There’s still time to get some free M/M books before the end of the month. These are steamy LGBT freebies and there’s also M/M romances here:
Tag: lgbt books
What’s in a name?
Want to know my dirty little secret as an author?
Well, first I should mention a ton of my books are on sale this week and next week, that’s no secret.
The secret is that I suck at character names. It’s really inconvenient considering I love having names that relate to a character’s personality or story in some way, but names are one of the hardest things to come up with.
In Bold as Brass, I finally got the chance to name a character Liam. I’ve wanted to use the name for a while because it shares the first two letters with one of the placeholders I use for names, LI. LI is short for love interest just like Liam is short for William. And the name Liam and the character share Irish ancestry so it worked out.
(True story, looking up Liam’s name just to see what it meant is when I learned Liam is short for William. Which makes all the sense in the world, I just somehow missed this memo.)
This time, I lucked out on naming my main character. His specialty is metal magic and then I came across Tolliver, a surname that literally means metalworker. Being literal for the win.
(P.S. Tolliver is Oliver Brass’s actual first name because he has fussy waspy parents that would totally name him Tolliver, and he just goes by Oliver. But that’s one of those backstory details that did not actually make it into book.)
I had no idea I was going to write a novel about a metal wizard losing control of his powers and ending up in the arms of a dominant older man who is literally the sweetest and dirtiest guy at the same time. But this was a very fun ride to go on and I ended up enjoying these characters and their story a lot, so I hope you do too.
Bold as Brass is indeed on sale for 99 cents. It’ll go back to regular price next Wednesday, so get it on sale while you can!
Control is everything… until you find someone worth surrendering to.
After studying metal magic in posh British universities, Oliver Brass proudly becomes a wizard. Unfortunately, he barely has time to celebrate when a family scandal sends his world into chaos and his powers spiral out of control. A stiff upper lip isn’t helping, so the metal mage turns to a provocative professor to tame his magic—and his body.
A charming educator by day and a dirty dom by night, Liam Monroe has the unique ability to magically master a willing partner. Liam demands obedience, and even though Oliver may never stop blushing, he and his powers are eager to comply.
Both men are thoroughly satisfied until dragons drop in, determined to make the wizard pay for the sins of his family. Oliver must reign in his malfunctioning abilities if he has any hope of stopping the vengeful beasts… or keeping Liam. Can Oliver be bold enough to fight for his man, or will the dragons burn it all down?
Book Review for The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard by Tavia Lark
Premise:
Simon is set in his ways, which is understandable after four centuries of life experience. The prickly independent vampire doesn’t like change, but he’s forced to adapt when someone tries to kill Simon and he’s left weakened. Now he’s forced to rely on the werewolf bodyguard his sire hired to keep him safe while figuring out who tried to kill him.
The wolf Cody is struggling to maintain control and not go feral, which is difficult without a pack or mate. The last thing he needs is a stubborn charge.
Of course vampires and wolves don’t really get along in this universe. But vampires, wolves, witches, hunters have a treaty in place where they stay in the shadows and try their best to tolerate each other.
My Thoughts:
Supernatural stories in particular are good at not just enemies-to-lovers but natural enemies-to-lovers. Where they might not have hated each other at the beginning if not for their opposite natures and distrust between vampires and werewolves.
There’s a delicious reluctance to be around each other at first and thinking the worst of each other. This means the relationship is a slow build by necessity. They try to stay wary and keep their distance even though they feel drawn to each other, which makes it so satisfying when they do unite.
Simon likes being a big brat and riling Cody up, which is so much fun and my favorite part.
In some books, the smut can feel obligatory instead of hot as hell. This is not one of those books. The steamy scenes are fantastic, not to mention in character and romantic too.
The only thing I don’t love is that it took me forever to post a review. To be fair, this is no one’s fault but my own. One day I will post timely reviews but that day is not today.
Quotes
Tags:
Enemies to lovers, mystery, action, an artistic and isolated vampire, brooding werewolf, the wolf is vicious and yet still a big puppy for Simon, painting as foreplay, a centuries old vampire who is still somehow a brat, excellent bickering and sexual tension
Official Book Description:
Simon doesn’t want protection. Especially not from a werewolf.
Too bad the reclusive vampire doesn’t have a choice. Simon barely survived an assassin’s strike, and he isn’t safe yet. The attack left him weak and vulnerable, which is why his meddling sire hires him a bodyguard.
A big, burly werewolf bodyguard.
Cody’s instincts make him a formidable guard—if he can control his wolf. Living without a pack or mate makes him unstable. Dangerous. After accidentally shifting on his previous assignment, he has one chance to prove himself:
Protecting a bratty vampire who does not want his protection.
Keeping things professional is Cody’s only hope. Simon may have four centuries’ worth of defensive habits, but Cody can handle difficult clients. Except as Cody digs up the hurt behind Simon’s prickly exterior, and Simon starts to enjoy being cared for…
Staying professional might be impossible. Just like controlling Cody’s wolf.
