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 Seven. Whether you are an avid M/M romance reader or new to the genre, you are in for a delicious treat.Stories in Volume 6:LIKE SO MUCH HOT AIR – Kathleen Hayes (contemporary/action/adventure)THE LUXURY OF VENGEANCE – Isabella Carter (fantasy/royalty)MAGICK'S CUCUMBER – H.A. Caine (paranormal/family drama)A MAGNETIC COUPLE DILEMMA – Naaju Rorrete (contemporary/friends-to-lovers)MAN-TO-MAN COVERAGE – Nico Jaye (contemporary/gay-for-you)MARKING TIME – CJ Anthony (contemporary/friends-to-lovers/DADT)MAVERICK: SLAYER OF SLAYERS – Mark Alders (sci-fi/universe)MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT – Embry Carlysle (paranormal romance/shape-shifters)MY LORD’S JUDGEMENT – Taylor Law (paranormal/action/adventure)THE NEXT STEP – J.A. Rock (paranormal contemporary/shifters)NO DISTRACTIONS – Em Woods (contemporary/established couples)NO FAULT OF HIS OWN – Sara York (contemporary/illness/disease)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.

    Will Ryder cross a line no man should cross to obtain a second chance?Ryder Halloway made a life changing decision about his relationship with Harlan when he was young and stupid. Thanks to one rash moment, he lost it all. He lost the only man he would ever love, his drive to even try to finish college and his zest for life.Seven years later finds him in front of Harlan's house preparing to take back what he lost with a vengeance. He's prepared to use all the tricks in his arsenal to plow through every wall, protest and excuse Harlan might come up with.Of course, he never expected Harlan to put him in the hospital.Harlan Mychels had his heart broken in college by the popular Ryder. He learned his lesson about love and since then hasn't allowed anyone even remotely close to his heart. Then one morning he turns and sees the one person able to tear his walls down and destroy what is left of it.He uses every defensive tactic in his possession to keep Ryder at arm's length, but Ryder is persistent. Harlan's not sure if he can stay safe from heartache, and he starts wondering what the real heartache is – letting Ryder in again...or letting him go for good.**This book was previously published in the Story Orgy anthology Word Play**

    ScarsCaleb always knew that his work was dangerous. For years, he'd thrived on the adrenaline rush, the danger thrumming under his skin, the tangible efforts of his labor a secondary reward when the flames flickered away to nothing and he was able to save a building, or save a life. He'd thought that the Johnson City Fire Station 10 was his home - until he got caught in a building with no way out. Henry wasn't always shy and meek. As a child he'd always been buoyant and vivacious; in university he was the life of the party. And then he met Pritchard, and before he knew it he was skipping classes, flunking out, and isolated from his friends and family on threat of Pritchard's fists. Finally finding the courage to leave him was the best thing that Henry's ever done for himself - and also the hardest. Caleb and Henry are both trying to put their lives back together, both scarred in different and lingering ways. Henry's bruises might have healed - but Pritchard's fists had left their mark on his soul. And Caleb's body is still healing from the burns and broken bones he'd suffered in that burning house. Neither of them are looking for love. Neither of them want someone to look beyond the surface. A quick jolt of pleasure is all they need before going their separate ways again... right?2. SlanderBenedict d'Arcy has never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from, or whether he'd have enough to purchase the season's latest fashions. Growing up in the prestigious d'Arcy family meant comfort, stability, and a certain amount of lavish opulence. But when his beloved father dies, leaving his stepmother in charge of the family's assets, Benedict is demoted from shining star to suspicious freeloader. Kota's parents have always been wealthy, too, but Kota chose another path in life - becoming a police officer. He's comfortable in his small home, knowing that he's benefiting his community and making a difference in the world. He's a simple man, with simple pleasures, and the only thing that's missing from his life is a committed partnership with someone he loves. When Benedict's suspicions about his stepmother's involvement in his father's death begin to grow and manifest, he decides that it's time for him to leave the family home - at least until he has concrete proof against his stepmother. But he mistimes his efforts, and something goes wrong - he's being followed. When he stumbles into the next county's annual Policeman's Ball, he doesn't expect for a man with kind eyes and gentle hands to help him to his feet and claim that they're together. He doesn't expect an immediate show of trust and willingness to get to the bottom of his situation. And he sure as hell doesn't expect their one night of pretending to be in a relationship to lead to something more - something authentic. 3. Secrets Crew Turner didn’t make his decision to leave the military lightly. He’s always enjoyed being with his brothers in arms, even if it did mean traveling far from his home and family and seeing unspeakable horrors. Mark Hartnett doesn’t go out much. Ashamed of the large birthmark that covers his upper body, and too nerdy to have much in common with the general public, he has few friends, preferring to live his life behind a computer monitor. Crew makes Mark want all the things he never thought he’d have – but Crew is hiding something underneath his good old boy façade, and those secrets might just tear them apart. PLUS 3 MORE!4. Protector5. Gingerbread6. A marriage Resolution

