Contemporary Romance books

The Connection: Book One

Ben Silver’s personal dream is to open the first gay bar in Liamsport, Pennsylvania. The town isn’t exactly open-minded, but that’s not why Ben stays in the closet. Chance, Ben’s computer nerd boyfriend, is deathly afraid of anyone finding out he’s gay. On a night out, Ben meets Brodie Felix, a younger, heavily tattooed bartender who lights a spark in Ben’s heart. Although the spark in his relationship with Chance has dwindled to almost nothing, Ben feels guilty for wanting to be single, for wanting another man, so he tries to forget about Brodie.

But when Ben discovers one of Chance’s own secrets, he’s forced to make a difficult choice.

On his own for the first time in his life, Ben can be open with his family and friends. Though honesty has its benefits, his life isn’t perfect. Ben’s circle of friends and family is growing. So is the spark between him and Brodie, and Ben hopes it will grow into a flame. His dream remains out of his grasp, but with a little help and a lot of work, he might yet serve his favorite rum and ginger ale at his own establishment, the first gay bar in his hometown.

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Best friends Scott and Marco meet on a rooftop on Christmas Eve, each temporarily escaping from his difficult home life. With no gift to share, Marco instead promises to someday rescue Scott and take him to Alaska. As the years pass, they meet—first by design, then by chance—on occasional Christmas Eves, only to find life growing increasingly difficult. They treasure the few moments they have together, but will they ever reach Alaska?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming."

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Larry Kincaid isn't ready to be a parent, but when his sister dies in an accident, he takes his nephew, Angus, into his home. The change throws Larry’s life into limbo until he meets Joshua Langdon.

To Joshua, Larry is a lion: growly and strong, but too proud to ask for help. Joshua gets past his defenses and finds a place in Larry and Angus’s family, but Larry's pride gets in the way. Can they turn their holiday romance into a relationship that lasts into the New Year?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

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Kit Jefferies, a part-time department store Christmas elf, is an artist who loves life and his family. Unfortunately, his car dies at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere as he is heading home for Christmas. Enter Nick St. George.

Nick is a very unhappy man—he's achieved his professional goals only to find the rest of his life bleak and empty. Deciding there was only one way to make everything right, he is on his way to San Francisco on a dark mission, and even the horrible sleet storm that blocked his path won't deter him. That's when he found Kit.

At first, Nick is pretty sure rescuing Kit was a big mistake. Kit's personality is just too, well, effervescent. But as the miles go by, Kit begins to bring light to his dark heart. It might even be bright enough to illuminate a Christmas miracle.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

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Christmas is the worst time of the year to find yourself alone. Chris Moss, owner of a tree farm, knows this down to his bones as he makes his way through his first holiday season after losing his wife to cancer. When Wade Hart, an annual customer at the farm, visits, they find common ground: Wade lost his own longtime lover to a parting of ways and is lonely too. The constant, gentle companionship provides fertile soil for an attraction neither expects, but nurturing a new relationship is a tough proposition. With the encouragement of family and friends, Chris and Wade may yet find that a second love later in life can be just as fulfilling as the first.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

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Will Sutherland hasn't been home to see his parents in four years—not since they reacted badly when he came out. This Christmas, he’s finally worked up the courage to go home, where he's surprised to find they've taken in a boarder. Ryan Bennett is just a couple years younger than Will, cute, sweet... and openly gay.

As Will deals with his jealousy of the man who's been receiving the love and acceptance he was denied, Ryan finds himself falling for Will's brooding good looks. But Ryan also suspects the Sutherlands may be using him as a pawn in their long-standing conflict with their son. Will this Christmas finally tear the family apart, or is there a chance they can put their hurt and anger behind them?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package "Heartwarming".

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Bronco's Boys: Book One

Former mercenary Bull Krebbs now heads up security at his nightclub in Harrisburg, PA. Working the door night after night, he's seen it all. Though tough on the outside, he's a little hurt that people find him unapproachable. Then he pulls a cute twink out of line to perform a random search, and he's surprised when the guy giggles and squirms.

