The men of Hard for the Money know all about what a guy has to do to make a buck, and they all know that it's impossible for a rent boy to find love. Right? In Syd McGinley's A Cheap Racket, Tim figures all he has going for him is his young body and his patience for his older clients. His roommate Cal has a trust fund, and is pretty sure men only want him for his money. Can a rent boy and a trust fund baby find love and trust as they battle a corrupt and abusive nursing home? Chaos is an uneducated stripper who knows that life deals guys like him a rotten hand. When he meets RJ at a bachelor party, though, he has to re-evaluate his needs. Can he and RJ find common ground? Find out in Kiernan Kelly's A Hard Man is Good to Find. Finally, in Cops and Robby, by Carol Lynne, brothers and fellow cops Cole and Morgan have always had to hide their love. When they rescue rent boy Robby, though, they find someone they can share themselves with. Robby's got problems of his own, though, problems that might endanger them all. All of these men have been hard for the money, but can they face their difficulties and find a happy ending?

    Each volume’s series editor selects notable works from hundreds of magazines, journals, and websites. The guest editor then chooses the best twenty or so pieces to publish. This unique system has made the Best American series the most respected – and most popular – of its kind.This special e-book sampler contains eleven selections from the 2011 editions.From The Best American Short Stories® edited by Geraldine Brooks:Housewifely Arts by Megan Mayhew BergmanPhantoms by Steven MillhauserFrom The Best American Essays® edited by Edwidge Danticat:Chapels by Pico IyerThere Are Things Awry Here by Lia PurpuraFrom The Best American Mystery Stories edited by Harlan Coben:A Crime of Opportunity by Ernest J. FinneyFrom The Best American Science and Nature Writing edited by Mary Roach:The Killer in the Pool by Tim Zimmermann, Jr.The Whole Fracking Enchilada by Sandra SteingraberFrom The Best American Sports Writing edited by Jane Leavy:The Surfing Savant by Paul SolotaroffNew Mike, Old Christine by Nancy HassFrom The Best American Travel Writing edited by Sloane Crosley: My Year at Sea by Christopher BuckleyMiami Party Boom by Emily Witt

    Edited by Kris Jacen. How much impact can someone have on your life if you’ve never met them face to face? In this electronic age of E-mails, electronic publishing, and social networks, quite a lot. Through his emails, stories and blog, author Patric Michael has touched numerous hearts, minds and lives from the start of his career and further as he now takes us along on his journey to battle cancer. Along the way, Patric shows us a side of life that not many truly see-- how we are all a part of something larger than just ourselves, and how we are each touched by others for the betterment of all.Now, those that have been touched by Patric and his words have joined together to give something back, to him and to us all through something he values highly – words. In this compilation, short stories, poems, and anecdotes combined with excerpts from Patric's blog and a few entertaining, educational group posts reveal, and celebrate, the man who has touched so many hearts and minds.This collection is a gift from all our hearts to celebrate Patric and give strength (and a little levity) to others. The price reflects this; no one is receiving royalties or payment from the sales. Use it to celebrate life, celebrate words, and possibly inspire someone who needs it.

    This is the most complete and generous sampling of the first half of an indispensable American writer's career.

    Cyril Blink rules his dominion with an iron fist but has his hands full with the willful academic haunting his antiquities vault. Professor Farris Elliot might be overqualified to manage the estate’s collection of priceless art and artifacts but he’s also a thorn in Cyril’s side. Farris has his own secrets and Cyril learns that the cranky professor isn’t bitter beneath his tweed suits. He’s actually rather sweet and tempting and Cyril finds himself breaking his own rules.A string of curious events and an attack brings a mystery to Blackhurst and Cyril vows to find those responsible and have his revenge. They All Fall Down can be read as a standalone but it features characters from previous Lake Cliff books and fits into a larger storyline that concludes in the next installment in the series.