The Vampire’s Werewolf Bodyguard is an MM paranormal romance with forced proximity, chosen mates, and bickering to lovers.
Moon Water and Full Moon Rituals
Let’s talk about the moon.
Why? Well, partly because of my M/M paranormal romance novel Bold as Brass, I’m finding topics that relate to some of the main flavors in the novel. Like the moon.
In the book, Liam Monroe gets his powers from the moon. He can see where the moon shines and manipulate shadows at night. He also engages in some unique and kinky moon rituals. But we’ll get into that more later.
He’s also strongest whenever the moon is strongest, so a full moon gives him the most power. The same powers as a fictional wizard in a book may not be possible, but there are plenty of people who do try tapping into the moon’s power, especially on the full moon.
One way to tap into the moon’s energy is with moon water. Do not confuse this with moonshine. They are both drinkable, but with very different results.
Moon Water
Moon water is basically what it sounds like. Water that the moon has shined down upon, which charges the water with some of the moon’s energy.
This practice has apparently existed for a very long time and is certainly legit because it even became a TikTok craze. Okay maybe not, but given that the moon does control the tides, it isn’t totally crazy to draw a connection between the moon and water.
All you need to do is set out some water under a full moon or place a jar of water in a windowsill where the moonlight can reach it. Those who practice witchcraft have some strong opinions on whether the water has to be outside or whether there can be a lid on the jar, but if you’re just doing this for fun, I say you do whatever works for you.
Moon water can be used for anything regular water can, though some common uses are for cleansing and revitalization like taking a bath, watering plants, cleaning, or making tea.
| Inside Bold as Brass Lots of people do full moon rituals to recharge and welcome a new phase in life, though Liam Monroe does things a little differently in Bold as Brass. His rituals still work around moon phases, but they involve power exchange and are decidedly dirtier than simply celebrating the moon’s journey across the sky. When Oliver Brass doesn’t feel deserving of his powers and they become out of control, he turns to Liam for help. He’s never done anything so bold as putting someone else in charge of his body and his magic before, but nothing else is working and he’s drawn to the sinful things the professor/dominant is offering. In this scene, Liam and Oliver are starting a ritual under the moon. They’re making candles for the ritual and setting up how their arrangement will work. Basically, Oliver is giving up control and Liam is taking it. |
Oliver
Maybe I feel it in the air or in the soft moonlight beginning to trickle in from the skylight. There’s a power here and we only need to shape and draw it out.
I go for the obvious, taking the coil of brass from my table and starting to wrap a thin strip around my candle. “I pledge to give you control of my metal magic.” The words feel like a vow. “I promise to use my magic how you direct me and to refrain when not given permission.”
“I accept the authority for use of your metal magic.” Liam wraps a length of dark twine around his own candle. “From the start of this waxing moon cycle until the next cycle of the waxing moon, I must give you permission in order to use the magic.”
It’s not magic I feel now, only the weight of the words and his eyes on me. I shiver in expectation of the promises there. This is why I came to him.
“I pledge to give you control of my body. I will let you dictate our, our, um, sexual activity.”
“I accept.” Liam responds swiftly. He seems excited. “I will make decisions for both of us sexually. I’ll give you orders.”
“And I will obey,” I whisper.
“Honestly, my imagination has been running wild. Any reasonable magic usage may be asked of you, like we agreed, but right now? It’s looking like there will be a lot of sexual commands. There are so many perverted uses for your magic, and I’d like to explore as many of them as we can.”
I focus on wrapping red thread around my candle as I respond, “N-not, that’s not a problem.”
“Good,” says Liam. He doesn’t continue.
I remind him, “That’s not all we talked about.”
“I know, but why don’t you tell me anyway?” Liam enjoys this too much. “You need to say it, Oliver.”
“You will also control when I come,” I whisper, face bright red. “Control whether I come at all.”
My heart is pounding in my chest and my cock stirs in anticipation as I offer up this gift to Liam. His eyes grow even darker and he accepts without hesitation.
“That’s right. Your every orgasm is mine to give or withhold. For the most part, expect that you aren’t getting off or using your metal magic unless I’m there. When I say, you can use your power and come.”
“Well, one or the other.”
Liam starts to nod and agree, then he stops. “You know what? Let’s make the two exclusive.”
“What?”
“You aren’t going to come at all unless I give you permission. And anytime you do, you’re going to be using metal magic before, during, or after.” Even in the dark, I see his eyes light up. “Oh, I like this idea. I like this a lot.” But he shakes his head and clears his throat a second later. “Question is, what about you? If you don’t think you can handle that, tell me. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s best to tell me now.”
“Um, what if I can’t?”
“Then you can’t.” He gives me a soft smile, no judgment or pressure. “This is what I want. I think it’s within your power to give me, but I could be wrong. And if I am wrong, that’s not your fault. I just need to know. I only want what you’re willing to give.”
He seemed dark and dirty a second ago and now he’s softly looking into my eyes and making me feel safe, how does he do that?
