👴💗👵Grandparents Day 2022 👵💗👴

👴💗👵💕👵💗👴

Happy Grandparents Day!  I asked in a Facebook M/M rec group for some of their favorite grandparent stories and got so many added to my TBR List.  For Grandparents Day 2022, I chose the following 5 stories, 3 I've read and 2 I've yet to read.  Perhaps the grandparents only play a minor part, some may be a flashback or the reason the MC finds themselves facing the scenario before them, some might not always play a positive role, or 100 other possible roles.  Whatever the reason grandparents were featured they made a lasting impact on the MC, the story, and possibly the reader.  If you have any grandparent-centric stories to rec, please feel free to comment on this post or the social media post that lead you here.

On a little personal note: I was fortunate & blessed to have most of my grandparents & a few great grandparents in my life and my blog cover above is 3 of the 4 generation pics of me with said grandparents & great grandparents.

👴💗👵💕👵💗👴

You're the One by Davidson King

Summary:

Thomas Vale is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. He’s as humble as they come and adores his family. This Christmas he wants to give his dying grandfather the only thing he’s ever asked Thomas for: for Thomas to fall in love.

Noah Berry has worked for Thomas since before he was a household name. He doesn’t have a close-knit family, but he’s fine with the way things are as long as he has Thomas. After all, Noah has been secretly in love with the man for years.

Thomas gets the crazy idea to bring a fake boyfriend home, but Christmas approaches and nobody is worthy enough to fulfill the task. Noah steps in—if he can’t have Thomas in real life, he can pretend for a little while and make an old man happy.

Original Review December 2021:

Davidson King does the holiday!!  YUMMILICIOUS!!!!

Fake boyfriends✅

Unspoken love✅

Friends to lovers✅

Holiday-loving family✅

Romance✅

Humor✅

Heart✅

You're the One ticks all my holiday romance boxes.  Thomas and Noah's Christmas journey may not have the mystery, violence, and action that Davidson King often brings to the page but that doesn't make it any less brilliant.  Personally, I think those missing elements speak volumes to the incredible talent the author has for storytelling.  

Knowing King's penchant for giving her couples a HEA, I think we can all guess where the men's journey ends up but the road they travel getting there is so much fun, so full of holiday spirit, so many edge of your seat smiles that I won't spoil it for anyone.  Just know that you won't be bored, you won't be Bah Humbugging, you'll be Santa HO! HO! HO-ing! many hours after the final page.

If you're a fan of Hallmark Christmassy romances, not only will you love You're the One but you'll be blown away because IMO, King's holiday fare is 200% better.  Some may call it "holiday schmaltz" but I call it "holiday heart". Davidson King may regret having written such a holiday gem because I am already highly anticipating next year's holiday story.

RATING:

The Sweetest Thing by EM Denning

Summary:

The Blackburn Brothers Duet #1

Scotty St. James has led a complicated life. He was once on the fast track to a career in professional sports but turned his back on a promising future to barge out of the closet in the most dramatic way possible. Now, he’s a hairdresser with a love of feminine fabrics, and a crush on his brother’s best friend, Nathan.

Nathan Blackburn is fleeing his over-protective mother. He’s glad to be back in the town he grew up in, even if he’s there to fix up his aging grandfather’s house. While visiting, he uses a hook up app and falls into bed with an alluring stranger. Only, the man he shares an incredible night with isn’t a stranger… it’s Scotty.

Despite the short-lived deception, Scotty and Nathan can’t stay away from each other. Fighting through family friction, personal responsibilities, and a limit on Nathan’s stay, their relationship turns into the sweetest thing either of them has ever known. With the clock running out and commitments rearing their head, Nathan will have to decide between fulfilling obligations, or following his heart.

Memories of the Heart by Felice Stevens

Summary:

Memories #1

Ruthless, Controlling, A Loner. All words used to describe Dr. Micah Steinberg by the hospital staff for their next head of surgery. When a letter arrives from his grandmother’s friend at the assisted living facility, his orderly world tilts dangerously out of control.

Josh Rosen had everything until it was revealed much of his world was a lie. Forced to re-evaluate his life, Josh gives up his career and returns home to New York City to care for his beloved grandmother. What Josh didn’t figure on was an attraction to a man who on the surface, appears to be exactly like the life Josh chose to leave behind.

As Micah struggles with the reality of his grandmother’s illness, the bond they share deepens, as Josh helps Micah heal, then open his heart. Micah discovers there is more to life than work, control and success. Josh is in deep but has yet to tell Micah who he really is. When the fight for the hospital’s head of surgery turns ugly, Josh’s past and present collide. Micah must let go of the past and accept who he is, if his life is going to move forward.

Life is full of surprises, and as both Micah and Josh learn, love can happen whether you plan for it or not.

Original Review February 2015:
I loved how these two men really shouldn't even be in the same room together let alone a relationship and yet I couldn't really imagine one without the other.  I won't lie, there were times that I just wanted to throttle Micah but then Josh didn't exactly just roll over and take it, which thrilled me to no end. Enemies to lovers can be more difficult to accomplish than most people think, especially when the pair do both, fight and love, so amazingly well.  Throw in a couple of grandmothers and you have a story that went straight to my heart.  Felice Stevens is definitely an up and coming author to keep in your sights.

RATING:

Trouble and the Wallflower by Kade Boehme

Summary:

Raised in near seclusion by an agoraphobic mother, Davy Cooper's social skills are almost nonexistent. Now that his mother has died, he needs to make friends for the first time in his life. He catches Gavin Walker's eye, but the sexy, confident, bad boy hipster intimidates shy Davy so much that he throws away Gavin's number every time he offers it.