Zach Spencer, graphic artist, twink, and seriously ticklish, isn't intimidated by Bull. He's in awe, and when Bull saves Zach from being trampled on the dance floor, Zach finds his inspiration for the superhero in his graphic novel.

Soon Zach wants more and makes his move by asking Bull on a date. Though small, he has a backbone of steel. He'll need it—their happily ever after is thwarted at every turn, including by Bull's interloping mother showing up unannounced and enemies from Bull's past threatening to pull him to the other side of the world.

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Sometimes Stratford Dale feels like Doctor Chicken consumes his life. It’s his pen name for a series of wildly popular children’s books. They were his brainchild; he meant for them to be a way to pay his many bills while he pursued his dream of publishing graphic novels. But the Doctor Chicken contract was a raw deal. Instead, he churns out book after book for a pittance, leaving him broke and no closer to his dreams.

Stratford’s dreams of love have fared no better, but he’s still trying. After yet another disastrous date, he’s intrigued by a man going into a cooking class—so he takes the class too. Vinnie Giani is a successful, self-made man who is charmed by Stratford’s bow ties, sharp humor, and clumsiness—which leads to an opportunity to take Stratford in for stitches. Vinnie is, above all, responsible, having taken on the care of his mother and sisters from a young age. Perhaps it’s natural when he begins to treat Stratford more as a child who needs a parent than as an equal partner. But when Vinnie tries to “fix” Stratford’s career woes—including the Doctor Chicken problem—and ends up making the situation worse, their fledgling relationship may not withstand the the strain created by blame and lies.

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Ben Ryder's Englishmen Stories.

Includes three eBooks:

Noah by Ben Ryder

Callum Walker is feeling listless in his life in London. When his job takes him to Canada to install communications software for a new sports arena, he’s glad for a change of scenery.

During his stay, he befriends Noah Lukas, the strikingly handsome star player of the Toronto Bobcats professional hockey team. Callum knows nothing will ever come of it, but he can’t stop his attraction. As their bond grows, Callum learns more about – and falls more for—Noah through his sensitive and humble interactions with fans, his gentlemanly reaction to flirtations from arena staff, and his frank apprehension over his impending retirement. Their friendship evolves from workout partners to confidants, and then to even more. But Callum’s time in Canada is limited, and circumstances may divide him from a love he wasn’t looking for.

Side Line by Ben Ryder

Having rarely experienced another man’s touch, US Marine Damon O'Connor doesn't identify as gay, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t think about strong hands or where treasure trails lead, despite his commitments back home. Damon’s sense of duty is strong, and he’ll stop at nothing to do what’s right, even if that means dying for his country.

While stationed in the Middle East, Damon gets what he least expects in the form of Jay Wells, an out-and-proud British beer promotions manager working in the area. Jay is content working his life away and has no time for relationships. Neither does Damon, as he’s days away from deploying to war. Until they met, love was the last thing on their minds, but they’re determined to enjoy it while they can.

Released by Ben Ryder

Dominic Holland leaves behind in London the shattered remains of a dishonest relationship and sets about rediscovering himself across the pond, exploring New York City and two widely different possible futures. Through a series of increasingly public encounters with a mysterious silver-haired man, Dominic gets a tantalizing taste of a new kind of freedom. But it’s fellow journalist Alex Everton who attracts Dominic, making him yearn for a real and honest love. But Alex is working on a story that is linked to his past, leaving Dominic unsure of whether he will be the one to heal his heart.

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Promesses, tome 1

Carrick Francis a passé la majeure partie de sa vie à sauter à pieds joints dans les problèmes. La seule chose qui l’a sauvé de la prison, ou pire, est sa dévotion absolue envers Deacon Winters. Deacon a été sa raison et son salut durant une enfance misérable de maltraitance, et Crick ferait tout pour rester à jamais avec lui. Aussi, lorsque le père de Deacon meurt, Crick suspend ses projets universitaires pour aider Deacon, tout comme Deacon l’a aidé auparavant.