I already know he’s the kind of man who honors what he says. That means he won’t begrudge any limits I need to set. If I say no right now, the person most disappointed… will be me.
“No, I…I want to try,” I tell him. “I know I need to use my powers and get them to cooperate but that’s still the part I’m least looking forward to. This way gives me something to look forward to when using the magic. I’d like to try. Is that enough?”
Liam smiles. “Darling, it is more than enough.”
My head spins as we cover the rest smoothly and finish the candle. By the time we’re finished, I’m hard and aching in my pants. I feel the moon grow stronger, its power pulsing around us but not touching us yet. I’m so eager to feel it, to offer myself up to its power and Liam’s.
The empty space between us fills with moonlight, shining brightly, right down through the spotlight as we make our final pledges.
“Let my intentions become manifest under the light of the moon and its magic.”
We both speak the incantation and step into the skylight with our candles. Both candles light, fire glowing from the wicks like the moonlight is a flame that ignited them.
When we touch the candles together, both candles go out and smoke swirls around us. Liam’s eyes glow and I feel his power, feel the intention behind our words gaining the conviction and weight of magic.
It’s done. Until the next waxing moon cycle, I’m his.
Bold as Brass
Oliver Brass is proud to follow family tradition and become a metal wizard. For about two seconds. Then his family’s good name is tarnished by crime and scandal, leaving Oliver confused and betrayed. When his powers start rebelling against him, a friendly professor could help. But the teacher’s illicit extracurricular activities are what truly captive the metal mage.
A charming professor by day and a wicked dom by night, Liam Monroe has the unique ability to control a person’s body and magic. Surrendering to the sexy older man could be exactly what Oliver needs, as long as he keeps his feelings at bay and remembers their arrangement is supposed to be temporary.
Everything seems to be going well, until dragons with a score to settle attack and threaten both men. Oliver must rely on his magic if he has any hope of stopping the vengeful dragons… or keeping Liam.
Can Oliver be bold enough to fight for the man he loves, or will it all go up in flames?
Wolverine Claws and the Magic of Metal
In M/M paranormal romance novel Bold as Brass, the main character Oliver Brass has metal magic. We do not have metal magic in real life as far as I know, though there are people doing wild things with metal that nearly bring the magical and futuristic things we see in movies to life.
Apparently, I’m super late to this party but people have been making actual steel Wolverine claws for a while now. Some are decorative, but others are actually capable of destroying shit. There are multiple videos about this on Youtube, and some of the versions are retractable, and a few are made of paper, which are less destructive but more easily reproduced.
One of the best versions is created by Hacksmith, a company whose entire job is to create real versions of cool fictional stuff. Like Thor’s hammer and a working bat signal, for example. They started making Wolverine claws over a decade ago and even graduated to claws that heal themselves, which is incredibly awesome.
Granted Wolverine’s body and not his claws are what heal in the movies and comic books, though my guess is that whatever metals they were using for the claws before are not as indestructible as adamantium, which means these claws need to heal.
The claws use a smart alloy that transforms back to their original shape when using a flame.
The healing claws are a few years old, now they’ve moved onto making their version of real life adamantium. But my favorite, hands down, is mini lightsabers. Lightsabers! We’re living in the future now.
Kink, Control, and Steam
When I first started this series and wrote The Frost or The Bite, I mentioned that the antagonist in that book had a younger brother. I had it in the back of my head that he could potentially show up and I could do something with him later.
The unnamed brother referenced in the first book eventually became Oliver Brass, and this is his book. I knew he’d be different from his brother and a much better person, but I never imagined back when I wrote the first book that this is where his story would lead. Right into the gutter. When his family’s reputation is ruined and Oliver struggles to get his powers under control, he ends up in the arms of a dominant wizard and learns that giving up control might be the best option.
This novel was new for me as I’d never written anything this kinky before but I ended up loving these characters and hopefully you will too.
Will giving up control set him free?
Oliver Brass is an honest man, but his family isn’t. When the wizard discovers that the people who taught him to love metal magic aren’t as respectable as anyone thought, his powers stop listening to him. Trying to regain control leads him to Professor Liam Monroe, but the teacher’s extracurricular activities are what truly interest him.
A friendly professor by day and a wicked dom by night, Liam Monroe has the unique ability to control a person’s body and magic. Surrendering to the sexy older man could be exactly what Oliver needs to get his magic under control, as long as he keeps his feelings at bay and remembers their arrangement is supposed to be temporary.
Will Oliver be bold enough to follow his heart? Find out in Bold as Brass.
The Strongest Paranormal Predators
Who is the toughest predator in paranormal romance novels?
The paranormal world is full of fearsome monsters and super strong creatures. That’s the cool part of writing M/M in this genre. Anything is possible.
So, who are the contenders for being the toughest? There are the werewolves with sharp fangs and rock solid abs howling at the moon. Or vampires, pale beauties who are strong and deadly and somehow make drinking blood seductive. And wizards who can shape the world with a snap of their fingers.
And in addition to being powerful, these supernatural men also happen to be incredibly sexy for some reason. Maybe because I write paranormal romance.
