While hundreds of his comrades have perished in the battle, Thierry de la Tour Rouge, a Frank and Templar Knight, has survived only to be taken prisoner by the Saracens. Stripped to his woolen leggings and linen shirt covering and tied like an animal to the pole of a tent, Thierry fears torture in the attempt to break him and his faith.Abdul Basir is French by birth and a convert to Islam. As an advisor to Saladin, Abdul has been accepted by the Saracens and regarded with respect, but he will never be one of them. Thierry has been bought for him and while Abdul owns him, he cannot guarantee that Saladin will spare Thierry’s life.In the spirit of acceptance and forgiveness, Thierry chastely kisses Abdul, hurtling them both into a clash of faiths and a contest of wills. One man motivated by the fulfillment of a long-lurking fantasy and the other by the need to survive and keep his faith intact. In the process, they come to show each other mercy, kindness, mutual respect and trust—enough to reveal their desire for one another.As Saladin holds the fate of Thierry’s life in his hands, can Abdul ensure the safety of this honorable crusader who has become his brother? Or will he have to find the strength and courage to let Thierry go in peace?

    If someone he s attracted to wants to have sex with him, he's not going to say no to them. That's not a character flaw, it s just common sense.Stephen seems to think otherwise. He's sure Andrew is incapable of saying no to a cheap thrill. But, at the same time, he's more than happy to provide Andrew with the prefect opportunity to prove him wrong.Andrew has no doubt that he can say no to everything the younger man offers him for the next twelve hours, and that's all he needs to do to win their bet. He's also quite looking forward to cutting the would-be dominant down to size in the process. Because, while he may be easy when it comes to vanilla encounters, Andrew has high standards when it comes to dominants.There's no way an inexperienced nineteen year old is going to receive his submission. Andrew will obviously find it easy to say no to that. Won't he ?Reader Advisory: This story has been previously released as part of the Friction anthology by Total-E-Bound

    Or so my father would have me believe. I’m imprisoned in a world I hate and fear. As heir to my father’s title, I’m expected to marry, but my secret desires may keep me from fulfilling those expectations. One night a stranger kisses me. In his touch, I see the possibility of a life beyond my prison. My name? Just call me Angel and this is my evolution."

    Rys Palmer’s 25th birthday. A significant birthday, for it’s when he’ll come into his majority and gain full control of the inheritance from his obscenely wealthy grandfather. But the promise of a fortune isn’t what gets Rys’s blood pumping. Mr. Martin Trent is well aware of his lover’s propensity for thrills. After four years together, he knows just how to indulge Rys without risking either of their reputations or their necks. But clearly Rys’s taste for more than a hint of danger has rubbed off on him. Beyond reckless to ask Rys to meet him at a formal ton ball to give Rys his gift. Yet Martin can’t resist the opportunity to give his lover a birthday he’ll never forget. Story length: approximately 6,100 wordsNote: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: D/s theme and elements, and male/male sexual practices.Note from Author: This is a previously published work. It was originally published in 2010. This second edition has been edited with minor changes. For readers who purchased the original edition, this second edition is not substantially different.

    Aftermath When shy Edward Easterby first sees the popular Hugo Lamont, he's both envious of the man's social skills and ashamed of finding him so attractive. But two awful secrets weigh Lamont down. One is that he fancies Easterby, at a time when the expression of such desires is strictly illegal. The second is that an earlier, disastrous encounter with a young gigolo has left him unwilling to enter into a relationship with anyone. Hugo feels torn apart by the conflict between what he wants and what he feels is "right." Will Edward find that time and patience are enough to change Hugo's mind? Gentleman's Gentleman Lord Robert Scoville has lived in a reasonably comfortable Victorian closet, without hope of real love, or any notion that it's right there in front of him if he would only open his eyes and take notice of his right-hand man, Jack Darling. Jack has done his best to be satisfied with the lesser intimacy of caring for the man he loves, but his feigned role as a below-stairs ladies' man leaves his heart empty. When a simple diplomatic errand turns dangerous and a man from their past raises unanswerable questions, both men find themselves endangered by the secrets between them. Can they untangle the web of misunderstanding before an unknown attacker parts them forever? Hard and Fast: Major Geoffrey Chaloner has returned, relatively unscathed, from the Napoleonic War, and England is at peace for the first time in years. Unable to set up his own establishment, he is forced to live with his irascible father who has very clear views onjust about everything-including exactly whom Geoffrey will marry and why. The trouble is that Geoffrey isn't particularly keen on the idea, and even less so when he meets Adam Heyward, the enigmatic cousin of the lady his father has picked out for him... As Geoffrey says himself: "I have never been taught what I should do if I fell in love with someone of a sex that was not, as I expected it would be, opposite to my own."

