It is a product of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group Hot Summer Days event and features original stories from 29 authors; if you like what you read, come join our group! Read these stories online or download the anthology from AReNote: These stories contain sexually explicit content and are intended for adult readers only. Mark Alders – PYROGASM (Paranormal/Firemen) Rory Auden – BONDS AND BUBBLE RINGS (Shifters/BDSM) Poppy Dennison – BLINDSIDED (Hurt/Comfort)Megan Derr – PERMANENT EXHIBIT: THE GUARDIANS (Fantasy/Angels) Charles Edward – HEROTICA: PHOTON'S STORY (Superheroes) R.L. Ferguson – RIDING FOR A FALL (Cowboys/Friends-to-Lovers) S.A. Garcia – BOUND TO BE SUITED (BDSM/Humor) S.A. Garcia – A CURE FOR THE KING’S LUST (Wizards/Warriors) David Greene – SNAKE BITE (Adventure/Coming of Age) Kathleen Hayes – BROKEN (Hurt/Comfort) Kayla Jameth – CONTROLLED FALL (Adventure/Nature) K-lee Klein – OUTFOXED (Rockstars/ Established-Couples)Celia Kyle – JOY AND PAIN (BDSM/Voyeurism) Taylor Law – WRONG TURN (Shape-shifter/Coming-out) Elizabeth Lister – THE BEACH HOUSE (M/M/M) Ryan Loveless – TWENTY YEARS LATER (WELCOME HOME TO THE CONQUERING HERO) (Military/Reunion) Selah March – THE SATYR’S LAMENT (Post-Apocalyptic/ Mythology) Michele L. Montgomery – TEARS FROM ABOVE (Angels/Light D/S)Zahra Owens – TRUST (Organized Crime) Sloan Parker – SWEPT AWAY (Established-Couples) Jen Pinto – BLUE FLAMES (Sci-Fi/Masturbation) K.D. Sarge – ROMEO AND JULIAN: A NEAR-TRAGEDY NEAR VERONA (Sweet-No Sex, In-the-Closet) Kate Sherwood – TAKEN (Friends-to-Lovers, Hurt/Comfort) K.Z. Snow – QUIET ERP (Fairies/ Non-Explicit Sex) V.J. Summers – LIAR, LIAR (Goth Club/Friends-to-Lovers)Fae Sutherland – MORE THAN WORDS (Guy-liner/Public Sex) Anne Tenino – WHITETAIL ROCK (Cops/Inter-Racial) Pia Veleno – FREEDOM’S SOUVENIR (Vacation Romance) Eden Winters – SWEET DREAMS (College/Coming-Out)

    I feel like such an idiot. I have a feeling someone's going to die- and it's gonna be me. I can hear their boots on the paving outside. I can hear him muttering orders to his team before they knock down the door and throw in the tear-gas. He's gonna be surprised- this is the last place my husband expects to see me...This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 4.

    He’s never told Jase how he feels, though. There were always other people in the way. Up until six months ago, Jase was shacked up with his cheating college boyfriend Marcus. Up until last night, Sean was engaged to the mother of his two-year old child, Cody. Cody may have been the result of a drunken one-night stand, but Sean would do anything for his son, including marry a woman he doesn’t love. But when Sean’s fiancée Lisa, calls him from her New York vacation to say that she’s left him and Cody for good, Sean calls Jase, the only person he knows who can get him though this. Now that they are both free, maybe it’s finally time for Sean to tell Jase how he really feels.Original Prompt:Dear Author,“I’m leaving, I’m tired of you, your family and that little brat. I had enough”“Little brat? That’s your son you are talking about, our son.”“I never wanted him anyway. I’m not the house wife type”One drunken night was all it took. I’ve never loved her, but I will die for my little boy.Now that she is out of my life, could I finally have the life I always wanted with the only one I’ve ever loved?This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story at Smashwords, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 9.