Which one is strongest? Which wouldn’t you want to meet in a dark alley? Which one would you like to take home with you? That’s up for debate.
For me, it’s hard to beat an alpha werewolf that will destroy all obstacles to protect their mate. (Again, I read and write paranormal romance. No surprise that alpha werewolf ranks as the strongest for me.)
But do you know what’s truly scary? Lightning. Like real, actual lightning. Not sure an alpha werewolf could stand up to it, to be honest. This is something I learned when writing my magical novel, Strikes Twice. The two leading men will have their work cut out for them if they want to overcome magical lightning and find a happy ending together.
Why is lightning such a worthy adversary?
While the novel deals with lightning and the elements in a more magical and fictional way, I got curious and did some research. Since I’m not actually trying to make you terrified of leaving the house, I went with two very scary sounding lightning facts:
- Lightning bolts can get five times hotter than the sun.
- Lightning moves about 30,000 times faster than a bullet.
But don’t freak out. You’d think something hotter than the freaking sun and faster than a bullet would be ultra lethal, but it hurts more people than it kills. And not many people actually get struck by lightning.
The main reason to worry would be, for instance, if you were an air wizard who needed to stay away from electricity and lightning magic, but you found yourself getting closer and closer to a cursed man whose skin could zap you. Obviously, this very specific scenario comes from the novel Strikes Twice.
They say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice. But when it comes to love and magical curses, all bets are off. Our main character Marty Russo is a determined wizard trying to solve an electrical curse. Azure ‘Az’ Serrano has basically given up hope when his magical affliction makes touch impossible.
Is love stronger than a curse? The novel features enemies to lovers, magic, shifters, and steamy scenes.(P.S. for some of the steamy scenes, Marty and Az weren’t able to touch. This turned out to be a lot of fun to write and I hope you enjoy these moments too.) Here’s the cover and book description.
When lightning strikes, can love thunder back?
Marty Russo doesn’t need wings to fly. As an air wizard, he can soar through the clouds with his magic. He needs a purpose when coming back down to earth, so Marty agrees to help a man with a debilitating electric curse. But solving this impossible hex isn’t nearly as challenging as keeping his hands off Azure “Az” Serrano.
Az is difficult. Anyone would be, after six years of zapping anyone they touch with a painful electrical charge. Yet Marty didn’t need to touch Az to feel a jolt; he’s drawn to the passionate man underneath the leather jacket and guarded exterior.
But getting too close physically could land Marty in the hospital, or worse, because electricity is especially dangerous to air casters. As their emotional connection grows stronger, the temptation does as well.
Will Marty be able to free Az, or will the curse strike him down first?
| Strikes Twice can be read by itself, though this is the second novel in my Elementally Yours series where casters devote themselves to one type of elemental magic. (They also fall in love with hot men.) And if you haven’t checked out the free novella associated with this series, you can get Circuits and Sparks here. |
Book Review: The Nøkk and The Jock
If you’re looking for a slice of life romance that involves a jock, a mysterious monster, and plenty of water-related shenanigans, then The Nøkk and The Jock might just be your next favorite read.
Summary: Brandon is an eager human who becomes one of the first students at the monster-filled Creelin University. His excitement quickly takes a turn when he discovers that his new roommate, a moody nøkk, a type of water spirit, is avoiding him. As Brandon tries to befriend his enigmatic roommate, he might accidentally use a bottle of vodka and a spider to initiate an ancient bonding ritual.
Nøkk Folklore: Dive into Norwegian Monsters
What’s particularly interesting about The Nøkk and The Jock is how it weaves in elements of Norwegian folklore. Nøkks are water spirits known for their powerful and often deceptive nature, and I love getting a look at the supernatural myths in other cultures. Nokks tend to drown people, but it’s not so simple for the monster in this story.
And one funny little detail I enjoyed was that the nøkk had a relative who was a rowboat, which is a very excellent strategy if you’re trying to drown someone and steal their soul.
Sweet Romance Amid Emo Vibes
This book is just absolutely adorable. A very sweet romance despite the emo vibes and threat of death.
It’s a cute little slice of life romance where both guys love the water and try not to fall for each other. When thrown together as roommates, the nokk and jock quickly want to be more than friends but the jock thinks he’s straight and the nokk is worried about stealing the jock’s soul.
The jock Brandon goes through a bi-awakening as he looks after his gloomy roommate and accidentally courts him. The nokk known as Steve has many issues, like being afraid to show his true form, and joining the swim team may not be the best idea when he’s worried about drowning people with his powers, but it all works out in the end. Brandon’s sunny outlook and Steve’s more moody demeanor makes for a great dynamic.
The Playlist: A Perfect Musical Accompaniment
And let’s not forget the fantastic playlist! Featuring tracks from My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, K.Flay, and AWOLNATION, I love the bonus playlist and it has some awesome alternative songs.
Author Leslie McAdam said her teenager created an ‘emo Norwegian boy playlist’ and apparently I am an emo Norwegian boy because the songs fit my musical tastes very well. I had no idea. Can I speak Norwegian now?
