5th Day of Christmas Author Spotlight: Jackie North

Jackie North

Jackie North has been writing stories since grade school and her dream was to someday leave her corporate day job behind and travel the world. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she's had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn't leave her alone.

Luckily, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write about. In this dazzling new world, she turned her grocery-store romance ideas around and is now putting them to paper as fast as her fingers can type. She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)

She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn't always true, Jackie writes for love.

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EMAIL: jackienorthauthor@gmail.com

The Little Matchboy

Summary:

One is a Chicago hoodlum. The other is a young man with an abusive father.

One is not looking for love. The other is lost in a swirl of snow and despair and needs to be found.

Sean is in Harlin to visit a friend and is uncomfortable with the small town vibe. His plan is to head back to Chicago asap, but after he stops a father from beating his son, the young man catches his heart. Should Sean go or should he stay?

Ever since his mom left them, Roddy is overwhelmed by his Dad’s drinking and abuse as he struggles to keep the family shop afloat. When Dad is arrested, Roddy is left on his own.

Will Sean return home? Will Roddy find his way in the snow?

A m/m fairy tale romance retelling of The Little Matchgirl. Includes cameos from Cory and Alex from Hot Chocolate Kisses.

The Foreman and the Drifter

Summary:

Farthingdale Ranch #1

“If only Leland would forget forget that Jamie was a drifter. If only he’d give their hearts a chance.”

With Farthingdale Ranch at risk, Leland Tate, ranch manager, has to get tough and make sure everyone on the ranch follows the rules he’s laid out. That means no handouts, no fraternizing, and no drifters.

But what happens when a young drifter comes looking for a job? What happens when that drifter makes Leland want to break all the rules?

A gay, m/m cowboy romance with age gap, hurt/comfort, first time, rescue, sunshine/grumpy, boss/employee, emotional scars, and opposites attract. A little sweet, a little steamy, with a guaranteed HEA.

Buy The Foreman and the Drifter to fall deeply and forever today with the first book in the new Farthingdale Ranch Series!

The Duke of Hand to Heart

Summary:

Royal Powers #6

Duke of Camprodon, Rainmaker, Merrick Blackburn's life is coming apart. His groom left him at the altar days before the wedding and he's been accused of causing a drought by Tarik, the Duke of Arles.

Merrick's winery, Hand to Heart, one of the oldest in the land, is in jeopardy, due to neglect and that dang drought. Most of his staff has left, and he's on the verge of going broke.

Desperate, Merrick hires handsome Ryan McGrail as steward to bring the vineyard back to life. But Ryan distracts Merrick from the job at hand and Merrick isn't sure, but Ryan might be flirting with him.

Ryan lost his last job protecting his cousin from abuse. Ryan hates being in the spotlight shining on the Duke, but he needs a job and needs it quick. He's not sure, but is Merrick flirting with him?

Will the growing feelings between them save the winery? Will it ever rain? Will Merrick ever make it to the altar?

Heroes for Ghosts

Summary:

Love Across Time #1

Soulmates across time. A sacrifice that could keep them apart forever.

In present day, near the village of Ornes, France, Devon works on his master's thesis in history as he fantasizes about meeting a WWI American Doughboy.

In 1916, during the Battle of Ornes, Stanley is a young soldier facing the horrors of the battlefield.

Mourning the death of his friends from enemy fire, Stanley volunteers to bring the message for retreat so he can save everyone else in his battalion. While on his mission, mustard gas surrounds Stanley and though he thinks he is dying, he finds himself in a peaceful green meadow where he literally trips over Devon.

Devon doesn't believe Stanley is who he says he is, a soldier from WWI. But a powerful attraction grows between them, and if Stanley is truly a visitor from the past, then he is Devon's dream come true. The problem is, Stanley's soul wants to finish his mission, and time keeps yanking him back to relive his fateful last morning over and over, even as his heart and body long to stay with Devon.

Will Stanley have to choose between Devon and saving his battalion? Will time betray their love, leaving each alone?

A male/male time travel romance, complete with hurt/comfort, French coffee, warm blankets, fireplace kisses, the angst of separation, and true love across time.

Hot Chocolate Kisses

Summary:

Snow Globe Christmas

Alex had to leave the mean streets of Chicago in a hurry. Now he’s weathering his first Christmas in a small town in Colorado.

