Posts Tagged ‘MM Romance’

Title: In a New York Minute
Author: Felice Stevens
Release: May 22, 2023
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Cover Artist Reese Dante
Photographer: CJC Photography
 
Garrett Steiner loves his grandmother.
Really.
But when she rents a billboard in the middle of Times Square, hoping to find him a husband, he isn’t so sure anymore. Bad enough everyone at the “Crossroads of the World” thinks he’s a joke—now his face is plastered all over the news. He’s already in enough trouble with the principal of his school, who isn’t thrilled to have a gay teacher. It might be two dateless years since his divorce, but no way is he going to answer any of the thousand emails he’s received.
Except….maybe one. The long-haired man with the soulful eyes.
After the devastating loss of his husband, rock star Remi Angel has hit rock bottom. His career is in shambles and he’s spiraling. Fast.
With the media ready for the next juicy scandal, he leaves the limelight behind to return to his roots and spend time with his beloved grandfather. Seeing Garrett’s billboard ad, Remi sends him an email, figuring nothing will come of it, but hey. At least he’s trying.
Except Garrett does answer, and when they meet, both feel that special spark. It’s terrifying yet wondrous, a combination of desire and hope mixed with fear.
The fear of loving again.
Of coming alive again.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
But anything can happen in a New York minute…even love.
In a New York Minute is a slow burn, rockstar, M/M romance filled with longing, doubt and swoony moments. There are love songs, a secret identity, a wise, bagel-loving grandpa, and an unrepentant bubbe who knows what’s best for her grandson.
It answers the question: once in a lifetime can’t happen twice…or can it?
 
 

“… filled with heart, emotion, a little angst, a lot of steam and filled to the brim with wonderful characters! This is an amazing story and you will not be disappointed!” ~ Readingbks

“A lovely romance with two deserving main characters who you can’t help but fall in love with.” ~ Louise R.

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 and two time e-Lit award winner in romance. When not writing or watching reality television, you can find her in her reader group.
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Title: Revenge is Sweet
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: MM Romance
Release Date: March 6, 2023
Cover Design: Reese Dante
 
What do you do when your best friend runs off with your fiancée on your wedding day?
If you’re me, Lyon Elliot, you don’t get mad.
You get even.
Which means seducing my ex–best friend’s younger brother, Miles Halloran.
The quiet one.
The man I’ve known all my life but never paid attention to.
The one I was told to stay away from because he’s way too nice for someone like me. Maybe they’re right.
But see, this is where it gets a little more complicated.
Because the more time I spend with Miles, the more I like him.
Want him.
Now I need him and his sweet smiles in my life.
If this is still a game I’m playing…who’s fooling whom?
 
 
“Pretty sure it could have been another 200 pages and I would have been happy” Temberly-GR reviewer
“I didn’t want this to end. I loved Lyon and Miles and was invested in their journey. A must read!” Beverly-GR reviewer
“The romance itself is a perfect blend between the spice and the heart-filled awakening of two people who bring out the best in each other.” Cadiva-Goodreads reviewer
“ Felice’s characters always have so much depth and it’s a pleasure to see them get their well-earned HEA.” Louise, GR reviewer
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 and two time e-Lit award winner in romance. When not writing or watching reality television, you can find her in her reader group.
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Title: Let It Rein
Series: A Blue Series Story (standalone)
Author: D.P. Denman
Genre: M/M Romance, Gay Rom, Romantic Suspense
Release Date: March 17, 2023
The riskiest games are played from the heart.
According to the tabloids, Kasper Rein is a player on the prowl. Sturdy and sexy, with a voice of pure seduction, he’s seldom alone. The fans love him. Men and women want him. The paparazzi stalks him. He’s living a rock star’s dream — until someone wants him out of the spotlight.
The new man in Kasper’s life wants more than his fame. Mat wants his heart. He’s willing to battle his own trust issues for a chance at real love, but someone else wants Kasper out of the way. Cryptic threats and attempts on his life leave Kasper with a charred house, too many visits from the paramedics, and no answers. Kasper must uncover the person behind the violence before it’s too late — and they’re closer than he thinks.
By popular demand! Get your copy today and meet the newest obsession of Blue Series fans.

