Anne Tenino

Brad is great at meeting other people's expectations. But his own? Not so much. Take the gay thing. Okay, so yeah. It took a morning meeting with a frat brother's hairy, naked ass for him to admit it, but he knows the truth about himself now. Let the gay life commence. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. He hasn't quite determined how to come out to anyone, even Sebastian, the geeky-hot TA in his history class. Sebastian is everything Brad is not. Intellectual, suave, hairy. Out. And he doesn't seem interested in Brad, even when Brad makes a fool of himself trying to catch his notice. Score one for foolery: Sebastian does more than notice Brad; he takes him to bed. Brad's been with plenty of girls, but with Sebastian, the sex is something else entirely — hot, mind-blowing, affirming, and a little domineering in a way that drives him wild. But when great sex turns into something more — dare he admit the "L" word? — Brad must face the crushing realization that Sebastian doesn't feel the same. Unless, of course, he does. After all, even grad students can be idiots about matters of the heart.

Frat Boy and Toppy

Brad "Frat Boy" Feller and Sebastian "Toppy" DeWitt have been together for nine months, and their relationship is as hot as ever. The only cloud Brad sees on their horizon is Sebastian's stress over his thesis. And their uncertain future together after graduation. And how Sebastian sometimes takes Brad for granted. And Sebastian's unwillingness to introduce Brad to his father. Other than that, everything's awesome. All of Sebastian's energy is currently devoted to his thesis, and getting into a top-notch PhD program. Fortunately, his boyfriend takes care of all the domestic stuff and Sebastian's needs. Any minor strain between them will disappear and they'll return to the status quo after Sebastian graduates. As long as nothing upsets their delicate balance in the meantime. Then a friend Brad once had a small fling with is forced to take refuge with them, and Frat Boy and Toppy's delicate balance topples like an elephant on a waterski. Now Sebastian has to face some truths about how he's been treating Brad, what he wants for their future, and what he has to do to get it.

Good Boy

Hypothetical love can be a real pain in the ass. Paul's been called many things — graduate student, humanities tutor, jock-hater, even broke — but "forgiving" isn't one of them. When the new women's softball coach at Calapooya College specifically requests Paul to tutor his athletes, Paul's forced to put aside his strict "no athletes" policy for the sake of his paycheck. Enter Trevor Gardiner, former Major League Baseball player and Paul's high school boyfriend. Yeah, that one — the guy who sacrificed Paul for the safety of his closet and his future career. But Trevor's come out and retired from baseball, and now he's looking for forgiveness and a second chance. There's no earthly reason Paul should give him one, but he keeps letting the man state his case. And touch him. And take him sailing. The waters are far from smooth, though, and Paul says awful things to Trevor he isn't sure he means. Now Paul has to decide: apologize and forgive Trevor for everything, or chalk it up as revenge and move on.

Love, Hypothetically

It's all fun and games until someone puts his heart out. After being outed to his hockey team and then changing schools, Jock figures he's due for something good — like the sex he missed out on in the closet. Toby, the hot grad student he meets at a frat party, seems like a great place to start, and their night together is an awesome introduction to the fine art of hooking up. Toby's heart takes a bruising after the near-perfect experience with Jock leads to...nothing. He's been left on the outside as his friends pair up into blissful coupledom, and he's in danger of never completing (or starting) his thesis. Can't something go right? Then Toby's coerced into chaperoning a Theta Alpha Gamma trip to France. Not that he's complaining. What better place to finish his thesis and get over that frat boy? Except Jock's outing is leaked to the press, turning him into an unwilling gay rights martyr, and he decides France would be a great escape, too. It's a break from reality for both guys, but they soon find their connection is as real as it gets.

Poster Boy

Whitetail Rock

Lucas Wilder’s best friend is a traitor. First, Audrey moved back to their hick-infested hometown, Bluewater Bay, and now she’s marrying a local. His own brother, in fact. And as her man of honor, Lucas gets coerced into returning for an extended stay. Although, between his unfaithful ex-boyfriend and his artist’s block, going home isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Even if the best man is Gabriel Savage, Lucas’s first crush, first hookup, and first heartbreak. The only reason Gabe hasn’t been waiting for Lucas to return to Bluewater Bay is because he never thought it’d happen. Not that it matters now that Lucas is back—Gabe’s still a logger who’s never been anywhere (Canada doesn’t count), and Lucas is now a famous sculptor who’s been everywhere twice. Plus, there’s that shared past. When Audrey asks Lucas to make her wedding favors, the only place to set up a kiln is at Gabe’s tree farm. Soon, they pick up where they left off twelve years before, then blow past it, discovering why neither of them forgot the other. Now they have to choose how much of their history they’ll repeat, and what future they’ll make together.