    The last thing he expects is to fall head over heels for his gorgeous partner. Friendly but distant, Aiden keeps him at arm's length, and Tyler knows his feelings are hopelessly one-sided. But as the Games begin, Tyler learns nothing is certain until the final dive.Dear Author,I could look at him all day. But sometimes, when he thinks I’m not looking, he seems so sad…This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

    He’s ashamed of hiding it all this time and he doesn’t want to hurt her, so every time he gets the chance to tell her, he freezes up. The guilt has been almost unbearable, but when his wife dies suddenly, Jay’s conscience threatens to eat him alive. Funeral director Scott Lawson deals with the bereaved every day of his life, and he’s also all too familiar with the inside of the closet. He offers Jay some much-needed compassion and understanding, and from that connection comes a friendship that quickly—perhaps too quickly—turns into something more. But are grief, guilt, and loneliness the only things tying them together? Or will Scott get tired of being used as an emotional crutch before Jay realizes what he has?

    Too embarrassed to be seen with the school's biggest social outcast (who is also rumored to be gay), Joey agrees to go over to Jimmy's house to work on the project. Away from the scrutiny of their peers, Joey finds that he actually enjoys Jimmy's company. But Joey quickly realizes that Jimmy has developed a crush on him, and although Joey likes the attention, he doesn't want to lead Jimmy on. Will Jimmy's strong feelings ruin their newly formed friendship?

    He can’t understand why people should care about that, but they do. He longs for a man who is willing to accept him, someone who can love him for who he is and not think that he is weak because of what he wears underneath his clothes. But where to find such a man?Alex is managing his sister’s lingerie shop when he sees a man worshipping a pair of panties, and it pisses him off. He wants the man to look at him in the same way he looks at that flimsy lingerie. But why would a proper-looking man ever see him as anything other than a failure?Dear Author,So I’m a man and I like to wear lace. Sometimes I like to wear leather and lace. Is that such a crime? I don’t want to be dominated, I don’t want to submit, I just want a partner who will look at me and think I’m hotter than the sun. I just want a man who won’t see me as weak because of what I wear under my clothes. But it’s hard enough to find a partner as a gay man; how am I ever going to find one who will enjoy my kink as much as I do? God, I’m so tired of hiding who I am. Please, no BDSM. The rest is up to you.Photo Description: A man is standing with his back to the camera. He is shielding his face with his arm, displaying muscles and strength, but hiding. He is wearing a black garter belt in lace with matching stockings, gloves and a harness in black leather, and nothing else. He is a beautiful contrast of strength and delicacy.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

    He’s working toward a degree in a field he loves and even managed to score one of the coveted singles in the nicest upperclassmen dorm. There’s only one problem. Daniel. The guy whose single is attached to the other side of the connecting bathroom. The mess Alvaro could maybe ignore. The wet towels, balled up socks, and bottles and bottles of bubble bath. It’s the singing he can’t take. Every night it’s the same. Daniel takes a bubble bath and murders another of Alvaro’s favorite songs. One night, Alvaro stomps into the bathroom, ready to halt the mangling of another musical memory. But his feet fly up and his head smacks down. Daniel hops to the rescue in all his wet, bubble-covered glory, and a relationship begins that will continue to set Alvaro reeling. Until now, Alvaro’s life has been heading in the right direction. But can an attraction this strong—even to a guy who doesn’t organize his socks—be all wrong?Wrong Direction is a sweet and sexy novella with lots of clumsy mishaps, cute dates, and deep thoughts about life’s multiple directions.

    They are a product of the Love Is Always Write promotion sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group and are published as a free gift to you.What Is Love Is Always Write?The Goodreads M/M Romance Group invited members to choose a photo and pen a letter or story prompt asking for a short M/M romance story inspired by the image; authors from the group were encouraged to select a letter or story prompt and write an original tale. The result was an outpouring of creativity that shone a spotlight on the special bond between M/M romance writers and the people who love what they do. Nearly 150 stories were submitted and published as a ten volume set – as well as an additional special bonus volume with three novel-length stories – titled Love Is Always Write; this edition is Volume Two. Whether you are an avid M/M romance reader or new to the genre, you are in for a delicious treat.Stories in Volume 2: Introduction ~ Love Is Always Write BLOOD RAINE – Belinda McBride (fantasy/sword & sorcery)BRINGING HOME BABY BIRD – Megan Reddaway (contemporary/culinary/bartenders)BY DESIGN – Kate Islay (contemporary/office romance)CALL ME BURT – Elin Austen (contemporary/humorous)CHIVALRY – Ravon Silvius (historical/ knights)CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Xara X. Xanakas (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)COMING HOME – Ellen Holiday and Stella Harris (contemporary/blue collar)A COMPETITIVE EDGE – Adara O’Hare (contemporary/college athletes)CONSTABLE OF DISTURBIA – Darcy Abriel (dark fantasy/scientist)CORY’S PRIDE – Amanda Corlies (contemporary/hurt/comfort)CROCODYLUS ACUTUS – J. Rocci (contemporary/shifter)THE DANGERS OF FAIRY COMPACTS – Katey Hawthorne (fantasy/cleric) DARKEST BEFORE DAWN – Gabbo de la Parra (sci-fi/post-apocalyptic)DEFINING RICO – Sassy Lane (contemporary/humorous)Words of Caution The stories in this collection are sexually explicit and intended for adult readers. Some stories may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

