novella

A Soldier’s Wish (The Christmas Angel Series) by N.R. Walker: Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

December 17, 2018 by Denise

The year is 1969…

Gary Fairchild is proud to be a hippie college student, and he protests the Vietnam War because he believes in love and peace. To him, it isn’t just a counterculture movement—it’s a way of life. When tickets to the Aquarium Exposition—3 Days of Peace & Music, or Woodstock, as it was better known, go on sale, there’s no way he isn’t going.

Richard Ronsman is a sheltered farm boy who lives in the shadow of his overbearing father. He’s hidden his darkest secret to earn his father’s love, but nothing is ever good enough—not even volunteering for the Vietnam War. And with just a few days left before he’s deployed, he’s invited by a striking hippie to join him at a music festival.

Three days of music, drugs, rain, mud, and love forged a bond between these two very different men that would shape the rest of their lives. They share dreams and fears, and when Richard is shipped off to war, they share letters and love. For Richard’s first Christmas home, he is gifted a special angel ornament that just might make a soldier’s wish come true.

This story is one of seven stories which can all be read and enjoyed in any order.

The Christmas Angel Series

In 1750, a master woodcarver poured all his unrequited love, passion, and longing into his masterpiece—a gorgeous Christmas angel for his beloved’s tree. When the man he loved tossed the angel away without a second thought, a miracle happened. The angel was found by another who brought the woodcarver True Love.

Since then, the angel has been passed down, sold, lost and found, but its magic remains. Read the romances inspired by (and perhaps nudged along by) the Christmas angel through the years. Whether it’s 1700s England (Eli Easton’s Christmas Angel), the 1880’s New York (Kim Fielding’s Summerfield’s Angel), the turn-of-the-century (Jordan L. Hawk’s Magician’s Angel), World War II (L.A. Witt’s Christmas Homecoming), Vietnam-era (N.R. Walker’s Soldier’s Wish), the 1990’s (Anyta Sunday’s Shrewd Angel), or 2018 (RJ Scott’s Christmas Prince), the Christmas angel has a way of landing on the trees of lonely men who need its blessing for a very Merry Christmas and forever HEA.

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Christmas Angel – Eli Easton – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Summerfield’s Angel – Kim Fielding – Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Magician’s Angel – Jordan L. Hawk – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Homecoming – L.A. Witt – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Shrewd Angel – Anyta Sunday – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Christmas Prince – RJ Scott- Amazon US | Amazon UK

Gary and his friends are on a break from school and on their way to Woodstock, cuz… heck yeah, they are!
Classified as a “hippie” and don’t judge me because I was born in the ’80s, but neither Gary or his friends really felt like the classic “good-for-nothing, earth-hugging, vegan-types-of-the-new-millennium we have these days lol He was amazing. The wisdom he had, and his compassion and patience. You can’t help but fall in love with him immediately.

Anyway, on the road an entire hour, Gary and his friends decide to stop at a little diner on the way. That’s where Gary sees a sad looking solider, sitting alone at a table looking like he might cry. Now, maybe it’s the day I’m having or maybe it’s the other’s I’ve read in this awesome, Christmas-time series, or maybe it’s a tiny reminder of what seems like everyone has forgotten….Vietnam. Either way… I was crying from the beginning. Happy Monday!

Richard has just visited his family before being shipped out, and having enlisted for the wrong reasons and being confused about who he was, and why… I was so glad that he found Gary. Like I mentioned, Gary was so compassionate and so full of wisdom. He helped Richard acknowledge who he was when he offered him the lifeline of 3 days at Woodstock.

I adored their time together, dancing, singing, experimenting… and just being. It hurt so bad when those days were up and Richard had to go. No stranger to ugly crying, I didn’t even try to hold it back. Deciding to write to each other while Richard was away, it broke my heart to see him go.