When Gavin defends Davy from a rude guy, Davy begins to warm to him. However, with his limited experience, he thinks he and Gavin are too different, and anything more than a casual acquaintance will end in complete disaster.

A Demon Inside by Rick R Reed
Summary:
Hunter Beaumont doesn't understand his grandmother's deathbed wish: "Destroy Beaumont House." He'd never even heard of the place. But after his grandmother passes and his first love betrays him, the family house in the Wisconsin woods looks like a tempting refuge. Going against his grandmother's wishes, Hunter flees to Beaumont House.

But will the house be the sanctuary he had hoped for? Soon after moving in, Hunter realizes he may not be alone. And who -- or what -- he shares the house may plunge him into a nightmare from which he may never escape.

Sparks fly when he meets his handsome neighbor, a caretaker for the estate next door, but is the man salvation...or is he the source of Hunter's terror?

Re-Read Review September 2020:
OMG! A Demon Inside is just as, if not more so, creepy as it was 4 years ago.  I'm really not going to say anymore than I did in my original review, I don't want to give anything away to any new readers.  I'll say this, Demon was my first Rick R Reed book and it was not my last, he has a way of blending heart and creep with just the right flavor of mystery to create not only a great story but a world you get sucked into.  You feel every bump in the night, hear every body-less whisper, think every did-I-see-that, did-I-hear-that, did-that-happen? moment. If you love being scared then A Demon Inside is definitely a read for you.

Original Review October 2016:
First off, the fact that most of this story is set in Wisconsin was a real upside for me.  As a Wisconsinite, it's always a thrill to read stories set in my state, it's not one often used and on top of that, one of my college advisors has written many books about haunted Wisconsin, we even have one here in my hometown, so the location is just an added bonus.  Now, back to A Demon Inside,  this is the first book by Rick R Reed that I have read and well, let's just say it won't be the last.  To say Hunter Beaumont's life will never be the same when he doesn't follow his grandmother's dying wish to destroy Beaumont House is an understatement.  A Demon Inside is creepy, weird, and just plain scary but there's also a little romance which may seem out of place in such a dark story but truthfully, it only heightens the freak out factor.  Along with the Wisconsin connection, I'm a bit of an introvert myself so I felt for Hunter immediately and understood so much of what his inner monologue was saying.  A great addition to my Halloween/paranormal shelf.

RATING: 

You're the One by Davidson King

CHAPTER ONE

Noah

“You need to calm down, Miss Thing.” I narrowed my gaze at the blond bombshell standing in front of me who thought she was getting in to see Thomas. 

“He’s expecting me.” She tried to push past security, toward me, thinking we’d roll over because she was Chantel Morrison, a box-office draw. 

“No…no, he is not. Shoo.” I made a sweeping motion with my fingers, and her ivory skin flushed red. 

“Listen, you little gnat—” 

“Nope.” I covered my ears. “Bye.” I spun on my heel and went into the room she was desperately trying to enter. 

When I shut the door, Thomas was sitting on the couch, a small smile on his face as he looked at me. “She’s relentless.” 

“Why, Thomas? Why did you have to take her to the Oscars with you? Now she thinks you’re going to have babies with her.” After locking the door, I went and sat beside him. 

“I didn’t know she’d turn into a face-hugger, Noah. She was actually quite relaxed and calm at the show. Then the next day it was bam, let’s get married.” 

Thomas Vale was everything in Hollywood, and I was his personal assistant. I’d been by his side since the days he could only get a minor role on a soap opera. When he skyrocketed to fame, he’d made sure I was holding on. We were friends…and I was madly in love with him. Not that he knew that—no, he could never. The trust Thomas had in me was worth never telling him that little fact. 

“Might I suggest going solo to the next award show?”

He chuckled. “Noted.” His phone buzzed and he sighed. 

“What’s wrong? Did she get your number? I will go out there right now and—” 

“No, she didn’t, and if she had, I’d have blocked her. No reason to summon your inner Bruce Lee on my account.” 

Yeah, I was only five foot seven, and the only exercise I got on the daily was swimming laps at night…well, when I could. Sure, a swift wind could blow me over. But I was spunky. I had defensive skills, thanks to many bullies while growing up. 

“Fine. Explain the frown and sigh and dejected body language?” I eyed him, then his phone, which he was scowling hard at. 

“Christmas is next month.” 

“Oookaaay? I’ve never known you to be a scrooge, Thomas. You’re actually a festive fella.” I laughed when he rolled his eyes. 

“I love Christmas. You know I always go home. Spend it with my family in the mountains. It’s the only time all of us are together for the year.” 

“And, what, it was canceled?” Getting him to tell me things sometimes was like pulling teeth. 

He turned his body slightly, folding his leg so he was now sitting on his foot, staring at me. “My grandfather—” 

“Victor or—” 

“William.” 

“Okay, continue.” 

“He’s dying.” Thomas’s shoulders slumped, and as if his pain were mine, I gasped. 

“Thomas, why didn’t you tell me?” I knew his family as if they were my own. Sure, I’d never met them because Thomas barely even had time to see them himself. But I’d practically memorized everything about them. Birthdays, anniversaries, where they lived, the pets they owned…all of it. 

“I was well aware you’d do this thing you’re doing right now, had I told you.” He waved a hand at me. 

“I’m concerned; how is that a thing?” He shrugged. “Just is. You’re dramatic.”

“Says the actor,” I huffed. 

“I know my grandfather is old…like really old. It was going to happen eventually.” 

“Yes. Life is funny that way.” He slapped my leg. “What? I’m agreeing with you.” 

“Anyway. Last Christmas, he knew he was sick. Lung cancer.” 