    They expect to drink a little too much and dance the night away. Definitely to forget about all the trouble that’s befallen their hometown since their niece Marla’s return.Instead, they run smack dab into trouble worse than any Spanx-pilfering leprechauns or back-talking hedgehogs. The kind of trouble not even their powerful family is prepared to face.But these redheads know how to weather storms. And they do it together.When strangers test the borders of their safe village, the Gawama witches aren’t ready to take them on—but that won’t stop them from kicking ass however they can. They’re resourceful and they don’t give a hoot what anyone thinks of them—a fiery combination. They have better things to worry about, like discovering the best glazed doughnuts and surviving the bond of sisterhood.* Smexy Shenanigans is a novella in the Witches of Gales Haven series told from Aunt Luanne Gawama's point of view. The story takes place chronologically between book 3, Charmed Caper, and book 5, Homecoming Hijinks. It can be read as a standalone, though it's funnest to read it between books 3 and 5.

    Knox: When cute college student Will gets accepted into a prestigious study abroad program, he thinks he's finished with the hard part. But standing in his way is one last requirement - a physical from the campus doctor - and Dr. Stevens isn't letting him go without first giving him a very thorough examination.Keep It on the Down Low by Veronica Bates: Richard, a married man, has lusted after his guy friend for some time. But after a few beers, and implementing his super secret seduction plan, he failed tremendously at resisting his friend's charms. Both become desperate for each other, and also desperate for a wife-free place for sex. Will they be able to keep their clandestine romance on the down low?The Soldier and the Spy by Aubrey Watt: In the moment of truth, I cannot kill him. He is the enemy, a spy, and I should have pulled the trigger when I saw him. But I cannot. He is beautiful, and I am lonely, and we are both of us trapped in the middle of a battle that does not matter. Now we are traitors, but at least we have each other.Pumping Teen Iron Cock by Lula Lisbon: Former nerd Drew is now a buff 19-year-old college athlete who has a huge crush on sexy jacked Gabriel, university coach and trainer. What he doesn't know is that Gabriel's been watching the tight teen's physical progress with interest, and the older man plans a steamy seduction after the lunchtime gym rush is gone! Shy virgin Drew quickly discovers that there's more than just heat in the sauna!Watching My Neighbor by Jessi Bond: When he catches a glimpse of his handsome neighbor in the nude, Craig's left confused, aroused and questioning his sexuality. But how far is a straight guy willing to let his attraction for another man go?Banging the Boss 2 by Victoria Scarlett: James' employment under Roland has been uneventful ever since their original meeting when Roland screwed him senseless. When Roland calls him in to his office to demand more sex, James isn't too shocked. But he doesn't expect Roland's arch nemesis to be in the same room, much less having to service Roland without his rival finding out.Frat Boy's First Lust by Julianne Reyer: Tony had always watched his fraternity brother Rick from afar, but when he finds himself alone with Rick after sharing a drunken bond, he might just get his chance to make a move...Guardian Anal by Violet Jessamy: Everyone has a guardian angel, but Keith has a more intimate relationship with his angelic protector than most people. Despite the life-threatening danger that calls the angel to his side, the two of them make time to get to know each other very well indeed. His angel goes above and beyond his calling in order to heal his human charge's heartbreak with tried-and-true mind-blowing sex.Hiking Hookup by Stella Hayne: When Bill and Jack reconnect for a hike years after college, neither of them know what to expect. Stranded in a forgotten cabin during a storm, the two young men experiment with unspoken urges on a night that may change their lives forever.Billy's Cock by Noelle DeVeere: Jon needs to get back into shape, and his friend Billy is more than willing to show him how. But when Billy inadvertently shows Jon his best feature, soon both men will be pumping more than iron!Warning: this collection of short erotic fiction features explicit descriptions of hot gay sex, group sex, authority figures abusing their power, voyeurism, and several first gay times, and may lead to one-handed reading.

