Rode with stories by Lee Benoit, Misa Izanaki, Kiernan Kelly, Syd McGinley, Sean Michael, G.R. Richards, Tracy Rowan, BG Thomas and G.S. Wiley.Cherry popping is back! In this follow up to our popular Cherry anthology, we bring you another nine hot and sweet stories focusing on first times. Whether it's a future Top realizing he's really a Dom and not sub at all, or best friends discovering they're in love with each other, whether it's new lovers or established couples trying something out of the ordinary, these stories are sure to delight.Sweet and tender live side by side with wild and desperate, needy next to wanton. Each story brings you a new cherry to pop in a different way. Don't miss any of these Cherry on Top stories.Stories include:Going Home Again by Kiernan KellyA Better Fate than Wisdom by Lee BenoitGreen Carnations by G.S. WileyStairway to Evan by G.R. RichardsThe Bad Boyfriend Club and How I Left It by Tracy RowanThe Ivory Dungeon by Syd McGinleyMy Best Friend by BG ThomasCooking Lesson by Miza IzanakiSweet Cherry, A Hammer Story by Sean Michael

    But someone decides on a more permanent end to their relationship. Former lead singer of the rock band, Lightning, Chad is working on his come-back album when he finds the body of his murdered ex-lover floating in his swimming pool. Lieutenant Jack Reeves, from the homicide division, has never heard of Lightning, but now he has a gruesome murder to solve. The more he learns of Chad, the more intrigued he becomes, and his protective instincts kick in when Chad begins to get strange phone calls...from the dead man. Jack doesn't believe in ghosts and knows someone is trying to mess with Chad, leading him to think someone close to the singer could have murderous intentions. But his attraction to Chad takes him off the investigation. Drawn to each other, Chad and Jack begin a steamy affair, and that brings the ruthless killer out of hiding.

    Unfortunately, his perfect boyfriend only exists in his dreams. But Aden’s always believed it was his destiny to meet his dream man, and he's perfectly content to wait around for him to walk into his real life.When he meets Logan Price at a Hotel/Restaurant Trade Show, he finds himself drawn to this man who shakes him out of his dream world. Pretty soon, the flesh and blood reality is becoming more appealing than the fantasy. The only problem is Logan lives half way across the country in California.Aden's going to have to choose whether to give up everything he’s built for himself professionally and uproot his whole life for Logan, or wait for the man from his dreams to become a reality.Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find objectionable: Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.

    Four years earlier, Nick, then a member of the Pittsburgh Police Department, was instrumental in arresting Fransisco Garcia, a drug dealer and cold-blooded murderer.Now, Garcia has escaped from prison and is intent on making good his threat of reprisal for the death of his son in the shoot out that brought down his notorious empire - a confrontation that also claimed the lives of two of Nick's associates.Nick, well aware of Garcia's ruthless and cunning tactics, fears for the safety of his lover, Eric Jamieson. Despite Nick's best efforts to protect Eric, Garcia succeeds in taking him hostage and holds him as bait in the trap he has prepared for Nick. Only their combined strength and resilience save them from the messy deaths Garcia had planned for them. Even then, they are not safe and soon discover that they cannot, for one moment afford to let down their guards, until Garcia is either apprehended-or dead.A Deadly Game is an erotic thrill ride, filled with danger, excitement and suspense.

    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?

    Charlie is surprised to discover the love of his life isn’t is straight as he always thought.When Charlie moved to the big city to get away from small town life and explore his sexuality, little did he know the man he’d always yearned for didn’t just happen to move to the same area.Marcus James had come to continue his lifelong goal of taking care of Charlie.

    Something about the town called to him, and he set about doing what he could to fit in. If that meant keeping some parts of himself separate, tucked away from prying eyes, then that was what he'd do.Tomas moved to El Jardin to escape the memories of a vicious attack that left him a shattered, broken man. The physical wounds would heal, but the emotional ones seemed insurmountable. Unable to leave his home for more than a brief walk to the mailbox, Caden's isolation was just one more torment that ate away at his hopes of ever recovering.Two men, each with their own personal demons, living only yards across from one another. Each is fascinated by the other, but unable to find a way to breach the problems that keep them apart. The solution comes in the form of one yappy little poodle, Loopy. His frequent escapes from Caden's yard gives Jesse a reason to approach his neighbor, and form a tenuous bond that will heal their wounds and maybe, just maybe, end their lonely nights.Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Male/male sexual practices.