    Simple handyman. Can they find common ground? Will Spencer is a player with a reputation for using and discarding lovers as easily as he earns big money on Wall Street. Handsome, sexy and openly gay, he’s used to having whatever—and whoever—he wants at the snap of his fingers. And what he wants now is his new handyman, Jack Crawford. But Jack is skittish. One lingering touch, one stolen kiss could send the older man into full retreat. Where Will might have quickly moved on to a more ready-and-willing partner, he unexpectedly finds himself wanting to go slow. With just a little coaxing, he’s sure he can show Jack how good it could be between them. Jack, a recent widower, never thought of himself as gay. Frightened years ago by an erotic encounter with his best friend, he focused firmly on his marriage. Now that his bed is empty, however, those deep sexual longings are rising dangerously close to the surface. Their connection is deep, instant, and one that Jack tries to ignore. Yet friendship grows into an erotic journey that must cross a divide of different generations, backgrounds and worlds. The prize is the one thing neither is sure he can handle—true love.

    Leland isn’t just his boss, though. He’s the son of the company’s CEO. And Brian has fallen in love. Hurt by too many stolen kisses and nooners at seedy hotels, Brian finally broke off their secret affair two weeks ago. Leland isn’t ready to let Brian go and he isn’t above seducing Brian — again — to give them both what they really want for Christmas: each other.This free short story was originally written for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's 2010 holiday event and appears in the event's Stuff My Stocking: M/M Romance Stories that are Nice and… Naughty anthology.

    A smile across a counter at a coffee shop or video store. A secret revealed in a song from another place and time. Or in a love ballad crooned at a high school dance. In this anthology of never-before-published sweet LGBTQ+ stories, six authors explore the beginnings of love between young and new adult couples. All proceeds will support The Trevor Project's work with crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

    Painfully shy, it's sometimes all he can do to communicate when he's face to face with anyone. The fact that he has unusually red hair and gorgeous green eyes only makes it worse because people don't want him to hide. But then he's called upon to troubleshoot a problem with the laptop of Yoshiki Fukui, a big shot executive with his company. Ki is brash, outgoing and painfully handsome and just being in his presence makes Aaron all jittery. When Ki asks Aaron to help him set up a state-of-the-art entertainment system in his new house, Aaron can't resist the lure. Little does he suspect that Ki's got more than just technical help in mind. Publisher's Note: Tech Support is a yaoi-inspired novella. As such, it contains material that may be offensive to some readers: male/male sexual practices.

    Not everyone has had the sort of beginning Sam has. He was found at birth on the steps of a children’s home run by a convent in Chicago and raised by nuns, eventually to be adopted at the age of three. Given a life with a new family down in Florida, he is unable to shake off the natural curiosity that comes with wanting to know exactly where he came from. Resentful and angry, he ducks and dives his way through his existence, often with the help of law enforcement, before being given a lifeline that takes him back to Chicago. It’s an opportunity both for a new start, and to see whether he can ever get answers to questions he has over how he came to be. When a letter linking him to his past arrives, he is thrown into turmoil, and decides to join a local support group. It’s run by Jay Millar, himself an abandoned baby, but one Sam envies. Jay seems to have his life together in a way Sam craves. Sam soon realizes that it may not be just Jay’s life he’d like, but Jay himself. He is faced with some very tough decisions. Should he reach out to the stranger who gave birth to him? And should he follow his heart down a path he has never dared to tread? It’s time for Sam Nolan to grow up, but he can only do that by closing wounds that have been open since the day he was born. Please Note: This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novel, approx. 50,000+ words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger". BONUS NOVELLA - "When Worlds Collide" Scott Rogers thinks of himself as the average guy - he works his job, he drinks with his friends, and he has the occasional hook-up with other average guys. If you asked him, he’d say that nothing in his life is remarkable. His friends don’t think of him as average - they see him as incredibly kind, understanding, and full of humor. For a lot of people, he’s the first one they’d turn to in a crisis and he’s always ready to lend a helping hand. But Scott is modest, and he doesn’t have high hopes for his love life. Owen Carlisle is anything but an average guy. A breakout child star at sixteen, he’s lived his entire life in the spotlight. He’s considered to be one of the most intelligent and talented actors of his generation but not a single one of his fans realizes that he’s living a lie. Owen’s reputation and his career depend on his image of being a straight man, the dream man for many women around the world. For Owen, this means he can never have a true relationship and is doomed to pretend to date a string of Hollywood starlets he doesn’t even like. He has no real hope for true happiness. Neither of them expect the whirlwind romance they are thrown into when they come across each other one fateful night. Can Owen sacrifice his career for Scott? Can Scott love somebody who would have to keep his existence a secret? When these two star-crossed lovers meet, they will change each other’s lives forever. Whether they change it for the better or for the worse is up to them. Please Note: This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novella, approx. 40,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger".