Those letters though… those letters were everything. Getting to know each other and keeping each other sane in a time when everyone overseas needed a little bit of sanity. They fell in love through those letters and made plans for their future, and I believe it was probably the only thing that kept Richard going. And that Gary was going on with his life, making plans for them to be together when Richard finally returned. It was sweet and hopeful, and I was dying for them to finally get their happily ever after.

Unfortunately, there were so many obstacles in their way. War and destruction, of course, but also it’s hard to imagine, in today’s world, but it wasn’t long ago, and it still is in so many places, illegal for two people of the same sex to be together. Doesn’t that just seem insane? Like, literally, inconceivable. Who’s business is that? How would you prove it, if you suspected it? People were really arrested for it? What a sick and sad time to be a minority. It’s getting better all the time, but I look forward to a day when there is no distinction at all. No gay marriage, just marriage. No, same-sex relationships, just relationships. Here’s to hoping!

But, together, again with Gary being so amazing, patient, persistent and reassuring, they got through it all together. I know I said it last book, but this one might just be my favorite. Not only because I love this author, but because once I started it, I couldn’t even go to the bathroom, I didn’t want to put it down.

I loved all of it. Gary’s best friend Kat and his amazingly accepting and wonderful parents…. So sweet. And the quotes. I highlighted more in this short story than I ever have, any book, ever. It was all so profound. Just… if you haven’t, you really should read this one, and of course, we get the Christmas Angel. I can’t wait to see who she blesses next.

What a great Christmas read. Loved it!

5 pieces of eye candy

Dec 2 – Boulevard des Passions, Gay Book Reviews, Dec 4 – Lelyana’s Reviews, Dec 6 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Megan’s Media Melange, Dec 8 – Xtreme Delusions, My Fiction Nook, Dec 10 – Mirrigold, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Open Skye, The Secret Of Ko, Rainbow Book Reviews, Dec 12 – Bookaholic & Kindle, Dec 14 – Making It Happen, MM Good Book Reviews, Dec 17 – Momma Says: To Read Or Not To Read, Lillian Francis, Wicked Reads, Two Chicks Obsessed, Dec 19 – Drops Of Ink, Kimmers Erotic Book Banter, Bayou Book Junkie, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, Dec 21 – Bonkers About Books, Book Corner Reviews

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

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The New World by J.P. Bowie: New Release Review

December 16, 2018 by Denise

Jamie finds his life and possible destiny irrevocably intertwined with Tanaka, a Choctaw warrior and shaman, but danger lies all around in a land troubled by unrest and war.

When Jamie finally reaches the Americas, he is a changed man—one whose innocence has been replaced by a keen sense of self-preservation and a determination to survive, no matter what. That determination is challenged when he is charged with piracy and must choose between a death sentence or life as an indentured slave.

Choosing to live, he suffers the humiliation of slavery until he is rescued by Tanaka, a Choctaw warrior-shaman. Jamie joins the Choctaws against the soldiers of King George, who are trying to force them off their land. It isn’t long before Jamie and Tanaka’s admiration for each other becomes a love that will shape their destinies.

General Release Date: 27th November 2018

ISBN: 978-1-78651-691-6 Imprint: Pride Publishing
Book Length: Short Novel

Genre:

EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
HISTORICAL

Amazon

Pride Publishing

This is the second book in what looks like a 3 part series, but it’s pretty much a stand alone if you haven’t read book 1 (I didn’t). Jamie arrives in the new world as captain of his ship and almost immediately runs afoul of British troops in the woods of Georgia. He’s arrested and sold into indentured servitude to a cruel farmer. He’s rescued by Tanaka, a young native warrior who’s lost his home and family to the same British troops Jamie has made enemies of.

Jamie and Tanaka quickly trust each other and become close friends and more. They work together with the remaining native tribe to fight off the wave of troops that have come to claim the Choctaw land in the name of England.

This was a quick story to read, and outside of the conflict between the natives and the English, there wasn’t much in the way of angst between the main characters. There’s an odd element of the supernatural as we learn Jamie and Tanaka have dreamt of each other for some time before meeting. Each “knew” the other on sight. I feel like this story should have been one larger book, with more of the characters and action fleshed out. This was just okay for me.

