Food Truck Warriors Box Set Part One - Beth Bolden

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Food Truck Warriors Box Set Part One

Author and Publisher:  Beth Bolden

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: July 19, 2023

Genre: Contemporary MM romance

Tropes: boss/employee, fake boyfriend, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, bisexual awakening

Themes: found family

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 280 861 words

It is part one of a two-part box set. It includes books 1, 1.5, 2, and 3.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link  |   Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Blurb

Welcome to the Food Truck Warriors, a Los Angeles-based, queer-friendly food truck lot. You’ll experience delicious food, even more delectable men, and the most mouth-watering spice of all, unexpected and undeniable romance.

Drive Me Crazy: the toughest part of Lucas’ new job isn’t the long, hot hours he’s working to make fish tacos in such a tiny space, it’s his new boss. Who just happens to be totally irresistible.

Kiss & Tell: Jackson, bar owner and professed workaholic, is ready to let loose this New Year’s Eve, and the only person he wants to kiss at midnight is Greek food truck owner Alexis. But what happens when he discovers he wants more than just a single, soul-scorching kiss?

Hit the Brakes: Tate’s tried for years to get over his high school crush on football player Chase, but he’s struck out every single time. But when Chase shows up at his food truck, ready to help save it from closure, and offers to be his fake boyfriend in the bargain, how can Tate say no?

On a Roll: What happens when two food truck owners name their truck the exact same thing? Sparks fly when Gabe and Sean meet but grow hotter still when they try to convince each other to back down and change their name. Maybe there’s a way they can both win this game.

Excerpt

From Book 1 in the Food Truck Warriors series, Drive Me Crazy:

“Hey,” Tony said, leaning over the counter where Lucas was putting the final touches on a few plates of fish tacos. “Hey, I just thought of something.”

“Hmmm?” Lucas gave the tacos a final sprinkle of chopped cilantro and slid them onto the window ledge. “Fish tacos for Marcy!”

“How are we going to stake out the truck?” Tony said softly. He was clearly trying to keep their investigation from Jeremy, which Lucas was happy about. Maybe he didn’t think Jeremy was the problem, but it made sense to keep quiet about it.

“I don’t know,” Lucas said, sliding another serving of battered fish into the fryer for the next order. Fish tacos were a big hit tonight. “We stake it out?”

“How?” Tony hissed.

“What do you mean how?” Lucas asked. Tony was kind of weird, except it was in this endearing way that Lucas didn’t think he’d tolerate in someone who had shittier hair or was slightly shorter or even worse, had less natural charm.

“Like, I drive a motorcycle,” Tony said. “How are we supposed to stake out the truck on a motorcycle?”

Lucas glanced up. He didn’t know if he loved or hated the frisson of heat that sparked through him when he thought of riding with Tony, plastered to his back, the engine roaring between their thighs. “I have my car,” he said.

“Oh, I didn’t know you had a car,” Tony said.

“What do you think I do? Skateboard around town?” Lucas retorted. “Of course I have a fucking car.”

“Okay,” Tony said. “What about snacks?”

“Snacks?”

“Snacks and binoculars,” Tony said. “We need both of those things for a stakeout.”

Lucas actually didn’t know what they needed—he hadn’t thought this through any further than suggesting it. “Do you own a pair of binoculars?” he asked.

Tony appeared to be trying to figure out if he did. “Uh, no?” he finally admitted. “Do you think they’re a requirement?”

We’re not going to be catching anyone; only spending several hours pressed up together in my tiny-ass car, a situation which I am already regretting. “No,” Lucas said. Because the chance of anyone trying to break into the truck was so slim that getting a pair of binoculars just for this seemed silly.

“I think we can just look really hard, you know,” Tony said. “But the snacks, those are non-negotiable.”

“I have some of my energy bars,” Lucas said. “Is that snack-like enough for you, Mr. Stakeout?”

“I think so,” Tony said, nodding enthusiastically. “I’ve been wanting to try them.”

“Spin class and now energy bars. Give it a few more weeks, and you’re going to actually be . . .” Lucas gave a faux shocked gasp. “Healthy.”

Tony smacked him on the back as he turned towards the window and an approaching customer. It wasn’t quite low enough to be anywhere near his ass, but Lucas felt the sting, and wanted, even as he tried to push the temptation so far out of reach that it’d stop bothering him with everything he couldn’t have. Because even as he acknowledged that he shouldn’t have Tony, he slid further down the slippery slope of rationalization.

