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Can a man who loves his small hometown trust it to love him back? Jared Thomas has lived in the mountain town of Coda, Colorado his whole life. He can't imagine living anywhere else. But Jared's opportunities are limited--the only other gay man in town is twice his age, and although Jared originally planned to be a teacher, the backlash that might accompany the gig keeps him working at his family's store instead. Then Matt Richards moves to town. Matt may not be into guys, but he doesn't care that Jared is. A summer camping and mountain biking together cements their friendship, but when Matt realizes he's attracted to Jared, he panics and withdraws, leaving Jared all too aware of what he's missing. Facing Matt's affair with a local woman, his disapproving family, and harassment from Matt's coworkers, Jared fears they'll never find a way to be together. But for the first time, he has the courage to try... if he can only convince Matt.

Eldon Cinder longs to attend a royal ball to see Prince Xavier, but the event is exclusive to women. In a twist of fate, a local witch grants him the chance to become female for one night. This magical transformation sets the stage for unexpected adventures and potential mishaps, all centered around one enchanting dance. The story explores themes of identity, desire, and the consequences of wishes, leading to a night that promises to be anything but ordinary.

Facing a looming deadline, Abaddon must fulfill his soul acquisition quota to avoid a demotion to a less glamorous role. His quest takes him to the Bible Belt, where he seeks a blend of sweetness and challenge in his next target. The story blends humor and supernatural elements as Abaddon navigates the complexities of his underworld job.

Set against the haunting backdrop of a long-unsolved murder, six teenagers attempt to connect with the spirit of Cassie Kennedy through a séance in her former home. Haven is skeptical of the supernatural, suspecting that his cousin Elise is merely orchestrating a prank. However, his motivation to join the group lies in his interest in the new boy, Pierce Hunter. As the night unfolds, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, revealing secrets and fears that could change their lives forever.

Sometimes family chooses you. At forty, Vincent "Vinnie" Fierro is still afraid to admit he might be gay--even to himself. It'll be a problem for his big fat Italian family. Still, after three failed marriages, it's getting harder to ignore what he really wants. Vinnie attempts some self-exploration in Chicago's Boystown bars, far from anyone who knows him. Naturally, he runs smack into someone from the neighborhood. Between working two jobs, going to school, taking care of his grandmother, and dealing with his mother's ongoing substance abuse, Trey Giles has little time for fun, let alone dating someone who swears he's straight. Yet after one night of dancing cheek-to-cheek, Trey agrees to let Vinnie court him and see if he truly belongs on this side of the fence--though Trey intends to keep his virginity intact. It seems like a solid plan, but nothing is simple when family is involved. When Vinnie's family finds out about their relationship, the situation is sticky enough, but when Trey's mother goes critical, Vinnie and Trey must decide whose happiness is most important--their families' or their own.

Graham grapples with his fading passion for rodeo life and his complicated feelings for his longtime friend and partner, Jackson. After a tumultuous drunken encounter that altered their friendship, Graham's disillusionment with the sport intensifies, fueled by the physical toll it takes and the protests from animal rights activists. As they navigate their friendship and unresolved emotions, Graham must confront both his love for Jackson and his desire for a different path in life.

In 1986, Nate Bradford's summer turns bleak after his parents' divorce, forcing him to move to the small town of Warren, Wyoming. Struggling to fit in, he meets Cody, a boy from a troubled background. As their friendship deepens, Nate grapples with his feelings for Cody amidst societal prejudices and the looming AIDS crisis.

This collection features a variety of previously-released short stories, showcasing diverse themes and narratives. From the suspenseful "Chapter Five and the Axe-Wielding Maniac" to the eerie "Apartment 14 and the Devil Next Door," each tale explores unique characters and situations. Other notable stories include "To Feel the Sun," which delves into emotional landscapes, "One More Soldier," reflecting on sacrifice, and "Cinder," a reimagining of classic motifs. Readers can expect a captivating journey through different genres and styles.

Tension escalates as Captain Tristan Kelley grapples with loyalty and desire while imprisoned by the pirate Valero, who seeks to seduce him. Accompanying his Prince on a dangerous journey through Blind Space, Tristan discovers a traitor within the guard. As he endures captivity, he begins to reevaluate his allegiance to the Regency and the Prince, questioning the true meaning of freedom and duty. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal conflict.

Exploring the world of classic literature, this book seeks to unveil the hidden truths and themes that often go unnoticed. It delves into the motivations of iconic authors and the societal influences that shaped their works. Through critical analysis and engaging commentary, readers are invited to reconsider the significance of these timeless narratives. By examining the intersections of history, culture, and personal experience, the text aims to enrich the reader's understanding and appreciation of classic literature.