Alone in their booth, Kasper continued the conversation about favorite hobbies and interests. They didn’t have much in common, but it didn’t matter. Every layer Mat revealed was a fascinating surprise that made it obvious Kasper had been dating the wrong people for too long.

Mat hadn’t mentioned anything about status all night. No jealous comments or bitterness over a rival. Nothing about social media. Not even an interruption to take a picture of his food. Kasper had forgotten what it was like to be with someone who wasn’t driven by ambition or obsession. It was his own fault. 

He didn’t want a serious relationship, so he dated people too preoccupied to consider love a priority. Until that night, he hadn’t realized what he was sacrificing to keep romance at a distance. Instead of enjoying the conversation and what it revealed, he’d been with people who made him want to rush through dinner and get to fucking so they would stop talking. 

“This has been fun.” Mat wiped his mouth with his napkin.

“Yes, it has.” Kasper leaned back to let the server remove his plate. 

“You make me glad I chose to give up anonymous sex. I can’t remember the last time I had this good a time with someone. Of course, hookups never involved this much talking.”

“I’m happy the experiment is working so far. Are you ready to go?”

“Sure.” Mat scooted to the end of the bench on his side of the table.

“Coffee at my place?” Kasper did the same.

“Sounds great.” 

Kasper walked through the restaurant debating whether to take Mat’s hand. He considered it all the way out to the parking lot before deciding he was overthinking. He caught Mat’s arm a step from the car door and tugged him to a stop. Releasing his brief hold, he took Mat’s face in his hands and kissed him, slowly, tenderly. Mat kissed him back, pulling him closer by the belt loops in his jeans.

Kasper kept the hunger on a leash despite the sparks that lit an instant fire inside, warming his cock. He didn’t want to rush that moment. The romance of a first kiss was too important to neglect, no matter how badly he wanted to strip Mat naked. They’d get to that. Later.

“Wow,” Mat whispered with dazed eyes, making Kasper want to kiss him all over again.

“I’ve wanted to do that for days,” Kasper admitted.

“Me, too. Though, I’ll admit, my fantasy didn’t quite match that.”

“You know how it is with us rebellious types. We don’t conform to expectations.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” The dimples reappeared. “I hope your house isn’t too far because I’m ready to jump you right here.”

“I had the same thought, but someone is bound to notice if we don’t make it out of the parking lot.”

“We can always put the top up.”

Kasper looked over his shoulder at the confines of his two-seat sports car. “You’ll get bonus points for difficulty if you can pull off anything more than a blow job in there,” he joked before opening the door to let Mat in.

Award-winning author DP Denman writes addictive, character-driven MM romance from a soggy, moss-covered neighborhood in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are dramatic and intense, guaranteed to pull you in and hold you hostage to the last word.
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Title: HATE/LOVE

Author: Quinn Riley

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Blurb

Our story is a lie, a relationship built on fake promises and hopeful dreams.

He’s my bully.

I crave revenge.

At least that’s what I keep telling myself for my plan to succeed.

I need Korbin freaking Rose to be consumed by me.

So I can crush his black heart, leave him broken and bleeding.

Except now, with each kiss and touch, my plan shifts.

There really is a thin line between love and hate.

BUY HERE

Read review #mumsalwaysreading: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5274865130

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About the Author:

Join Quinn Riley Reader Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/964880011150597/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

🖤❤️ #mmromancenovel #mmromanceauthor #mmromancereads #quinnriley #preordernow #sealedwithink #lovehate

@Quinn Riley

Title: Moving On
Author: Felice Stevens
Genre: Gay Romance Standalone
Release Date: January 2, 2023

“… the chemistry between these two is crazy! They try their best to ignore it but as they slowly grow closer, the walls start to come down. This was a sexy, sweet, wonderful book!” ~ Carol’s Crazy Bookish World