Baseball?
Starting pitcher Luke has a lot on his mind lately now that the formerly straight athlete has found himself in a relationship with another guy, and really enjoying that relationship. A lot of people are wondering what this means for Luke. Is he gay or straight? Are there other options? Fortunately, he can take his mind off all that during a baseball game. Until, like a good boyfriend, his boyfriend shows up to cheer him on.
This scene is from One Little Lie, where a clueless jock learns the world is more than just gay or straight in this coming of age love story about secret relationships, friendship, and bisexuality.
~
Luke
I LOVE BASEBALL. ESPECIALLY DURING GAME TIME. Worried thoughts about my personal life weren’t important when playing ball. On the mound with all eyes on me, I felt great. People watched me because I excelled at this, not because of who I was dating.
The game started and I was in the zone. My whole focus was on the game.
Until Ryan. My stupidly distracting boyfriend.
As a likable athlete, I had few embarrassing moments until Ryan walked into my life. Still, what was lacking in quantity was now made up in quality.
Due to the nice day, Ryan wore a tank top and shorts. He looked innocent enough, plus so freaking tall. Grab a ruler and check if I lied, there were miles and miles of his long legs on display. So much skin, how were his legs so shapely and toned? Running, he claimed, even though I’d only seen him run his mouth.
Ryan sat on the bleachers, not being embarrassing for once. I embarrassed myself, unable to keep my gaze away. Dammit! I ogled my boyfriend instead of pitching. He saw me looking and waved. I waved back before remembering I should pay attention to the game. The runner at first advanced to second and I heard distant yelling from my coach.
Shit. Taking a moment, I refocused my attention. Time to strike this batter out. I lined up the pitch, got ready, and…
My eyes drifted back to Ryan.
–Grab the book here as part of the One Crazy Love Story box set, which features the first four books in the One More Thing series of contemporary YA novels.
To celebrate the upcoming release of my new M/M paranormal romance The Werewolf’s Heart on May 9, here’s a quote from the novel.
This assignment was full of challenges. Like me going undercover as a suburban homeowner, posing as an ‘average’ lone werewolf among humans. My interests included grisly murders, supernatural victims or suspects, and bringing killers to justice.
Now? I needed to blend in. Live a normal life. Whatever the hell that meant.
It sounded kinda like torture. Then I met him.
The Werewolf’s Heart
Here are the first two chapters from my new M/M paranormal romance, The Werewolf’s Heart. The full book comes out on May 9th!
Can a werewolf protect the man who holds his heart without giving into forbidden desire?
Aaron Honeywell can’t wait to renovate his new house and transform it into his oasis, but his home isn’t the only thing in disrepair. His lackluster and stalled love life could use a little attention. And just when he hits it off with his devastatingly sexy neighbor, a fox shifter attacks and reveals the hidden supernatural dangers lurking outside their cozy street.
Going undercover in the suburbs sounds like the assignment from hell for supernatural detective Merritt Slate. Then he meets his cute neighbor and suddenly his all work and no play lifestyle seems lacking. But the dangerous forces capable of kidnapping werewolves certainly aren’t playing, and he won’t let an innocent person get caught in the crossfire. Protecting Aaron is more important than his feelings, no matter what his wolf thinks.
As the human and his protector grow closer, they start to realize the same thing. A house is only as valuable as the people in it. But when the case hits too close to home and threatens everything, will Aaron and Merritt be strong enough to stand up to those determined to tear them apart?
~
Aaron
WHAT MAKES A HOUSE a home?
I was about to find out as the newest resident and homeowner on Crescent Street in the growing city of Ashvale, North Carolina. The deed listed Aaron Honeywell, yours truly, as the owner of a two-story ranch style property.
Honeywell, I’m home.
The trunk of my Honda Civic slammed closed with a satisfying clunk as I balanced the last box on one hip. I surveyed the suburban middle-class homes in shades of faded wheat and ecru—also known as beige and white—with well-mowed lawns and identical mailboxes by the driveways. My house might be a tad smaller than the rest, but it was still mine.
This moment? A big damn deal. I soaked in all the glory as the pleasant afternoon sun washed across my arms and I gazed upon my new territory, every blade of grass and modest square inch.
Moving in felt pretty good.
But catching the eye of my sexy new neighbor? That felt even better.
His dark sable hair—so gorgeous it deserved the pretentious home designer name for brown—moved with the breeze, a strand falling over his face and ratcheting his sexiness up another few impossible degrees. Mr. So-Hot-It-Defies-All-Logic, we hadn’t been formally introduced, wore a sweater the color of sculptor’s clay (grey), perfect for a stroll around the neighborhood on a mild spring day.
I was half tempted to drop my box on the driveway and see if he’d be interested in starting a neighborhood fitness group that I’d never attend solely for the opportunity to chat with him. He nodded to me and I waved—oops, this box definitely required both hands. I started tipping forward with the weight and hastily saved it and myself from wiping out, hopefully without looking too silly.