Cory had a boyfriend and now he doesn’t, which means the Christmas holiday is turning out to the the loneliest he’s had in years.

When they meet at a Holiday Fair, Alex finds himself being drawn into Cory’s world. A world where there is grace to be found in a simple, home-cooked meal, books read out loud by firelight, and the golden glow of welcome.

Alex has never wanted anything as tame as hearth and home. Now that he wants it, it’s not anything he can have. Nothing feels he deserves, at any rate.

Can Cory and the Spirit of Christmas Present prove to Alex that love is love?

An m/m romance with cakewalks, blizzards, hurt/comfort, a snow globe, hot chocolate kisses, and Christmas!

Although this book is part of A Snow Globe Christmas series, it is a complete stand alone and it isn’t a requirement that you read the previous books to follow along.

The Little Matchboy

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The Foreman and the Drifter

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The Duke of Hand to Heart

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Heroes for Ghosts

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Hot Chocolate Kisses

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4th Day of Christmas Author Spotlight: Daryl Banner

Daryl Banner

Daryl Banner is an author and composer who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston Honors College with a degree in both Theatre and Psychology. During his time in college, he wrote, composed, and produced a musical under Tony Award-winning musical and Theatre producer Stuart Ostrow, as well as two original plays produced under the mentorship of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson, who also mentored Daryl through the writing of his very first novel. In addition to new adult and M/M romance, Daryl also writes post-apocalyptic fantasy as well as dystopian. He is most inspired by the smart and unlikely hero, but urges you (the reader) not to fall in love with them; they may deceive you with their innocence.

Join his mailing list here to never miss out on the latest from Daryl Banner! He awards one of his subscribers an Amazon gift card every newsletter.  

Fun facts: Daryl is also an obsessive piano player, video game enthusiast, and performer. He's been remixing video game music for over fifteen years. You can feed your ears with his remixes and original music on his YouTube page.

He also composes original soundtracks that accompany his books and series. You can listen to and download them here. 

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In Too Deep

Summary:

A Texas Beach Town Romance #1

It's the number one rule in this beach town: don't fall for a tourist.

But Jonah Lachlan isn't like any tourist I've ever met.

He's not here for a good time, that much is obvious.

In fact, the brooding, boy-next-door cutie is clearly hell-bent on being miserable.

Though he's here with his best friend, he doesn't seem interested in hook-ups. Or fun.

The guy brought a book to this beach full of gorgeous single gay men, for crying out loud.

Who does that??

And as if he couldn't be any more confusing,

he seems superhumanly immune to anyone who flirts with him.

Myself included.

Just one brief encounter with him on the boardwalk was all it took.

Now I can't stop thinking about him. I'm sweating in places I didn't know I was capable.

I'm at a complete loss to explain my feelings.

I can't let this short weekend slip by and let a guy like that go.

I don't care if he's a tourist. I don't care about our cardinal rule.

I'm going to break all the rules and dive in deep with this one.

IN TOO DEEP is the first book in a beach-themed series of steamy escapist stand-alone romances that take place in a beach town on the balmy Texas coast. This book is packed with steam, hilarious situations, a memorable cast of characters, one hot full-body massage, major vacation vibes, and a happy ending that will leave you breathless.

When I See You Again

Summary:

They were enemies as children. They fell in love as teenagers.

They had no idea the storm that awaited them as adults.

With each chapter taking place five years later, this heart-tugging novel will take you on an emotional journey through the lives of two men - who couldn't be more wrong for each other.

Caleb Fletcher was a shy and lonely kid who desperately wanted a friend.

He never dreamed that friend would come in the form of the troublemaking Beau Whitman, who was the neighborhood nightmare on the other side of the fence.

Their friends hated each other.

Their families kept them apart.

But Caleb refused to believe that Beau was a bad person.

He knew deep down, the troubled kid was lost and hurting inside.

It would be that same belief Caleb carried with him into teenhood, when emotions grew more complicated, and the fine line between good and bad blurred.

It would be his hope that drove him through his college years, when the consequences of their pasts would catch up to them.

It would be their love that was tested into adulthood, when their lives were on the brink of achieving everlasting happiness

or falling to pieces.

Can Beau and Caleb's love withstand the test of time?