When his roof caves in, Sean Lovett thinks things can’t get any worse. Until he loses his job, adding yet another bump in the rocky road of his life. None of his so-called friends can—or will—help. And asking a favor from his abusive ex? Hard pass. Luckily, his sister comes to the rescue and offers him a great apartment—in the city, no less—until he can get back on his feet.
Sweet deal.
Until a gorgeous man unlocks the front door and strolls right in with a grumpy attitude and a claim that his boss—who happens to be Sean’s brother-in-law—promised him the same apartment.
Former NYPD detective Tristan McDermott hasn’t stopped running since the death of his best friend. After almost two years of living in his own personal hell, he returns home to New York, hoping he can move on, but guilt still follows his every step. He’s grateful to have the perfect apartment until he can settle into a place of his own. But there’s a cute guy already living there. And only one bedroom. And no way is Tristan leaving. He’s staying put.
Sharing the space is tough, but Tristan can ignore sweet Sean and his sunshiny smiles.
Kind of.
Except Sean’s brother-in-law asks Tristan to keep an eye on Sean so he doesn’t make any bad decisions.
Uh oh.
Keeping an eye on Sean is easy. Keeping his hands off him is much, much harder.
And sleeping together…well, that isn’t a bad decision. Not when it feels so good.
Right?
From Lambda Literary award winning author Felice Stevens comes the story of a grumpy, green juice-drinking ex-detective running from the past and a sunshiney singing waiter who can’t catch a break. It features a meet-cute, only one bed, learning to trust, and a surprise lap dance.
 
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 and two time e-Lit award winner in romance. When not writing or watching reality television, you can find her in her reader group.
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 ✩✩✩ NEW RELEASE ✩✩✩

The Venetian

Men Of The World Series

By J.O Mantel 

Hosted by DS Book Promotions

 


AMAZON 99c Limited Time

US:  

AU: 

UK: 

CA: 

Read on Kindle Unlimited


~BLURB~

Deciding to take a quick break from his hectic filming schedule on the hit reality show, Tainted Love, Deacon Brady heads to Venice for a mini vacation.

 

What he’s not expecting when he arrives, however, is two hotel employees who not only have their eyes set on each other, but also on him.

 

Together, Deacon, Luca and Massimo create a night full of lust and passion that none of them ever saw coming. And what happens in Venice stays in Venice, right?

 

The Venetian is a short spin-off story to the Men of the World Series and can be read as a complete standalone.


About J.O. Mantel:

J.O Mantel was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. As a child, J.O loved reading and his favourite authors included Roald Dahl, Robin Klein, and Morris Gleitzman. Always an avid reader as a child, J.O had a vivid imagination, like most children. It wasn’t until 2016, that he realised his love for creative writing, and released his first novel, First Crush in the Dark Falkon Series that same year. In January 2020, he began his first MM book, The Australian, part of the Men of The World Series. When J.O isn’t hidden behind his laptop or iPad, he works in a busy retail environment of Customer Service and management. J.O lives a quiet life on a rural property in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs.

 

Follow J.O. Mantel Here:

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Series: The Naughty North Pole Series
Titles: Ms. Claus’s List 🎅 Pip’s Boxing Day Wish 🎅 A Gift for Santa 🎅 Fun and Games with Rudolph🎅 Everybody Hates Fruitcake 
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Genres: Christmas Romance, Erotic Romance, MM Romance, Poly Romance, Friends to Lovers 
 
 
Welcome to the wacky and sexy world that is The Naughty North Pole. In this series you will be treated to a whole new version of Santa’s Workshop, where parties last for days, true love happens over a glass of butterscotch, and the elves have candy-flavored cum. You’ll never think of Christmas the same again!
 
 
 
 
I am Ms. Claus.

Note the Ms. not the Mrs.?

Santa is my twin brother—not sure how the married rumor got started, eeew!—but he runs the North Pole except for that one most magical night of the year: Christmas Eve. When Santa is away, the elves will play. With me, if they’re lucky enough to be picked from my List.

Please, no nice elves need apply. Because I really want to find out how naughty you can be!
 
 
 
 
All Pip wanted when he came to the North Pole as one of Santa’s elves was to belong. He thought he would finally find acceptance by his peers after Santa’s sister Ms. Claus selected him and two elves for a wild night of debauchery on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, the morning after the hot four-way, it seems Pip’s reputation has gone from juvenile delinquent to tramp.
 
