Christina Lee – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Christina Lee – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:26:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Christina Lee – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 The Holiday Exchange Read Online Riley Hart, Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-holiday-exchange-read-online-riley-hart-christina-lee Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:26:40 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-holiday-exchange-read-online-riley-hart-christina-lee Genre: M-M Romance, Novella Authors: Christina Lee, Riley Hart Advertisement

Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 153(@200wpm)___ 122(@250wpm)___ 102(@300wpm)

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Dawson

I have the most ridiculous crush on Briar, a customer who frequents my café. We never run out of things to talk about, and I find myself looking forward to his visits.

Just when I’m about to ask him on a date, he shows up at Sip and Savor with none other than my twin, who beat me to the punch. Definitely not how I hoped things would go.

Except my brother isn’t the settling-down type, so three months into dating Briar, he chooses the worst time to dump him—right before Christmas and straight after Briar asks Nathan to accompany him home for the holidays.

As I try to console Briar, he surprises me by cooking up a plot straight out of the movies, where I go home to Maine with him, pretending to be his boyfriend.

It’s supposed to be a friendly favor, I get a trip to the perfect Christmas town, and Briar can save face with his family and childhood ex. Only just like back in Boston, we have fun together, get each other, and I swear the spark I always felt between us grows.

But how does a guy tell his twin’s ex that he’s had feelings for him all along? And can what starts out as a holiday exchange turn into the perfect happily ever after?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

DAWSON

Thursday afternoons around two are always dead at Sip and Savor. I don’t know what it is, maybe because it’s close to the end of the workweek, after lunch, and no one thinks it’s a good time for a smoothie or acai bowl, but like clockwork, at about one thirty, people start migrating out, and by two, it’s just me and my coworker. Once in a while there’s a straggler or two still around. Today it’s someone in the corner, with earbuds and a laptop with an “I don’t know how to make you care about others” sticker on it.

Nice touch, if you ask me.

The slower pace isn’t what I look forward to every Thursday, though. Nope. It’s because it’s when he comes in.

Briar.

An adorable, slightly self-conscious tech guy who works about a block away. It’s not the only day he comes in, but I can always count on seeing Briar every Thursday afternoon.

After the first three weeks, I started to look forward to it, and now, two months in, it’s the highlight of my week…which is maybe a little or a lot embarrassing. Why do I get so excited chatting with a random guy? Especially one that, at least on paper, isn’t my type.

Where my hair reaches my shoulders, his is always neat and styled, along with his clothes, which consist mostly of khakis and button-downs. On days when he’s meeting important clients, he adds a tie and jacket.

He went to college for computer science, and I had no idea what I wanted until two years ago, when my favorite smoothie place went up for sale and I decided this was the dream I didn’t know I had.

Briar is smart, sophisticated in his own way, and…a little like my twin brother, Nathan, if I’m being honest, which is a strange thought since I have the most ridiculous crush on the guy.

Briar. Not my brother, of course.

The thing is, those similarities are all surface level. Nathan is charismatic and knows it, while Briar is slightly shy, unpretentious, and from what I can tell, humble. He’s subtly funny but doesn’t seem to realize it. And he blushes cutely at the simplest compliment.

I like being around him.

I like talking to him.

I have no idea if he’s interested in me, but I’ve finally decided to ask him out.

Today. Only, he’s not here yet.

The door opens, and I look up just as he walks in. His short brown hair has a bit of a wave today, but it’s still as neat as always, freshly cut, and he’s clean-shaven. And his brown eyes…I swear they look like the finest cognac. My lips automatically pull into a grin, Briar chuckling too… What is he laughing at? I wonder, but then…then he steps aside, and Nathan walks in behind him.

My stomach twists. My twin and I have an…interesting relationship. I love him. I care about him. I’d do anything for him, but I also never feel as small as I do when Nathan is around. That’s not his fault, of course. He can’t help that he’s larger than life and everyone loves him, but it leaves me feeling insignificant more often than not.

“Hey, Dawson!” Briar gives me a beaming smile that makes me weak in the knees. “I didn’t know you have a twin! We work in the same building. We met today and decided to have lunch together.”