    All words used to describe Dr. Micah Steinberg by the hospital staff for their next head of surgery. When a letter arrives from his grandmother’s friend at the assisted living facility, his orderly world tilts dangerously out of control. Josh Rosen had everything until it was revealed much of his world was a lie. Forced to re-evaluate his life, Josh gives up his career and returns home to New York City to care for his beloved grandmother. What Josh didn’t figure on was an attraction to a man who on the surface, appears to be exactly like the life Josh chose to leave behind.As Micah struggles with the reality of his grandmother’s illness, the bond these two share deepens, as Josh helps Micah heal, then open his heart. Micah discovers there is more to life than work, control and success. Josh is in deep but has yet to tell Micah who he really is.When the fight for the hospital’s head of surgery turns ugly, Josh’s past and present collide. Micah must let go of the past and accept who he is, if his life is going to move forward.Life is full of surprises, and as both Micah and Josh learn, love can happen whether you plan for it or not.

    When my best friend asked me to serve as her Man of Honor, of course I said yes. A trip to Vegas for the week before her wedding and then on to the Florida Keys for the nuptials was an added bonus. The icing on the cake was her brother, Colt. The next thing I know I’m in bed with my dream crush for a wild night of consequence-free pleasure… Almost. There’s just that little problem of a drunken ceremony at an all-night wedding chapel just off the Strip and what happens after we say “I do”… Mister Cinderella Never fall for a charming Prince... Harry-freaking-Prince. He’s my arrogant, demanding, sexy-as-sin boss. A six-foot giant who micromanages his lattes.If he asks me to redo his coffee one more time, I’ll throw it in his face. Prince is a pain in my you-know-what—but that’s wishful thinking. There’s no way he’s into me, except he won’t let me out of his sight. Before long, Prince makes his intentions clear with a kiss. He wants to blur the lines between work and play, but it has to stay a secret. Mister Bodyguard I've always been adventurous, but my new bodyguard makes me go wild... I have a sexy-as-sin bodyguard watching my every move, hired to protect me -and the production- from myself. He's always there, and I can't get him out of my head. Lucas Baxter, a six foot slab of stud with a rock hard bod, arrogant swagger, and take-no-prisoners attitude. Suddenly I'm up at the crack of dawn when I'm used to the crack of noon. His job is to keep me safe, but his role is to keep me in line... and I'm loving every minute of it. I can't think when he's around, not with his rippling muscles sweating in the desert heat. As soon as I laid eyes on him my long-suppressed attraction to men came roaring back. Forget the script, the only lines I want to learn are the cut shape of his muscular body, and the only thing I want to know is the haunting longing behind his eyes. Mister Professor My new professor is going to teach me a hard lesson. Four years ago I met the college professor of my nightmares... and my deepest fantasies. Arrogant, demanding, uncompromising, he's relentless when it comes to driving a student he believes in, and he's gorgeous. I wanted him from the moment I saw him, but I didn't dare act on it. His chiseled body, commanding demeanor, piercing eyes, and strong hands all had me dreaming of hopping on the desk for some extracurricular activities, but I didn't dare try, no matter how much I wanted to. Then... I found out I'm working for him, assigned to be his assistant. Now I have to survive a semester under him without falling for him, and it's already too late. When a chance encounter leads to a night of passion, our secret story begins... if I dare. Mister Hard to Get The hottest guy I've ever seen is my new worst enemy. Getting a small business off the ground is hard, but it's even harder when a competitor shows up- and he's a charming, dashing rogue. A Gay Romance Anthology.