And to make matters worse, the sexy green-eyed elf Erik appears determined to ignore him despite their Christmas Eve connection. When Santa sends Pip on a special assignment with Erik on Boxing Day, will it be the most awkward day of his life or will Pip get the wish nearest and dearest to his heart?
 
 
 
Since birth, demi-god Nick Claus has heard the demands, wishes and dreams of all humans. Unable to grant the wishes of adults because they want love, health, and peace on Earth—things he cannot provide—Nick has devoted his eternity to granting the wishes of children by bringing them toys on Christmas Eve.
 
But what about the things Nick wants? Will he ever find the love he craves? Or will he continue to pretend the North Pole has not become lonely and Christmas is all he needs?
 
Enter Jack Frost.
 
The winter sprite has been teasing Nick and flirting with him ever since the first kiss they shared, centuries ago. With a saucy proposition, Jack convinces Nick to take a few minutes out for himself despite the busy Christmas season. The catch is, Jack hates Christmas.
 
Will Nick be able to melt the heart of Jack Frost, or will he end up getting frostbite from this sexy, naughty sprite?
 
 
 
Lars is the sarcastic elf who runs Santa’s Mail Department and he follows the dating rule of “no repeats”. But lately he’s been having a romantic textlationship with another elf, via the dating app Elf4Elf. When his cyber boyfriend goes AWOL after a misunderstanding, Lars realizes too late that there is more to life than sex, work, and cookies.

On Christmas Eve, Santa asks Lars to personally deliver a gift to Rudolph—a former reindeer handler who left the North Pole because of a misunderstanding. Rudolph lives on the secluded Sugar Plum Ridge and the only way to get there is by sleigh. Lars just can’t get a break!

When a sudden blizzard forces the two elves to hole up in Rudolph’s cabin, will they find a way to make their own fun and games or will one surprise ruin it all?

One thing is certain: after this night, they both will believe in the magic of the Naughty North Pole!
 
 
 
Ivan has the bad luck to be the only elf at the naughty North Pole with fruitcake-flavored cum—and he’s not telling anyone. When fellow elf Jimmy hits on him, Ivan fears revealing his secret and losing a chance to have a real relationship with the sexy elf.

After all, everybody hates fruitcake!

Danni’s wife Sheila is the Head Chef at the North Pole. Unfortunately, while Sheila hunts for the perfect recipe for fruitcake, she neglects her wifely duties. So when Ivan tells Danni about his dilemma, she devises a plan to solve both of their problems.

Can these two girls help Ivan realize he is perfect just the way he is? Will Danni’s wife perfect her fruitcake recipe with Ivan’s special ingredient? But most importantly, will Ivan have the courage to take Jimmy up on his offer?
 
 
 
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the innerworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
 
Join Deanna’s newsletter HERE
Join Deanna’s Facebook Group HERE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Title: Show Me Wonders
Series: Water, Air, Earth, Fire Book 3
Author: Riley Nash
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 1, 2022
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Just when I thought Riley Nash’s writing could get any better, she went and produced this masterpiece! I knew from the very beginning I was going to have to forget life all around me and devote my time to completing Jackson and Oliver’s story because there was no way I could put it down! It contained absolutely everything I wanted in a book and more, with it being a beautifully done second chance that was emotion-charged and angst filled.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“It’s overwhelming, raw, and absolutely brilliant. Riley Nash is phenomenal when it comes to writing emotional rollercoasters and heartbreak, and I honestly wasn’t sure my heart would survive this story.” -Goodreads Reviewer
 
 
Wait for me. Never let me go.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno in hell, the only two survivors trapped in a catastrophic tunnel collapse. But when rescue comes, I discover he has secrets darker than I could have guessed. He disappears from my life as quickly as he came, and I can’t afford to chase after him when I have to raise my daughter alone.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno six years later, on a bright summer afternoon, cleaning the lobby of a small-town bank. But he’s still running, and I’m struggling to keep my little family afloat.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno in three feet of snow, in the middle of nowhere, after we lost everything. Because sometimes a tatted bad boy and a shy dad who loves knitting are destined to be together, no matter how many years and miles and memories pull us apart. No matter how many times we have to start over.