    When it's a story about two men falling in love, there's twice the attraction. We've chosen stories that run the gamut of M/M romantic fiction: from initial curiosity to the first blush of love, from awkward first times to finding fulfillment, and from heart-warming forever devotion to hot and sweaty sex. Think of it as a romance buffet: take a little bit, try a little dab, and find the flavor of M/M romance that satisfies you.Gambling Men by Amy LaneQuent is sure his admiration for his business partner Jace is only respect for Jace’s talent—until one night after hours when Jace gets shockingly close. These two tough-minded business men are used to playing their cards close to the vest. Will they be able to take a gamble on love?Bad News Brett by Sean KennedyAlthough opposites attract, it’s always good to take an interest in your other half’s passions. That’s why Brett finds himself in a batting cage when his only knowledge of baseball comes from Peanuts cartoons and a late-night rerun of The Bad News Bears. Luckily his partner Tex believes in a hands-on approach to working on Bret’s stance...Choices and Changes by S. BlaiseSelf-conscious about his weight, Brendan meets Seb, a moody loner, at the only empty table in the school cafeteria. The two outcasts become unlikely friends, until the day over summer vacation when Seb kisses Brendan—and then doesn’t return to school that fall. Over a decade later, the two meet again at a party and discover that despite appearances, some things haven’t changed since high school.Equinox by M. Jules Aedin and Anna J. LindenSince his parents kicked him out of the house when he told them he’s gay, Matthew has been making it just fine—and then the college dorms close for spring break. He’s got nowhere to go until his best friend Samantha invites him to come home with her... and Matthew isn’t prepared for his attraction to her drop-dead gorgeous, out-and-proud older brother Aaron. Now Matthew and Aaron only have one week to figure out how to balance their spring fling with the relationship they both want.We Are Stardust by M. Jules AedinRobin Danvers has been the perfect son and the model student and has never even tried to make it to second base with his girlfriend. But 1969 is a year for non-conformity, and when Robin’s parents forbid him to attend a hippie music festival in Woodstock, New York, he decides to hitchhike his way there. Picked up by a van full of free spirits, Robin meets Cat Ellis, who sets out to show Robin how it feels to be free.Spontaneous by Chrissy MunderCalling him boring and unpredictable, Michael’s ex-boyfriend leaves him with their vacation plans in shambles. Rather than sitting around moping, Michael decides to prove that he can do spontaneous as well as the next guy. Unfortunately, Michael’s spur-of-the-moment trip is going disastrously wrong—until he spies a hot construction worker from the bed and breakfast’s window. Suddenly, being spontaneous is easy when Eben provides the right incentive.The Meaning of Significant Digits by Ashlyn KaneMan-eater Alex Herrera and shy Dev Patel have been best friends since high school, so when Alex overhears a phone conversation that leads him to believe Dev is in love with straight, soon-to-be-married Elijah, he formulates an intensive twelve-step program to help Dev get over his hopeless attraction. But after only a few days, Alex realizes he’s a little too emotionally invested in the success of his plan. With Elijah’s wedding only a week away, can Alex convince Dev that what he’s looking for has been right in front of him all along?Mending the Break by Jaymz ConnellyTwo years is too long apart to mend a broken relationship—or is it? Quin is about to find out when he comes face-to-face with his former lover, Jai, for the first time since they split up. Quin has a badly broken leg, and when the masseuse assigned to his therapy goes home sick, Jai steps in to take her place. Can Quin overcome his fear of revealing just how much he needs Jai? Is Jai willing to take the chance that Quin won’t break his heart again? It will take concessions on both sides if they really want to mend the break.Road to Nowhere by Catt FordBig-city photographer Jim Folkner is going to publish a book of the most beautiful photos ever… until his car breaks down in a nowhere town in Wyoming. Meeting Barry Lancaster—a man he’d never given the time of day in college—and his uncles, Myrom and Dowling, teach Jim to look beyond the obvious and see that every road leads somewhere, as long as you like where it’s going.Snowman by Isabelle RowanEveryone finds a way to run away: some do it in seclusion, others in the arms of lovers. Caleb lives a quiet life in the Australian high country with only his dog and horses for company until an unexpected snowstorm strands a lost tourist at his cabin. Paul’s vacation plans called for drinking, fucking, and actively avoiding all outdoor recreation, not solitary confinement with a reclusive mountain man. But the storm will force both to reassess their lives—if only until the roads are clear.In His Eyes by Bethany BrownRyan Matthews’s ten-year-old son wants a trail ride for his birthday, so Ryan decides he’d better take some lessons. He’s instantly attracted to his instructor, Max Kincaid, but can’t believe the younger man would return the attraction. Max has had bad experiences with older men, but Ryan is making him rethink his caution. Being caught together in a sudden summer thunderstorm will give both men a chance to see themselves through each others’ eyes.Weak in the Knees by G.S. WileyBaker Spencer Howard and caterer Ray Bianchi are the best of friends, and although Spencer thinks Ray is gorgeous, he also knows he has no chance with him. Ray is as straight as they come—or at least Spencer thinks so until the day Ray kisses him. But love is harder to hold together than a crumbling birthday cake, and Spencer’s not sure they can even salvage their friendship.The Shirt by Amy LanePolar opposites Scotty and Ryan’s love-at-first-sight romance should never have worked—but it has. Now the two lovers are welcoming Ryan’s parents into town to meet the love of their son’s life… until Ryan encounters technical difficulties with the world’s most common object. Can Scotty and Ryan’s relationship survive the tangle caused by one woven, oxford blue, button-down shirt?The Neighbors by Janey ChapelWhen a gay couple moves into the neighborhood, a bird’s-eye view of their house and yard leads a woman to get to know her new neighbors in completely unexpected ways… and helps her learn a few things about herself at the same time.