“Seriously, Thomas, why did you never tell me any of this? You said your grandfather had the flu. I sent flowers from you saying get well soon…to him…and he had lung cancer.” 

“I didn’t want anyone to know. I’m sorry.” 

Here I was making him feel bad for not telling me when his grandfather was dying… I suck. “No, forget it. I’m a brat. Go on. I assume the cancer is back?” 

He nodded. “Thing is, last year he and I were sitting outside, watching my nieces play in the snow. He took my hand, Noah, and pleaded with me that before he died, he wanted me to fall in love. Of course I swore to him I was fine, but as his dying wish…he made me promise to try and let someone in.” 

My eyes widened. “He made you promise to fall in love with someone?” 

“No. He just said it would be his dying wish. And I really thought he was going to be okay, and I’d have time but…” He sighed again. 

“But time is running out.” 

He nodded. “I wish I could give him that. Show him I have someone in my life to love and I’ll be fine.” 

“Thomas, you can’t force yourself to love someone to appease a dying man’s last wish, even if it’s your grandfather. Don’t you think it would hurt him even more if he found out you were putting on a show on his account?” 

Thomas’s eyes widened and a huge smile graced his handsome face. I knew that look. “Noah, you’re a genius.” 

“Um, Thomas, whatever you’re thinking, no. It can’t be good.” 

“Because I’m happy?” 

“No. Because something you clearly heard made you grin like the Grinch, and nothing I said was a good idea.”

He tilted his head back and laughed so hard his body shook. Carefree Thomas was the best. 

“Hear me out.” He giggled like a child, excited and quite animated. 

“As if I have a choice.” 

My sarcasm was completely lost on Thomas, or he was ignoring it. More likely it was the latter. 

“The doctor gave him three months. If I can bring someone home for the holidays, and it’s massively convincing that we’re in love, it will make his final time peaceful.” 

All I could do was stare at him, waiting for the “Just kidding.” It never came. Sweet Mother Mercy. 

“Thomas, that’s a disaster waiting to happen.” 

“I don’t think so. If I find the right person to—” 

“Lie to? Thomas, you’re going to grab someone and be all, ‘Hey, I love you, meet my family?’ ” 

Thomas huffed. “No, but I’m in an industry full of actors. I’m sure I could find someone willing to do this.” 

I had to pinch the bridge of my nose to release the pressure. “And you don’t think, at the slightest convenience, they won’t sell this story to the tabloids? Thomas, why are you acting dumb? It’s not who you are. You’re above average in the smarts department.” 

He snickered and sat back. “It has to be the right person. Someone trustworthy but who could pull it off. We can have them sign an NDA.” 

“We…oh, I’m helping?” 

“Who else would be able to find the perfect person for me other than the person who knows me best?” He beamed and fucking fluttered his eyelashes…the asshole. 

“One day I will quit.” 

He stood and went over to the vanity. He was about to go on The Tonight Show in fifteen minutes, right before Chantel Morrison, which explained why she was there. 

“You’ll never leave me, Noah.”

He looked at me through the mirror and I pouted, knowing he was right. Was it just because I loved him? No, Thomas needed protecting, and I’d never let anything happen to him. 

“Fine, let me see what my brain can come up with. Operation Fool Grandpa is in full effect.” 

They knocked and told him it was time, and with one last titter, he left the dressing room. I sat on the couch for a few moments wondering how in the hell I’d help him pull this off.

The Sweetest Thing by EM Denning

Chapter One 

Nathan 

The city had grown since his last trip back home and Nathaniel almost missed his turn. The grindr guy he wanted to hook up with lived in an older part of town, but so many of the landmarks Nathaniel had been used to had changed.  

He recognized the area. It wasn’t the cheapest, darkest part of town, but it wasn’t the greatest either. Not that it mattered. The guy he was about to hook up with, Aaron, had promised him a good time. He was Nathaniel’s type too. Tall, trim, and pretty. Fuck, the guy had a full set of gorgeous lips and cheekbones sharp enough to cut glass.  

Aaron had warned him about his femme nature, his love of heels and eyeshadow. Nathaniel, who usually went by Nathan, and Neil when he was hooking up with guys, assured him he didn’t care. Aaron also announced the various things he’d love to do to Neil’s ass.  

Nathan adjusted his package and looked for the apartment building. It was a twelve-plex on a little used street behind a gas station. Nathan parked his car and climbed out. He’d arrived in town yesterday. He’d only be around for a few weeks, maybe a month, tops. His mom had called nearly a dozen times and was already driving him nuts. He needed this escape.  

He climbed the stairs to the top floor and knocked on 3B. A sing song voice called out to him, telling him to wait a minute. It wasn’t more than half that when the door swung open and a gorgeous man greeted him.  

Aaron held his hand out, a hand connected to a pair of solid arms. Manicured nails, done in a sparkling blue that matched his top caught Nathan’s eye. “I’m Aaron,” he introduced himself as he not-at-all-subtly raked his gaze over Nathan.  

“I’m Neil.”  

“Come in.” Aaron stepped aside, revealing a decently clean apartment, which Nathan felt thankful for. “Should we skip the formality?” Aaron turned on his heel, a four-inch spike and tossed Nathan a look over his shoulder. “My bedroom is down the hall.”  

Nathan grinned and followed him, watching the way his ass swayed and his graceful gait.  

Aaron stopped inside the door to his bedroom, one hand on his hip. “Are you coming, or what?” 

Nathan whipped his shirt off and strode toward Aaron. “Hell, yes.”  

“Good. I’d have hated all this,” he motioned to his face and his excellent make up, “to have gone to waste.” 