Maybe they were just fucking inevitable.

COMING SOON - AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

Book Title: Food Truck Warriors Box Set Part Two

Author: Beth Bolden

Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood Designs

Release Date: July 26, 2023

Genre: Contemporary MM romance

Tropes: bodyguard/protector romance, friends to lovers, roommates to lovers, bad boy romance

Themes: found family

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 242 858  words

It is part two of a two-part box set. It includes books 4, 5, and 6.

Goodreads

Pre-Order Link 

Blurb

Welcome to the Food Truck Warriors, a Los Angeles-based, queer-friendly food truck lot. You’ll experience delicious food, even more delectable men, and the most mouthwatering spice of all, unexpected and undeniable romance.

Full Speed Ahead: Ash’s past is full of secrets, and to his frustration, someone’s not only discovered them, but is determined to reveal them to the whole food truck lot. Ex-military bodyguard Lennox is totally addicted to both Ash’s food and the man, so how can he say no when Ash needs his protection?

Wheels Down: Ross doesn’t like needing help but he can’t pretend anymore that he doesn’t. His food truck is struggling, he’s overworked, and there’s no relief in sight until Shaw, the local bartender, offers him a place to stay, then his friendship, and finally, so much more.

Ride or Die: Ren is used to being desired. He knows what men are looking for from him, and he enjoys them right back, whenever he gets the urge. But what he doesn’t want is a relationship—until Seth starts hanging around the food truck lot, and refuses to agree to Ren’s offer of a no strings night together. Seth wants more, and is willing to risk everything to get it.

About the Author 

A lifelong Pacific Northwester, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.

Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She has published over forty novels and novellas.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |   BookBub

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Shadowy Illusions (D’Vaire, Book 38) by Jessamyn Kingley

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Shadowy Illusions (D’Vaire, Book 38)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: August 3, 2023

Genres: MMM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Fated mates, menage/MMM

Themes: Love

Heat Rating:  3 flames

Length:  98 000 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link

Amazon Series Link – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Three men determined to find love and put the shadows of the past far behind them.

Blurb

For two thousand years, the sentinels were imprisoned. They lived in a world of grayness and loneliness. But those days are far behind Shadow Lord Gerard Treily’s people. Today, the sentinels are revered and distinguished members of society. And Gerard’s purpose is clear. He decides punishments and guides his brethren through the finer points of the law. That, along with being a member of a devoted task force, gives him purpose. But Gerard wants his mate.

Ardusian Valzadari has also distanced himself from his past. Once a sullen elf who pilfered small treasures, Ardusian is now a success and a friend to his chieftain. As an important executive in the renowned company Elven D’Vaire, Ardusian works long hours to avoid the loneliness eating at him. What he wants is the other half of his soul.

The enchanters belong to the same Council as Gerard and Ardusian, but Amaury Gennevois’s people guard their privacy and rarely interact with anyone outside their race. The Gennevoises are a powerful family, but Amaury has little to his name. He has no money or job, and his father and uncle control everything. Neither man cares for Amaury, and he has the scars to prove it. 

To the surprise of Amaury, Ardusian, and Gerard, they discover Fate has granted them a triple matebond. Although relationships like theirs do not have a high rate of success in the Council, the three men care little for statistics. They are determined to build something meaningful. But secrets rest between them, and the past refuses to stay hidden. It will take grit, courage, and instituting change for every enchanter to build the future they deserve.

Excerpt 

Gerard stepped out of his office and stopped at the enormous desk that sat at the entrance of the sentinels’ headquarters. Two men manned it—a sentinel and a necromancer-druid hybrid. They were more than coworkers. Dudley and Evergreen were best friends and family. It was the kind of bond Gerard yearned to experience and hoped to have someday.

The pair were also standing behind their workspace with their gazes locked on something happening out in the hallway.

“What is going on?” Gerard asked.

Without glancing in his direction, Evergreen shrugged. “We aren’t sure. These two guys are out in the hallway acting strangely. I think they might get into a fistfight.”

“They would not have a fight in front of the Sentinel Brotherhood offices,” Gerard stated.

“That is what I said,” Dudley remarked.

Gerard’s eyebrows flew up as he looked through the tall panes of clear glass. There was a Valzadari with his hands raised, and a blond man who stood a couple of inches shorter than the blue elf.

“I wish I could hear what they are saying,” Evergreen said. “I’m pretty sure they were yelling. Why do we have such thick glass?”