Because of course they did. That’s just my luck, isn’t it?

“Yep. That’s my brother,” I say, trying to hide my disappointment. Not in being related to Nathan, but him having met Briar.

“Big brother,” Nathan corrects.

I roll my eyes. “By three minutes.”

“Still your big brother.” He grins, then nods toward Briar behind him and fans himself, signaling he finds Briar hot.

Yeah, that makes two of us.

“Do you want your usual?” I ask Briar, ignoring my brother. I feel bad about it, but God, can’t I have this one thing? And I admit I don’t know Briar well, and I was just thinking how they’re similar, but the thought of my brother pursuing him makes my gut sour.

Like I said, I love my brother, but he’s not the relationship type. He cycles through men and women like it’s his job, and while there’s nothing wrong with that as long as they’re both on the same page, I’d rather my crush not be one of them. He might not mean it, but the truth is, Nathan can be a little selfish. He doesn’t always think about others.

“Yes, thank you. What about you, Nathan? My treat,” Briar tells him.

His treat. I know what that means.

Nathan gives me his order, and I watch as the two of them head to a table and sit down together.

Andrea, my employee, starts preparing their chicken pesto wraps while I make Briar’s latte and Nathan’s smoothie.

Nathan must be saying something charming and hilarious because Briar is laughing again.

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Dear John (Aqua Vista #2) Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/dear-john-aqua-vista-2-read-online-christina-lee Thu, 01 May 2025 18:17:37 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/dear-john-aqua-vista-2-read-online-christina-lee Genre: Contemporary, M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee Series: Aqua Vista Series by Christina Lee
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Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)

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Micah

When I wrote the Dear John letter, I never imagined six years would pass before I laid eyes on my husband again. It takes my grandfather’s death to bring me back to Aqua Vista. And to John McCoy, the only man I ever loved. We parted ways on mutual terms to chase our dreams. John’s plan was to open his bar, and mine was to make it in Hollywood. I’m still waiting for my big break, but John’s business is a success, and I couldn’t be happier for him. Seeing him brings it all back—our love, attraction, and fondness for each other—and we couldn’t stay away even if we tried.

John

As soon as Micah walks into my bar, the memories come flooding back, and I have the urge to hold him close, if only to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’ll be here for him during this difficult time because that’s what we do, what we’ve always done for each other. Soon enough we fall back into a routine that feels as natural as breathing. Reminiscing, providing support, making love. I’ve ached for his mouth and body for so long, there’s no way I can refuse either of us.

When Micah rediscovers his favorite childhood interests, I try to tamp down my hopes. He’ll return to LA once his grandfather’s property is sold, and we’ll move on with our separate lives. Loving each other was never our issue, but we finally do the responsible thing regarding our divorce. Guess that saying is true—when you love something, set it free. The only problem? This time it’s for good, and I’m still not sure I can let him go

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

Micah

Eight years ago

“Will you help me clean out the space tomorrow?”

With his parents’ help, John has just purchased a building to open a bar in town. I’m jealous that his dream is being realized while mine’s stagnating. Still, I would never deny him.

“Of course I will.” We kiss lazily. “Don’t have to ask twice.”

“Thanks, babe.” We’re lying in bed, well after midnight, neither of us able to sleep. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy retired an hour ago, and the house is quiet.

I reach for him, wanting to feel the weight of his body, his pulse throbbing against mine. Dipping my tongue past his lips, I deepen the kiss, my fingers winding in his unruly hair and holding him against my mouth. Right where I’ve always needed him.

My fingers delicately skim down his back and over his waist as he leaks across my stomach. I reach for his ass cheeks, grasping handfuls of plump, smooth skin as I split them open and my finger teases his hole.

He gasps, squirming atop me. “Want you to fuck me tonight, Mic⁠—”

“Yeah?” Normally, he enjoys pounding me good.

“Need to feel you inside me.” He ruts against my groin, our dicks slotting together as our gazes clash and hold. And fuck if right now I don’t need that too.