Le plus grand souhait de Deacon est de voir Crick échapper à ses souvenirs et à la ville où ils ont grandi, afin que Crick puisse jouir d’un avenir plus rayonnant. Mais après deux ans de sentiments refoulés et de tentations, le maladivement timide Deacon succombe finalement aux avances insistantes de Crick et reconnaît se voir faire partie de la vie du jeune homme.

Alors Deacon est presque détruit en découvrant que Crick attendait qu’il le repousse, exactement comme la famille de Crick l’avait fait par le passé. Quand le don de Crick pour prendre des décisions sur des coups de tête le conduit loin de chez lui, Deacon finit abandonné, traumatisé et seul, luttant pour reforger son cœur dans un monde où l’amour avec Crick est une promesse, mais en aucun cas une certitude.

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When Nicky Hauser walks in on his restaurant-owner boyfriend having sex with a waiter, Nicky loses his lover, his job, and his home all in one night. Although he’s nearly thirty, he’s never settled on a true career, and he has nothing to show for his years with Tom. Depressed and unable to find work, Nicky ends up couch-surfing with friends until he lands a house-sitting gig for a wealthy family.

When Nicky’s clients discover that he loves to clean, demand for his services skyrockets. Word of mouth leads him to Spencer Cartwright, a busy computer consultant and a slob. Spencer and his wife divorced when he came out, but he’s never found the time or courage to settle down with a man. As Nicky sets Spencer’s house to rights, the two men find friendship. But Nicky’s past experiences make him wary of risking everything on love.

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A Blue Notes Novel

Cool kid violinist Roger Nelson doesn’t give a damn about anything. Wannabe conductor John Fuchs is awkward, effeminate, and just figuring out he’s gay. Despite their differences, they become friends—then lovers—and after college, they try to make it work. But it’s the 1970s, and Roger can’t bring himself to admit he’s gay. Worse, after his brother is killed in Vietnam, Roger tries to live up to his memory and be the perfect son. Then after suffering one tragedy too many, he makes the biggest mistake of his life: Roger pushes John away.

Through the years, they dance around the truth and in and out of each other’s lives, never quite able to let go. Twenty years later, Roger still carries the pain of losing his dream of a brilliant career with him, while John is a superstar conductor with a wild reputation. John’s off-stage antics get him plenty of attention, good and bad, though deep down, he wants only Roger. Finally determined to hold on to what really matters, Roger asks John for another chance, and when John panics and runs, Roger has to convince him to listen to his heart.

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Dropping Anchor: Book One

Unable to move on after the death of his lover, British expat Niall Ahern clings to Nolan's dream of living in the Caribbean by moving to Tortola. Once there, he finds that not even the beauty of the island can fill the hole in his heart. Broke and spent in nearly every way imaginable, Niall wants out of the lonely, miserable, guilt-ridden life he's carved out for himself.

When Ethan Bettencourt, a wealthy tech guru, shows up in British Virgin Islands looking to purchase a second home, he gives Niall hope that he can move on. Both men fall hard and fast, but Niall finds piloting his yacht in the midst of a hurricane is nothing compared to weathering life's simple misunderstandings. As their troubles come between them, Niall is left to wonder if he and Ethan are over before they've begun.

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Does gender really matter?

For Kel and Toni, life is precarious. Kel turns tricks for cash and works hard to stay clean, while Toni seeks absolution in a bottle of Mexican hormone pills. Their love is raw and obsessive, but as Toni struggles with anxiety and gender identity, Kel fears the reality of Toni pursuing male-to-female transition, and questions his motives for doing it.

While Kel grapples with his worries and the attentions of regular client Michael—otherwise known as the Sherbet Pervert—Toni faces different problems. Her best friend, Danielle, a transgender woman, thinks Kel is a bad influence and pushes Toni to leave him. Toni holds off, aware that deep down, she's not like Danielle, however much she wishes she could be. Hell, sometimes Toni can't even get comfortable with one set of pronouns.

Things are already complicated, but one terrible day forces Toni and Kel to confront some frightening possibilities when they're shown just how easily their harsh little world could crumble.

