love?
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
A body swap, mystery romance set in historic Lisbon. How do you define yourself? Is it through your appearance, your memories or your soul? Lisbon, 1770, Herculano wakes up in a strange body in an unfamiliar house. All he wants is to know who he is. So why is he chasing after a missing man? And what does this have to do with the prince and a power struggle for the kingdom? The man Odete loves no longer returns her feelings. Meanwhile, a man she distrusts has appeared in court. When Odete discovers Herculano shares the same mission, will she have to swallow her pride and join forces? Can Herculano and Odete overcome their differences and save the kingdom, or will tyranny prevail?
Genres: Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
Never trust a Zeller, her grandmother always told her. In a quaint little shop in the heart of historic Sintra, Portugal, Diana Luna constantly strives to create quirky, unique perfumes for her clients. She refuses to change despite the financial pressure of the lockdown. But stumbling across an old family foe might just finish her for good. Armando Zeller’s life is constantly disrupted by people’s coffee breath, fabric cleaner and body odour. He hates it. He just wants to be left alone to create luxury perfumes in his high-tech, antiseptic lab in Lisbon. So when a very drunk Diana stumbles into Armando, accuses his family of industrial espionage and throws up on him, you’d think he’d never want to see her again. But there was something about that shocking encounter that might just have got him hooked. Will these two polar opposite perfumers be able to overcome their differences and...
Genres: Short/Flash Fiction Collection
Formats: E-Book
Age Groups: 18+
Can you love a city? Yes, and Lisbon is a great example. This European capital city is a bustling metropolis that averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Tourists flock here in ever-increasing numbers for the history, culture, great food, and people that have inspired this short anthology of Lisbon stories. The authors in this book come from all corners of the world. Some live here, while others have visited and fallen in love. Each of their tales shines a new and unique light on the city. Take a ride in an iconic tram with a broken-hearted tourist; find love in unexpected places; comb through the fragments in its nooks and crannies; go on a journey of healing that begins with loss; discover the city’s quirks through the eyes of an observant writer; despair of its new architecture; take a surrealist flight of fantasy; step back in time for a...
Genres: Fantasy/SciFi/Speculative
They come from opposite ends of the city, but it might as well be different worlds. Will a demon threat be what’s needed to bring them together?2650 CE, The Eternal City, Italy. Artema Salonoy is looking forward to a restful tenure as the University of Magic’s sole demonologist until a persistent premonition destroys her peace. Something is brewing in the midnight black underbelly of the suburbo. If Artema is to go down there, she’s going to need a guide.As Artema and Eladio dig deeper, they unearth a riddle that could not only destroy their city but the world. Can the pair outwit a devilish enigma to save the planet?City of Night is a futuristic urban sci-fi/ fantasy with a satisfying ending. If you enjoy odd couples, mysteries and unusual settings, then you’ll love the unique world Marina Pacheco has created.Buy City of Night today and immerse yourself in a compelling...
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
Sometimes a woman needs to give a man a little push to turn him into a hero Lady Beatrix, duchess of Falconia, is about to lose everything, her husband, her home and her fortune. If her husband’s bastard son has anything to say in the matter she and her children will soon lose their lives. She has no choice but to run. Erasmus lost everything a long time ago and now lives in a limbo of could have beens and should have beens. He’s bored, frustrated and uncertain of what to do next. He fears the war that is inching ever closer to his home and what it will bring for him. When Beatrix crashes into Erasmus’s life, his first inclination is to hide from her. His second, more puzzling wish, is to help her. But will he be able to do that without revealing the deeper bond that binds...
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
Age Groups: 18+
Not all heroes are tall dark and handsome Felix Vivian Alexander Decimus Peergrave, 10th Duke of Morley and Earl of Chestmere and Pembleston, has just turned 21 and is in search of a bride. His heart condition means he can’t leave his home, so a procession of young ladies is being introduced to him by his domineering aunt. It’s hardly a recipe for success and Felix fears he will never meet the woman of his dreams this way. Honour Seaborn has recently returned to England after a life on the road and at the key battles of the empire following her soldier father. His death has left her at the mercy of a vain cousin who has her own reasons for taking in her penniless relative. Honour urgently needs to set up a life of her own, where she has some independence and freedom. When Felix falls madly in love...
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Formats: E-Book, Audio, Paperback
He’s fleeing his past, she’s running from her future. Could they be each other’s salvation? When Baron Castlemere wiped out Mal’s village during the peasant revolt of 1381, Mal was taken as a child soldier by the sheriff. Fifteen years later the sheriff and his men, who made Mal’s life a misery, are killed in an ambush and Mal flees to a nearby convent looking for sanctuary. All he wants is a quiet place to heal and then to hop on a boat that will take him far away so he can start a new life. Anne Cook is by far the prettiest girl at the convent. She’s just got round to contemplating marriage when a scheming Sir Ingram announces he intends to make her his wife. Anne rejects him but he’s not willing to take no for an answer. When Ingram’s subsequent violent actions puts everyone in danger, Mal...



