A Bluewater Bay Novel

Wedding Favors

E. J. Russell

Thirty-seven-year-old Nate Albano's second relationship ever ended three years ago, and since he's grace--gray asexual--he doesn't anticipate beating the odds to find a third. Still, he's got his dog, his hobbies, and his job as a special effects technician on Wolf's Landing, so he can't complain--much. Seth Larson, umpteenth generation Bluewater Bay, is the quintessential good-time guy, content with tending bar and being his grandmother's handyman. The night they meet, Seth's looking for some recreational sex to escape family drama. But for Nate, romantic attraction comes before sexual attraction, so while Seth thinks they're hooking up, Nate just wants to talk . . . genealogy? Dude. Seriously? So they declare a "just friends" truce. Then Seth asks for Nate's help investigating a sinister Larson family secret, and their feelings start edging way beyond platonic. But Nate may want more than Seth can give him, and Seth may not be able to leave his good-time image behind. Unless they can find a way to merge carefree with commitment, they could miss out on true love--the best time of all.

For a Good Time, Call...

Sam's a new man. Yes, he's still too tall, too skinny, too dorky, too gay, and has that unfortunate addiction to romance novels, but he's wised up. His One True Love is certainly still out there, but he knows now that real life is nothing like fiction. He's cultivated the necessary fortitude to say "no" to the next Mr. Wrong, no matter how hot, exciting, and/or erotic-novel-worthy he may be. Until he meets Ian. Ian's a new man. He's pain-free, has escaped the job he hated and the family who stifled him, and is now — possibly — ready to dip his toe into the sea of relationships. He's going to be cautious, though, maybe start with someone who knows the score and isn't looking for anything too complicated. Someone with experience and simple needs that largely revolve around the bedroom. Until he meets Sam. Sam's convinced that Ian is no one's Mr. Right. Ian's sure that Sam isn't his type. They can't both be wrong...can they?

Too Stupid to Live

It's just a friend thing. Before confessing his gayness to his best friend, Tierney Terrebonne's sex life is strictly restroom. After confessing his gayness to his best friend...it doesn't improve much. Why bother trying when the man he's loved for fourteen years (see: "best friend") is totally unattainable? Good thing Tierney is an old hand at accepting defeat; all it takes is a bottle of bourbon. Or fifty. Repeat as needed. Dalton Lehnart has a history of dating wealthy, damaged, closeted, lying, cheating, no-good, cowardly men, so of course he's immediately attracted to Tierney Terrebonne. Fortunately, Tierney is so dissolute that even Dalton's feelings for the man would be better described as pity. Which becomes sympathy as they get to know each other. Followed by compassion, concern, caring, and hopefulness as Tierney struggles to change his life. When the man comes out very publicly and enters rehab, Dalton finds himself downright attached to Tierney. And as everyone knows, after attachment comes... Uh oh. But post-rehab Tierney can't handle more than friendship, so Dalton should be safe from repeating his own past mistakes, right? Right?

Billionaire with Benefits

E.J. Russell

Thirty-seven-year-old Nate Albano’s second relationship ever ended three years ago, and since he’s grace—gray asexual—he doesn’t anticipate beating the odds to find a third. Still, he’s got his dog, his hobbies, and his job as a special effects technician on Wolf’s Landing, so he can’t complain—much. Seth Larson, umpteenth generation Bluewater Bay, is the quintessential good-time guy, content with tending bar and being his grandmother’s handyman. The night they meet, Seth’s looking for some recreational sex to escape family drama. But for Nate, romantic attraction comes before sexual attraction, so while Seth thinks they’re hooking up, Nate just wants to talk . . . genealogy? Dude. Seriously? So they declare a “just friends” truce. Then Seth asks for Nate’s help investigating a sinister Larson family secret, and their feelings start edging way beyond platonic. But Nate may want more than Seth can give him, and Seth may not be able to leave his good-time image behind. Unless they can find a way to merge carefree with commitment, they could miss out on true love—the best time of all. Runner-Up: Best Asexual Book in the 2017 Rainbow Awards

L. A. Witt

S. E. Jakes

Amy Lane

Z. A. Maxfield

Cupid is visiting Bluewater Bay, and he's leaving chaos in his wake. Nothing's been the same in this sleepy little logging town since Hollywood came to shoot the hit TV show "Wolf's Landing"-especially Valentine's Day. In L.A. Witt's "Just Another Day," beloved actors Levi Pritchard and Carter Samuels have an announcement for their fans, while in Z.A. Maxfield's "I'll Be There," actor Spencer Kepler and his boyfriend Nash Holly brave a blizzard and a fan convention to spend their first February the 14th together. Of course, it's not just TV stars celebrating the day. In Anne Tenino's "Helping Hand," an aspiring artist eager to escape Bluewater Bay decides he just might have a reason to stay: lust-inspiring logger Gabriel Savage. In SE Jakes's "No Easy Way," a local teacher reconnects with an old lover working security on the film set. And in Amy Lane's "Nascha," a Bluewater Bay elder recalls how his own unconventional family used to celebrate the holiday. Real life may be nothing like TV, but when Cupid comes to town, there's plenty of romance and drama to go around.

Lights! Camera! Cupid!

