After losing his mom, he was plunged into a deep depression, and only pulled through with his best friend Andrew's help. So when Andrew invites him to spend Christmas with his family in Connecticut, it would be pretty crappy to turn down the invitation, despite not being sure how he would fit in with Andrew's very white, very wholesome family. As soon as they get there, Kev and Andrew are greeted with over-active and curious children, and many harried--and curious--adults. As Kev struggles to find his place amidst the chaos, he is also confronted by his awakening desire for something he really can't have--his straight best friend. But revelations, great and small, take everyone by surprise--and show that Christmas just might be the happiest time of the year, after all.

    When he finally gets his chance to talk to him, Mateo’s response, or lack thereof, is enough to have Elias vowing to never make such a fool of himself again, not for any guy, no matter how hot.But then the flowers start arriving. Every day, each with a special meaning, a story to tell him – a secret admirer who has a way with words even though Elias doesn’t even know who he is.When Elias finds himself in over his head late one night and Mateo comes to his rescue, can Elias learn to stop expecting pretty words and start listening to his heart instead? Original Prompt:Dear Author,This young guy is a shy florist. [picture 1]His dream is to build up a courage to ask out the sexy mechanic who works across the street. A mechanic who wears EYELINER that drives our florist crazy. He just doesn't know what to do! He doesn't even know if the sexy mechanic knows he's alive.Wearing this kind of t-shirt (below) is a bit too blatant, isn't it? *grin*. [picture 2]Well, if you can help him to get his HEA, you will make my florist's summer.Photo Description: [picture 1] A lithe, dark-haired man hugs a bouquet of white lilies to his bare chest, face tilted to the flowers until one silky petal lies against his chin. The curve of his muscled arm, and the wistful look on his face, suggest it is not flowers he imagines in his embrace. [picture 2] A young man wearing a white t-shirt with the phrase ‘I love boys in eyeliner'.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 at Author's website [pdf format], read it online or find it in Don't Read in the Closet, Volume 4.__________Genre: contemporaryTags: gay m/m, flowers, public sex, hot men in eyeliner, guy next door, blue-collarWarnings: mild assaultWord Count: 9,853

    He has a hands-on approach to fitness that I thoroughly appreciate. Brooks is on a high-protein diet, and he’s ordering me for room service. Luckily, I know all the private spots on this gorgeous island.Except I’m up to my neck in bawdy adult actors, and they just keep coming. My brothers and I want to buy land for our resort, but we’re up against a clothing-optional film studio and a sweet old lady with a taste for adult film stars. Everyone’s vying for the same piece of property, but with Brooks spotting me, there’s no weight too heavy.We’re in paradise, and Brooks is my temptation.BROOKS:He’s the limber one, but I’m feeling more hetero-flexible.I’m at the best fitness resort in the Caribbean, seeking exercise and focus. But most of all, I need to lie low from a scandal I didn’t earn. Getting my mind and body in order is my goal, and training with Nate is a great way to keep my head down—if only my head would stay down.Not even the outlandish gay adult studio next door can tear my eyes off Nate. The island sun is blazing, but he’s the reason I’m hot. Between the Pilates poses and intense cardio sessions, I can hardly focus on setting the record straight. But he needs help negotiating a deal, which means we’re both on the table.I’m trying new things, and Nate has the VIP package.This is the first book in the Island Resort series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect a funny, spicy MM romance with several steamy scenes. This book has been republished under a new listing. Check your library to see if you already own it.

    But it’s funny how Jam’s little brother, Benji, seems to know exactly what Alfie needs. For the past twelve months Alfie has thrown himself into his job and tried hard not to think about beautiful punk-loving Benji—tried not to see how the sweet kid he used to look out for, and who used to trail so adoringly after him, has grown up into a big lad with an even bigger heart. As Alfie sobers up, he begins to see things with a new perspective, and Benji has his full attention. If only Alfie can admit what it is he wants. *First published in the charity anthology 'Hot Summer Nights' in June 2019*

    His life goal is a major league contract and he is laser focused on honing his game and his body as close to perfection as he can get. Then a moment of distraction, a wrong step, and a bone-shattering injury put an early end to his baseball career. Ian Chapman is happy with his life. He has his own house, a decent job, good friends, and he’s the de facto manager of a team in the city’s gay softball league. Unfortunately, he’s missing a key player to help his team rise from the basement and the man at his side to make his personal game complete. When Blake moves in next door, Ian sees in him a solution to the team’s woes, and soon it becomes obvious something more personal might grow, too. Then Blake’s first love, the game of baseball, comes calling again, and he is compelled to answer. Complete Game is a 55,000 word first time gay romance with no cliffhangers and a happily ever after ending.

    We do everything together, which is why I felt…weird when at sixteen I found out he’s gay. How can Alex be something I’m not?But now he’s getting married…to a guy he’s been engaged to for three months…in Vegas, which isn’t Alex’s style.Luckily, they realize what a mistake this would be and the ceremony doesn’t happen. Hungover, Alex and I go on his honeymoon together where we discover a wedding did go down, and I’m now married to my best friend.Did I mention I’m straight?But if that’s true, why do I love the idea of being married to him? Why do I want to touch him, kiss him, and never let go?Looks like I’m actually bi and maybe I’ve been in love with Alex all along.