    The arrogant and dictatorial lord who caught him red-handed was more than willing to take advantage of the situation.Temporarily forced into a unique form of servitude, Niels learns more than he ever expected to about the decadent ruling class that he wants so badly to emulate. Masquerading as a foreign nobleman is easy for the charming Fin who grew to manhood on the streets of London, abandoned by the only family he had. But will his experience at manipulating people and winning their confidence help him with Richard? Or get him into even more trouble?

    But, there is a rival for her attentions.Local hero, Brom Bones.Brom lives to torment and tease Ichabod, leaving the schoolmaster wondering if he is more interested in besting his rival than winning Katrina’s hand. Especially when each time Ichabod goes into the backroom of his favorite tavern – a place men can be men –his imagination conjures Brom's face on every lover.Late one night, Ichabod is chased by the legendary Headless Horseman. Terrified the ghost wants his head, he tries to outrun the specter. To his horror, he is taken captive by the evil spirit.Ichabod awakens, naked and tied to a bed, only to discover the Headless Horseman is none other than his rival Brom Bones! Brom confesses that Ichabod has been haunting his own fantasies and he vows to make Ichabod Crane his in every way.Ichabod wants to believe the pleasure Brom offers comes from his heart, but he is afraid it is another one of Brom’s tricks.Though surely an enemy's touch has never felt like this...

