A cobra shifter, he’s held captive by a collector who keeps him—and other shifters—in a private harem-style “zoo” in the Libyan desert. Considered a dangerous predator by the other shifters, and little more than a boy toy to the collector, Jiri is friendless, timid, and despondent.Miksa is the collector’s latest find. But honey badgers are known for their bad attitude, fearlessness, and fighting spirit. Miksa has no doubt he’ll escape, even if it means taking the whole zoo down with him.When honey badger and cobra meet, there should be instant enmity—after all, honey badgers eat cobras—yet both men find themselves oddly drawn to the other. Romance blossoms, but can it survive captivity and beyond? In order to do so, Jiri will have to find a strength he doesn’t know he possesses and Miksa will have to open a heart long closed to anyone except his immediate family.

    He's trying to move on, but letting go of the past, of the life they were building, is hard. One thing he knows he's not ready for is a new relationship, but Garrett and Dane are determined to change that.Lifepartners Garrett and Dane, a cop and an ER doc, bring Aaron home after an accident. They're happy in their light Dom/sub relationship, fulfilled and in love, but they've been keeping their eyes open for a third. It doesn't take long for them to decide that wounded, pretty Aaron is exactly who they've been looking for. The three get along great, but Garrett and Dane have their work cut out for them in convincing Aaron there's a time for starting over.

    Bailey’s had enough upheaval in her short life, and Cory doesn't want her to get attached to a “friend” who won't be sticking around. Even so, Cory finds himself continuing to let Ken into his life, but a one-night-stand gone serial isn’t what Cory wants, and so he makes The List: his requirements for the perfect partner.Helping out during a difficult time, Ken finds himself being pulled into the family unit despite Cory’s previous emotional distance. He hopes he's finally breaking through, on the verge of convincing Cory to make their relationship more than a casual one. Then, while helping Bailey write to Santa, he finds Cory's list and takes it as his cue to bow out—just when Cory needs him the most.

    Show no mercy. Trust no soul. And vengeance shall be yours ...Prince Chien is determined to claim his birthright — the Throne of a Thousand Swords — denied by his wicked aunt, Empress Mai. He has successfully turned her two equally wicked sons, Prince Minh and Prince Tuan, into dueling each other for the throne. Hiding a vial of EverBloody, Prince Chien attempts to poison their foods at the banquet. No matter who win the duel tomorrow, both wicked princes will die.One cut to the skin, and blood will flow relentless. Prince Chien will make his aunt suffer every second in watching her beloved sons die a slow painful death. Afterward, he will take her head and the crown that sits upon it. Only then will he have successfully eliminated all the traitors who helped kill his mother and his younger sister in the palace coup thirteen years ago.Only one person stands in his way — General Bao. Prince Chien has skirted around court intrigues, planned successful assassinations, and demurred himself as a dunce prince. But love is the one thing Prince Chien never thought he would had to face. Whoever said that those who embark on a journey of revenge should dig two graves was not wise enough to realize love could do exactly the same thing. Original Prompt:Dear Author,Take no prisoner. Show no mercy. Trust no soul. And vengeance shall be yours…Photo Description: Blonde, winged man in han-style clothing, holding swordThis 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 6.

    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.

    His business is failing, his cottage is falling apart and following his very public argument with café owner Rob Armstrong, he’s become a social outcast.Cam needs to get away from his troubles and when his sister buys him a ticket to the biggest Hogmanay party in Glasgow, he can’t leave Inverbechie quick enough. But when events conspire to strand him in the middle of nowhere in a snowstorm, not only is he liable to miss the party, he’ll also have to ask his nemesis, Rob, for help.Out by Harper FoxCan a stranger unlock the courage and passion in a young man’s captive heart?It’s Christmas at Edinburgh’s magnificent Barlinney Hotel, and chief housekeeper Cosmo Grant is in charge of the festivities. He’s already got his hands full when handsome Ren Vaudrey checks in.It soon turns out that Ren is an undercover cop. Cosmo wants to help him, but unless he can do it within the Barlinney’s walls, Cosmo is stuck. A victim of crippling agoraphobia, he’s been a prisoner in this gilded cage for over a year. Cosmo gathers all his courage to do the right thing by Ren and Sam—and as a glittering Christmas Eve descends on the city, finds himself confronting his very darkest fears.Waiting for Winter by LB Gregg Some mistakes are worth repeating.Luke always thought he and Winter were the perfect couple—until the day Winter announced he was taking a new job and they were uprooting and headed for Germany. No discussion. No debate. For the first time in his life, Winter miscalculated. Badly. Now Luke is trying his best to move on with his life, but Winter is back in town and he’s set on digging their relationship out of the deep freeze.Baby, It's Cold by Josh Lanyon Or maybe it's the flu. Breaking up is hard to do -- especially around the holidays.Talk about Kitchen Nightmares! TV Chef Rocky and Foodie blogger Jesse have been pals forever, so it should have been the most natural thing in the world to move their relationship to the next level. Instead, it turned out to be a disaster. But Christmas is the season of love, and someone's cooking up a sweet surprise...

