As a result, he mostly keeps to himself—makes it easier not to notice that no matter how he tries, people think he’s a know-it-all and a snob. Freewheeling urban gardener Milo Rios has worked hard to get where he is, and he’s passionate about his job at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. He can get along with almost anyone, but no one has ever made him care enough to stick around. When Stefan and Milo meet on Milo’s tour of the Botanic Garden, it’s hatred at first clash. But hatred quickly turns to lust as Milo shows Stefan how exquisite it can feel to lose the control he’s clung to for so long. As Stefan’s mask begins to slip, Milo sees a deep vulnerability in the prim academic. Once he’s experienced Milo’s world, Stefan can admit that he wants more from life than professional success. If they can work together, Stefan and Milo just might be able to cultivate the future they both yearn for.This novella was previously published in the Exposed collection.

    Future pillar of the community. Stick in the mud. That's Aaron Fitchley, and since his father retired, leaving him in charge of the business, it's been all work, work, work. Dale Lambert is a free-spirited, responsibility-shirking charmer who has been spicing up Aaron's upstanding life since they met as kids. So when Aaron gets Dale's phone call for help at three a.m., he's sure he can handle it. But nothing could have prepared him for the sight of Dale in his underwear, wearing lip gloss, and handcuffed to his bed. After the initial shock, Aaron lets Dale loose and plans a hasty escape. But the cuffs quickly go back on... only this time Aaron is the one chained to the bed Now that the tables have been turned, Dale has a few things to teach Aaron about breaking the rules.

    He’s done his time and has worked hard to keep his nose clean ever since. He keeps out of other people’s business and he expects the same in return.When a family tragedy strikes, he’s forced to take in his late, estranged, sister’s five-year-old daughter. Jack doesn’t know the first thing about kids. He’s never even met his niece until now because she was raised in another state. His future plans didn’t include children, but now he’s stuck with a kid.For the first time in a long time, he has to ask for help. Even if he could connect with his grieving niece, Mia, he lacks the desire. However, whether he wants to be close to the child or not, he’s legally responsible for her safekeeping. Since he can’t emotionally give Mia what she needs, he decides to hire a professional.Thomas Andrews is a carefree soul who adores children and believes in helping others. He loves his job as a manny and is thrilled to help bring happiness to Mia’s world. What he doesn’t expect is to butt heads with Jack as often as he does. Jack’s cold hands-off approach to caring for Mia irks Thomas more than he can say.But Thomas being Thomas, he can’t hold his tongue, and his criticisms don’t go over well with his new employer. What really has Thomas mystified is why he cares so much what Jack thinks, or why he feels attracted to the surly man. He knows he should just collect his generous paycheck and keep his mouth shut.With someone as opinionated as Thomas, that’s easier said than done.

    For five years Justin has repressed his sexuality in order to keep the job he loves. His only serious temptation is the father of his star running back. Sparks fly between the two men, and one Friday night after a winning game, Justin just can't say no. Side-Lined - College is supposed to be a time of exploring new things, learning about yourself and having a good time doing it. For Max Henley, it was the hardest time of his life. After losing his lover in a car wreck, his entire focus became academics. The problem is, whenever Max thinks about his Professor, the guilt over Nick's death returns. Can Max ever forgive himself enough to love again?Sacking the Quarterback - Julian Malono loves his job as conditioning coach for the university football team. When he meets incoming freshman quarterback Koby McIntire, he's instantly attracted and offers to help with Koby's conditioning regime.Koby is thrilled when his all-time favourite player agrees to help him. Not only can they work on Koby's upper body strength, but maybe on the growing attraction between them.

    When his master catches him neglecting his duties in a most shocking manner, Joseph is willing to do anything to avoid being sacked. He eagerly submits to his master’s punishment, and to the man’s other desires as well. Although his lordship is kind, he is not gentle, and Joseph will be stretched to the limits of his endurance. Being taken and sternly disciplined by his master is his fantasy come to life.This steamy M/M historical BDSM short story is for a mature audience. Author’s note: This book was previously released as The Stable-Hand’s Submission under a different pen name.