He rolls off me to reach for the lube from our bedside table. We’re married but still living in his parents’ basement until we find a place of our own. They’ve been super accommodating, and I feel more part of his family than my own.

John’s uncle Chuck, a part-time Realtor, is keeping an eye out for us, but this town is so small, with generations of families and their roots, and houses can be hard to come by. I push away that familiar, stifling feeling of being under our families’ thumbs. For me, it’s only my grandfather, and I suppose we could’ve lived with him, but his house is secluded in the foothills, and I already feel like I’m suffocating in this place.

When John lies back down, I slide behind him under the sheets, wrapping my arm around his chest, my cock prodding his crease. Feeling his warm, naked skin against me only makes my dick harder.

“You feel so damn good,” I murmur against his neck.

He hands me the lube so I can slick my fingers and coat my cock. The room is dark and quiet, and we’ve had each other so many times that I can do this part in my sleep.

Gasping, John angles his neck to find my lips as he pushes his ass against my hand.

I chuckle. “I’m getting there.” Finding his hole, I thrust one, then two fingers inside as I suck at the muscle between his shoulder and neck, a spot that makes him squirm.

“Ah hell, right there,” he says, fucking himself on my fingers, and I curve one of them to find his prostate, which makes him groan and shudder.

“God, you’re sexy like this.” As I remove my fingers, he whines his objection, but soon enough, I’m helping him shift his knee toward his chest. I grip his thigh as I press my shaft against his hole, poking inside before pulling out, allowing him time to adjust. His hand covers mine, and as he tangles our fingers together, my heart stumbles over the gesture. We hold hands all the time, but somehow now, in this moment, it makes us feel more connected.

As my cock slips back inside him, this time more deeply, I inhale sharply from the sensation of being able to take him bare, with nothing but love between us. Always do.

My pulse is throbbing against his back as I pause, overwhelmed by finally being fully seated inside his heat.

“Fuck, that’s—” John arches his back, I can feel the sweat against his nape, his fingers trembling as he clutches my hand. Our bodies are as bonded as our hearts, and in these precious moments, all my worries melt away.

Unclasping our hands, I reach for his cock and swipe at the precome to slick the way. He moans and rocks against me as small licks of tingling heat at my groin fuel my thrusts. It’s impossible at this angle to take him like I want and pound him into the mattress. But that urge is warring with the need to draw this out and feel everything with him, every breath and shiver and gasp. The need to sear this into my memory like a snapshot in time. A time when I felt the happiest.

But it proves difficult with John so goddamn tight and warm, like nothing I’ve ever felt before, even though he’s the only guy I’ve been with. Still, it’s as if he’s made for me, and I can’t help wondering if all my heartache, all my father’s abuse and bullshit decisions, have led me to this moment, where it’s only J and me, as flawlessly and perfectly in-tune as we are helplessly in love.

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Just Jack (Aqua Vista #1) Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-jack-aqua-vista-1-read-online-christina-lee Sun, 02 Feb 2025 19:14:20 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-jack-aqua-vista-1-read-online-christina-lee Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee Series: Aqua Vista Series by Christina Lee
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Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)

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Aaron

When I’m running on fumes while driving on what feels like the loneliest stretch of road in California, I worry I’m in trouble. Luckily, I happen upon Aqua Vista, a sleepy coastal town with the only pump for miles, and the grumpy owner who is more gorgeous than he has any right to be. When I’m told I’ll need more than fuel to disable the check engine light on my dash, I figure there are worse places to be stuck while my car gets needed repairs.

Jack

After driving the handsome city dweller to a local motel, the last thing I expect is the hot hookup that happens afterward. As soon as his car is ready, he’s on his way home, so imagine my surprise when he shows up a couple of months later with an offer to buy my business. No way I want an out-of-towner to own part of what my family has built here. Even if I’m not always fulfilled by it. Besides, it belonged to my parents, and it’s all I have left of them.