Any potential humiliation was forgotten when I walked towards the front door and felt his eyes taking a gander at my ass. Somebody sure was and I doubted elderly Mr. Martin next door was the culprit.
Sexy neighbor guy was still way out of my league, but I was theoretically a respectable catch. I had a stable job, my own house at 27, and cooked a mean lobster ravioli. Sure, my culinary skills max out at five meals, but I cooked those five recipes well. And I wasn’t hideous either. Petite in both stature and figure, I had wavy auburn hair and a thin frame with a round face and light hazel eyes.
A sea full of possibilities and other ‘P’ words greeted me inside when looking around the living room of my new kingdom. Along with lots of boxes. Ugh, time to unpack.
The doorbell saved me.
Did the hot guy stop over to say hello?
No, another neighbor greeted me. A young woman with long midnight (black) hair, my first visitor! She told me her name was Kara and proudly thrust her gifted bottle of wine into my arms.
“It’s perfect, how did you know?” I asked with a mischievous grin.
“One look at you and I saw weeknights bingeing trashy vampire dramas and sipping red wine were in our future.”
“Sounds fantastic,” I laughed.
“Great, because I frequently need to escape my place…” She winced. “No matter how many times I remind myself that staying at home through college saves money, it’s still…”
“Living with your parents?”
“Bingo.”
While I left my mother’s house as soon as I turned 18, I still remembered the days of nightmare roommates and happily offered her sanctuary. “Feel free to drink and binge watch in my home anytime, as long as you accept that this house loves Damon and Stefan Salvatore equally.”
“Yes. Stefan has the hero hair, but Damon is just so annoyingly sexy.”
I smiled. “We’re gonna get along just fine.”
When sticking the wine in the fridge, I considered buying a wine rack. I enjoyed a good rosé after a long day at work managing a customer service center for a high-end electronics brand. My kitchen décor was nonexistent, so I should fix that too. A woeful amount of shopping was still needed to really finish decorating the interior since I only lived in apartments before.
Even when living in a few houses with Mom during my childhood none of them felt like a home, all lacking that special ingredient to make them comfortable and warm.
Owning my own place was so exciting because this was my first real home ever. Or it would be one day, but there was one thing missing.
My romantic prospects left a gaping hole in my otherwise promising future. What would really make my new house feel like a home was the right man to share it with.
~
Aaron
One ‘P’ word kept rattling around in my head. No, not penis. Yes, I needed a man, but… potential. That was the ‘P’ word, potential. My home was a flat, square property with two small stories, a grey roof, and dingy cream paint in the back, but potential meant that the funky smell in the attic and peeling linoleum in the downstairs bathroom weren’t problems. My fixer upper was full of exciting projects.
So even after a long night of unpacking, I was in remarkably high spirits the next day.
“Oh, hello,” I said as I opened the front door.
Another new friend arrived. Not a neighbor though. A bird.
The bird released a soft chirp, and I halted in the doorframe to avoid stepping on it. I waited for it to shoo, but it stayed parked there where a welcome mat should be on the square slab of raised concrete that passed for my front porch.
“Shoo?” I tried. The bird refused my request.
Note to self: add welcome mat and flowers for porch to shopping list.
The small brown creature had a pointed beak that almost dared me to challenge him when he puffed up his feathers and stared me down. A sparrow maybe? Something common and usually unintrusive. His tiny beady eyes were focused and slightly unnerving.
“Can I help you with something?” I demanded, refusing to be unnerved by the tiny winged menace.
“Just saying hi.” Holy deep voice, Batman.
Yes, the caped crusader had a deep baritone, but this guy could give him competition. The sexy voice was, naturally, attached to the sexy neighbor, who had walked up the path to my door.
His shadow fell over the bird, whose wings flapped once in protest before he flew away, leaving me alone on my front porch with… oh my god, he’s even hotter up close.
The man’s dark hair looked naturally tousled, though his beard was carefully trimmed and maintained. He was so tall with a square jaw, strong build, and lightly sun-kissed skin. And his whiskey-colored eyes were positively striking.
“Is this a bad time?” He stepped back like he’d leave.
“Stay!” I half yelled. Oops. Did I already ruin the fleeting hope the sexiest neighbor I’ve ever had will look at me twice? “Sorry, I wasn’t talking to you before.”
He looked around, confirming we were the only ones standing on my front porch.
“There was… a bird.” My face flushed. Yeah, I definitely blew it already. There went the opportunity to blow other more fun things. “He was watching me.”
The man’s left eyebrow rose. Just the left and not the right. Impressive. I’d never been able to do that. “Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?”
“Huh?”
“Birdwatching.”
“Well, I was watching him too.” Stop saying stupid shit! “We were having a staring contest?”
Oh look, it got even stupider.
“Hey, whatever you do in your free time is your own business.” An almost smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, so the gentle teasing didn’t offend me. Only I offended me for acting ridiculous in the first place.
“I do totally normal things in my free time,” I promised. Normal people probably didn’t feel the need to specify that they were normal.