Aaron walked backward, leading Nathan, luring him with a silent siren song. Aaron’s room stunned Nathan. He stopped and looked around. He’d been in a few bedrooms over the years, but never one that said so much about a person. This room fit Aaron. The vanity off to the side looked cluttered at first glance, but Nathan noticed the different stands and holders for the brushes and lipsticks. Twinkle lights ran up the wall above it, then fanned across the ceiling, and the curtain, also blue, wasn’t a proper curtain. Blinds poked out from underneath, but he’d draped a large piece of blue fabric over them. It looked sparkly and—a well-manicured, warm hand touched his cheek.  

Aaron stood in front of him and held his gaze as he stepped out of his shoes. Without the extra height, he stood a couple inches shorter. He brushed his fingers down the side of Nathan’s throat and the way that simple touch woke his body, it made him think he’d never been touched there before. Or he’d never been touched at all.  

“Are you going to make me wait even longer, Neil? Or are you going to kiss me?” Aaron whispered.  

Nathan exhaled. The twinkle lights made everything in the room seem like a fantasy. Like he’d stepped through the back of some fucked up wardrobe and into the bedroom of a guy so beautiful he couldn’t be real.  

He leaned in and Aaron smelled of citrus and spice. His skin was the softest thing Nathan had ever felt. He held Aaron’s hip in one hand, his thumb grazed under the shimmery shirt he wore.  

Then, somehow, they were kissing. It happened in a rush of blind lust and if Nathan were asked to describe it later, he’d say there were fireworks. He cupped Aaron’s face and teased his tongue through his lips into Aaron’s mouth. They battled like that, back and forth, Aaron fighting him for supremacy.  

Aaron’s hands skimmed up Nathan’s back, his nails gently brushed against his skin and it made Nathan shiver. He pulled out of the kiss, needing air, because Aaron had taken it all. Nathan inhaled, his chest impossibly tight.  

Aaron raked his nails over Nathan’s skin again and smirked when Nathan shivered.  

“I could have fun with that,” Aaron’s confident tone made Nathan throb. “But later. First you’re going to take those pants off and get on my bed.”

Nathan popped the button of his jeans and without breaking eye contact, he stripped out of his pants. “How do you want me?”  

Aaron appraised him, appreciated him, if the hungry look on his face were a proper indication. “I want you however you’ll have me.” Aaron brushed a soft kiss against the corner of Nathan’s mouth.  

Nathan wanted more of Aaron. He’d hit the grindr jackpot. Sex would never be the same after this night. He already knew he’d compare every kiss to the fireworks he’d experienced a minute ago. Every touch would be measured against Aaron’s to see if it made him as hot.  

Nathan got on the bed, on his back, because he wanted to look at Aaron. And taste him. “Kneel over me,” he pleaded. “I want to suck you.”  

Aaron grinned at him and pulled his shimmery shirt off and discarded it. “Oh, you will. But not yet.” He popped the button on his jeans and peeled them down his legs. For how skinny and tight his jeans had been, they’d come off in a practiced motion that was more like a dance than undressing.  

Aaron knelt on the bed. Naked and lean. Long lines. Trim body. He wasn’t ripped, Nathan couldn’t see a six pack or anything, but he was beautiful. His had skin like polished marble and his siren voice had Nathan under his spell.  

He touched Nathan, slid his hands up Nathan’s furry legs and he looked at him with a hunger Nathan knew would ruin him. Nathan eased his legs apart to make more room.  

Aaron seemed to be done talking but instead of going for it right away, Aaron kissed him above the knee. He worked his way up the inside of Nathan’s leg. Nathan watched him and every so often he got rewarded with a glimpse of Aaron’s eyes when he looked up at him.  

His hand smoothed up Nathan’s body. It avoided his cock and skimmed up beside it, across the crease of his leg then up his abdomen. He dug his nails in a little, not hard enough to hurt but enough that the sensation shot through Nathan’s body. The sharpness warning Nathan he could be hurt if Aaron chose to, the gentle glide down his side a promise that he wouldn’t.  

Nathan exhaled and Aaron kissed the base of Nathan’s cock. He had prepared for this, inside and out. Penetrative sex was an option he left open, but he didn’t always want it. Tonight, though, he needed it. He needed to have Aaron inside him. He wanted the memory.  

Aaron looked up at him and their gazes seared, hot and full of wanting, as Aaron’s tongue poked out of his mouth and he dragged it up Nathan’s cock. He swirled it around the head, teasing Nathan for several long moments of torture that he’d happily endure forever. Then he wrapped his lips around it, closed his eyes, and took Nathan into his mouth.  

Just the head at first. Nathan’s hips rose off the bed and unbidden, he wriggled like a greedy slut. His body begged for more, pleaded for Aaron to hurry and take him apart, even as Nathan wanted every moment to slow down so he could remember everything later. Every slide of skin and scrape of teeth and nail on his flesh was a thing he wanted etch into his memory.  

Then his cock went deeper into Aaron’s mouth, down his throat and Nathan was close to blowing his load. Aaron pulled off and gave him a look full of wicked mischief before climbing up Nathan’s body, baptizing him in kisses along the way. He hoped Aaron’s lip gloss wore off on his skin and left evidence of him behind. Nathan never got sentimental about his hookups, but maybe he’d been single too long. Maybe there was something about Aaron that appealed to him. Their chemistry was off the charts, but laying here, in his bed, Nathan felt treasured and approved of. 

Aaron kissed his throat, up the line of his jaw. His tongue caressed the shell of Nathan’s ear and he shuddered as his lust tore through him. Then Aaron sat up and reached for the supplies on the nightstand. Nathan had noticed them when he walked in, but now it became so very real. Aaron was going to be inside him.  