    Elliot is drawn to him, and his magic seems to calm down around the handsome and mysterious Rue. Elliot sinks gratefully into the unexpected grace of Rue's kindness and friendship. He doesn’t understand why his magic is broken or why it feels whole again around Rue. But right now he’s just trying to survive, grateful for the reprieve Rue’s friendship provides.But then a a potential tragedy on the beach culminates in Rue revealing his true nature: he’s a selkie, both man and seal, with a magic that somehow complements and heals Elliot’s when they’re together. And that might not be possible for much longer.

    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.

    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...

    But twenty years have passed, and the massive brute claiming the smith’s forge knocks Marc unconscious with a hammer blow.Since the nearby garrison disbanded, Wolfram has defended his former master’s home and smithy against the marauding bandits thriving in the vacuum left by the legions’ retreat. When he fails to kill the latest intruder, Wolf drags the ragged man into his house, honor-bound to nurse him back to health.As Marc heals at Wolf’s hands, the two men discover a slow-burn attraction drawing them together. The unexpected revelation that they once were boyhood rivals stokes the fire between them to a weapon-melting inferno.A novella (approx. 21,000 words) featuring a M/M collision that makes the sack of Rome look like a tea party.INTO THE FIRE SeriesAgainst the backdrop of the Roman Empire’s collapse comes this story of two boyhood rivals reunited as very different men. Twenty years on, Marcus is a soldier with no army and few skills beyond killing. Wolfram is a blacksmith forced to defend his home with a hammer and his wits. Thrust together by cataclysm, Marc and Wolf will strike a partnership from the raw material of their shared past, shaping its angles and edges with a desire they won’t deny, to forge a future strong enough to withstand an unpredictable new world.

    That’s what Prince Heir Ilyas wanted most in the world. Instead, he spent his days alone defending his future throne from his younger brothers and reaping the rewards of their estates. But when he receives his latest conquest, a slave named Jem, he’s abducted to the far reaches of a frozen wasteland to be sacrificed to Jem’s backwater god. Someone who would see him. The one thing Jem knows he can never have. Instead, Jem walks the world searching for the sacrifice that will save the people who fear and shun him — the beautiful and proud Ilyas. Capturing Ilyas might have been simple, but keeping him safe for his god is another matter. Trapped in their struggle and tight quarters, they’re both haunted by the whisper in each other of the warmth they dared not dream for. But nothing can stop the Dark God from coming. Nothing short of death. Can one kill the other? Or will they both be destroyed?

    Prince Chrysanths should be no different—except with a human for a father, the prince known as Puck already is different. When he is betrothed against his will to Prince Sky, Puck flees to his father in the human world, only to have Sky follow. Prince Sky Song of the Clouds isn’t thrilled with the prospect of marriage either, but is bound by duty to follow through. If he can’t win Puck over, the faery realm might very well dissolve into utter chaos. Too busy arguing, Puck and Sky are unaware there are others with a vested interest in seeing the betrothal fail. In a bid for Puck’s crown, they’ll seek to keep them apart, even as Puck and Sky realize that duty and love don’t always have to be mutually exclusive.

    It’s a land of good and evil, and Lu is the mayor. He didn’t ask for the job, but someone with some sense needs to keep order, and after going against Archangel Law, Lu knows he must pay the price. Though his crime may have cost him his Heavenly home, when trouble shows up in The City, his brothers send Lu reinforcement in the guise of a good-looking bodyguard named Dominic Ramos.Used to having any man he wants, Lu isn’t happy when his charms don’t immediately have the desired effect on Dominic. He sets out to seduce the gorgeous man using every weapon in his arsenal. When a night of unbridled passion culminates in a public coupling, Lu’s feelings on random sex are forever changed.Who says there aren’t Angels in Hell?

    It makes things easier all round, gay Felis are more than welcome in the Clowder as they pose no threat to the Toms. We help out with schooling and looking after the kits, do odd jobs for everyone and look out for the safety and security of the whole clan.About a week ago, the ruling Queen gave us a new job. To look after this young man, barely out of kitten-hood, and keep him safe. He’s not from round here, which is obvious if you look. We run to heavy bone, muscle and long fur all of which is useful in the cold and rugged landscape we live in. He’s different, lithe, extremely agile and totally naked! Well, when in cat form anyway. The only difference when he’s human is that he sometimes wears clothes. He’s opinionated, bolshy and likes the sound of his own voice— in both forms.We aren’t sure what we are keeping him safe from, but the threat is obviously very real— he’s woken us with night terrors, but won’t talk about them. Trouble is, whilst we keep him safe— there is no one keeping us safe from him. For years it’s been just the two of us, but both of us feel more than a passing attraction for our charge. How do we deal with this difficult situation to make things right for all of us?Thank you.Photo Description: Human photos consisted of three males, two— who each have short hair and some beard scruff— in a loving embrace on their bed, and the last one who is thinner and smaller boned, pale skin with longish black hair in a thin T-shirt and low-slung off-white pants. Cat photos consisted of two long-haired Maine Coon cats with tortoise-shell coloring, and a tan and black colored smaller cat with very short hair.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.

    While traveling to his new home, he saves a strange, winged man who is being chased through the woods. He doesn't expect to fall in love. Half-fae, half-demon, Ciaran is an outcast among his people. When he's summoned to the human world, he doesn't know what to do. To him, Earth is complicated and scary, and he soon finds himself dealing with unexpected feelings for his rescuer. If they can find the courage to take a risk, two outsiders may find a home at last.