But when he receives a wrong-number text confirming the details of a date, he does what any considerate person would—he goes to meet them and explain why they've been stood up. Asher Wescott hadn't expected his blind date to go well, because when do they ever? Henry shows up instead, and things are suddenly looking up. Socially awkward and attached to his routines, Henry is nevertheless one of the most charming and kind men Asher has met in a long time. Too bad he's not Henry's type. An accidental date, an impulsive kiss, and a few conflicted feelings later, can Asher get Henry to see the world—and him—in a different light?

     What is that supposed to mean? Those are the words Lucas Daniels hears before stumbling through the brass doors of the elegant Club Dyavol, a club that seems to appear out of nowhere. The club is his last hope of getting a job to escape his predatory stepfather’s home. Who would dare enter a vampire’s sanctuary uninvited? Count Konstantin “the Wolf” Volk may be weakened by a curse, but he is still a primal predator. And when he sees a young man venture into his club, bypassing all of his magical and physical protections, more than just his curiosity is aroused. Is there more to this meeting than simple chance? NOTE: THIS NOVELLA SERIES HAS CLIFFHANGERS! EVERY BOOK WILL END ON ONE. THAT'S MY NATURAL WRITING STYLE. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE CLIFFHANGERS, WAIT UNTIL THE WHOLE SERIES IS PUBLISHED TO READ. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! X. Aratare writes gay paranormal romance with witches, vampires, magic, and mystery. Though some books may venture into dark territory, they will all have happy endings.

     Michael is gay, out, and proud. He’s also been in love with his straight work-colleague, Simon, for months. When a business trip finds them sharing a hotel room, Michael expects it to be nothing more than mildly frustrating. But, apparently, Simon has other plans. Michael knows that agreeing to a no-strings hook up with a straight guy is a bad idea. He knows he’s being taken advantage of. And he knows he should say no, because if he doesn’t, the whole trip is going to go straight to hell.

     As a homicide cop, every blood-soaked crime scene settled in my bones and snaked around my spine. There was only one way to exorcise the images from my soul ... Inside the club, I stopped to scan the room. He was here, Camden Snow. A Norse sex god in the guise of unpretentious youth. Only his ice-blue eyes gave evidence of the Dom who took whomever he wished, whatever way he wanted, with a look and a nod. Merciless. Cam found me watching him and fixed me with his arctic gaze. This time, I didn't walk away. He cocked an eyebrow. Well? The last thing I needed was mercy. I dropped to my knees. M/M BDSM 13k words The next part of Hunter and Cam's story, Matchstick Men book 2/4, is available on Amazon. . - addi-

    Then Tom discovers rope in Gabe’s glove-box—and it’s not the type for securing luggage.
 This ~14,000-word short story was originally published in the Rules to Live By anthology and has been lightly edited.

    There's nothing I wouldn't do, no limits I won't go to get him back. But he won't give me a chance. He won't so much as look at me because he thinks I don't belong to him anymore.But that's the whole thing.I don't belong anywhere. Doesn't matter where I go or who I am with I am always alone. There is something wrong with me, there has to be because no one else seems quite as miserable at being without a master. But don't we all owe our freedom to something? People are slaves, aren't they? To their jobs, to their partners, to their children, even to their lifestyles? We all have those little kinks that we don't tell anyone about, because we think we're going to be judged for them, and because we're slaves to society's rules. In a world where slavery is the norm I'm a slave to my needs. To him. And I need to get him back.WARNINGS: HARDCORE BDSM, DUB-CON, NON-CON

    The war started in third grade, with a surprise punch to the face, and lasted until the summer after high school when Brooklyn and Dallas are stuck working at the same store. At night. Together. It should've been a recipe for disaster. But instead of outright combat, they slowly start to notice that not only do they not hate each other, but perhaps they have more in common than either of them knew. Soon, amidst unexpected laughter and camaraderie, Dallas realizes that maybe the guy who used to be his number one enemy could actually be his perfect match.Original Prompt:Dear Author,These beautiful boys have a story to tell. A story of firsts. The first stirrings of attraction, the first feelings of love, the first touch of another, the first forever...Please tell us their story so that their love may live on...Photo Description: A black/white photo of two naked teenage boys in a white bedroom. One sits on the bed facing right, leaning back into the other kneeling behind him. His lover's right hand is across his arm and chest. The left hand gently strokes his hardened penis as they both watch.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, Vol 1 or Don't Read in the Closet: GayRomLit Retreat 2011 Special Edition.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, virgins, first love, enemies-to-lovers, high school, summer romanceWord Count: 14,012