“Of course,” Aaron said as he snapped the bottle of lube open. “Prepping you myself would be fun, but I can’t risk you with my nails.” He grabbed Nathan’s hand and cradled it in his. His gaze flicked to Nathan’s face, then to his hand and he painted Nathan’s fingers with lube. “You’ll have to open yourself for me.”  

Aaron moved back to give Nathan room, but he also gave him a show. He wrapped his hand around his cock and made a show of it. His knees spread wide apart, his hand slid at a steady pace up and down his cock. His chest heaved. “Get your fingers in your ass. I want to watch you.”  

Nathan obeyed. He teased the rim before plunging two fingers in. The sudden stretch made him inhale, but he’d done this earlier and was still partially relaxed. He fucked himself with his fingers. He wanted to show Aaron how much he wanted him. Desperation had him begging after a few seconds, because two fingers wasn’t enough. He needed to be filled. Filled and fucked.  

Aaron stopped stroking his cock and tore a condom open. Nathan watched with avid interest as he rolled it down his cock. They’d traded statuses and decided on condoms when they’d talked earlier, and Nathan was glad they’d arranged everything ahead of time. It took the guesswork out of it when everyone knew what to expect.  

“How do you want it?” Aaron asked as he slicked the condom.  

Nathan’s fingers left his ass with a wet squelching sound. “I like it when I’m on my stomach.”  

The corner of Aaron’s still perfectly glossed lips curled up. “Turn over.”

Nathan almost didn’t want to break the spell of eye contact, but maybe it would be better if he didn’t let Aaron fuck him and stare into his eyes. This already felt too big and too real, too amazing. And Nathan was in town for a few weeks. Maybe a month. This wasn’t something he could keep.  

Aaron’s touch was fire. His hands smoothed down Nathan’s spine. “You’re beautiful.” Aaron breathed the words against Nathan’s shoulder, and planted a kiss between his shoulders.  

If Nathan thought he could escape the weight of this by turning over and denying Aaron eye contact, he’d been an idiot. Because now he noticed everything. The way Aaron’s skin felt hot and smooth against his. The way he touched Nathan with a lusty reverence. The slight tremble of Aaron’s hand as he lined himself up with Nathan’s waiting hole.  

“Oh, holy fuck.” Nathan said as Aaron gripped his hips and slid inside. The stretch was enough to make Nathan breathe heavy, but not enough to hurt. It felt amazing and Aaron hadn’t moved yet.  

Then, Aaron’s hands curled around Nathan’s waist and he gripped tight as he pulled out, then slowly, torturously, slid back inside. He did this a few times, until Nathan was drawn tight, his entire body singing out with the desperate need to be fucked.  

And Aaron delivered. He plastered himself against Nathan’s back, shoved an arm under him and held him tight. He breathed in Nathan’s ear, not speaking, as he fucked him. He drove into him again and again, and the whole time he did, his heavy breaths in Nathan’s ear reminded him of how real this was. And how not real. Because when they were done, Nathan would leave and this whole thing would be a memory that after time, would fade into something Nathan would convince himself he’d only dreamed.  

Aaron’s husky voice brought him back. “Fuck, I’m so close.”

And so was Nathan, he realized. He’d never been fucked so good before, so completely. Like the dick that was in him was meant to be there. Aaron didn’t feel foreign. He felt hot and safe. And Nathan bucked, pressing his ass up, urging Aaron deeper and Aaron redoubled his effort, fucking Nathan at a brutal pace, owning his ass until they both trembled and shuddered and came.  

Nathan closed his eyes and waited for the universe to go back to normal all the while wondering if it ever could.

Memories of the Heart by Felice Stevens

What do you care about, Micah?” Josh couldn’t help but ask.

“My grandmother,” he promptly answered. “I know now what a shit I’ve been, dumping her away and thinking my money would take care of everything. I was no better than my parents, was I? Giving shelter and food, but nothing else.”

“It’s not too late, though. You’ve changed since that time I first saw you.”

Micah’s unblinking gaze focused on Josh. “Not really. I’ve spent a little more time with her and I have you and your grandmother to thank for that. But if I’m going to go for head of department at the hospital, I won’t be able to see her as much again. I’ll have too many responsibilities.”

And once again, Josh saw how different the two of them were. He’d left all that behind when he left Craig. When they’d won their big case, he’d let Craig do most of the media interviews, since he was the one who loved being on television and getting recognized. Occasionally they’d want Josh to speak and he did so, but only when necessary. Josh preferred to use his minor celebrity status for better causes and spend time at local youth organizations, lecturing at-risk teens on how they too could make something of themselves even if their parents and friends had cut them off for being gay.

Josh had no interest in being the biggest or the best in his field. He’d learned to be satisfied with what he had. Lately though, he thought he’d like to practice again, maybe open a small employment-discrimination law firm.

“Why do you want it then? What will it do for you that you don’t already have?” The money, prestige and power held no allure for Josh. He’d experienced that already and it had brought him nothing but misery.

“Are you kidding? It lets the world know you’re the most successful at what you do. You’re respected by all your peers. You have power and control, the best research opportunities. It’s endless.” Josh might have had four heads the way Micah stared at him.

“But what about you, your life? Don’t you get lonely?”

With the graceful movement of a jungle cat, Micah grabbed Josh around the waist, pulling him close. Their breaths mingled, lips barely touching. “I’m not alone now, am I?”

At those simple words, desire flooded through Josh, spilling thick and rich through his veins like warmed honey. His breath caught in his throat. All the warning signals Josh tried so studiously to pay attention to went out the window when Micah cupped his jaw, smoothing his thumb across Josh’s lips.