    I put a short novella on Instafreebie of Miro and Ian having dinner with their boss Sam Kage and his husband, Jory Harcourt. What could possibly go wrong?I hope you all enjoy it and I hope you all have a wonderful, shmoopy, candy and flower filled day.

    Hal only has eyes for their captain—a man who'll never share their inclinations. Night after night aboard the Swiftsure, it kills Robert to listen to Hal's erotic dreams of a man he can't possibly have. Determined to protect his friend, Robert stages a seduction.But Hal demands proof of love before he will submit to the rakish Robert.Mission accepted. After all, how hard could it be to show what's inside his heart? Yet Robert's move to claim Hal's love leads to the threat of exposure, and mortal danger from the French. Will a heart obsessed ever accept defeat?21,000 words

    The only person who can possibly help him is Edward Saunders, who runs a small tailor and alterations shop in the village. Edward is more than a little shocked to be asked to make seventeen costumes for five year old children—he’s more comfortable making bespoke men’s suits. But there’s something beguiling and utterly charming about Harry Britton, so despite all his hesitations, he agrees to help.

    Little does he know his professor is the right man to school him in the art of submission. He’s brilliant, dark and most importantly, dominant to the core. And all that’s best of dark and bright…Professor Asher Flynn is tired of young men playing at being submissive. He wants the real deal, but finds it hard to believe the handsome young man sitting in the front row of his class could be exactly what he’s been searching for. Meets in his aspect and his eyes…Asher’s professional ethics war with his body’s demands for Xander, but once he takes a taste of this forbidden fruit will he be able to refuse a second or a third?

     A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi Steiner continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac Jones, his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi's favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him. But Isaac is tenacious and he has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted and never forgot. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness. Word Count: 17,536

    The only rules I follow are my own. Love? I learned that lesson the hard and painful way it wasn’t right for me. Sure, sometimes it gets lonely and I wish I had a man to hold. Who’d love me. Want me. Treat me with respect. Yeah, I dance in a club but that doesn’t mean I’m easy. Or a fool. So you, sitting in the back, watching me? I know what you want. You want me. In your bed. Under you. But I say no. It doesn’t matter how many presents you give me. I’m not falling for you. I know who you are. But you don’t know me. You don’t know Austin. This is a 14,000 word CLIFFHANGER story. It is a start to a new series, entitled Man Up. The next book in the series is Rhoades—Undeniable

    He wasn't expecting his best friend, Claire Olivia, to kidnap him. And he definitely wasn't expecting what she has planned to cheer him up...Ben Carver was honestly planning to spend winter break at home in New Hampshire not thinking about Rafe. But he wasn't expecting to run into his ex-girlfriend, who's still interested in him. And he wasn't expecting to find himself still attracted to her...Openly, Honestly tells two funny, sad, beautiful stories that were made for anyone who has longed for one person to see you, to understand you, and to love you exactly as you are.

    Will Ryder cross a line no man should cross to obtain a second chance?Ryder Halloway made a life changing decision about his relationship with Harlan when he was young and stupid. Thanks to one rash moment, he lost it all. He lost the only man he would ever love, his drive to even try to finish college and his zest for life.Seven years later finds him in front of Harlan's house preparing to take back what he lost with a vengeance. He's prepared to use all the tricks in his arsenal to plow through every wall, protest and excuse Harlan might come up with.Of course, he never expected Harlan to put him in the hospital.Harlan Mychels had his heart broken in college by the popular Ryder. He learned his lesson about love and since then hasn't allowed anyone even remotely close to his heart. Then one morning he turns and sees the one person able to tear his walls down and destroy what is left of it.He uses every defensive tactic in his possession to keep Ryder at arm's length, but Ryder is persistent. Harlan's not sure if he can stay safe from heartache, and he starts wondering what the real heartache is – letting Ryder in again...or letting him go for good.**This book was previously published in the Story Orgy anthology Word Play**

    Too bad he's given the nurse the impression he's some kind of daredevil. It couldn't be further from the truth. Gage is a college journalism instructor writing a series of guest columns that require him to jump into new experiences -- a fun bucket list, but one that does nothing to convince Ben he's not an adrenaline junkie. Fresh off his latest heartbreak, nurse Ben Griggs is wary when one of his patients shows an interest in him -- especially when that patient showed up in the ER after a motorcycle accident. Ben's ex was a biker, a friend with benefits, and he dropped Ben cold when someone more interesting came along. Ben isn't the kind of guy who can hold the interest of an adrenaline junkie like Gage Evans for long. The last thing he wants is to lose his heart to the wrong man again. The more Ben gets to know Gage, the harder he is to resist. He can only hold on for the ride and keep his guard up as much as he can. But Ben's lack of trust seriously gets in the way of building a relationship, and Gage will only be patient so long. Can he trust Gage enough to give his heart, or are they destined to have a fling that goes nowhere? This is a spin-off from the Ashe Sentinel Connections series, where Ben appears briefly in the book "Hard Press." It can be read as a standalone. A previously published alternate cover version of ASIN B01M0DE5N4 can be found here.