    A gamer girl finds herself trapped in a digital realm of death. One widow’s worst nightmare reaches out from beyond the grave...Scare Street is proud to present the best in bone-chilling supernatural horror. This volume contains three macabre morsels for your reading pleasure. These fast-paced tales of terror are guaranteed to keep you turning the pages past your bedtime.Because with nightmares like these, sleep will be the last thing on your mind…

    

    Please don't buy if you already own these three titles. 3 full books, over 500 pages, 170,000 words. All books are standaloneBook one - The Biker's OmegaMarly Miles has been happy in his life as a lone Omega wolf, living and working among the humans of Orlando, Florida. When an attack on him and his friend brings Marly to the notice of the Sergeant of Arms of the Epitaph's Motorcycle Club, he realizes immediately that the man carries the same scent as his attackers. Not a very good start when the same man is also his mate.Alpha wolf, Trent Beaumont has spent a lot of years living as a human when he walked away from his home pack. Forced to live as a straight man, because of the Epitaph's club culture, he walks away from Marly after checking the man is safe. But no wolf, not even an Alpha, can refuse the mating call from the Fates. But with his President looking over his shoulder, and a woman panting after him to share his bed, Trent isn't sure it will ever be the right time to claim his own Omega. Fights, misunderstandings and a lack of communication aren't the only problems Trent and Marly face. Trent has a history that has clouded his judgment and when Marly gets attacked again, Trent realizes he could lose his mate permanently, if he doesn't get his head out of the sand. Book 2 - Dancing Around The CopTerry Martin has an awesome life – good friends, loving parents and a job he loves designing all of the bright and wonderful costumes for the drag queens at Club Blue. Sure, no one but his parents know he’s an Omega wolf, but he’s okay with that. Unfortunately being a twink often means getting picked on and after a night out with friends, Terry has the misfortune to meet an Alpha wolf, Detective Zander Samuels – his true mate.Zander can’t have a mate, especially a pretty, sweet little man like Terry. His friend of more than ten years, and partner on the force hates gay men with a passion and Zander won’t risk the only true friend he has, not even for a mate. So even though he’s scented Terry, Zander is determined to stay away from the Omega. Unfortunately the Fates are just as determined that the two men should be together and when Zander finds himself hit with the mating curse in more ways than one, he comes up with a plan to have Terry without upsetting his friend.A nasty boss, a homophobic partner, some really jerky behaviour by Zander and another Alpha wolf keen on claiming Terry for his own, all conspire to stop any chance these two have of finding true love. But did I mention that the Fates are really persistent?Book 3 - The Artist and His AlphaCaden Wolfe lives his life hiding from the world. As an Omega with a brute of an Alpha looking for him, he can’t afford to take any chances. He is happy enough with his art, his one good friend Felix and his agent who adores his paintings. It’s a far cry from life on the streets and Caden is determined to keep working hard, and stay out of the spotlight. Staying away from all things wolf is easy enough in the city, until he meets the one man with the potential to blow his cover and his way of life, out of the water. Sean Black has it all – a brother for pack, a home pack that is still supportive but far enough away not to interfere with his daily life, a good business, and men who clamor for his attention every night of the week. The last thing he wants or needs is a mate, but after a brief meeting with a gorgeous artist, he realizes his life will change, and not necessarily in a good way.A misunderstanding leads to danger for Caden and Sean has to make a choice.