3 pieces of eye candy

Summerfield’s Angel (The Christmas Angel Book 2): Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 6, 2018 by Denise

After the hard winter of 1888 ended Alby Boyle’s work as a Nebraska ranch hand, he returned to New York City in search of his long-lost family. His mother and brothers are nowhere to be found, however, and after Alby’s years of absence, Five Corners no longer feels like home. His prospects seem as dim as the nighttime alleys.

When Alby pauses to admire an angel ornament in a department store window’s Christmas display, he meets Xeno Varnham-Summerfield. Wealthy, handsome, and enthusiastic, Xeno brings Alby some temporary cheer. But for Alby to achieve his dreams of love and a real home, well, that may take a bit of holiday magic.

Amazon

Christmas Angel is back at it again…

When Alby comes back to New York to find his mom and brothers, he stumbles not only into Xeno, who is the complete opposite of his hard-working, barely able to make ends meet, ranch hand without a ranch, having self; but also, a beautiful Christmas tree Angel that gives him a little pep talk, and a kiss on the forehead… and a little Christmas magic, I suppose.

Xeno comes from a wealthy family, and is so open and outgoing, it was impossible for Alby to not become enchanted by him.. and Xeno seemed fascinated by Alby and his story…which was a heartbreaking one… After pointing him to a place he could stay and be warm, Alby decides to look for a job while he’s in town. Little meetings with Xeno turn into long nights in a private room at the Y, and even though they both feel for one another, they know something long term isn’t likely. People would talk, speculate, and all this was a time where you could be jailed, or worse for the crime of homosexuality. How thankful I am that the times have changed, but how heartbreaking that would be…

When the angel appears once again to warn Alby that Xeno is being hurt, everything changes… when Alby saves Xeno’s life, everyone is so grateful, Xeno’s family offers them a perfect solution… I love how accepting they are, his dad and sister, and I was cheering for them the whole time. Alby even gets to reconnect with one of his brothers. A Christmas miracle!

Awesome addition to this little series… I can’t wait to see what the Angel has in store for the next couple!

4 pieces of eye candy

Dec 2 – Xtreme Delusions, Gay Book Reviews, Dec 4 – Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Open Skye, My Fiction Nook, The Secret Ko, Lelyana’s Reviews, Rainbow Book Reviews, Dec 6 – Mirrigold, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Two Chicks Obsessed, Dec 8 – Making It Happen, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, Dec 10 – Momma Says: To Read Or Not To Read, Drops Of Ink, Lillian Francis, Wicked Reads, Dec 12 – Megan’s Media Melange, Dec 14 – Bayou Book Junkie, Dec 19 – Bonkers About Books, Dec 21 – MM Good Book Reviews

Kim Fielding is the bestselling author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

Kim’s novel Brute was the 2013 Rainbow Award Winner for Best Gay Fantasy and tied for fourth place for Best Gay Novel.

After having migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States, Kim calls the boring part of California home. She lives there with her husband, her two daughters, and her day job as a university professor, but escapes as often as possible via car, train, plane, or boat. This may explain why her characters often seem to be in transit as well. She dreams of traveling and writing full-time.

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Barbies and Beaches by Asta Idonea: Release Day Review

December 3, 2018 by Denise

For the first time ever, Shane is not looking forward to the annual Boxing Day barbeque at Matty’s house. He recently divorced, none of his friends know what to say to him now, and Shane is tired of the pity and awkwardness. Things take a turn, however, when he meets Matty’s English cousin. Neil is struggling with the Australian heat, having left the UK after a bad breakup. When Shane suggests the two of them head to a secluded beach to cool off, the growing intimacy between them might make both reassess their current situation.

Title: Barbies and Beaches
Author: Asta Idonea
Category: Holiday, Advent
Pages: 21

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Barbies and Beaches was a very short, short story. I’m not sure I would call it cute, as both characters were basically somewhat depressed at the time they met. However, I could see how they made a connection based on their recent breakups.