When Aaron decides to spend several days in town, I figure it’s to soften me up to his proposal. I shouldn’t hook up with him again. Or spend time showing him around…but I do. Before I know it, the charming, attractive visitor starts to feel familiar, almost like he belongs here. Like he’s woven himself into the very fabric of Aqua Vista. I’m fooling myself, of course, and it’ll certainly sting when he hits the road. Outsiders never stay, and though I secretly wish he would, I’m no stranger to heartache.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

Jack

I’m standing behind the counter of my service station, Jack of All Trades, when the slick BMW pulls up to the pump. That’s nothing new. We’re the only gas station between Big Sur and San Simeon.

I’ve seen my share of relieved expressions over the years, and it’s the same with the handsome stranger who slides out of the driver’s side, credit card in hand. He lifts the pump and gives his car some needed gas. At least, that’s the scenario I’ve created in my head. Some travelers plan poorly, even if they’re aware of the long highway stretch and their quarter-full tanks.

The man adjusts his tie as he waits. His shirtsleeves are rolled to his elbows, his suit trousers cut nicely to accentuate his ass and thighs. I turn away from the glass storefront so I’m not caught admiring him—by him or by my best friend, Frank, who will no doubt tease me relentlessly. He’s lucky he’s so damned good with engines.

I sigh as the man slips back behind the wheel. He’ll be on his way, and I’ll never see him again. Just the way it is around here.

I silently thank the attractive man for the eye candy, but then I see his frown through the windshield as he stares at something on his dash. He puts the car in reverse, backs away from the pump, then pulls forward to the garage entrance. I wonder what’s up.

The man adjusts his sunglasses as he exits the car and steps inside to the counter.

This close, I notice his sun-kissed scruff and green eyes. I clear my dry throat. “Can I help you?”

“Did you know your service station is the only one around for miles?”

“Obviously. Who do you think pays for the billboard that led you here?” We hear the same sentiment countless times a week. “Where you from?”

“San Jose.” I figured he was from the city, but I would’ve guessed San Francisco. Though, I was close enough since San Jose is known as the capital of Silicon Valley. Not that I’ve already sized this guy up, but I’ll bet I’m not that far off the mark. “I’m returning from a friend’s wedding in Big Sur.”

“Cliffside view?”

He nods. “It was gorgeous.”

“Photos can’t do it justice.” Believe me, I tried back in the day.

“True.” He blinks as if he’s just remembered the reason he’s come inside. “Anyway, I think something’s wrong under the hood. I needed gas and was relieved to find your station. But even after filling up, which effectively shut the gas gauge off, the check engine light remains on.”

“That can happen if the fuel pump doesn’t detect gas in the tank. Could also mean your fuel filter needs replacing.”

“Right.” He scratches the back of his neck. “Would you mind taking a look?”

“Sure thing. Give me a minute.” I step toward the open door leading to the maintenance garage. “Hey, got time to check this Bimmer?”

Frank nods as he wipes his greasy hands on a towel, then pushes the button to lift the garage door.

“Just pull right in, and Frank will take care of you.”

I get lost in customers and paperwork, yet I’m still keenly aware that the man has sat in the row of chairs customers use while waiting for service. We’re a no-frills station, offering water and soda but not much else.

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Elevator Pitch Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/elevator-pitch-read-online-christina-lee Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:50:14 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/elevator-pitch-read-online-christina-lee Genre: Contemporary, M-M Romance, Novella, Sports Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 13
Estimated words: 12091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 60(@200wpm)___ 48(@250wpm)___ 40(@300wpm)

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What do you do if you’re stuck in a hot, dark space in Vegas with a hunk of a closeted, professional athlete? Offer him one hell of an elevator pitch.

Graham doesn’t know what he’s in for at his best friends’ Vegas wedding, but when he steps inside an elevator with a gorgeous stranger, he doesn’t expect to lose power and get trapped together.

Caleb is amused that Graham doesn’t know who he is let alone follow professional hockey, because Caleb sure as hell is familiar with Graham and his online cooking show.

With nothing but time on their hands, talking leads to confessions, touching, and kissing, and suddenly the minutes they have left just doesn’t feel like enough.