    After graduating from art school Nate left the Midwest for sunny Southern California, not quite sure what he hoped to find. It was almost certainly not falling in love with another man. His whole world and assumptions about himself begin to slowly turn upside down on one hot summer day. Seeking respite from the heat and his loneliness at Venice Beach he has a chance encounter with a handsome blond surfer. Jez is friendly, easygoing, and just a little bit mysterious. Openly gay, Jez offers Nate a place to stay, and the two men become fast friends. Nate makes new friends, adjusts to his new life, but his unbidden attraction to Jez keeps growing. In their moments of closeness Nate realizes that he wants Jez more than just a friend, but it might be too late. To make Jez his, Nate has to face not only his own fears and insecurities, but his mysterious mate has secrets of his own. Warning: Al fresco man-love, a scene-stealing old coot, and a relentless California sun.

    So why did he give excuse after excuse to not set a date to say our "I dos"?Why wasn't he my husband yet?I didn't know, but by the end of the night, I was going to find out. No matter what tactics I had to use. Even if they were dirty. Especially if they were dirty.

    The attraction burns bright for both of them, and when they head for somewhere more private, they're both amazed at how fast and hot the flames get out of control. Rock is only in Texas for training, though, and he leaves Rigger behind when he goes back to his life as a regular Marine. Rigger's not sure he's ready to be left, though, and he follows Rock eventually, showing up on Rock's doorstep with what little he owns and a smile. The two men, so very different but so very needy for one another, struggle to come to terms with their relationship, trying to make it work in a world where men don't love men, and if they do, they can't talk about it. Between the pressures of the outside world and the struggle between them to learn what it means to be in a committed relationship, Rock and Rigger threaten to tear each other apart. Do they have what it takes to stay together?

    But just as the evening hits its peak, things get up-ended fast. Ditched by his drunken, trolling friends, Tad winds up getting hustled by three jocks playing poker. Now he’s forced to pay his dues in the most outlandish of ways: accepting a couple broken bones or spending an hour with his victors’ favorite flogger, Scott. But the tantalizing torture quickly proves to be the least of Tad’s worries… and the kickoff to a night of raw, shocking lust. Experience the graphic, minute-by-minute account of that hour spent at the hands of Tad’s insatiable tormentor. Addicting chemistry lights the stage as Scott ignites Tad’s reluctant desires into a frenzy of forbidden need.

    While covering a phone line for a sick friend, an alluring voice awakens a new desire in Julian which he hides from everyone, including his best friend - because some things are just wrong, right? - but as his attraction grows stronger, Julian wonders how much longer he can keep denying his feelings. Not just to his nosy and much too perceptive bestie, but to the one person who can never know. The one he's not supposed to want. Call Me Daddy is a 50,000 word m/m romance novel full of humor and heat, with a satisfying happy ever after. Note: This version has been expanded from the original short story. *This book contains content of a taboo nature.*

    But when Larry hears that other guys they know are getting paid to have gay sex on camera, he convinces Zack that they could pick up some quick, easy cash by being in one of these films… together.If Zack thinks making a gay porn film with his best friend is disturbing, he is absolutely horrified when Larry proposes they “rehearse” for the film so they won’t be nervous in front of the director. As the they fumble their way through a checklist of sexual positions and acts, Zack finds himself seeing Larry in an entirely new light—a very sexy new light, and possibly a romantic one, as well. But does Larry feel the same? Or is this all for easy money?

    Now he's getting married, and Seth wants to make amends with the brother he hasn't spoken to since then. Turning up unexpectedly on the doorstep of your estranged, gay brother isn't the greatest plan in the world, but Seth's determined not to let their years of separation make him miss his brother's wedding. He's not expecting to get swept up in wedding planning immediately, like they've never been apart. Kent's just trying to write a best man speech for his best friend's wedding. But he can't seem to stay on track when he's talking to his best friend's younger brother, no matter how hard he tries. When Seth finds himself falling, what can Kent do but catch him? As the wedding looms closer, so does the spectre of the home Seth's been trying to escape. Will he have to give up Kent to please his parents, or can he keep this man who's come to mean so much to him? ***Kissing the Best Man is a 34k word Gay Contemporary Romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers or infidelity.***

    One got left behind. One went off to war. He came back a man. A broken, lonely, desperate man searching for the one thing to ease his pain. Can Dylan forgive George for leaving him? Can love snuff out the pain? The Proof Is the Way It Hurts. *This is a standalone M/M novella. A shorter version of this story was featured as a KU Korner's Bedtime Story*