I definitely would have liked having a few more pages to connect with the characters, so that they could connect with each other. I don’t even think we learned what Neil did for a living, although we did learn about Shane’s occupation.

Short stories are what they are, short, but this one felt like I could have enjoyed it more, if I’d had a few more pages to learn more about the characters versus the issues behind why they both wanted to leave the party.

3 pieces of eye candy

Lost and Found by Quin Perin: RDB, Exclusive Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

November 21, 2018 by Denise

He is…

half my age,

my son’s friend,

and he calls me Daddy.

I brought him to his knees until he did the same to me.

“He was like a greedy little puppy, trying to please me. And goddamn, I needed him to need me.”

A May/December Second Chance Romance with a sprinkle of Daddy Kink. After their first encounter in “Take it All”, Lost and Found explores how Dave and Carter’s relationship took root and blossomed.

As a standalone novella, Lost and Found features explicit adult m/m content, Daddy Kink, age gap as well as romantic elements. The book ends…well, let’s see how it ends, shall we?

Book Title: Lost and Found – A May/December Gay Romance

Author: Quin Perin

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist:X Potion Designs

Genre/s: Second Chance Gay Romance

Length: 21 500 words/80 pages

It is a standalone story.

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Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Please,” Carter begged, tears in his eyes. Desperate, that’s what he was. The schedules I’d given him worked most of the time. But he needed the physical contact.

I released his hair and cupped his jaw, fingers digging into his cheeks. “You crossed a line, boy. Now go sit on the couch and think about what you’ve done before I do something I’ll regret.”

There it was again, that daring glimmer in his eyes. His hands almost touched the thick bulge I sported, but he knew better. He receded, never breaking eye contact while I nodded and praised him, “Good boy.”

It took another fifteen minutes to clean up the kitchen and cool down. I felt sick thinking about what had just happened. Our kinky connection almost exposed because Carter loved to play with fire. He wasn’t an ordinary submissive. Not like the ones I’d read about online. He was cheeky as fuck. But there he sat, with his head bent and his hands resting on his thighs, waiting for me to come over.

“I am sorry, Daddy,” he whispered when I rounded the couch and stood in front of him.

“Look at me.”

Staring up at me from the couch, he worried his bottom lip, chewing the right side of it until it was raw and swollen. I hated that habit.

“Stop biting your lip,” I ordered and brushed my thumb over it. The moment we connected, Carter’s eyes slid closed, and the tension seemed to flow from him. It’s what he needed, my touch, my affection.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured when I dipped my thumb into his mouth, pulling his lower lip down.

“You gonna make it up to Daddy?” Arousal was beating rage into submission, shutting off my brain. I needed to punish him as much as he needed me to do it. He’d won.

I made him undo my jeans. Which he did with such enthusiasm, I almost forgot the way he’d behaved. Next, he pulled down my briefs, letting my pulsing erection jut free. He tried to catch it with his mouth, but first it slid over his cheek, a string of precum landing there. I’d never seen anything sexier.

I moaned at the way he worked me into his mouth. That tight and warm heat. That goddamn tongue teasing me. I placed my hands on the back of his head, helping him to take in more. I’d never had someone suck my cock like they fucking loved it. Until Carter did exactly that. He slurped and moaned, his hands at the back of my thighs pulling me in deeper. He was going wild, bobbing and pumping and making my knees shake. I freed my balls while he went at it, blinking up with those big brown eyes, glazed with lust.

“You’re doing so good,” I rasped, “make it up to Daddy.”

His nose nuzzled my pubes, and my balls drew up tight, the tension spiking to new heights, ready to burst. But I didn’t let him finish me. Instead, I yanked him off, eliciting a surprised cry when I spun him around on the couch so his body splayed out on top of it. Carter scrambled, waving his ass at me as though it were my prize. Which it was. But he had to learn he couldn’t risk what we had. Not like that.