“When I See You Again” is a stand-alone novel. It contains potentially sensitive or triggering subject matter. Reader discretion is advised. (Full disclaimer is located in the Foreword.)

Football Sundae

Summary:

Spruce Texas #1

Tanner, the hunky college football star, returns to his country hometown of Spruce, Texas for the summer.

Billy, the smart-as-a-whip budding dessert chef, wants nothing to do with the cocky athlete - or his loud jock buddies. But the more he tries to ignore the football player's charm, the less he can resist it.

Billy's peaceful, hot-fudge-glazed little world is about to be flipped upside-down.

Get ready for the "sweetest" romance you've ever tasted.

In this "sweet & steamy" love story, you can expect some seriously hot man-on-man action, ice cream, and a whole lotta small town southern sass.

Hard for My Boss

Summary:

Benjamin Gage is not only powerful, filthy rich, and totally arrogant... but also irresistibly sexy.

Trevor, the young summer intern, is totally SCREWED.

Working at Gage Communications is an opportunity of a lifetime.

But will Trevor be able to handle it? Or will he succumb to the tension?

The tension is in his pants, by the way.

Between a heavy workload and a hunky, controlling boss, Trevor's summer just got a lot hotter and harder than he bargained for.

This is a hot and hilarious stand-alone male/male romantic comedy with an HEA and no cheating.

Making the Naughty List

Summary:

This bad boy is about to get everything he wants for Christmas.

Sweet, humble, soft-spoken Daniel always tried to be a good person, despite the hell his family put him through every Christmas.

But when he meets the hot and cocky bad boy Cass who crashes his holiday weekend with the family, Daniel learns what it's like to break all the rules, live dangerously and proudly make Santa's "naughty list".

Includes: Steamy situations, a "fake boyfriend" dilemma, tiptoeing around an uptight family, soul searching, and an unexpected touch of holiday magic.

In Too Deep

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When I See You Again

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Football Sundae

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Hard for My Boss

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Making the Naughty List

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3rd Day of Christmas Author Spotlight: Elle Keaton

Elle Keaton

Elle Keaton writes contemporary gay romance and MM romantic suspense set in the Pacific Northwest. Elle’s books are known for their hot mm romance, complex characters, and unique sense of place. The men start out broken, and maybe they’re still banged up by the end, but they always find the other half of their hearts.

Elle published first in 2017, now she has over seventeen books available for you to read or listen to.

She loves cats and dogs, Star Wars and Star Trek, pineapple on pizza, and is known to start crossword puzzles with ballpoint pen.

Love always wins, thank you for supporting this indie author!

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Feinted Love

Summary:

Crimes of the Heart #1

A gambit for love and a half-baked revenge plot; one hot Seattle summer…

Arnie

One minute I’m minding my own business enjoying the sunshine, next I’m wearing my iced coffee.

I’m going to teach Tobias Barrington a thing or two; the first: you don’t always get what you want. I have no idea what the second is, I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Falling in love with Tobias is not on my list.

Tobias

I’ve never forgotten Arnie Ferguson, or the night we had together. When I find him again, I want to get to know him—as more than a friend.

I may come from a wealthy family; but I know better than most that money can’t buy happiness. But brash, socially awkward Arnie Ferguson makes me think happiness is possible when you let your heart choose.

Feinted Love is a first-person, dual POV, following Arnie Ferguson and Tobias Barrington as they do their best to awkwardly fall in love. No cliff hanger, HEA guaranteed. Heat level, 3+.

Real Trouble

Summary:

West Coast Forensics #1

Rule Breaker. Troublemaker. Heart Taker.

Needs him like oxygen.

Dany has secrets. He’s not on the island by accident, he’s not a nice guy, and he’s using a fake name. He’s laying low but he must have been born under a bad sign because the very man he’s hiding from walks back into his life.

A new life in a new town seemed like the right decision for Soren. Discovering Dany living on Piedras brings back all the feelings he’s tried to forget.

Too bad Dany is just as compelling as he ever was.

Two men from opposite sides of the law: can they set aside their differences and trust their hearts?

second chance, mystery/thriller, small town, high heat, can't stay away, new start, shouldn't... does it anyway, reunited, what was in that sandwich?