    Bound by HimBenjamin Ballard always assumed he was straight - in every way possible. They invented the term 'vanilla' to describe him. But if Ben's so straight, why can't he get his inscrutable coffee-shop co-worker Xander Romano out of his head? And how come Xander's rough-housing on the basketball court gets Ben so flustered?2. Taken by HimXander knows the games he likes to play can have unexpected consequences…but he thought he had everything under control. Sure, Ben’s constant questions get on his last nerve sometimes, but Xander knows he means well. Ben’s just new to the world of kink. Exploring. Experimenting.That’s all it is, Xander’s sure.And then one day, everything blows up in his face.3. Dared by HimXander Romano's career is looking up, and his personal life is too, for once. But when a figure from his past shows up at a party, how will it affect what he and Ben have been building together?4. Marked by HimBen Ballard doesn't believe any scene with Xander could get truly scary. He knows Xander, and he knows Xander would never really hurt him. Xander might play at being the Big Bad Wolf, but underneath, he's a big softie.Right?Find out what happens when Xander blows the house down...5. Loved by HimBen Ballard has found his balance again after a difficult few days. Even better, he knows he has a boyfriend who loves him, a career that's finally starting to go places, and a family that accepts him for who he is.The only problem? Said boyfriend, Xander Romano, has to move across the country to New York for work, while Ben is stuck in LA.And on top of all that, Xander's poisonous ex turns up at his going away party...Will Ben and Xander be able to make sure their love sticks, even from opposite sides of a continent?***Learn the Rules contains the first five parts of the Rough Love series. Join Ben and Xander in their continuing odyssey of self-discovery, experimentation, and steamy fun as they work out the kinks together. This is just the beginning of their wild - and sometimes dark - ride, but never fear: these two will get their HEA. It'll just take them some time to figure out what that happy ending looks like for them...Rough Love can be rough. Please proceed with caution if you have any triggers.Rough Love reading order:Learn the Rules (collected serials)1. Bound by Him2. Taken by Him3. Dared by Him4. Marked by Him5. Loved by Him6. Obey the Rules (novel)7. Break the Rules (novel)8. Flying Free (novel)

    Feel the heat with William Maltese, Jason Edding and Ethan Day.This anthology includes:Sno Ho by Ethan DayBottoms Up by William MalteseOne Fire, One Ice by Jason Edding

    Owners Ben and Conner watch over the club and its members with a firm hand and a caring heart. When they see members who are unhappy or troubled, they can’t resist stepping in and lending a helping hand.Garrett, Brent, Grant, and Bryce are four brothers who are all involved in the BDSM scene in some way. Dominants, submissives, and switches, they each approach BDSM in a different way. When Ben and Conner notice that the brothers’ happiness only goes skin-deep, they decide to start keeping a closer eye on the fascinating family.6k+ wordsStory Contains: M/m sexual content, BDSM elements, mild exhibitionism, and a flirty sub*From the Author* This book takes place before the main events in Garrett. This is the club scene that is referenced in the series and that so many readers have asked me about. I hope you enjoy meeting the owners and seeing the brothers from their perspective, as well as getting a glimpse into Ben and Conner’s lives.https://www.instafreebie.com/free/IBjh2

     Greg: I work hard at the meatpacking plant, so I figure I deserve to play hard at night. Especially since my ex won't even return my calls. Yeah, I've been hitting the bottle a lot more lately and going home with random dudes almost every night, but I need to let off some steam, and this is the only way I know how. Until this cop shows up in my life. When I'm with Wilson I don't know which end is up, and if you wanna know the truth ... I think he really likes me that way. Wilson: I love bringing huge, hulking me to their knees ... when I'm at work as a cop and in the privacy of my own bedroom. When this Greg guy comes wandering into the precinct I see something in his eyes, something that tells me what he needs most is a good, hard paddling. Now I just need to convince Greg he's man enough to get down on his knees ... and take every inch of what I have to give him. Greg: Meat Packer is a standalone romance novel. It is the first book in the Meat Market non-shifter omegaverse series and includes loads of hot bad boys, plenty of intense hook-ups that will keep you up at night, and a super sweet HEA that will melt your heart.

    While rape is a crime of power, focusing on exerting physical control over another person, non-con is all about the gray area where verbal consent is either never given (not a 'yes', but not a 'no' either) or doesn't match the arousal and passion both parties share during the act. In "Like It or Not", we push the boundaries of consent without fully breaking them.When Connor's rent money is due and not even hooking can make up the shortfall, he really is "Out of Options". So when playboy Jarrett makes him a very generous offer, he doesn't look too closely at the terms—and lives to regret it. Then, werewolf Trevor is subjected to "Obedience Classes" when his pack alpha becomes fed up with his rebellion. Dirk, the wolf charged with this task, though, seems more interested in claiming Trevor for himself, by any means necessary. Writer Ian Richards has to decide "What It's Worth" to get his story when his contact meets him in a private club. In fact, Vincenzo has no intention of letting his information go easily, if at all.In "Blindside", freshman Matt is tired of enduring the hazing by (admittedly gorgeous) upperclassman Dylan, when Dylan ups the ante significantly. And as much as Matt wants Dylan, he can't be sure the whole thing isn't one more bizarre prank. Confessor Isak must resort to "Unnatural Means" when he is charged with the task of forcing Sain to confess his sins of murder and witchcraft before inevitable execution. Torturing in the name of the Divine is difficult enough, but when Sain's seductive magic takes hold of him, he isn't sure it will be Sain who breaks under pressure to find release. Finally, "Salting the Earth" becomes Ronan's only choice when he suspects his sister has been taken by the fairies. However, this only draws the interest of ruthless King Finnbheara, who extracts a price for his cooperation that may be too high for Ronan to pay.