“For your safety,” Dudley replied.

“I wasn’t even working for you guys when this place was designed.”

“Not for you specifically, but for whoever sits here,” Dudley explained.

The two men continued to have a conversation in the hallway. One dashed off, but the other halted him in his tracks with whatever he said. It was odd, and Gerard was curious. And annoyed that anyone would choose to have a personal altercation in front of his workplace.

“I am going out there,” Gerard remarked, intrigued by the strange tableau beyond the glass and the squabbling men.

“Good,” Evergreen replied. “Get all the details. What’s going on? Who started it? Are they going to solve their obvious rift with some man love? Tell them to feel free to do that right where they are.”

Gerard rolled his eyes as he stalked to the door. “Elves lack sexuality like sentinels.”

“Stop ruining my day with pesky details. They’re hot together,” Evergreen retorted. “I wonder if we have any popcorn around here, I could use some if I’m watching a show.”

Whatever response Gerard had at the ready for Evergreen disappeared as he pulled open the door. The blood in his body rushed to his groin, and the sweet scents of plums and Concord grapes hit his nose. Both the elf and the sorcerer, who Gerard’s brain immediately catalogued as an enchanter, turned to Gerard with shocked, open-mouthed stares.

None of the three men were shifters, but somehow Gerard’s unfailingly perceptive senses told him the pair were his mates. Gerard did not know how he’d pleased Fate so much for her to bestow such handsome prizes on him. 

The blond enchanter had eyes the same deep reddish-purple as plums, and his hair was combed away from his pretty face. His pert nose was slightly upturned and scrunched as his mouth snapped closed. 

The arresting elf stood nearby in a silk tunic, pants, and flowing cloak. His high cheekbones brought immediate attention to his lovely blue eyes, and his sleek tresses were decorated lavishly with beads and braids.

“Two,” the elf shouted as he bent forward and clasped his head in his hands. “I think I need a doctor.”

Gerard had never been so grateful for his fast reflexes as he rushed over and grabbed the elf before he hit the ground. The poor man had fainted.

“Is he okay?” the enchanter whispered.

“I am not sure any of us are,” Gerard replied, sharing an awkward smile with the pretty enchanter. He finally understood what made a face beautiful. His mates were breathtaking.

The door to the Sentinel Brotherhood whipped open, and Lich Sentinel Alaric Daray stood there expressionless. “What is going on?”

“I just met my mates,” Gerard said, hardly able to believe the words. How he had the calmness to answer questions or help the unconscious elf, Gerard didn’t know, but he attributed it to being a sentinel. The spell that had created him had obviously prepared him for everything—even the almost unbelievable truth of his triple matebond.

Alaric’s dark brows flew up, then he grinned. “The first sentinel with two mates. Bring them inside so you can have some privacy.”

The elf sprawled in Gerard’s arms moved as his lashes fluttered upward. “At least my hallucinations are handsome.”

“Hallucinations?” Gerard asked in confusion.

“He didn’t think I was real,” the enchanter said, his head bowed. “I had my appearance glamoured and removed my spell in front of him. I may have scared him.”

“Can you put me down?” With a huff, the elf straightened, and Gerard gently helped him to his feet. The elf tugged on his tunic, and his cheeks turned a faint purple. “I was startled. But you grew angry with me. Why?”

“Come inside, we can speak in private,” Gerard encouraged. His mates had an issue, and the three of them deserved privacy as they adjusted to their new reality. Although Gerard was still stunned, elation worked its way through him too.

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends. 

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

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Mpreg Reading Journal and Series Tour by Sarah Havan

NEW RELEASE - MPREG READING JOURNAL AND BOOK LOG

Book Title: Mpreg Reading Journal and Book Log

Author and Publisher: Sarah Havan

Length: 193 pages

Release Date: July 4

Not a story, a reading journal and book log.

Buy Links - Paperback only

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Finally, a reading journal and book log for lovers of mpreg books!

Blurb 

Finally, a reading journal and book log for lovers of mpreg books. If you gobble up all those mpreg non-shifter romances, shifter romances, mpreg alien baby books, sweet mpreg, steamy mpreg, and any and all mpreg, then this is the journal for you.

Discreetly keep track of up to eighty mpreg books. There are also pages to track the days you’ve read, how many mpreg books you’ve read in a month, your favorite characters, and more.