Without even undoing his loose-hanging jeans, I tore them down his legs. Another yelp. His underwear and pants pooled around his knees. Gazing over his shoulder with his bare ass on display, I straddled him, my wet cock bouncing with the movement, hanging out of my undone jeans. Carter tried to prop up onto his elbows, but I pinned him down, one hand slamming between his shoulder blades.

“Stay, boy!” I hissed and rubbed my free hand over the globes of his perfect ass. I’d never seen an ass like that, so round and taut and just…yeah, perfect.

Then, the spanking began.

Okay…. So, if you’re looking for daddy kink and filth, this is absolutely the book for you. If you’re looking for any kind of storyline…. I’d skip it.

So, Dave has a thing for his son’s best friend Carter. Carter also has a thing for his best friend’s dad, Dave. They also have a shared kink, Daddy/boy. Now, this goes on in secret for about two years, until Carter develops feelings and wants more from Daddy Dave. Instead of having a conversation about it, they end up in an argument about it that turns into a tantrum on both of their parts I feel like, and Carter gets his feelings hurt…. Naturally, because Dave was kind of a jerk…. But he feels bad, so he apologizes, and then they have the whole argument all over again…. Same result.

Now, my biggest problem with this is… both guys were so immature. I could see where they were both coming from, but my goodness… have a conversation without throwing hissy fit and stop jumping to conclusions that are so ridiculous… I wondered who the daddy was supposed to be, because Dave didn’t seem like the one who was put together, and they just seemed to be playing at Daddy/son, not really living it…. Although, it’s described as living it…

I felt like I was skimming for the most part, everything is just explained, I didn’t feel like I was living or even reading it… I was just reading about it… does that make sense? If you read it, you’ll understand.

The premise was awesome, I really like the trope, but this one just didn’t work for me. Years wasted over miscommunication and immaturity, feelings were hurt over lies and assumptions… it was just too much angst in such a small story.

3 pieces of eye candy from me

This is Quin&Perin. We are a team of Sultry Gay Romance writers who focus on detailed, toe-curling, and realistic smut scenes with a fair share of dirty talking (Oh, boy). Unlike other authors, we write without the goal of publishing anything. Publishing is just the cherry on top of a cream-covered bubble butt.

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Lonely Hearts, A Novella Bundle by Posy Roberts: Exclusive Guest Post with Excerpt, Blog Tour and Giveaway

November 1, 2018 by Denise

I’m so excited that Posy Roberts, who I just adore, stopped by to give a little guest post, and excerpt from her new novella bundle, Lonely Hearts. I love what Posy did with this unique idea. Taking these four fantastic novellas and tying the men together, not by place, or by family, but by a simple chat room that Marc joins. Check out what Posy has to say, along with an excerpt from the men’s chat room, and a giveaway!

Stoic men, who believe they’re happy alone, find the world turned upside down when their perfect someone stumbles across their path. In four novellas, eight men encounter unique struggles on their way to their well-deserved happily ever after.

Marc joins the Lonely Hearts chat room where men support men on their way to finding true love. He wants to believe that kind of love is possible for him, but his once-burned heart stops him from going all-in with anyone.

The chat group’s philosophy is, “Figure out how you keep screwing up your happily ever after. Once you know, you’re more likely to find the true thing.”

Skeptical as he is, Marc logs in and meets men in various degrees of getting there. At least he’s not alone. Luther truly loves his single life on the Bakken oil fields. William’s not sure he’ll ever measure up, let alone find someone he can be himself around. And Andrew still pines for a guy he hooked up with on a reenactment battlefield before he got blown up on a real one.

One by one they start dropping like flies. Flies drunk on love. And sooner than he expects, Marc’s luck starts changing thanks to these new friends.

Walk alongside these men as they find the men of their dreams and discover their happily ever afters.

101,000 Words | 396 pages | 8-9 hours to read

Stories included: Bent Arrow, Stroke of Luck, Momo, My Everything, and Love on a Battlefield.

