In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man. Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor. The lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed. But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold.

    Their love begins a secret life, hidden from their families, friends, and classmates. As their passion grows, so does the danger of their discovery. Their only hope is to create a separate world where every kiss is a treasure and every moment... memorable.First love. Secret love. Unforgettable love.

    On the night they are first meant to meet, she convinces Alessander to don her clothes and go in her place, as a prank on the sea monster that is to be her husband. He goes along with the prank, and finds himself unexpectedly intrigued by the larger-than-life Dagon. Dagon is a worldly man, more amused--and aroused--than scandalized by discovering a boy in a bodice pretending to be his betrothed. When the deception is revealed, though, Cel is nowhere to be found: she's fled the royal isle, leaving her brother a scapegoat in her skirts. Their father offers to hunt her down, but Dagon declines: he will use his own fleet to find his runaway princess, and he is taking along insurance. Alessander is brought aboard his flagship as a hostage, albeit an honored one…and until Celandine is found, he must serve as Dagon's royal 'bride'.