Pages are thin, but the mpreg illustrations throughout can be colored in with colored pencils.

Once you fill it up, start another reading journal. It’s a great way to keep track of all the mpreg books you read and makes it easier to recommend books to other mpreg readers.

PINE WOOD FALLS SERIES TOUR 

Pine Wood Falls, a safe place to be yourself

BOOK 1

They didn’t realize how much your life can change overnight.

Book Title: Pine Wood Falls: Expecting

Author and Publisher: Sarah Havan

Length:  349 pages

Release Date: June 21, 2018

Genre: Mpreg Romance

Trope: best friends to lovers

Theme: surprise baby

It is a standalone story, but the characters appear in the other books.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

Conrad Mayfair is finally becoming comfortable in his own skin, so he wants to tell his best friend Mason that he’s gay and in love with him. He can’t seem to get the words out, though. But soon the flirting starts, followed by a weekend of marathon sex, and the shocking news a few months later that Conrad is going to be a father.

Something’s going on with nineteen-year-old Mason Donnelly. He seems to be developing breasts, has felt sick for months, and is constantly tired. After a doctor’s appointment to try to figure things out, his life flips upside down. He learns not only is he intersex, but he’s also pregnant, a condition only made possible because Mason is an omega and Conrad is his alpha.

Conrad and Mason are introduced to a new way of life they knew nothing about. While Conrad is willing to jump in and accept it, Mason isn’t so sure. Together, they have to decide if it’s a life they truly want.

*this is a non-shifter Mpreg romance
*this is a great introductory book for those not familiar with this genre
*this book will introduce you to a secret omegaverse set inside the real world

BOOK 2

 They didn’t realize they could both get him pregnant.

Book Title: Pine Wood Falls: An Extra Alpha

Author and Publisher: Sarah Havan

Length:   367 pages

Release Date: February 25, 2019

Genre: Mpreg Romance

Trope: Threesome/polyamorous

Themes: Recovering from trauma, finding a family

It is a standalone story, but the characters pop up in the other books.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

Thomas escaped his ex and has settled in at Pine Wood Falls. He found himself a nice job, has a cute little house, and his twins are now four months old. The last thing he wants or expects is to go into heat again so soon. He tries to fight the urge but can’t hold off any longer.

Campbell catches the scent of his fated omega. He finally found the one and can’t wait to start a family. So he goes to one of Pine Wood Falls get-togethers to do what nature wants of him, what he wants -- to mate with his fated one, but the situation gets turned on its head when there’s another alpha there that wants his omega.

All Griffin wants is a good time. He doesn’t believe he’s fated for anyone, that’s all in the past. He just wants his needs met, but another alpha stands in his way. Luckily, they all come to an agreement. The three of them together.

They don’t think they can both get the young omega pregnant. Thomas doesn’t think he’s fated for either of them, but when he ends up pregnant with quads, they all have some things to work out.

***mmm sex scenes.
***this book has some intense sex scenes.
***a couple of these scenes have some light BDSM elements.

BOOK 3

They didn’t realize two omegas could fall in love.

Book Title: Pine Wood Falls: An Omega Kind of Love

Author and Publisher: Sarah Havan

Length: 249 pages

Release Date: October 22, 2019

Genre: Mpreg Romance

Trope: friends to lovers

Themes: family banishment, finding a new home and family

It is a standalone story, but the characters pop up in the other books.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

After Skyler Hanson’s professor impregnates him and kicks him to the curb, and after his family banishes him, he ends up at Pine Wood Falls. All alone and uncertain about where his life is heading, he’s taken in with open arms. All the other omegas help put some of his concerns at ease, especially his new friend Lucas.

What starts as a friendship soon blossoms into cuddling and wearing lingerie together, which moves onto many nights of passionate sex. But they have never heard of an omega pairing before and are scared of the consequences of their relationship, so they decide to keep it secret.

Along with his belly, Skyler’s worry about getting thrown out of Pine Wood Falls grows while rumors about Lucas and him begin to float around. Soon, things start to get a bit tense between them, and their relationship might not make it out alive.

*An Mpreg romance told from a single POV.

BOOK 4

They’re fated even though they can’t stand each other.

Book Title: Pine Wood Falls: Perfectly Mismatched

Author and Publisher: Sarah Havan

Length:  417 pages

Release Date: June 22, 2021

Genre: Mpreg Romance

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, business partners to lovers

Themes: overcoming assault, letting love in

It is a standalone story, but the characters appear in the other books.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

Dekker Baines decides he wants to start a family, but he doesn't have an alpha, so he goes to one of Pine Wood Falls' get-togethers. It's where you go if you need someone to mate with, but his evening goes sideways when a few alphas don't take no for an answer.

