In the case of Maggie Hartman, her first love isn’t forgiven, either. Seven years have passed since Taylor left their small town and Maggie for the glamour of Hollywood… and to marry up-and-coming rodeo star, Josh Beckett. It took seven years for Taylor Sweet to cement her stardom. She’s built her brand on being an expert horse behaviorist and the wife of a famous rodeo rider. But months after their divorce is finalized, she finds herself hungering for time out of the spotlight. Returning to her hometown of Valentine, Nebraska, population 2,803, offers the perfect escape from the messiness of Hollywood. What she discovers she can’t escape is the tangled past she shares with the love she left behind. As far as Maggie is concerned, Taylor is there to stir up trouble. The problem is, she’s stirring up a lot more than that for Maggie, who is beginning to realize she never got over her feelings for her old friend… Can she learn to forgive, and give free rein to her heart?

    Adam is convinced it's fate that draws him into the showers after a night of studying so he can finally get a chance to be with the guy he's been crushing on for two years. Lincoln had no idea being with a guy could be more than getting off, but Adam's definitely more than he ever expected. Can they make it work for more than one night? Can they build the foundation of a relationship that will last for years to come?Original Prompt:Dear Author,I would love it if these boys could tell us the story of how they came together. Starting from that mind-numbing blowjob in the showers at high-school.One of the boys could simply no longer hide his feelings and lust and spurred by the acceptance of intimate contact by his colleague, he confessed his love. And was rewarded with a confession in return and more days of fun and loving.Photo Description: Surrounded by azure tiles, two naked young men share a shower. One stands, arms up-stretched to grip the shower-head, eyes closed. In front of him the shorter boy presses close, bellies touching, his hand gliding soap up one raised, exposed armpit, mouths hovering an inch away from the kiss. This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Hot Summer Days" 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 here or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 3 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, coming-of-age, virgin, high school, teens, coming outWarnings: teenagers (both 18)Word Count: 9,322

    She's a very successful real estate agent, happily married to a man who encourages her to live the independent life she loves; and they're actively working to have a baby.The wrench in the works is that Blair favors adoption, while her husband David desperately wants to have a biological child. The fates are against them, and they finally seek the help of a group of reproductive specialists. One of the doctors, a surgeon named Kylie Mackenzie, eventually becomes a good friend to Blair. And she needs all of the friends she can get when things start to go horribly wrong at home. As her marriage teeters on the brink of collapse, she relies more and more on Kylie's friendship.Kylie's happily gay; Blair's happily straight. But the way they structure their relationship leads friends and family to privately question whether the pair is setting themselves up for heartache. They eventually come to a crossroads, which could either destroy their friendship or turn it into what each of them has been seeking. The question is whether each woman can change her view of herself and her needs. The answer is all that matters.

    Her plans to hide out and heal her wounds go by the wayside as she gets drawn into the daily lives of the quirky locals and becomes fast friends with Maddie Stevenson, the enigmatic physician who has returned to the backcountry community to take over her late father’s medical practice.Ann McMan weaves a story of life and love in the beautiful mountains of Virginia.

    On a trip to New York she sees the artwork of artist Kris Milano, whose talent is not the only thing she's attracted to. Undercover of email, she begins a correspondence with the artist . When she comes to New York for filming and finally meets her, will she tell Kris the truth ... all of it?Themes: Romance, lesbian. Length: approx. 195,000 words

    Small, small town. There are ways out of even the smallest town, if you can find the hand to guide you out.Original link: http://s2b2.livejournal.com/176784.htmlWords: 12,720 Complete

    Outside, the Ragers lurk, ever hungry and hunting. But Greta and her brother, half-starved and now alone, must risk death for the dream of safety they hope to find within the metal forest. Once there, nothing is as it seems: in the confines of a crumbling old candy factory, the woman who rescues them with sweet words and sweeter treats harbors a dangerous secret.The novella CRUMBS is the lesbian retelling of the classic fairy tale, "Hansel and Gretel." It is part of the series SAPPHO'S FABLES: LESBIAN FAIRY TALES.