    He thought getting away from New York for a few days would be good for him, but he didn't expect to see the first person he'd ever fallen in love with. Jake Pierson gave his heart to Charlie when he was barely fifteen years old. As best friends, Jake believed he and Charlie would be together forever, but when Charlie took the easier path in life, Jake was left to deal with a future without the man he loved. Jake knew tricking Charlie into performing at a conference he'd helped organise was low-handed, but he had a promise to keep and a future to build. 'Convention Confusion' by Amber Kell Dressing up as a girl can sometimes win you the man of your dreams.Billy Ferris has adored Jennvian Fellows comics since he read the first edition. When the chance to meet the illustrator comes up he accepts his friends help to dress as his favourite character, space pirate female Kixie. Little does he know that Jenn not only prefers men but is looking for the mate of his dreams to take back to his home world. Will Billy be able to show his true self and capture the man of his not so pure dreams. 'Ninja Cupcakes' by T.A. ChaseEthan's special talents and cupcakes bring him the love of his life.Ethan Gallagher loves to bake, and his cupcakes are known throughout his area as being the best. When he agrees to do the desserts for a sci-fi convention his brother is putting on, Ethan gets a chance to realise his biggest fantasy. One of the panelists is Callum MacLaughlin, a man Ethan's been lusting after since they'd met four years ago. Ethan discovers Callum will be there, and he decides it's time to make his move on the astrophysicist. With the help of some special cupcakes, Ethan makes not only his dream come true, but the hopes of his brother and his best friend as well.'Operation: Get Spencer' by Jambrea Jo JonesEven if superpowers were real Benjamin still might not get his man.Benjamin and Spencer are spending the day at Comi Con. Spencer is a comic geek and Benjamin would follow him anywhere.The only problem? Spencer thinks Benjamin is straight and Benjamin just realized he is in love with his best friend. Is a day enough for Benjamin to convince Spencer that his love is more powerful than a locomotive and that it hit him faster than a speeding bullet? Tune in to find out if Benjamin saves the day. 'Fan-Tastic' by Stephani HechtEverybody knows the best lovers are geeks.It's time again for the annual Comic Book and Horror Convention. Normally, Deke liked to avoid these things. While he may be a well known actor, he wasn't hunky or a beefcake and he was always overlooked. In fact, most people like to call him 'the geek of geeks'. But, the producers of his popular TV series don't care and they order Deke to go. So, while he knows he won't have any fun he has no choice but to attend. Blake harboured a crush on Deke even before the other man became famous. When he finds out that Deke will be at the convention, Blake knows he has to attend as well. Since he is trying to promote his own comic, Blake decides that he can mix a little business with his fun. To Blake's dismay, not only does Deke not remember him, but the actor refuses to believe that Blake could have any romantic feelings for a geek. Blake decides that he can't let this opportunity slip through his fingers, though. He may have given up on Deke all those years ago, but not this time. Will Blake be able to convince Deke to give him a chance? Or will the final credits roll before they find love? 'Rough Awakening' by Devon RhodesWhen Mario sets out to find a roommate for the convention, little does he know he'll end up finding much more.Is there anything worse than learning you have to share a hotel room with your ex boyfriend and his new love? Mario has to scramble to find someone else to share with and ends up reconnecting with a sexy acquaintance...in more ways than one. Jordan remembers Mario from two conventions ago and goes along with his need to find a roommate. Sparks fly between them from their first phone call and everything looks more than promising for a very memorable convention. But when two tops tango, which one is guaranteed the lead? It ends up being a rough awakening for one of these alpha athletes...

     As alpha of his pack, Liam strives to exercise complete control in all things. When a human is unwittingly turned into a werewolf without Liam’s knowledge, all hell breaks loose. Liam must track the new shifter down and convince him to bond to the pack or risk insanity as a lone wolf. Liam meets Ash, a scorching hot flirt who is more interested in charming Liam than joining the pack. Oh, and Ash doesn’t even know he’s a werewolf. To make matters worse, a betrayal in the pack puts Ash’s life in danger. Liam must set aside his instant attraction to Ash in order to save his life. That is, if he can find him first. The Alpha’s Call is a hot and steamy standalone romance story.

    Can they survive legalized marriage during Pridefest?When Chase Manning wakes up on the first morning of PrideFest, the last thing he expects to find is his lover and life partner, Rhys Sayer, on bended knee. But the news that marriage has been legalized in the state is a game changer for both of them.After a mad dash to the courts, all they want is to find their friends at PrideFest to celebrate. However, what happens when they arrive will bond them together forever—if their friends don’t have a collective meltdown about their sudden disappearance first.

    Curl up in front of a warm fire on a silent night and choose your poison.

    Although they are powerful and politically connected, the D’Vaires stick to their mansion in Arizona. For one of their High Kings, his desire to stay home is visceral. High King Aleksander D’Vairedraconis is a dragon shifter who suffers from agoraphobia. His mate is a recent addition to the household, and when High King Rafe D’Vairedraconis receives an invitation to the annual dragon fair, he is encouraged to do more than throw it in the trash. He would never do anything to hurt his other half, but Rafe can see the possibilities for fun and adventure. After some consideration—and tantalizing daydreams about the D’Vaires crafting their masquerade costumes—Rafe finds the perfect solution and charges forward with his plans while simultaneously protecting Aleksander. Soon, the D’Vaires are whisked away to an event where they can pretend everyone is a dragon, and when it’s over the entire family vows they will never miss it again.