Ryder Remington is Dekk's business partner, and when he gets a call that Dekk is in trouble, he runs to his rescue and comes across a scene that makes his blood boil. A month after the attack, when Dekk goes into heat again, Ryder tells him he'll be the father of his children. Dekk is reluctant at first but can't fight his urge to be with child.

Now they're starting a family, but the thing is, they can't stand each other. They are as mismatched as two people can get. Together they have to navigate recovering from trauma, try to tolerate living with each other, and get ready for quintuplets. If they can manage all of that, they might get their happy ending, but things never go according to plan.

About the Author 

Sarah Havan writes mainly Mpreg, but also dabbles in other kinds of LGBTQIA+ books, loves watermelon flavored candy, and has a vast flannel shirt collection. When not writing, Sarah enjoys reading and watching shows about murder.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook page  |   Facebook Group 

Newsletter sign-up  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

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Lessons in Chemistry by Colette Davison

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Colette Davison

Cover Artist: Designs by Morningstar

Release Date: July 27, 2023

Genre: Contemporary gay romance

Tropes: MMM, college/university romance (all characters are over 18), slow burn, fake date, opposites attract

Themes: Finding yourself while finding each other

Heat Rating: 3 flames

 Length: 96 500 words

It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Pre-Order Link 

Universal link  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  

What do a nerd, a jock, and a slacker have in common? Each other.

Blurb 

When Auggie’s controlling father threatens to cut short his studies, it’s time to put his life in order. Add one cute nerd and one dedicated swimmer, and he has a new lesson to learn—how to love.

Emory is all kinds of confused. He really, really likes Auggie but is also in love with his best friend, Casey. Then Auggie comes up with a plan to see if Emory and Casey share any chemistry, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Casey lives for swimming and snuggling his best friend, Emory. Except Emory is in love with him, Auggie’s confusing him, and suddenly he has to confront his feelings and his sexuality.

Three men and one conundrum. How can they all get the guy?

Lessons in Chemistry is a slow-burn MMM college/university romance between an inexperienced nerd, an asexual jock, and the slacker who’s been around. There’s a fake date, first times, three guys finding their way in love and life, and a whole lot of snuggling.

Cover Reveal Teaser

Copyright Colette Davison 2023

“Aren’t you going to stay and finish your drink? Drinks,” he corrects. “I got you a fresh one.”

I sink into my chair. It would be rude not to stay, even though I want to run far away from him so I can scrub my brain out.

“We can chat about your problem,” Auggie says.

“My problem?”

“Yes. Your unrequited love for Casey. Have you told him you’re in love with him yet?”

“No, and I’m not going to.”

“Why not?”

Because I couldn’t take the inevitable rejection. “I don’t want to make things weird between us. Anyway, he told me he’s not interested in dating.”

“Oh, so you guys do talk about this kind of stuff after all.”

“He mentioned it last night when we were talking about—” I slap my hands over my mouth.

Auggie waggles his eyebrows. “Has someone else caught your fancy? Me, for instance?”

“You are so full of yourself,” I mutter.

“You could be full of me too.”

I choke, cough, and splutter all at the same time. Auggie stands and pats my back, which doesn’t make anything better. I sip my iced coffee until I’ve recovered.

“I’m sorry.” Auggie doesn’t sound the least bit sincere.

About the Author 

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook Page   |  Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

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Search for Complete by Stephen G Hardy #kindleunlimited

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Search for Complete

Author and Publisher: Stephen G Hardy

Cover Artist: Ryan Mulford

Release Date: June 4, 2023

Genres: LGBTQ+ fiction, Not a romance per se

Tropes: Speculative fiction inspired by a Greek Myth

Themes: Interpersonal relationships, sexuality, and gender norms

Heat Rating: 1 flame

Length: 81 320 words/350  pages

It is the first in a series of at least 3 books and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Blurb 

“Why do I get the feeling that Christopher is the type of man that would make the perfect husband for any woman and, at the same time, the perfect wife for any man?” Laura says shortly after Christopher begins his new job at the TV station. Laura’s statement would turn out to hold more truth than she could imagine. No one who meets Christopher, especially not Laura, as well as David, a gay man he meets at a party, understands what it is about him that draws them to him. They also don’t realize that Christopher is searching for something, a search complicated by their desires for him.