Making the executive decision to gloss over all my weird behavior, I pasted a bright smile on my face and extended a hand. “I’m Aaron Honeywell.”
“Hey. Merritt Jones.”
We shook hands. His grip, just like the rest of him, was firm and strong.
“Nice to meet you,” I said. “I promise I’m not a crazy person.” Another one of those things you shouldn’t have to spell out.
He smiled kindly. “I don’t think you are.”
“Really?” That made one of us. “I wouldn’t judge you if you did.”
“You’re cute.” His eyes widened like he didn’t realize he was going to say that, but I was very happy he did. “Uh, I figured you might need a break from unpacking. I remember how hectic moving is.”
“Oh, are you new to the neighborhood too?” I asked and he nodded.
Sweet, another thing we had in common. Along with living on this street, (probably) being not-straight, and (in my dreams) being into each other.
“What brings you to North Carolina?” I asked, deciding he wasn’t a native because he lacked even a slight Southern drawl. “I’m not from the South either originally, but I went to college in Durham and fell in love with the area.”
“Actually, I’m from Louisiana, but I’ve moved around so much that the accent only comes out after a few drinks.” I wanted to hear that. “My work brought me to Raleigh first, then here.”
“How’s the job going?” I asked to be polite and because I likely had an interest in everything he did. Even eating cereal or clipping his toenails.
“It keeps me busy,” he answered neutrally, though his gaze seemed loaded for some reason. “But my work isn’t very interesting.”
“Really?” My eyes trailed down the kind of incredible physique that typically belonged to movie stars and professional athletes. “Your job must be engaging enough since you look so—” I coughed to avoid gushing about his fine as hell body and embarrassing myself further. “…in shape.”
“There are lots of ways to stay in shape.” A stray shaft of sunlight fell over my face and half blinded me, but I thought I saw a spark of amusement in his eyes as he continued. “For all you know I sit behind a desk all day and hit the gym at night.”
“No way.” I sized him up with over-exaggerated obviousness, squinting and tilting my head as the picture came together. “You’d be bored staring at a computer screen all day. My guess is you work outdoors or with your hands, but your job must have excitement too. You love action.”
“Alright, fine.” He shot me a quick grin that would have made my heart stop if it lasted any longer. “Lucky guess.”
“My first impressions of people are usually correct.” I had to look away, towards a teenager mowing grass two lawns over, as it hit me how forward you love action sounded.
“Well, I don’t know much about reading people.” His keen attention felt palpable, and I wondered whether that was true. “But observing others is probably easier without distractions.” He leaned back, raising his arms in a casual stretch, and my view wavered for a split second before giving up on watching his powerful arms, and instead zeroing in on the skin revealed at his navel from his shirt riding up… uh, what?
When I registered his words, I flushed and found myself unable to look directly at his knowing smirk.
This guessing game suddenly became too real. Some light flirting was definitely going on, but sizing him up hadn’t actually revealed much as my new neighbor was hard to read. Was he just being friendly or really interested? Truthfully, my skills at reading people were better with second impressions, but ‘second impressions’ wasn’t a real expression.
“Y-yeah, I’m distracted.” I cast my eyes about the street and landed on a neighbor’s lawn. “Mrs. Gregory’s begonias are just so colorful,” I rambled. “Aren’t they nice? Especially since she hasn’t grown them before.”
“You just moved here and you’ve already chatted with your neighbors and remember their names?” Okay, her ten-minute spiel about her garden wasn’t exactly fascinating since I knew nothing about flowers, but she was so sweet and—”That’s impressive. In my head she’s the lady with the ugly robe and yappy dog.”
“So does that mean you don’t welcome all your new neighbors to the block?” That meant I was special.
He stilled for a moment, then chuckled under his breath. “Hey, I’m just being neighborly. And I’ve tried all the nearby take-out restaurants if you need recommendations.”
“Are there any good Thai places nearby?”
Merritt provided a few options, then added, “It’s not Thai, but Joseph’s on 5th Street is the best restaurant hands down. Great Italian food and they even have an outdoor patio so you could enjoy dinner and a show.”
“Huh?”
He smirked. “Watching the birds while you eat.”
Oh, for the love of– “I don’t always watch birds!”
“Either way, the atmosphere really adds to the experience. Better to dine in there instead of ordering takeout.”
“Um, are you asking me out?” I blurted out because that sorta sounded like an invitation.
He looked surprised, seemingly reviewing everything he just said internally to see where my wires got crossed. Oh god. Innocent flirting and actual attraction were two different things, and I totally messed up and confused the two.
“Nope, you were just giving me suggestions,” I realized. “One new homeowner to another, right. I gotta get going.” I quickly backed up—
“You’re already home.”
—not quickly enough.
“Yes, I’m home and there’s so much, uh…” I trailed off, gesturing vaguely behind me.
“Unpacking,” he supplied.
“Yep, gotta do that!” And get inside and die in peace.