If we refuse to be broken, I believe someday we’ll find each other for the last time.

An epic, moving story of second chances and love that defies all odds, featuring a double gay for you relationship full of first times, hurt/comfort, a demisexual main character, and mental health representation!

Triggers (potential spoilers): includes a disaster situation with emotional distress, claustrophobia, darkness, and brief mentions of blood and dead bodies; also includes violence, drug dealing, mentions of suicide, and mental illness (depression, anxiety, panic)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Oliver takes a quick, ragged breath. “Would you like to go on a date with me?” he blurts, so fast it comes out as one word I have to piece together after the fact. As we stare at each other, I want it to be a ridiculous question, to be able to say what the hell are you on or what gave you that idea? But it’s not. I can only ask myself how could you let someone do this to you again?

And my only answer is the man in front of me, waiting with his chin up like he’s about to be decked. The mix of emotions on his face looks just as complicated as my own.

“Where do you want me to take you?” I listen to the words come out of my mouth like they don’t belong to me. I’m leaving. But not today.

His mouth opens and shuts a few times before anything comes out. “You want to be the one doing the taking?”

“I should probably buy you a drink first.” 

The man looks puzzled for a second, then laughs so loudly that he claps his hand over his mouth. He can’t stop smiling. “We have no idea what we’re doing, do we?”

I just shake my head, unable to take my eyes off him.

“There’s a bar about twenty minutes from here that’s having a band I like on Friday,” he offers tentatively.

“Okay then.”

“Well, alright.” He presses his hands to his flushed cheeks and huffs out a slow breath. “I guess that’s that.” Neither of us seem quite sure what just happened. It’s almost impossible to believe the moments that change your life can slip by so simply, in the breathless second between a question and an answer.

He picks up his bag. “I need to get back inside. See you later.”

“Uh-huh.” Before I can straighten up, he steps closer and pulls my hat off, setting it gently on the windowsill. His eyes flick between mine, the quiet look that holds more wisdom than he knows. Then he grabs one of my hands, wet paint and all, leans in, and pecks me on the cheek. Face burning, he steps back and makes a break for the door. 

Something tells me I won’t be seeing him again before Friday. Rubbing my sleeve roughly across my cheek, I go back to work.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Riley Nash, based in the rainy PNW, writes M/M romances about boys who fall hard, face the darkness, and never give up on each other.
 
Fueled by cute dogs, those weird Coke With Coffee drinks, and projecting my personal issues onto handsome men and making them fall in love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Title: Secret Santa
Author: Deanna Wadsworth
Genre: MM Christmas Erotica
Release Date: November 15, 2022
 
 
It’s Christmas Eve and Adam has a special gift for his boyfriend—himself, wrapped in a big red bow.
 
Blindfolded and ready for a magical holiday night, Adam anxiously waits for his boyfriend to come and unwrap him. Just when he thinks their date has been forgotten, the door bursts open and his lover arrives. They have the best sex of Adam’s life, but afterward his man disappears before Adam can catch his breath or even remove the blindfold.
 
Left with only the memory of a passionate kisses kiss, a mysterious Santa hat, and a tray of half-eaten cookies, Adam soon discovers his lover was not who he thought it was…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adam expelled his breath in relief. He hadn’t realized how hard his blood had been pounding just then. He had no clue why Paul was so late, but he didn’t really care. He was here now. Tremors of gratitude and anticipation rippled down his spine, prickling the skin with goosebumps. The scent of something unexpectedly wonderful he couldn’t identify still lingered near him, and he wondered if Kathy had bought new candles.
“I’m glad you’re here. Hold on.” Adam hastily repositioned his elbows on the edge of the couch and spread his legs wide, once again sticking his ass up in the air. The self-imposed vulnerability made his stomach tremble, and his dick snapped back to attention.
Damn, it had been too long since they’d fucked.
“Merry Christmas, baby,” Adam said in a low, husky tone. He shifted a little, just to tease. “Wanna open your present?”
Paul didn’t respond with his usual cocky quip, rather he let out a low groan that sounded almost painful. Adam’s head jerked toward the fireplace in shock at the closeness of his lover’s voice. Paul was already standing beside him?
“Jeez,” he chuckled. “You’re quick when you’re horny.”
Another soft moan was the only reply.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the innerworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.
 