    PendragonWarren's life has been shrinking ever since his wife passed away. Blind, and finding it difficult to adjust to life on his own, it's easier to hide away in his house. When his friend Missy invites him to a Christmas party, an unexpected kiss with a stranger under the mistletoe leaves him confused and wondering...The Christmas Spirit by Talya AndorChristmas in Japan is no big deal for Ash Harmon, with his family half a world away and supernatural problems that have no respect for the holidays. When he picks up a bodyguard job for a rising star of figure skating who seems to be encountering trouble with a restless spirit, he stubbornly resists the unexpected attraction to his charge, wary of the risks that come with relationships. But the mistletoe has other ideas...A Beautiful Thing by A.F. HenleySometimes, Fate gets tired of being ignored. And some nights, Fate decides something will just have to be done about it. Enter Drualus, Senior Correspondent for the Collective Assembly of Christmas Fae, working with the Night Before Reach Out Program. He's got a few short hours to change Scott Misener's outlook on life, love, and understanding. Lucky for Scott, Dru knows a tried and true trope that might just do the trick...Ad Meliora by E.E. OttomanIt's Christmas Eve and An-An and M.C. have plans to spend Christmas in Texas with An-An's family. But their plans are cut short when M.C. takes on a last minute case. Thankfully, though, it should be an easy exorcism.Until they arrive at the snowbound lodge where trouble resides, and come face to face with a demon wolf unlike anything they've ever encountered.Two Parts Mistletoe by Megan DerrKingston has worked hard to get where he is: owner of his own shop, master potion maker, well-respected... and lonely, too busy with life to enjoy more than his regular visits to Acacia House. If he wishes his loneliness might be eased by Hux, the man he meets at Acacia twice a month, well, someday he'll work up the nerve to ask. Maybe.Then Hux unexpectedly visits his shop, distressed and in desperate need of help to save his employer from a love potion...

    But who’s taming whom?London stockbroker Jasper Randolph flies to Jackson Hole with hopes as high as the Grand Tetons. Hope that the getaway will force him to let loose, get dirty, and overcome a deep-seated phobia about horseback riding.He hadn’t counted on an attraction to the dude ranch owner’s son, a man with sun-tousled hair, eyes bluer than Wyoming skies…and a father who’d rather eat tofu than accept his only son’s sexuality.The moment Calum lays eyes on the uptight, buttoned-down Brit, he’s lost. But with his own saddlebags full of emotional baggage, he knows he should be looking at anything but Jasper’s spotless riding boots and tight-fitting jodhpurs. Trouble is, Jasper makes his heart buck like a wild horse trying to break free.Despite the differences that set them oceans apart, they fall hard and fast. Trouble isn’t far behind, and they’re in for a rocky romantic ride. Especially since there’s growing evidence that someone is willing to do anything—no matter how dangerous—to poison their love. Product Warnings: Mix one sun-bronzed cowboy with a yummy Brit who’d give Darcy in his wet shirt a run for his money. Mix gently. Try not to drool.

    SCARED STIFF offers four very different tales of m/m ghostly doings that'll have readers panting (in more ways than one) under the covers. Maltese offers excitement and steamy pleasure in his Rendering Souls while Lanyon adds adventurous ghost hunters in his A Ghost of a Chance. Black gives you horrors from the past in Wild Onions, and Baumbach rounds out the volume with a hot tale of second chances in Soul Desire.

    It's not like Sam has a choice. He cares deeply for Mitch. He even refrains from saying "I told you so."That one night of chaste comfort is all it takes to start Sam thinking about Mitch in ways he really shouldn't. A spontaneous kiss that should have helped sort things out just makes everything more complicated, because Sam is terrified sex will ruin their friendship. Mitch is afraid that pushing Sam for more will drive a wedge between them, but he's even more afraid of never trying for happiness with Sam at all.

    He can’t wait for college, so he can find a man to drive away his pointless crush.Rick Ferguson can’t escape his strange obsession. For months, whenever he's been with a woman, all he can think about is Jordan. Satisfying his curiosity is the only way to get his tall, muscular friend out of his system. Right?On a camping trip just weeks before the semester starts, Rick takes Jordan to a one-bedroom cabin with a king-sized bed big enough for two all-stars to share. But Rick doesn't want forever, and Jordan is in love. Giving in to desire could jeopardize their friendship, and the ugliness of the world beyond their cabin could tear them apart.This steamy gay romance novella is intended for a mature audience. It contains scenes of groping, fumbling, wet kisses, angst, shirtless volleyball, grown-up toys, and two-man showers.Alternate-cover editions can be found here, here, and here