Real Trouble is set in the Veiled Intentions world. Soren and Dany first appear in the Shielded Hearts series (When it Rains). Real Trouble can be read as a standalone and is dual POV following our heroes as they fight their way to their HEA and is the first in the new West Coast Forensics series.

Storm Season

Summary:

Shielded Hearts #1

Death brought him home, will love keep him there?

Agent Adam Klay is home to bury his father, not fall in love.

Micah Ryan's been running on remote for years; the arrival of Adam Klay brings emotions to life Micah thought he'd never feel again.

When a series of sinister incidents leave Micah vulnerable to an unknown killer, Adam vows to protect him.

Can Adam safeguard Micah without losing his heart?

Storm Season is a dual POV about a terminally grouchy Federal Agent who discovers his softer side and a sweet man who thought he had nothing to live for. The Shielded Hearts series follows a different couple in each book as they try to stop killers, unravel a human trafficking ring and find family of their own.

(Formerly published as Accidental Roots)

Love - Limited Edition

Summary:

Home in Hollyridge #1

Will bookish magic and a little assistance from their friends, help Brett and Rory realize their chance at happiness should be seized, not tossed aside?

After the death of his first love, Brett Tanner never thought he’d love again, it was too much to ask, or want.

Rory stumbles into his bookstore one evening awakening his heart. But, is it too much? Is he betraying his first love by finding himself attracted to the sexy, but socially awkward, younger man?

Rory is one-of-a-kind, struggling to find his place in the world. He'd thought it was moving to the big city but, just maybe, home is where his heart is?

coming home, artist, all the dogs, high heat, widower, age gap, finding love again, family, awkward/nerdy, finding happiness, bookstore-that desk...

Love Limited Edition is the first in the Home in Hollyridge series, it's a dual POV about a younger man trying to find his way and an older widower who realizes he needs to start living his life again.

Originally published in the anthology, Between the Covers.

Over the Hill

Summary:

Shielded Hearts Novella

A shy bachelor, a reformed play boy, a road trip. A snow storm, a secluded cabin; will both men get what's on their Christmas list this year?

Owen Addison has no trouble meeting men, but he's never fallen in love. Maybe there's something wrong with him?

It's not that Edmund Lake hasn't wanted to lose his virginity. He has. He sooo has.

Snow closes the road in front of them, and it's too late for them to turn back.

Will a few nights away from the rest of the world bring these two together; and help their Christmas wishes come true?

Age gap

Opposites attract

Cozy cabin + roaring fire

Christmas Fantasy

Feinted Love

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Real Trouble

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Storm Season

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Love - Limited Edition

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Over the Hill

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2nd Day of Christmas Author Spotlight: Ali Ryecart

Ali Ryecart
I love all kinds of MM romance and gay fiction, but I especially like contemporary stories. Born and raised in London, the city is part of my DNA so I like to set many of my stories in and around present-day London, providing the perfect, metropolitan backdrop to the main action. I write at home, in the gym, in cafés —in fact I write any place I can find a good coffee!

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Commitment Issues

Summary:

Silver Foxes #1

From fake date to friends with benefits, commitment’s not an issue

Elliot

Freddie’s way too young. I’m twice his age and old enough to be his father. He’s an adorable mix of sexy, smart, sassy, shy and sweet. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to be forced into taking him as my fake date to my oldest friend’s wedding, just because my cheating ex will be there.

Freddie

Elliot’s everything I want in a man, he’s my ultimate silver fox fantasy. But I’ve had my heart ripped out by an older guy before, and I’ve vowed it’ll never happen again. So why have I let myself be talked into posing as Elliot’s arm candy at a posh wedding?

From fake date to friends with benefits, commitment’s not part of the deal. So where does falling in love fit in?

Danny & Jude

Summary:

Barista Boys #1

Best friends to lovers… how could that happen?

Danny can’t remember a time when he wasn’t in love with Jude. He knows Jude loves him back — as his best friend, even as the big brother he never had. But not as the lovers Danny secretly longs for them to be.

Jude dreams of a man to call his own. A man who will hold him close and love him forever. A man who will keep him safe and not break his heart. If only that man came with a cocky grin, a sparkle in his eyes and went by the name of Danny… but Danny’s his best friend, so that’s never going to happen.

Maybe a stolen kiss is all that’s needed for Danny to find the courage to open his heart, and for Jude to realise the man of his dreams has been right there with him all along.