Excerpt 

I began to question accepting Laura’s invitation when I heard the noise coming from the backyard as we approached the house. I disliked crowds, and it sounded like an immense crowd was on the other side of the gate.

People were everywhere—seated on lounge chairs scattered around the patio or at the rectangular dining table or milling about in various groups—talking loudly over the blaring music. Laura’s voice broke through the noise.

“I don’t see Peter anywhere. He might be inside. Shall we find him?”

“By all means. I would feel uncomfortable attending his party without meeting him.”

I followed Laura into the house. As we passed through the living room, my eyes fell on a few framed photos of a handsome couple on the wall.

In the kitchen, a solitary male figure was removing a tray of croissants from the oven.

“Hello, Peter.”

As he turned around, I recognized Peter as one of the men in the photos. Tall and slender, with dark hair and a mustache waxed into handlebars, there was a dapperness to him that I found pleasing.

“Hey, Laura. Lovely to see you!”

After setting the hot tray down, Peter hugged her.

“Peter, I want you to meet Christopher. He just moved here from Seattle and works with me at the station.”

“How do you do, Peter?“

Having grown used to the reaction my presence caused, I smiled patiently as Peter, unable to speak right away, shook my offered hand.

“I hope you do not mind my crashing your party. Laura assured me that you would not object to her bringing me.”

“No, of course, I don’t mind.”

The words tumbled out one on top of the other.

“Is there anything we can do to assist you?”

“No, I have it all under control, thanks. Please help yourself to the food and drinks out on the patio.”

“We will. Thanks,” Laura said, taking my arm and steering me back through the living room.

“Peter is very nice,” I commented as we stepped through the doors and headed towards the drinks table. “Can I make you something?”

“A mimosa, thanks. Yes, Peter’s a sweetie.”

We stood sipping our drinks as I scanned the crowd of mostly men, a mix of young and old, before Laura took me around, introducing me to the people she knew.

I instinctively searched their eyes for the essence of another while ignoring Laura’s scrutinizing gaze.

Laura needed to use the bathroom, so she left me standing under the large Ficus tree where we had sought shade from the sun. Within minutes of her departure, I was surrounded by a large group of people vying for my attention. Carrying on multiple conversations was challenging, but I did my best to make each person feel they had my full attention.

He caught my attention on the periphery of my vision: tall and well-built, resembling the small statue of the god Mars that sat on the table in Joseph’s shop. Our eyes met, and I felt my heart skip a beat, seeing something flash in his eyes. Smiling hopefully, I extended my hand to him.

“Hello, my name is Christopher Dunn.”

As he shook my hand, I took the opportunity to search his golden-brown eyes. My initial hope turned to disappointment, for while something was there, it was not another’s essence. Though disappointed, I was intrigued.

“Davidmartelli.”

He slurred the two names into one in his haste to get the words out.

As I gazed into his eyes, the feeling of a purpose to our meeting appeared—first Laura and now David.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, David Martelli,” I said, saying his name distinctly.

David blushed attractively, causing a twinge in my heart.

“Can I get you a drink?”

He looked so crestfallen when I held up my cup that I was tempted to down my drink and ask him for another.

“Oh, you have one.”

 “I do, but I appreciate you asking.”

I gave him a smile to back up my words. It was apparent that David was struggling to find something to say, the frustration evident in his handsome features. I wanted to get him away from the people surrounding us and talk to him alone, but I did not see how I could do so without offending everyone else.

Conscious of the eyes watching us, David blushed again and backed away.

For some reason, I knew that this behavior was out of character for him. Watching him walk away, I hoped we would meet again as I wanted to discover what I saw in his eyes.

About the Author  

Stephen Hardy was born in the San Francisco Bay Area but grew up in the Pacific Northwest. His career as a fashion designer took him back to San Francisco before he headed to New York City, where he met his husband of twenty years. Tiring of the hectic pace of the fashion industry, Stephen gave up his career to become a stay-at-home dad for his and his husband’s two adopted sons and a quiet life in Connecticut. Now residing in Phoenix, Arizona, and with the kids grown, Stephen returned to university, where he rediscovered his love for writing. His focus is on contemporary fiction, examining social issues regarding gender, sexuality, and relationships. Search for Complete is his first novel, and a sequel is expected in early 2024.

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