The spaciousness of Micah’s living room closed in on Josh, until all that was left in his line of vision was Micah’s dark, hungry gaze. Nerves fluttered beneath Josh’s skin; he struggled for his equilibrium.

“No, you aren’t alone.” Josh could barely choke out the words. He didn’t know when the rules had changed, when he had changed them, but Josh wanted this man. The air pulsed heavy with heat and sex. So long, so long. Josh moaned, his mind a whirlpool of sensation as Micah stroked his face with his beautiful hands. He hadn’t been touched like this in years, not even by Craig who was supposed to have loved him. Was he merely auditioning for another notch on Micah Steinberg’s bedpost? At this point Josh ceased caring and gave in to the need that seized him, pulling Micah’s head down to kiss his mouth.

Trouble and the Wallflower by Kade Boehme

Chapter One

Davy passed an ice cream cone loaded with two black-licorice ice cream scoops to a beaming toddler who bounced in her father’s arms. After a thanks and a tip from the dad, Davy gave his typically shy smile-and-nod routine. He was pretty sure he was the only person who managed to ever get tips off shyness, but he figured it was because working in an old-fashioned soda shop where the majority of clientele were tourists and children, being unassuming was preferable to being overeager. People were at ease around his shy nature and it paid his bills 

The bell that hung above the door jingled, followed by laughter, signaling that he had customers. As he turned to greet them, he couldn’t even muster a smile when he recognized the group of five guys walking in. Okay. So there was occasionally something about his job that wasn’t quite so comfortable, and these guys—more specifically one of these guys—rattled his cage and he wasn’t sure why. 

Well, that was a lie. He knew why. They were around his age and attractive, his opposites in every way, and they were guys. Cute guys. They had the hipstery look of most Seattle twentysomethings and spoke freely with one another, laughing raucously at their own ridiculousness. They came in at least once a week. In fact, he knew most of their orders by heart at this point. He also knew they were all openly gay after having heard plenty of their carefree conversations. He knew they were students and all of them worked in the area surrounding the market at Pike’s Place. He’d seen most of them daily, though he was certain they never noticed him. Not many people did. He liked it that way. But one of them always noticed him. Whether they were in Bart’s Soda Shop where Davy worked or if they bumped into each other on the street, this one guy rattled him the most because he saw Davy. 

Davy had figured out the guy’s name was Gavin, mostly because the guy had told him. About a hundred times. Gavin always zeroed right in on Davy even as the rest of the world passed quiet Davy by as if he were a ghost. It was unnerving. Davy didn’t know what to do around other guys in general. He could sit in the club for hours being a wallflower, seeing the occasional guy look his way, and never once leave his spot. He’d flee before anyone thought to approach him. He wasn’t a total freak, but being around other guys, especially gay men, tended to make him a nervous wreck. But damn if he never gave up. 

Gavin with his beanies and skinny jeans that hung low in the crotch and his wicked grin that sported two devastating dimples was definitely someone Davy couldn’t ignore. And those eyes. Big brown eyes that were shadowed by his  ridged forehead and prominent eyebrows. Those eyebrows were perfect. Dimples and glinting brown eyes aside, Davy had heard enough of their conversations to know Gavin wasn’t exactly a blushing virgin. Not by a long shot. Davy didn’t intend to be a notch on that guy’s bedpost any time soon. Not that he was a notch on many guys’ bedposts willingly, but he did his damnedest to avoid it where this guy was concerned. 

Of course, Gavin’s gaze locked on Davy’s before anyone else’s as his small group of friends made it to the counter. Gavin shot Davy what he must think was his most winning grin. Davy gave his usual response—he rolled his eyes. Gavin laughed, his friends shook their heads at him, but he was never discouraged, damn him. He hung back as usual as his friends came up one at a time to order their milkshakes, floats, and cones. Davy kept peeking out of the corner of his eye as, one by one, he handed each of the other guys their treats. They looked at him apologetically, rolling their eyes right along with him, always confirming that the only reason they came in the shop was so Gavin could throw himself at his potential conquest. 

Davy often wondered how Gavin was so certain that Davy was gay. Not that he wasn’t gay. He most definitely was. But it still seemed he was way too quiet for anyone to make an assumption other than perhaps thinking he was asexual. Perhaps Gavin hit on all men that shamelessly, but he seemed overly confident that he might have a chance with Davy. Which he did not. At all. 

Finally, it was Gavin’s turn and Davy plastered on his best fake smile, but crossed his arms over his chest as Gavin slid smoothly up to the counter with that annoyingly sexy smile and those devilish eyes and leaned  in as close as he could, elbows propped on the top of the counter, chin in his hands. Davy quirked and eyebrow as Gavin shamelessly appraised him, causing Davy to blush. Damn how easily he blushed for giving him away every time. Didn’t matter that his skin was naturally a honeyed tan, his blush still shone bright on his high cheekbones. Gavin’s smile grew smug every time Davy’s cheeks colored and it really pissed Davy off. Another one of many reasons he wouldn’t give this guy the time of day. 

“Heya, Davy.” Gavin’s voice dripped with suggestion and Davy rolled his eyes. Again. 

“Hello, sir. Cherry limeade, as usual?” Davy kept his tone even. 

Gavin gripped his heart dramatically and his friends snickered behind him. Davy’s lips thinned in annoyance. “Ouch, Dave-o. I remember your name. Do I mean so little to you?” 

“Less than you’d think,” Davy said with a glare. He hated this guy for getting a rise out of him. He tried to tell himself it was because he couldn’t stand the guy, but he knew it was because he actually wanted to jump the counter and lick the guy from head to toe. Thankfully Gavin didn’t know that he was the only person who inspired any type of reaction out of Davy, who was normally shy enough he wouldn’t backtalk someone who jumped in front of him in line. Damn this Gavin dude. 