    A Galactic dark elf. A woman who has given up her humanity to become something more. These stories and more are available in the first short story anthology for the System Apocalypse, covering year one on Earth. When the world ends, humanity steps up, finding new ways to survive in a world with Classes, magic and monsters. The anthology features exciting, new stories by five new writers and a new, never publicly released short story by Tao Wong. The System Apocalypse world was first introduced in 'Life in the North' and is a LitRPG science fiction and fantasy post-apocalyptic work that features monsters, science fiction technology, character sheets, supernatural races and ancient myths in one heady, LitRPG brew. Stories and writers featured in this anthology include: Craig Hamilton - "Hunting Monsters" has our protagonist doing what he does best. Finding those who would exploit the System and the people within. Except this time, there are even more complications than normal. Alexis Keane - "Tooth and Claw" is a heart-warming tale of friendship that knows no bounds of race or distance. Ix Phoen - "Rebel Within" tells a tale of hardship in South America, where the monsters are not always the ones outside the walls. Tao Wong – “Debts & Dances” covers the arrival of the System from the perspective of our favorite Truinnar Lord. R.K. Billiau – “Phoenix Rising” covers an unconventional hero, one whose mind is slipping from him before the apocalypse. Will the apocalypse be his salvation? Or doom? L.A. Batt - “Overture to Obliteration” brings us to far-off New Zealand to glimpse the wreckage the System has wrought.

    But the first thing I see when I get home is eighteen-year-old Callie, and after that relaxing is out of the question. The little brat is living in my house while her mother is on vacation, and I can't stop thinking about her and what I'd like to do to her - if only she wasn't half my age and completely taboo. She won't leave me alone, though, and when she barges into my bedroom I can't take any more. Turns out it's Callie's first time, and I'm all out of protection. Do you think I'm going to stop?This story is *too taboo* for us to leave an excerpt, so use the "Look Inside" feature to get a preview.

    He wasn't expecting his best friend, Claire Olivia, to kidnap him. And he definitely wasn't expecting what she has planned to cheer him up...Ben Carver was honestly planning to spend winter break at home in New Hampshire not thinking about Rafe. But he wasn't expecting to run into his ex-girlfriend, who's still interested in him. And he wasn't expecting to find himself still attracted to her...Openly, Honestly tells two funny, sad, beautiful stories that were made for anyone who has longed for one person to see you, to understand you, and to love you exactly as you are.

    As Wyatt tries to sneak out the next morning, he receives a call from his frantic, very pregnant best friend Raven—she needs him immediately. With no other way to get from New York City to the Pennsylvania town where Raven and her husband live, Wyatt accepts Benji’s offer to drive him there. Wary and unsure of each other, they start the trip at odds, but as time goes on, the barriers that usually keep people at a distance fail. And what started out as “just a drive” becomes a step toward romance.Just a Stranger by Elle BrownleeThe excitement of meeting a stranger in a club can’t be beat. Loud bass sets the rhythm to Michael Wiercinski’s primal urges as he flirts with Andrew, a cute guy offering the promise of a hot night with no strings, no complications. Still, when their night is done, Michael admits there was something about Andrew that left him wanting more. Months go by with no sign of Andrew until Michael moves back home to help after his father’s heart attack. Once there, Michael is completely amazed to find Andrew Lucas living in his hometown. Despite surprising “complications” in Andrew’s life, Michael vows to take advantage of this second chance to make Andrew more than just a stranger.Just a Weekend by Elizah J. DavisJames is a homebody in a predictable, if not altogether comfortable, rut. He’d rather stay in with a book than brave the Seattle bar scene. One night, after allowing his friend Kara to coax him out for drinks, he meets Devin—charming, gorgeous, and way out of his league. With a little bit of help from Kara, James leaves with Devin to indulge in a night together, which is as much time as he’s bound to get with a guy as hot as Devin. He doesn't expect the easy rapport that quickly develops between them, and when the weather conspires to keep them together, James wonders if this could be more than just a weekend fling.

    He had to find a new job, and luckily, his sister was friends with Annabelle Ramsay-Aiken, only daughter of property magnate Sir James Aiken. She arranged an interview, he was accepted, and six months on the job training saw Matthew stepping out as a real estate agent for Aiken Luxury Lettings. Now, instead of stretching at the barre, Matthew spends his days inspecting the vacant London homes of their rich and famous clients. Losing his dance career had left a huge hole in Matthew’s heart, and to fill it Matthew began a Tumblr blog dedicated to his fetish for wearing lingerie. He wanted to give his followers the impression he lived a charmed life, so decided to use A.L.L properties as locations for erotic photo shoots.One of his online followers pressed all of Matthew's buttons, and a long distance, online Dom/sub relationship develops between them. But when the relationship suddenly moves from online fantasy to real life... can Matthew really submit?N.B - This short story contains graphic descriptions of gay sex, light BDSM, and cross-dressing,