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Serie Promesse, Libro 2

Il più grande desiderio di Shane Perkins è essere un eroe. Ma dopo aver preso la decisione di lottare fino alla morte mentre la sua carriera viene distrutta, Shane torna a casa dall’ospedale e trova quattro mura vuote, un mucchio di soldi e un desiderio bruciante di avere qualcuno che sentirà la sua mancanza la prossima volta che verrà ferito compiendo il suo dovere. Finisce a fare l’agente di polizia nella piccola cittadina di Levee Oaks e, ossessionato dalla promessa di una famiglia, fa uno sforzo per riconciliarsi con sua sorella, volubile e inquieta. Kimmy si guadagna da vivere ballando e il suo partner toglie il fiato a Shane dal primo istante.

Mikhail Vasilyovitch Bayul balla come un angelo, ma il suo passato è tutto tranne che celestiale. Da quando ha lasciato la Russia, ha fatto solo due promesse: di stare alla larga dalla strada, di rimanere pulito e di portare sua madre in qualche bel posto prima lei che muoia. Fare promesse a chiunque altro è fuori discussione, però Mikhail non ha mai conosciuto nessuno come Shane. Serio, coraggioso, con la tendenza a sminuirsi, Shane sembra parlare il suo linguaggio e nessuno è più sorpreso di Mikhail nello scoprire che il miglior talento di Shane è quello di mantenere le promesse.

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Californie équestre, tome 1

Dan pourrait simplement partir, laisser tout ça derrière lui. Il a suffisamment d’argent. Il pourrait se faire envoyer ses affaires et son cheval plus tard, où qu’il soit. Partir, c’était ce qu’il faisait quand il ne pouvait plus faire face, avant. Et ça marchait.

Justin Archer est pour Dan Wheeler un collègue, un partenaire, un amour et une stabilité incomparables. Mais quand Dan se retrouve seul, à travailler comme entraîneur pour les parents de Justin, il doit accepter l’inéluctable : sa vie parfaite a disparu à jamais.

Mais il rencontre le milliardaire Evan Kaminski, venu acheter un cheval pour sa petite sœur, et Jeff Stevens, le partenaire d’Evan et l’entraîneur de sa sœur, et qui semble partager plus qu’une passion des chevaux avec Dan. Pris dans la tourmente de sa propre vie, Dan est confronté aux passions tumultueuses d’Evan et à la sagesse tranquille de Jeff. Sera-t-il assez fort pour se jeter à nouveau dans le jeu de l’amour, ou serait-il plus simple – plus sûr – de rester seul ?

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Un libro de la saga Johnnies

El flechazo de Donnie hacia Alejandro, el compañero de casa de su hermana, está yendo más allá que un simple sueño infantil, ¡y está volviendo loco a Donnie! Así que cuando tiene la oportunidad de quedarse a vigilar la casa de su hermana y Yandro, Donnie no se siente solo. ¡Tiene todas sus vívidas fantasías para hacerle compañía! ¿Es posible que un golpe de suerte (con algo de ayuda de un mágico regalo hecho a mano) consiga que las fantasías de Donnie se hagan realidad?

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Robby Dalton is the perfect all-American boy. He played the sports his father chose for him in high school, attended the college his father selected, and has worked hard to conform to his father's macho views. But emotionally he doesn’t fit anywhere, and he can’t connect with a woman beyond a few uninspired dates. Robby’s not in the closet, because he’s never guessed he’s gay. Now he owns a small commercial construction company, and one night after work he runs into Savannah Meyers. He finds her fascinating and agrees to a date, thinking maybe this woman would be different.

But Savannah has her own agenda. She is looking for a love match for her roommate, Tristan Chartrand, whom she rescued from the streets years ago. He’s like a brother, and her only family, so she wants him safe and happy. Her plan seems to begin well, because when Robby meets Tristan, he’s surprised to find it’s Tristan he wants, not Savannah. But some people in Robby’s life don’t approve of Tristan’s lowly station in life, and some don’t approve of Robby being gay. Some people are full of hate and violence, and Robby and Tristan will need courage and strength if a loving future is to be part of the deal.

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