Gavin leaned in again with a smirk. “Now, I just don’t think that’s so, Davy. I don’t see you talking smack to my friends. I don’t see you talk back to anyone, really. So I think you’re just playing hard to get.” 

Shit. “Whatever.” 

Clever. Gavin’s eyes practically widened in excitement. Davy’s lack of a poker face must have shown Gavin that he was right. Although he’d call it never gonna get before he’d say hard to get. He looked to Gavin’s friends, beseeching the strangers with his eyes to intervene. They were all too busy turning red from laughter or shrugging apologetically. No help there. Before he embarrassed himself with this jackass any further, Davy turned to the soda station and started squeezing limes for the cherry limeade. He just wanted them gone. 

He concentrated on the work at hand, breathing in and out. If only Gavin understood. He’d give anything to be normal enough to just take his number one of the million times he’d offered it. He’d love to go have that coffee with him. But Davy wasn’t normal. He was struggling past a panic attack now. The only thing stopping him from freaking out totally was the familiar actions. Cut the lime in half, juice it, add sugar and carbonated water. Shake. Shit. He forgot grenadine. He had to look at Gavin again because the grenadine was under the counter. Damn. He avoided eye contact but he could feel the smirk on Gavin’s face, and part of him wanted the throw the guy’s drink in his face. The rest of him wanted to run into the back and hide. He hated being noticed. Why couldn’t Gavin just figure that out? 

When he went to pour the drink into a to-go cup, Gavin cleared his throat, making Davy look up at him, startled. “Something got you flustered?” Gavin’s smugness really, really made Davy reconsider running and vote for slinging the drink in the guy’s cocky mug. Gavin nodded down at Davy’s hands, and Davy noticed he’d dumped the damn limeade on the floor instead of into the cup. 

Shit! 

Davy had to control the growl that wanted to escape. 

Get a grip. Now Gavin’s friends were in full hysterics, and Davy hated them for it. He wanted to die. He flung the cup in the trash and turned to make another limeade, and poured it into the cup this time instead of the floor. “On the house,” he said. Please just leave. 

Gavin held his hands out as if he was surrendering. 

“No, no, no. I insist.” Gavin pulled some cash out of the pocket on his plaid button-down shirt. 

“I messed up the first one, so this one’s on the house.” Davy flashed his best grin at the friends, then with a “Have a good afternoon,” he escaped into the back room, wishing he could get farther away from Gavin than that. From the stockroom he could hear choruses of “shameless” and “creeper” from Gavin’s cackling crew of friends. 

After the bell over the door signaled their departure, Davy waited for their laughter to recede like the coward he was, then sighed and headed back out into the shop. He came up short as soon as he opened the curtain that separated the front counter and the back rooms. Gavin was still there, leaning on the counter and sucking on his drink through a straw. Yeah, those lips wrapped around that straw held a promise. A promise Davy had to will his body to ignore. All he needed was for that pest to see him get hard for him. This was one of those moments where Davy was sorry they employees had gotten rid of their uniform aprons, though he’d originally been the one to suggest it. 

Gavin noticed Davy before he could even think of slipping back into the storeroom again, but he knew he’d look silly sneaking off. “You didn’t think I’d leave without giving you a tip, did you?” There was that suggestive tone again. Who was this guy, The Most Interesting Man in the World? It was as though his voice dropped an octave just to sound sexy. It was as though he studied too many noir films to get his come-ons. Davy almost laughed at the idea of the shaggy-haired guy before him in a trench coat and fedora. Then Gavin’s eyes got that predatory gleam again. Shit. He must have seen that almost-smile. Shit. 

“Uh. Really, it wasn’t necessary. I messed up.” Davy busied himself with a mop, cleaning the spilled drink from the floor, but Gavin didn’t take his hint to bugger off. But why should this time be any different? 

“No. I insist.” He made sure Davy saw him slip a ten-dollar bill in the tip jar. Davy wanted to pull it out and throw it at him, but he couldn’t turn down a tip. And didn’t this guy know a tip was a tacky way to try to pick someone up. What am I, a hooker? “You know, my gramps loves peanut-butter shakes. I remember you saying to someone that you made the best. Mind whipping one up for him? To go, of course.”

Davy huffed. Damn was he glad his boss wasn’t here to see him being so rude to a customer, but wasn’t this sexual harassment, anyway? He had a sudden urge to look up how he could deal with that in the handbook. He hoped it involved pruning shears. 

With a scowl, Davy scooped the ice cream and peanut butter to make the shake. He knew Gavin watched him the whole time and could feel his ears burning. Of course Gavin looked pleased with himself when Davy handed him the shake red-faced and fidgeting. He laid down more cash on the counter. “Keep the change.” 

Davy looked at him defiantly. “That’s ridiculous, Gavin.” 

“See! I knew you remembered!” Gavin looked as though he’d won a prize. Damn him for being adorable when he was excited. And smug. Who made smug look cute? Apparently Gavin. Davy blamed it on that button nose and the dimples. Bastard. Gavin picked up one of the to-go menus they kept on the counter and a pen from beside the cash register, then jotted down his phone number for the millionth time. When he slid it across the counter toward Davy, they locked gazes and Davy had to force himself to look away. Gavin chuckled. “Use it.” 

“Have a good afternoon,” Davy said, using his most annoyed tone, which just got another chuckle from Gavin. Oh yeah. Gavin’s figured that trick out already. 