Lonely Hearts

A Novella Bundle

Posy Roberts

M/M Romance

Release Date: 10.25.18

Amazon

Universal Buy Link

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Stoic Men who have Lots of Feels

I live in the land of stoic, fiercely independent men, also known as the Upper Midwest. This area of the United States was settled by Scandinavians and Germans who are known to be very staunch, serious people… at least until they’re ready to loosen up a bit. 😉 Denise lives very close to me, so she’s probably nodding as she’s reading this. Haha. (TCO:…Yes, this!!!!)

So it came as no surprise to me when I was reading through each of the four novellas in the bundle that stoicism and the belief that “I don’t need anybody” rang loud and clear. Yet, as often happens, those things you proclaim the loudest are often the exact opposite of what you desire. These men who take pride in their independence are genuinely lonely, hence the title of the bundle, Lonely Hearts.

I love writing juxtaposition: a guy like uptight, rigid William with a loose and carefree man like Nate, who makes a huge impact. Opposites attract is one of my fave tropes, after all, so much so that I married a person who is essentially the other side of my coin. Our opposites push us to be better people, even if we get exasperated along the way.

A chat room, where four of the men in the bundle interact, connects each novella in Lonely Hearts. They help each other get over whatever is holding them back from making themselves available. At the center, they’re each yearning to find someone to share their life with. The group moderator is actually Hugo from my North Star Trilogy, and after taking a year off dating and “fixing his shit,” he was ready for love when Kevin stumbled across his path seventeen years after their last kiss. His goal is to help other queer men find their true love so they can be as ridiculously happy as Hugo and Kevin are at the end of Flare. So if you’ve read North Star, you’ll get a little more of #HugoKevin4ever and see where they are today.

I loved writing the chat room scenes, and I think it’s awesome Hugo started that. Witnessing all these men interacting with characters other than their love interest, seeing them chatting with other queer men, revealed another side of them. At least to me. While I had plans to write follow-up stories to Bent Arrow and Stroke of Luck, now my brain has been working overtime on sequels to Momo, My Everything and Love on a Battlefield. Right after I get the twenty or so novels I have planned down on the page. LOL

I hope you give this novella bundle a chance. Each story will take about two hours to read, depending on your speed, so they’re great for waiting rooms, standing in line to vote, or sitting in the parking lot while waiting for kids. It’s also available in a paperback that comes in at around 400 pages, just to give you an idea of the length.

Happy reading.

Marc logged into the chat room, unsure what he was getting into, but he’d been reassured by a friend (who was friends with the moderator) that this was a good group of guys. If nothing else, he’d get to know other queer men. If he was lucky, maybe they’d help him find a way to open up his heart to fall in love again. At least that’s how the group was described to him.

5 Members in Chat Room

Marc: Hey, I’m Marc. I’m new here, and the rules said I had to introduce myself. I’m bisexual but haven’t dated much since my ex-girlfriend cheated on me. Work has been my focus, but after three years, I’m lonely. It’s as plain as that. I’m just not sure how to trust someone again.

Hugo: Hi, Marc. I’m Hugo, the moderator. If I disappear all of a sudden, it’s because I’m waiting to chauffeur kids between gymnastics and yoga.

Marc: You have kids?

Hugo: They’re Kevin’s, my boyfriend’s kids. But who knows what the future holds. Anyway, I was in the same place as you not so long ago, with a cheating cheater who cheats. I had a string of shitty boyfriends, but cheating messed me up. Bad. I swore off men for a solid year, and it eventually paid off.

Marc: How did the time off help?

Hugo: I fixed my shit. Figured out what I kept doing wrong. Worked out my patterns.

Luther: Oh no, here he goes! Haha. Love you, H! Marc, H is all about fixing shit so you’re ready for love when it stumbles in your path.

Marc: Makes sense.

Luther: If you have a path filled with potential partners, I supposed it does. H is all about twuuuu wuv cuz he has it. All I can find out here on the oil fields is a hookup. Nothing else. Can’t be out.

Marc: That sucks.