    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.

    and a pupil, Mitchell, whose life changed after hearing Dominic lecture on conservation at college.Aiden is hiding, scared of people finding the real him, hiding his identity from the world, and keeping a lid on his grief.Could working together at a census on a grizzly bear sanctuary in British Columbia be the making of Aiden. or will it end up destroying him?

    Contains approximately 25k words of new content.]Of all the tiny towns, in all the world, he walks into mine.Texas native Kieran Quinn has hit the big time, working in Manhattan as a columnist for Gloss, a national literary magazine. He’s well-known for his snarky, sardonic columns, but deep down he’s more interested in exploring what makes people tick than his editor would like. He keeps his desire to find his own Mr. Right hidden under a sexy, carefree persona that favors champagne and underwear models of the male variety.Jaxon Lang loves being the high school principal in tiny Buckwheat Springs, Texas after relocating from Austin to pursue his relationship with Danetta Archer, despite her reputation for leaving grooms at the altar. So far, he’s avoided examining the questions he has about himself, certain that marriage will put them to rest. Then Kieran arrives in town. Kieran’s charm and unique attitudes about sex and attraction soon challenge Jaxon’s concept of what—and who—he wants.While covering the latest wedding of a real-life “runaway bride," Kieran falls hard for the gorgeous—and supposedly straight—groom, Jaxon Lang, despite that ridiculous X. Then Kieran discovers the bride’s hiding a shocking secret.First Edition published by Ravenous Romance, April 2009.

    It doesn’t bother him that Doug is a man, much less a player. What matters is that he’s a perfect candidate for a no-strings-attached night that just might help Craig prove to himself that he’s not as broken as he fears. One night—that’s all it was supposed to be. But one night turns into yearning, turns into e-mailing, turns into communicating, turns into Doug hoping against hope that Craig might feel the same frightening attachment that he feels, pretty please? With cherries on top?

    But the course of true love never runs smoothly. Just as they seem to find solid ground to stand on, Jazz's former lover Richard shows up, strewing an already rocky road with gravel. When Jazz has a serious motorcycle accident that threatens to end his life, Chris and Richard try to carry on without him. Can they find common ground of their own?

    When Staff Sergeant Gage Livingston was brought into Forge’s Army field hospital, temporarily paralyzed, Forge sat with him, read his letters, answered his mail, and formed a connection he thought would last. But Gage was sent home, Forge transferred to a new post, and his letters to Gage went unanswered.Now in the middle of a bitter divorce, Forge is sick and tired of his husband’s manipulation. He's almost ready to make any sacrifice to get closure—then he finds Granger murdered execution-style in their home. Forge had no idea about Granger’s illicit activities, but the killers don’t believe that. They think Forge has something they want, and they’re coming after him.When Forge’s lawyer arranges for professional protection, the last face Forge expects to see is Gage’s. Can he even contemplate a second chance for them after almost two decades, or will hope only lead to more heartache? Before they can explore the possibilities, they must figure out what information Granger had—that others are willing to kill for—or that possible heartache could become a certainty.

    He tries desperately to fill his heart by working as a hospital social worker, but his weekly visits to his brother's grave are his only true comfort.Into the hospital and into Tim's life comes a huge, muscular, young guy named Ty, sporting a Marine Corp tattoo just like the one that Tim remembers his brother wearing. He also sports a heavy load of anger and attitude. Ty is causing quite an uproar in the hospital ward, refusing to acclimate himself to the hospital's routine. Tim's boss feels that someone closer to his own age may help Ty become more cooperative and so she assigns Ty's case to Tim.Cooperative or not, Tim finds himself caring deeply for the former warrior. Ty, however, has secrets in his past. Secrets that have more to do with Tim than he realizes. Secrets that will draw Tim and Ty closer than either ever thought possible.

    He’s never forgotten Jordan, though, and now he wants to face the man—now a priest—who broke his heart.Jordan has tried to put his sinful past behind him and focus on his duties as a clergyman. The only problem is that even half a decade later, he’s haunted by his feelings for the man he wasn’t supposed to love.When Darius confronts Jordan, it’s a disaster. But it might also be the beginning of the second chance both men desperately need…This 11,000 word short story is based on The Father Project by Tooji, and written/sold with permission. All royalties from Just Hear Me fund a short film project being produced by Tooji and the author. Any surplus (or monies received after the film’s production) will be donated to an LGBT charity of the author’s choosing.