An Easter Promise

Summary:

Rory & Jack #2

A springtime love story.

It’s time to meet the family. . .

Rory Kincaid’s in a spin. He’s leaving his London life to spend Easter deep in the countryside with boyfriend Jack De Lacy – and Jack’s wealthy, aristocratic family. Rory’s under pressure to make a good impression, but with no class, connections, or money, he’s not so sure he’ll be welcomed with open arms – especially when they find out how he and Jack met.

. . .but will the family want to meet Rory?

Jack’s convinced his family will love Rory as much as he does, but it’s not the plain he thought it would be. With their age-old traditions, it’s not long before Rory’s presence is sending ripples through the calm waters of the De Lacy’s settled, rural life.  

It’s a testing time for Rory and Jack. Can they convince Jack’s family that two men from opposite sides of the class barrier can be not only who the other wants, but needs?

***Warning: this book contains a village fete bake-off for the coveted Golden Ribbon, a cuddliest pet competition, and the undying devotion of a dog called Badger***

Captive Hearts

Summary:

Deviant Hearts #1

Bodyguard. Protector. Lover.

Dashiell acts first and thinks second when he uses his fists to stop a vicious assault. The victim’s young, blond and beautiful — and the bratty kept boy of a gangland thug. Dashiell’s not offered thanks. Instead, he’s offered a job as the boy's bodyguard. Out of work and short of cash, it’s tempting to say yes. But there are strings attached, and Dashiell’s not sure he wants to get entangled.

Billy knows his place. He’s the property of a violent criminal, and just one wrong word means a beating, or worse. He yearns for a man who will love and protect him, keep him safe, and catch him when he falls. Dashiell could be that man — but only if Billy has the courage to follow his heart.

Their love is forbidden, and danger stalks their every move. Escape is the only option but as the walls close in, is time running out for Dashiell and Billy?

Captive Hearts is the first in the Deviant Hearts MM Romantic Suspense series. Expect a hard fought for HEA. No cliff hangers.

Note: this book was previously published under the name of A E Ryecart. The cover and description may (or may not) have changed, but the book title and contents remain the same as before.

Company for Christmas

Summary:

A Festive Cinderfella Story.

Who says fairy tales are only make-believe?

Every night, Nathan works the street known as The Rack. Like every other rent boy, he dreams his Prince Charming will come and take him away to a better life.

Too bad Nathan's stopped believing in fairy tales.

Max has everything except the one thing he craves: somebody to love, cherish, and protect.

Somebody to call his own.

When Nathan and Max’s worlds collide on the cold and grimy backstreet, little do they know that Christmas magic has already cast its spell.

Maybe fairy tales really can come true after all.

Company for Christmas is a 16k novelette. A warm woollen coat instead of a glass slipper, an unconventional found family, an inflatable Father Christmas called Dirty Santa... and the best Company for Christmas ever.

Commitment Issues

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Danny & Jude

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An Easter Promise

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Captive Hearts

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Company for Christmas

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Monday Morning's Menu: Rivals by Jeff Adams

Summary:

Mitchell Turner and Alex Goodman squared off over a face-off dot throughout high school. Their schools were cross-country rivals. Those face-offs were tough on Mitchell because he harbored a huge crush on Alex. High school, and college, are behind the guys and they meet unexpectedly on Thanksgiving Day, once again on the ice. Mitchell is home for the holidays and is thrilled to see his crush all grown up.

Alex asks Mitchell out for coffee to catch up. Could this be the start of something magical for the holidays … and beyond?

“When did you get a slap shot?” I was stunned and I knew my face showed it. It wasn’t often that Trevor surprised me on the ice.

“I’ve been working on it,” he said, pride coming through in his voice. “I’m trying to get on an intramural team next fall for my last year. I figure I can run in the spring and play a little hockey in the fall. It’ll beat tryin’ to get in on some pick up game, which are always over crowded.”

We were dressed in sweats, along with gloves and skates. We didn’t go for full pads or helmets since we were just messing around, not taking any real shots or anything that could hurt us.

The metallic clank of the rink’s front door echoed across the ice. Trevor and I looked at each other and shrugged. On a holiday morning we hadn’t expected to see anyone else. The rink wasn’t due to open until noon, so even the staff whould be hours away from coming to work. It had to be some other crazy person, like us, who wanted a little ice before it was time to eat.