Luther: It’s not all bad. I have a lot of sex and very few awkward conversations. Few conversations at all, to be honest.

William: So, Luth, do you save all the awkward conversations for when you come in here to chat? Stop scaring Marc off.

Luther: Ha. Ha. Okay, Mr. Serious, what have you done lately to make yourself available to the hot dudes who run around on the beaches half naked?

William: I bought a guy a drink at the club last weekend. Spent most of the night with him.

Luther: Before you went home alone?

William: Well, yes, but I had to work the next day.

Luther: LOL.

Andrew: Hi, Marc. Welcome. I’m pretty new here too. New to being fully out despite knowing I liked men for years. I’m still trying to figure out how all this works. Gay clubs are about all I’m capable of yet. If I go to a club, there’s no chance I’ll hit on a straight guy, at least. I’m a vet, and my PTSD and injuries make taking that risk of hitting on the wrong guy anxiety inducing. I distrust everyone, including my own brain and injured body.

Luther: And I’m the sole closet case here.

William: Not entirely. I’m not out at work. No one there has earned the right to know that about me yet. But my family knows.

Hugo: I’ve been out for ages, but I’m still not entirely open about my drag persona. That’s still need to know.

Marc: You do drag? What’s your drag name.

Hugo: Yep. Miss Cherri Pop! 😉

Marc: Where does everyone live? Or should I not ask that?

Luther: On the dusty oil fields of North Dakota, but there are tons of men to hook-up with here. No questions asked. No demands to kiss. Just how I like it!

William: Sunny California, though right now, I’d prefer rain.

Andrew: I’m in Texas, happy to be home after four years in the army.

Hugo: Minneapolis.

Marc: Me too! Minneapolis, that is. I gotta say, it’s nice chatting with some queer men. Everyone around me assumes I’m straight. And since I haven’t dated a man in ages, it’s like all my friends forgot I’m bi. But I’d really like to date a man again. I think if I date a woman, I’m bound to . . . What’s the word? Put all my shit on her?

Hugo: Project?

Marc: Yeah. I’m gonna project my hurt on her cuz of my ex. So I’d really like to try something serious with a guy.

William: So, what are your greatest fears when thinking about falling in love?

Luther: Coming out. I know, I know. It won’t be as bad as I think it will be. But what if it is? I’ll lose everyone around me.

William: But you prefer being alone. Or so you’ve claimed, Luth.

Luther: Right. I push people away. Easier that way.

Marc: I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to trust again. And if I do, what if the guy I end up with assumes I’m cheating on him only because I’m bi?

Hugo: My Kevin is bisexual, and I never made those assumptions. We’re not all neanderthals who can’t appreciate subtlety.

Marc: True. There’s that lack of trust thing again.

William: I’m worried I’ll never measure up.

Luther: Says the man who probably has a dick the size of an eggplant.

William: . . .

William: I might. 😉

Luther: LOL. I knew it!

Hugo: If W & L weren’t thousands of miles away, I’d suggest you guys get a room and fuck to work out your sexual tension.

William: Not going to happen.

Luther: He’d probably want to marry me. 😉 I’m not settling down. I just want to fall in love. Big difference.

Andrew: I already know who I want to be in a relationship with. But I’m too boring for him.

William: You’re far from boring, Andrew.

Hugo: The only way you’ll know is if you take a chance. But get into a good headspace before that. Yes, I know, Luther, you’re sick of me saying that, but if I hadn’t fixed my shit before running into Kevin again seventeen years after our last kiss, I would’ve fucked it up that first night.

Marc: Thanks for this, guys. I’m glad I found you.

Posy Roberts started reading romance when she was young, sneaking peeks at adult books long before she should’ve. Textbooks eventually replaced the novels, and for years she existed without reading for fun. When she finally picked up a romance two decades later, it was like slipping on a soft hoodie . . . that didn’t quite fit like it used to. She wanted something more.

She wanted to read about men falling in love with each other. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and see characters navigate the unpredictability of life. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.

Her stories have been USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her family and friends and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.

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