The Violence Begets... Series
They say violence begets violence. But in my world, violence begat love.
Rick St. James

Two boys. One Utah suburb. A friendship built on secrets, bruises, and the hope that they can break the cycle.

Start the series Join the list
Content and trigger warnings

These books contain strong language, graphic violence, and sexual situations. They are not suitable for young readers. Themes include death of a sibling, mention of parent death, child abuse, suicide, questionable consent, drug and alcohol abuse, hate crime, mention of death of a partner, and mental health. Please read with care.

The Books

Read them in order

Violence Begets... book cover: a leather belt on a red background
Book One

Violence Begets...

A Gay Young Adult Novel

After a tragic accident devastates his family, 16-year-old Rick St. James starts his junior year of high school without any friends in a suburb of Salt Lake City. When he meets Kevin Vincent, he's too distracted by the promise of new friends to see that Kevin has secrets of his own.

As Rick's dad grows more violent at home, the two form a surprising and volatile trust. Their friendship will either keep their lives from blowing up around them, or light the fuse.

"Without a single doubt, my best and most memorable read. Ever."  Nicola Haken, author

Kindle Paperback Audiobook
4.1 on Goodreads1,100+ ratings
The Cycle book cover: a glass of whiskey and two bullets on a bar
Book Two

The Cycle

A Violence Begets... Novel

Almost fifteen years ago, a brutal attack changed everything. Despite horrific abuse, Rick St. James and Kevin Vincent found love in each other. They learned that violence only begets violence when you let it. They chose love.

Now Rick's little brother faces the same painful reality Rick once did. Going home to help him brings the nightmares of the past crashing into the demons of the present. Love is put to the test, and it may not survive The Cycle.

"This series is by far one of the best I have read in years, if not forever."  Kristy Turner

Kindle Paperback
4.2 on Goodreads347 pages
What readers say

"Brutal. Raw. Visceral. Pain. A lot of it."

SheReadsALot, Goodreads

"Beautiful devastation."

Jack L. Pyke, author

"This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read."

Terry A. Sutherland

"Not an easy read, but a must read. A real must read."

Boy Meets Boy Reviews

"A 10 star read. Intensely, heartbreakingly beautiful."

Stacey Monahan-Lippincott

"5 stars. The writing deserved it. The story deserved it."

Prism Book Alliance

"This was... wow. Heartbreaking, yet amazing. P.T. Denys did it again."

Susanne Knudsen, on The Cycle
1,250+Goodreads ratings
4.1 ★Average rating
2Books in the series
There's always a choice

Choose Love...

Violence only begets violence when we allow it to. Wear the words that Rick and Kevin lived by.

Shop the merch
About the author

P.T. Denys

P.T. never planned to publish a book. But the story of Rick and Kevin had to be told.

When not writing, P.T. is balancing family and work, catching a show at the theater, or buried in a good book.

Above all, P.T. loves being a parent to two amazing daughters.

No one deserves to be intentionally hurt, physically or emotionally. And behind nearly every bully is a story.