“Hey, it’s alright.” His smile, though a tad amused, mostly seemed kind. “For the record, you’ll know when I ask you out.” Time slowed, my gaze zeroing in on his eyes and the promise in them. “I have a feeling you’ll find out soon enough.”
Whoa, from attraction to embarrassment and a whole roller coaster of emotions, I struggled to process where we landed. Then a brilliant smile lit my face, one I couldn’t hide or wipe away as it hit me: Merritt was attracted to me too.
We said our goodbyes, and I floated along in a daze for the rest of the day. About half the stuff I unpacked might have been put in the wrong place. Oh well.
Everything was lining up just right. My world was full of potential, and things were off to a promising start with my sexy neighb—Merritt. Plus, some shelving for the bedroom arrived. First delivery to my new home! I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
2. When Dog Meets Bone
Merritt
AROUSAL FILLED THE DAMN BLOCK whenever the new neighbor saw me.
Humans unknowingly clouding the air with pungent feelings typically irritated me, and every tiny feeling pours off Aaron in waves, creating some of the strongest scents ever broadcasted in my direction… somehow his aroma doesn’t bother my wolf. All arousal carries a spicy tang, yet his was layered with sweet undernotes like cookies hot from the oven. I wondered what his regular scent smelled like and if it was as enticing.
The lust lingered persistently in my nose even when traveling over a mile to where Tom Parker and Jenny French live. Lived. Before they disappeared a month ago without a goodbye or forwarding address.
“House is clean,” I reported to Agent Frost over the phone. Shiny hardwood floors and lemon scented cleaner surrounded me, the place otherwise empty.
“Figures.” His voice sounded neutral, though I heard the repetitive clicking of a ballpoint pen and knew he felt the same frustration as me.
A few investigators were sent earlier and found nothing interesting, but I still had to check the place out for myself. An average suburban neighborhood rested outside the living room window. Compact cars, pine trees, and not enough hidden vantage points for safely watching two wolves. Nothing strange stood out.
“Tom and Jenny were leasing this place for another four months.” I ran down the list of what we knew. “When they stopped paying rent on the first, the landlord checked in and they were gone.”
“Right.” Frost continued, “They left the majority of their things but took a car and enough essential items to make the police doubt foul play. Credit cards showed charges heading north for rooms at cheap motels without surveillance. They appear to be a young couple that decided to head for greener pastures on a whim. Nothing directly points to them being missing.”
“Not from a human perspective.”
We knew a few things the humans didn’t.
Tom and Jenny weren’t just a nice young couple but a nice young couple of werewolves. Both lived away from pack land but were in good standing with their respective packs. Wolves rarely cut and ran. It looked bad on them and their families to desert the pack, not to mention the emotional toll of abandoning loved ones and an alpha.
Wolves didn’t flee, not without a damn good reason. Or because they weren’t given a choice.
“My case is almost over,” Frost said. “Should I head up faster and—”
“—Help with my dead end?” I filled in, holding back a laugh. “Not necessary.”
“Right…”
The investigation started so late that we were already at a huge disadvantage. Between garnering no attention through human channels and the closest supernatural law enforcement branch being over three hours away, the case was already on the verge of going cold when we received it.
Tom and Jenny attracted attention partly because they were wolves number five and six to disappear from a four-county area in the past six months. All just vanished. Aside from living away from pack lands, the only other commonality between all the missing persons was their ability to sprout fur and claws.
“A second set of eyes may reveal more details,” Frost volunteered.
“Paperwork that bad?” I guessed.
“I’ve faced rampaging minotaurs the size of small buildings and three-headed hydras from dark dimensions. I fear nothing… and I have nightmares about this paperwork.”
“Sorry I can’t help you.” I needed some help myself.
This assignment was full of challenges. Like me going undercover as a suburban homeowner, posing as an ‘average’ lone werewolf among humans. I had little in common with average people. My interests included grisly murders, supernatural victims or suspects, and bringing killers to justice.
Now? I needed to blend in. Live a normal life. Whatever the hell that meant.
Ugh, I was looking at days, maybe weeks or more, full of… Being friendly. Polite chitchat at mailboxes. Socializing. Maybe going on a few dates. What regular people did. Even when they were werewolves, according to my annoying younger siblings.
It all sounded kinda like torture. Then I met him.
Aaron Honeywell—seriously with that last name?—was tempting. Too tempting, unlike the seven middle age divorced women who saw me walking and asked about starting a neighborhood fitness club. Aaron, however, he flustered so… adorably. His round cheeks flushed all rosy and warm as he bit his lip and sneaked glances at me under his eyelashes.
Me and my wolf were typically the epitome of ‘dog with a bone’ once we were on the hunt. Yet my wolf was eager to take a break and learn more about the interesting human who smelled like warm sugar when excited.
Maybe my family was right about me needing a vacation after all.
I had some time to kill anyway. We weren’t expecting action on the case anytime soon. The goal now involved blending in and recon. At least I wouldn’t be bored waiting for the case to heat up.
Maybe this assignment wouldn’t be so bad after all.
Famous last words.
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Gay Paranormal Romance 