    Growing up I saw him constantly, and even throughout college he has been part of my life. Why have I not approached him? Well, he’s my older brother’s best friend. And I think he’s been in love with my brother for as long as I’ve been in love with him. Now, on the day of my brother’s wedding to a woman, my love interest will have to stand by my brother and watch him start a life with someone else. How can my brother not see what he’s going to be losing? What can I do to help my crush?Photo Description: Two men, both dressed in tuxedos, are standing alone around the back of a church. They are kissing and holding each other close. The taller man has his arms wrapped around the smaller man’s waist, while the smaller man is leaning into the kiss and reaching out for his partner.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story. This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.

    He just never thought that the people telling him this were telling the truth. Until he happened to glimpse something out of the corner of his eye, something that he couldn't explain.And now there are things in the shadows, things that want him. And he's not sure if he can hold out any longer. If only he hadn't picked up that apple on that fateful day, then the ones in the shadows would not have noticed his presence.Photo Description: boy holding an apple, button-down shirt pushed off the shoulders, boxers showing above low-slung, belted, dark-colored jeansThis story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 7.

    I've caught him just lost in his thoughts like this more than once.He's higher up in the company and I've always admired him. We're not close friends by any stretch of my imagination but when he's just tuned out like this, I can't help but wonder what he's thinking about.Is there something going on with the company that's caused him to have such a serious look on his face? Or is it someone in his life that he's concerned about?Can I hope the someone he's thinking about is me? Then again maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part.But a guy can hope though...right?Photo Description: Front view of a man in a white dress shirt, matching grey vest and dress pants, and shiny black dress shoes. His legs are spread wide as he leans back in an office chair. His head is turned to the right, his chin resting on his right hand as he stares out of a wall of windows, lost in his thoughts.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 2.

    Two years ago, Derrick Cole took one of his teenage probationers to learn about a new program that helped at risk kids by teaching them how to train shelter dogs. There he met the executive director and founder, Nigel Rutherford. Although the two men came from different worlds, they immediately found common ground in an interest in social issues and a desire to help others. A strong mutual attraction grew over time into the kind of solid loving relationship that so many people only dream about.But getting to this point wasn't easy. Bias and intolerance barred the way, and Derrick's foster father, Ronald Bryant, was at the core. When Ronald dies tragically, the couple is forced to face demons from their past that threaten to destroy everything they've fought so hard for.Death does a lot of things to people. Nigel and Derrick must fight to make sure that their relationship isn't yet another tragic loss.Warnings: Contains grief and loss, death of a parent, lots of crying, a bit of PTSD, snarky teens, adorable but opportunistic dogs, foul language, emotionally intense hot man on hot man sex action, and an excessive number of pumpkins.--------------------------------------------------------------This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

    Throughout our teenage years, I was pretty much convinced that you were a complete asshole and that you didn’t have a single romantic bone in your body. You’d have laughed in the face of a romantic walk on the beach or a candle-lit dinner. But things change, and when I returned from college it was like meeting a new man. Perhaps that’s what happens when you grow up, or perhaps this was you all along. I’m just surprised – and secretly pleased – that you’re finally noticing me.I'm looking for an HEA, but with no ménage, no BDSM, and no paranormal elements. Thank you! <3Photo Description: It is a black and white photo of two men wrapped in a blanket on a rocky beach with only their feet visible.This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.Read the story here or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 3.

    It’s been eight months since they parted – Augie for California to finish his dissertation, and Shon to Tanzania to lead the Serengeti Rhino Protection Unit – but they're about to find out how much those six nights actually meant to them....(Available for free on Payhip.)