I took the puck off Trevor’s stick and started skating around in random patterns. “Come on, Trev, “ I said tauntingly, “get the puck.”

“You’re on!”

As soon as he started to skate, I turned on the backwards speed and put some distance between us. We kept at it for a couple minutes before he finally faked me out and claimed the puck.

“And Mitchell Turner has the puck stripped off his stick by his persistent younger brother, Trevor.” A man stood on the first level of bleachers, applauding.

“Holy shit, Alex Goodman,” I said, louder than I’d intended.

I hadn’t seen Alex since my senior year of high school hockey ended. We were cross-county rivals then. I had a wicked crush on him, too. He’d gotten even better looking during the past four years—a red goatee now accentuated his blazing red hair. The tight, long-sleeved workout shirt showed off his chest in eye-popping detail. I sprinted to the boards where we bumped fists and shook hands. “I didn’t think we’d run into anyone else this morning. What’re you up to?”

“Came down to get a skate in before spending the day with the family,” he said. His deep voice was incredibly sexy. I didn’t remember him sounding like this. “Man, it’s been forever. I don’t think we’ve seen each other since you guys knocked us out of the race for the state championship our senior year.”

I thought about that for a moment. “I think you’re right.”

Alex was built—all I wanted to do right now was feel up his biceps. His green eyes were as mesmerizing as ever. I’d had a hard time concentrating on face-offs against him because all I wanted to do was stare into his eyes and get to know him.

The one time I’d seen him away from a rink was during the summer between our junior and senior years. I ran into him at the mall. I don’t remember what we talked about, but seeing him in shorts, which exposed his muscular, lightly hairy legs, and how his t-shirt clung to his chest made that day perfect. It was jack-off material for months as I imagined what was under those clothes and what I’d like to do to him if I could get him naked.

“What’re you up to these days?” I asked, keeping the conversation appropriate as Trevor skated around behind me.

“I cover sports for the Free Press—Michigan and Red Wings hockey during the season and then whatever they assign me to in the off. What about you?”

“Working in sports marketing out in San Francisco.”

“Nice. Sounds like a sweet gig.”

“It’s pretty good. We do a fair bit with the Sharks, so I like that part a lot.”

“I wrote about you quite a bit while I was interning during school. You certainly earned your keep with the Wolverines.”

My face got hot. I must have turned several shades of red. His eyes were working on me just like they used to, making it hard to focus.

“Thanks. It was a lot of work, but it was fun.”

“You play out west?”

“Hell yeah. As often as I can. I don’t think I’ll ever stop. What about you?”

“At least a couple times a week.”

“Listen, a friend of mine is having a pick up game Saturday morning,” I couldn’t believe I said that. This was an invitation to be flustered during the game, even more so than I used to be. “You interested?”

“I’d love to. We’ll see if I can take you in a face-off like I used to.”

“I won a fair number of those.”

“Really?” He raised a red eyebrow in surprise. “That’s not how I remember it.”

“You want to try it right now?” I was setting myself up to fail. I was already loopy from seeing this man. The pressure in my cup was proof of that.

“You’re on.” He must have put his skates on in the locker room or lobby, because he immediately hopped over the boards. We skated towards Trevor, who was taking shots on the far side of the rink.

“Trev,” I called out, “let Alex borrow your gloves and come drop a puck for us.” He grabbed one off the ice and skated up to us at the center dot. “Trevor, this is Alex Goodman. He played for County.”

“Nice to meet you,” Trevor said, giving Alex a fist bump before handing over his gloves. “So, um, what exactly are you guys doing?”

“Proving to your brother that I can still beat him in a face-off,” Alex said.

“Ahhh. Best two out of three then, just to make it fair,” Trevor said.

“I’m game for that,” I said as I took position on one side of the dot. Stick on the ice, hunched over, ready to strike.

“Sounds good,” Alex said. He got into a similar position as soon as he was gloved up.

“This is just the face off, so whoever gets the puck off the dot wins,” Trevor said. “You two stay where you are after that and I’ll reset.”

Trevor held the puck over the dot. I kept my eyes on his hand, and away from Alex’s gaze. I felt Alex looking at me, but I had eyes only for the puck. Trevor’s hand twitched and then he opened it to drop the puck. As it was falling, I put my stick under Alex’s and lifted it off the ice. The puck landed flat and I swept my stick back, sending the puck behind me.