    Sexy. Sizzling. There's nothing like a man in uniform, and thirteen of today's hottest gay romance authors are celebrating military heroes and the men brave enough to love them.These brand-new novellas feature all branches of the service and offer something for every reader. Almost 300,000 never before published words!

    Whether it's a May/December romance, a second chance at love, or finding a soul mate later in life, these stories prove that it's never too late for love.Stories Included are:Nachos on Saturday by J. Leigh BaileyQueening Out by Mari DonneGranddad's Cup of Tea by Amy Rae DurresonThe Way to a Fisherman's Heart by Tray EllisNo Place Like Home by Kim FieldingIvory Black, Flecked with White by Laylah HunterLoving Again by John InmanFull Circle by Rhidian Brenig JonesStraight Shooting by Maggie LeeHero Worship by Sam C. LeonhardCurtain Calls by Pinkie Rae ParkerThe Bodyguard's Dilemma by Chris ScullyPicture This by Dottie Stratton & Linda JamesHunting Season by AC ValentineWaiting for the Light by Layla M. Wier

    Despite his better judgment, he agreed to let the young mercenary travel with him to the battle at Foray. Their travels become a journey of sexual discovery, love, and, ultimately, on the battlefield at Foray, loss.Two years later, Drake is called to be Master of Arms at Marden Castle. Drake can handle that, but he can't handle Logan, the Duke of Marden.Logan's green eyes, long blond hair, and boyish charm make Drake feel things he'd rather keep buried. But if Drake can open his heart again, he'll find everything he's never wanted and always needed: a home, a son, and a man to love and who loves him. Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices, ménage (m/f/m, m/m/m), violence.

    While escorting the bride, comrades-in-arms Rhicer and Kanath inadvertently drink a love potion intended for the newlyweds and find themselves dealing with a newfound desire for one another. As they struggle with their growing connection in a culture that despises same-sex love, Rhicer and Kanath face a terrible decision: give in to the social mores of their time and abandon love or answer the call of their hearts and leave Ageselm forever.

    "After years gadding about Europe, Everett Gerard can no longer avoid his responsibilities. Word has come that a child bearing the unmistakable Gerard stamp has shown up at the family estate-and he realizes it's time to face his demons.As his carriage nears the gates of home, he fights the urge to flee the memory of the horrible crime he witnessed as a child. Yet the Abbey delivers surprises and delights he never expected.Miles Kenway was content with his quiet life as the Abbey's bailiff, until the wild child, clearly a bastard son of some Gerard, upends his peace with constant pranks and mischief. And when the master of the house arrives, an unsettling attraction heats Miles's blood.As they clash over the fate of the ancestral land, they battle a powerful desire to grapple in ways that could disrupt the delicate balance between master and servant. But when the boy's real sire appears, they must unite as only true fathers can to protect the boy whose mischievous charm has captured their hearts.Warning: Gothic murder, hot man loving, and emotional family drama

    Army Captain Frank Hawthorne returns to Germany, against orders, to testify at the Nuremberg trials. He's attempting to save the life of Johann von Biehn, a former Nazi Officer. No one at the trials knows that three years ago, at the height of the war, Frank had been sent to kill the very man he is now defending - and that Johann is the love of his life. Frank must not reveal what happened between them during the war, but that leaves Frank with hardly any evidence to counter Johann's notorious career as a Nazi.

    The story of his capture, and the marshal’s bravery, has already become legend back east by the time Pinkerton inspector Ezra Johns gets off the train from New York City to testify in the murderer’s trial.When Ambrose is unable to give witness to the evils he’s seen, Ezra becomes their lone hope for putting Jennings in a noose. But if Ezra thinks that’s his biggest problem, he’s got plenty to learn about life—and the afterlife—in the spirited West.Fortunately, Ambrose is there to assist, and more than happy to oblige Ezra—in the courtroom or the bedroom. He spent his life bringing justice to the Wild West, and if he has a say in it, that’s how he’ll be spending his death too.