Join Deanna’s newsletter HERE
Join Deanna’s Facebook Group HERE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Title: Show Me Wonders
Series: Water, Air, Earth, Fire Book 3
Author: Riley Nash
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 1, 2022
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
“Just when I thought Riley Nash’s writing could get any better, she went and produced this masterpiece! I knew from the very beginning I was going to have to forget life all around me and devote my time to completing Jackson and Oliver’s story because there was no way I could put it down! It contained absolutely everything I wanted in a book and more, with it being a beautifully done second chance that was emotion-charged and angst filled.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“It’s overwhelming, raw, and absolutely brilliant. Riley Nash is phenomenal when it comes to writing emotional rollercoasters and heartbreak, and I honestly wasn’t sure my heart would survive this story.” -Goodreads Reviewer
 
 
Wait for me. Never let me go.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno in hell, the only two survivors trapped in a catastrophic tunnel collapse. But when rescue comes, I discover he has secrets darker than I could have guessed. He disappears from my life as quickly as he came, and I can’t afford to chase after him when I have to raise my daughter alone.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno six years later, on a bright summer afternoon, cleaning the lobby of a small-town bank. But he’s still running, and I’m struggling to keep my little family afloat.

I fell in love with Jackson Moreno in three feet of snow, in the middle of nowhere, after we lost everything. Because sometimes a tatted bad boy and a shy dad who loves knitting are destined to be together, no matter how many years and miles and memories pull us apart. No matter how many times we have to start over.

If we refuse to be broken, I believe someday we’ll find each other for the last time.

An epic, moving story of second chances and love that defies all odds, featuring a double gay for you relationship full of first times, hurt/comfort, a demisexual main character, and mental health representation!

Triggers (potential spoilers): includes a disaster situation with emotional distress, claustrophobia, darkness, and brief mentions of blood and dead bodies; also includes violence, drug dealing, mentions of suicide, and mental illness (depression, anxiety, panic)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Oliver takes a quick, ragged breath. “Would you like to go on a date with me?” he blurts, so fast it comes out as one word I have to piece together after the fact. As we stare at each other, I want it to be a ridiculous question, to be able to say what the hell are you on or what gave you that idea? But it’s not. I can only ask myself how could you let someone do this to you again?

And my only answer is the man in front of me, waiting with his chin up like he’s about to be decked. The mix of emotions on his face looks just as complicated as my own.

“Where do you want me to take you?” I listen to the words come out of my mouth like they don’t belong to me. I’m leaving. But not today.

His mouth opens and shuts a few times before anything comes out. “You want to be the one doing the taking?”

“I should probably buy you a drink first.” 

The man looks puzzled for a second, then laughs so loudly that he claps his hand over his mouth. He can’t stop smiling. “We have no idea what we’re doing, do we?”

I just shake my head, unable to take my eyes off him.

“There’s a bar about twenty minutes from here that’s having a band I like on Friday,” he offers tentatively.

“Okay then.”

“Well, alright.” He presses his hands to his flushed cheeks and huffs out a slow breath. “I guess that’s that.” Neither of us seem quite sure what just happened. It’s almost impossible to believe the moments that change your life can slip by so simply, in the breathless second between a question and an answer.

He picks up his bag. “I need to get back inside. See you later.”

“Uh-huh.” Before I can straighten up, he steps closer and pulls my hat off, setting it gently on the windowsill. His eyes flick between mine, the quiet look that holds more wisdom than he knows. Then he grabs one of my hands, wet paint and all, leans in, and pecks me on the cheek. Face burning, he steps back and makes a break for the door. 

Something tells me I won’t be seeing him again before Friday. Rubbing my sleeve roughly across my cheek, I go back to work.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Riley Nash, based in the rainy PNW, writes M/M romances about boys who fall hard, face the darkness, and never give up on each other.
 
Fueled by cute dogs, those weird Coke With Coffee drinks, and projecting my personal issues onto handsome men and making them fall in love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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