    When it comes to men, Sam won’t make time for anything more than a one-night stand. No commitments, no connections. Everything changes the morning she wakes up next to a woman for the first time, except Sam can’t actually remember what happened. But the undeniably gorgeous Mia Rossi isn’t going to let her ignore the passion they shared. For Sam, the night she can’t remember turns out to be impossible to forget.In Forget Her Never, Abby Dunn knows there has to be a catch. There always is. But when a sexy stranger offers a night of fun, she throws caution to the wind. Kendall Squires is a fascinating woman who knows just what to say to get what she wants. That should have been Abby's clue that Kendall would know what not to say, as well, and she shouldn't have been surprised when she learns Kendall is married. Abby knows she has to put that night behind her, but can she ever really forget a woman like Kendall Squires?

    He knows I want him, and he hates me for it.But I can see right through Kian Courtland, and I’ve figured something out. Something that he won’t even admit to himself.His secret?He wants me, too.Cross the Line is a standalone M/M new adult high school romance novella with enemies to lovers themes.*Originally published as a short story in the Love At First Fright anthology. This novella edition has been revised and expanded.

    His roommate and best friend, Daniel, is one of the most popular guys on the wrestling team. When a power outage during a winter storm forces them to get closer than ever before just to survive the night, their relationship changes forever. Neither are gay but the physical chemistry they have is undeniable. Unfortunately, Daniel's issues at home might be too severe for them to overcome.

    Her powerful political family sees her as the Chosen One who will someday be president. Upholding a carefully crafted veneer is second nature until the first day of class when Maya's mysterious gray eyes hold her in thrall. Ainsley may be out publicly regarding her sexual orientation, but she lives under the shadow of the Carmichael's ancient but shrewd matriarch in this contemporary lesbian romance. The girls pair up for a history project, and it soon becomes clear Maya is hiding something when she cuts their first kiss short by pointing out they come from different worlds. The privileged world of the Carmichael clan stands in stark contrast to Maya's limited means. Ainsley's sexually fluid, quirky, and carefree cousin helps her investigate, only to discover details of Maya's past are sketchy at best as the suspense builds in this work of LGBT fiction. Family scandal erupts, making the inevitable truth come out about Maya the Gray. Will Ainsley’s love for the enigmatic girl enable her to break her Carmichael shackles?

    As Tala’s wedding day approaches, simmering tensions come to boiling point and the pressure mounts for Tala to be true to herself.Moving between the vast enclaves of Middle Eastern high society and the stunning backdrop of London’s West End, I Can’t Think Straight explores the clashes between East and West, love and marriage, conventions and individuality, creating a humorous and tender story of unexpected love and unusual freedoms.

    The last thing she wants is to become a target for bullies.When a group of popular girls invite her to hang out, she finally has a chance to be part of the in-crowd. Her excitement quickly turns to fear, and she barely escapes their trap. It's the last time she’ll ever be so naive. Haunted by that day, Katie shuts herself away, dreaming of payback. When fantastical thoughts turn to reality, vengeance is bitter sweet. Convinced she's not a good person, Katie resigns herself to a life alone. But fate has other plans. When she crosses paths with an outgoing redhead, she's forced to re-examine the walls she's built around her heart.

    Now she's back in Cedar Creek, a little older, a lot wiser, and ready to live the quiet life for a while.It's been eight months since her fiancée walked out and shattered Grace Donnelly's dreams of a happily ever after. Her friends tell her it's time to put herself out there, but the breakup with Emma was still just too raw for Grace to wash her hands and move on.After a meeting a chance meeting at her brother's bakery, Jessica finds herself unable to get Grace off of her mind. She's sure she feels an attraction from Grace as well, but will Jessica be able to convince Grace to stop living in the past and take a chance on a future together with her...16,900 words

    Two more opposing characters you couldn't fail to meet, and yet, somehow, they strike up a friendship. But when the rain stops and the sun comes out, could that friendship blossom into something more?Fans of contemporary lesbian romance will love Scarlet & Joy's story, bursting with real characters and shot through with British wit. From the international best-selling author of "London Calling" and "This London Love" comes a heart-warming tale of love & redemption.Find out if opposites really do attract: buy "Nothing To Lose" today!