“See you next time, Davy.” Gavin’s voiced dripped sex. Davy refused to look at him, wiping the counter viciously though there wasn’t a smudge on it. The bastard had the nerve to chuckle all the way out the store. When the door closed behind Gavin, Davy let out an exasperated grunt and smacked his hand on the counter. At least he had avoided a panic attack. He looked over at the to-go menu with the phone number and Gavin Walker written on it. Davy was always surprised at how neat Gavin’s penmanship was. That didn’t stop him from wadding up the paper and throwing it in the trash before removing the liner to take to the dumpster.

The Demon Inside by Rick R Reed

But there was someone. A very handsome, strapping someone who was staring down at him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. The man was about Hunter's own age but tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders, curly, unkempt blond hair, a full beard, and the most piercing blue eyes Hunter had ever seen.

"Are you okay?"

The guy squatted down next to him. Hunter smelled wood smoke.

Hunter tried to stand, but his legs failed him. The day, so far, had been too much. He fell back on his ass and smiled at the guy, realizing he must look every bit the lunatic he worried he was.

"What happened?" The guy's gaze drifted toward Hunter's hand, still buried in the snow.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me."

"I pulled a pan off the stove without a hot pad is all." Hunter found the coordination to stand, brushing wet snow off his ass. What was this guy doing in his backyard, anyway? "And you are?"

"I'm sorry. My name's Michael Burt. I work on the Beasley place next door. Caretaker, general handyman, and jack-of-everything-else." He nodded back toward a place behind Beaumont House, and Hunter suddenly remembered the little cottage he had seen on his first visit.

Hunter didn't know if he was up for making chitchat with a neighbor, not after all that had gone on today. And what had gone on, anyway? He looked at Michael Burt, wanting to speak, but the facility for language seemed to have momentarily deserted him.

Michael smiled, giving Hunter a glimpse of perfect white teeth with a tiny gap between the front two. This little bit of imperfection only served to make the man better looking. He furrowed his brows. "Is something wrong? You look like -- well, you should pardon the cliché -- you look like you've seen a ghost."

Hunter wondered if he should tell Michael about his day so far. Would he think him insane? Or better yet, was the perpetrator of his sparkling clean and ordered house standing right before him, maybe amused by Hunter's discomfort and fear? He hoped not. He had run away from people doing bad things to him. It would be just his luck if he'd only run to a place where worse things were done. But if Michael Burt hadn't unpacked for him, who had?

The thought of a human perpetrator was much more comforting, really, than the alternative.

Hunter found his voice. "I just moved in." He cocked his head. "And the oddest thing happened when I got up today."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I had all this unpacking to do and furniture to place, but when I came downstairs, it had already been done for me. Isn't that weird?" Hunter forced Michael's gaze to meet his own. "You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

"What do you mean? What would I know? I just saw you moving in yesterday. Today I was out back and saw you come outside. Thought I'd come over and introduce myself."

"You didn't have anything to do with it? Really?" Hunter felt his heart begin to beat a little faster. He realized he wanted Michael Burt to laugh and put his hands up in a gesture of surrender and say something like "You got me" or "We have some strange customs up here in Wisconsin."

But he didn't. "Um ... no. I wouldn't presume to go inside your house without an invitation. And as much as I'd like to welcome you to the 'hood, such as it is, I really don't have the time to do what you described. I've been on the phone and the computer most of the morning, taking care of some medical bills for Mr. Beasley. I just came out for a smoke -- I know, filthy habit -- when I saw you."

If Michael Burt was lying, he was a damn good actor. And Hunter couldn't really press the man, but what other explanation could there be?

"Of course it wasn't you." Hunter peered back into the kitchen and saw a haze of smoke still hanging near the ceiling. "I've never had this happen before, but maybe I did it all in my sleep. I've read about such things happening."

"Very weird. Are you sure you're okay? Would you like me to come in and have a look around?"

Davidson King

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she's not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she'd tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you're afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

EM Denning

E. M. Denning is a writer from British Columbia. She loves her family and animals, and anything cute and fuzzy. She writes romance for the 18+ plus crowd because she's both a hopeless romantic and a dirty old woman.

You can find her on her website, Facebook or on her blog.

Felice Stevens

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, because just like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

Felice is the 2020 Lambda Literary Award winning author in best Gay Romance. She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her watching reality TV or procrastinating on FB in her reader group, Felice's Breakfast Club.

Kade Boehme

Kade Boehme is a southern boy without the charm, but all the sass. A long time New Yorker, he’s now exploring life in the desert of Tucson. He still lives off of ramen noodles and too much booze. 

Most of his free time is spent dancing, arguing with his cat, debating politics, or with his nose in a book. He is also a hardcore Britney Spears fangirl with an addiction to glitter. 

It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.

Rick R Reed
Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at his website or blog. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their fierce Chihuahua/Shiba Inu mix.

Davidson King

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EM Denning

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EMAIL: emdenningauthor@gmail.com 

Felice Stevens

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EMAIL: felice@felicestevens.com 

Kade Boehme

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EMAIL: kadeboehmewrites@gmail.com

Rick R Reed

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EMAIL: rickrreedbooks@gmail.com 

You're the One by Davidson King

AMAZON US  /  AMAZON UK  /  GOODREADS TBR

The Sweetest Thing by EM Denning

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Memories of the Heart by Felice Stevens

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KOBO  /  AUDIBLE  /  GOOGLE PLAY

WEBSITE  /  GOODREADS TBR

Trouble and the Wallflower by Kade Boehme

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A Demon Inside by Rick R Reed

AMAZON US  /  AMAZON UK  /  B&N

KOBO  /  GOOGLE PLAY  /  iTUNES

JMS BOOKS  /  GOODREADS TBR