"It's all fun and games until someone puts his heart out." After being outed to his hockey team and then changing schools, Jock figures he's due for something good-like the sex he missed out on in the closet. Toby, the hot grad student he meets at a frat party, seems like a great place to start, and their night together is an awesome introduction to the fine art of hooking up. Toby's heart takes a bruising after the near-perfect experience with Jock leads to . . . nothing. He's been left on the outside as his friends pair up into blissful coupledom, and he's in danger of never completing (or starting) his thesis. Can't something go right? Then Toby's coerced into chaperoning a Theta Alpha Gamma trip to France. Not that he's complaining. What better place to finish his thesis and get over that frat boy? Except Jock's outing is leaked to the press, turning him into an unwilling gay rights martyr, and he decides France would be a great escape, too. It's a break from reality for both guys, but they soon find their connection is as real as it gets.

Lucas Wilder's best friend is a traitor. First, Audrey moved back to their hick-infested hometown, Bluewater Bay, and now she's marrying a local. His own brother, in fact. And as her man of honor, Lucas gets coerced into returning for an extended stay. Although, between his unfaithful ex-boyfriend and his artist's block, going home isn't the worst thing that could happen. Even if the best man is Gabriel Savage, Lucas's first crush, first hookup, and first heartbreak. The only reason Gabe hasn't been waiting for Lucas to return to Bluewater Bay is because he never thought it'd happen. Not that it matters now that Lucas is back-Gabe's still a logger who's never been anywhere (Canada doesn't count), and Lucas is now a famous sculptor who's been everywhere twice. Plus, there's that shared past. When Audrey asks Lucas to make her wedding favors, the only place to set up a kiln is at Gabe's tree farm. Soon, they pick up where they left off twelve years before, then blow past it, discovering why neither of them forgot the other. Now they have to choose how much of their history they'll repeat, and what future they'll make together.

Abigail Roux

Andrea Speed

"Die Laughing." A collection of not-so-chilling tales of love and laughter from three of the genre's masters of pulp. In "The Bone Orchard," by Abigail Roux, Pinkerton investigator Ezra Johns and US Marshal Ambrose Shaw have a lot to learn about life-and the afterlife-in their quest to bring a vicious murderer to justice. Fortunately, they've got all the time in the world to figure it out. In "City of Monsters," by Andrea Speed, an ex-investigator turned some-kind-of-shifter (he doesn't know, but with his luck, it's probably nothing cool) is hired to find a missing reverse tooth fairy in the hellish dimension of Dev. But even simple things aren't easy for a guy with more vices than virtues, and his situation gets even more complex when a hot newcomer to Dev with a taste for danger joins him on the case. In Horny, by" Anne Tenino," a group of supernatural law enforcers enlist the help of a human, Ryan Caulfield, to catch Zeus: the god voted Least Likely to Keep It in His Pants. But there's more to Ryan than even he knows, and the satyr searching for Zeus is tempting him with far more than simple justice.

My Haunted Blender's Gay Love Affair, and Other Twisted Tales

"When Plan A fails, turn to Man A." Thanks to Collin Montes, Theta Alpha Gamma now welcomes gay and bisexual students. Persuading his Uncle Monty, president of the TAG Alumni Association, that the open approach won't adversely affect TAG's reputation is Collin's own first step toward coming out. As long as there are no repercussions, he'll escape the closet by graduation. Enter repercussions, stage left: someone rigs the TAG House water heater to launch through the ceiling, then plants a bomb-thankfully unsuccessful-in the fraternity's basement. Now Collin has his hands full not only trying to convince his uncle that this might not be the work of homophobes, but also dealing with a fratful of brothers worried about their kegger fridge. Paramedic Eric Dixon can't stop thinking about the kid he met during a call at his former college fraternity house. The age gap between them is trumped by sexy eyes, so when Eric sees Collin again at the bomb scene, he pursues him. Soon, Eric is dreaming of being a househusband, fighting to keep Collin safe from whoever's trying to destroy the fraternity, and helping his sweet young thang realize that repercussions sometimes have silver linings.

Sweet Young Thang

In a future where the United States has split along party lines, Agent Matt Tennimore's job is to get people out of the Confederated Red States, whether they're captured special ops agents from his own country or gay CRS citizens who've petitioned for asylum. He never expected to have to retrieve his high school crush, aka the guy who ostracized him for being gay. Rescuing James Ayala isn't going to be easy: he's crawling with tracking nanos and has a cybernetic brain implant that's granted him psychic power he isn't sure how to control. That's the good news. The bad? The implant is compromising James's mental stability. So they're on the run, avoiding surveillance by AI aircraft and hiding from enemy militia. Then James confesses he tormented Matt in high school because James wanted him. Matt can't resist the temptation James offers, but he wants so much more than sex, assuming they ever make it home alive. Is James really a good bet when he's got a ticking time bomb in his brain and there's the question of how much he's actually changed?

Anne Tenino

Books

Your next favorite book is out there