“One down, one to go,” I said.

“I figure I had to give you one.” Alex’s eyes sparkled, which seemed impossible under the harsh rink lights.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

I sounded calm and cool, but the butterflies were going. I’d focused so much on work since I’d graduated in the spring that I hadn’t really dated. I hadn’t even had a good hookup, so I was horny as hell. Alex brought it all to the surface. If Trevor wasn’t here, I’d probably tackle Alex and hope he wouldn’t try to beat the crap out of me for making that kind of play.

We set up again over the dot. Both anticipating, sticks banging against each other in the hopes of being in the right place when Trevor made the drop.

“It’s mine this time,” Alex said, just above a whisper—a damn sexy whisper. I wanted to hear him say more in that voice. I was slow to react when the puck dropped a second later. I was too caught up wondering what my name would sound like if he said it with that husky, low whisper. Alex easily won, knocking the puck to the side. “Told ya,” he said as we stood up.

“Okay, guys, third one decides it.” Trevor looked to me. “Come on, Mitchell, family honor at stake here.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I said, getting into position and focusing, or trying to focus anyway.

Alex and I got into a staring contest waiting for the puck. He had a relaxed smile, but an intense eye lock. What was going on in there? I didn’t remember the smile from our high school days; back then he was serious and stern. I held the gaze, but when the puck dropped I was ready. I scooped it away with the backside of my stick and skated backwards, carrying it away from the dot. Alex took off after me and we ended up in a speedier version of the keep away game Trevor and I had played earlier. I dodged to my right to open up space and sprint away, but Alex anticipated the move and I ended up plowing right into him. He was ready for the impact, staying upright, while I bounced off his chest and crashed to the ice.

He took off his glove to help me up. “Sorry about that. I figured you’d stop, not slam into me.”

“No worries.”

No worries at all. Hell, that was awesome. Alex was as rock solid as he looked. I’d love to run into that again, except next time I’d hold on instead of bounce off. I accepted his hand to stand up and then wiped the ice off my sweatpants.

“Congrats on that nice move to win.”

“Thanks.”

“How about I buy the winner coffee tomorrow?” he asked as we skated towards Trevor. “We can catch up.”

“I’d like that.”

“Excellent. How about seven o’clock at Jazzy Joe’s?”

“Sounds great.”

“Okay. I’ll let you get back to it. I’m going to go run my sprints on the other rink. I’ll see you tomorrow, Mitchell.”

Alex skated off, hopped over the boards and headed to the other rink. I stood, watching long after he’d gone. Wow. I was going to sit across a table from him tomorrow.

“Drool much?” Trevor said, skating to a stop next to me.

“Shut up.” I shoved him away, causing him to get tripped up, but he recovered before he fell. “It’s coffee and catch up.”

“Keep telling yourself that, bro.” Trevor shifted from poking fun to more serious. “I saw how you looked at him… and how he looked at you.” Despite being younger, Trevor had a knack for making a point. “It’s been a while since you’ve had a date, Mitchell, so why not enjoy it?”

“Who said this was a date?” I asked, not wanting to drive up my expectations. “Don’t you imagine he’s dating someone, or even married?”

“You’re not. Why does he have to be?”

“Okay. Stop. It’s just coffee.”

“We’ll talk when you get home and see if it was just coffee.” He scooted the puck out from in front of me and took off. “Catch me if you can, Mitchell.”

Author Bio:

Jeff Adams has written stories since he was in middle school and became a published author in 2009 when his first short stories were published. He writes both gay romance and LGBTQ+ young adult fiction…and there’s usually a hockey player at the center of the story.

Jeff lives in central California with his husband of more than twenty years, Will. Some of his favorite things include the musical "Rent" and, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins hockey teams, and the reality TV competition "So You Think You Can Dance." He, of course, loves to read, but there isn’t enough space to list his favorite books.

Jeff and Will are also podcasters. The "Big Gay Fiction Podcast" is a weekly show devoted to gay romance as well as pop culture. New episodes come out every Monday at BigGayFictionPodcast.com. The "Big Gay Author Podcast" chronicles their journey to become full time authors. New episodes drop Saturdays at BigGayAuthorPodcast.com.

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