PLEASE This short story was first featured in the limited edition print version of the Vegas, Baby Anthology.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

GRAHAM

I straighten the lapels on my tux and wait patiently for my best friend, Jace. Any minute now he’ll appear alongside his fiancée dressed to the nines for their Vegas wedding. No doubt the Venetian ballroom cost a pretty penny, but the hotel feels like a dream. Almost like you’ve been transported to an Italian countryside with their old-world fixtures and painted ceilings. It’s easy to ignore the rumbles of thunder and cracks of lightning from the storm raging outside when all you see above you are gold sconces, fluffy clouds, and blue skies.

The gondolas are a bit much but seeing Jace and his soon-to-be husband, Rob, riding on one last night was pretty epic. Even more so while a hunky guy sang to them in Italian. I didn’t feel a tug in my gut at all. Besides, me and relationships don’t really mesh. I’ve tried and failed one too many times. Jace says it’s because I always choose unavailable men, but I don’t buy that. If someone wants to be with you, they’ll put in the time and effort.

Jace’s parents are all smiles from the front row. The hotel provided just enough bright white chairs for the intimate ceremony. I give them a thumbs up as I consider the post-nuptial plans. The reception takes place immediately after the vows, and then we have a couple more days of sightseeing, gambling, and delicious food until I’m back home to Seattle.

The speech I need to deliver at the reception will come easily enough. These two are meant for each other. More than likely the guests will be too busy eating from the delicious menu I helped Jace and Rob select to listen to me blather on about our friendship. I’m a bit of a foodie, so I was more than happy to help them settle on the chocolate buttercream cake as well.

Jace got all choked up choosing the two grooms as a topper, so I already know he’ll be crying during the vows, and again after I hand them the rings.

My back straightens almost painfully. “Holy shit, the rings! How could I forget them?”

My gaze swings wildly around the room noting that some of the seats are still empty. I think I have just enough time to retrieve them from my room before the ceremony starts.

“Be right back,” I whisper to Jace’s parents, then turn and hightail it toward the hallway, trying not to alarm anyone as my panic builds with each step.

The moment I get to the lobby I jog at a good pace heading toward the bank of elevators. Any sweat that accumulates from my harried state will be worth it if I get those rings. One of the elevators stands open on my approach.

“Hold the door!” I yell to the person inside, and given his raised eyebrows, I’ve startled him. Despite wariness crossing his features, he still thrusts his arm out to stop it from closing, giving me enough leeway to sprint inside.

I bend forward to catch my breath as the doors shut. “Can you punch fourteen?”

“Sure thing,” he mutters, and I lift my gaze to see a long finger on a large hand make the button light up.

When our eyes meet, my heart kicks up a notch noticing his shaggy chestnut hair, tall stature, long and lean muscles, and broad shoulders. He averts his eyes, obviously not interested in a conversation, and I get it. I wouldn’t want one with me either. Not while I’m a sweaty, disheveled, gasping disaster.

I straighten fully as we start to climb, and I count the seconds going by, hoping I get back downstairs before Jace even notices. I blow out a sigh of relief when the elevator slows as it approaches my floor.

All at once we’re jolted forward as the elevator comes to a hair-raising, screeching halt. “What the hell?” The lights above us flicker on and off for only a couple seconds before we’re thrust into total darkness. My hand reaches out to grip the wall for leverage.

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Tongue-Tied – Franklin U Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/tongue-tied-franklin-u-read-online-christina-lee Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:50:00 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/tongue-tied-franklin-u-read-online-christina-lee Genre: M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >74

Confessing feelings for your best friend takes being tongue-tied to a whole new level.

AUSTIN
Dex has always been my best friend, so it’s no surprise that we attend Franklin U together. We’re complete opposites. Dex is charismatic and outgoing. Me? Let’s just say I wish I could infuse some of his confidence into my veins. Making friends is hard enough, but trying to meet guys, even with Dex’s help? I’m useless. Maybe it’s because Dex is all about hooking up, but I want my first time to be straight out of the pages of the romance novels I read.

DEX
After a string of mishaps, I swore off helping Austin land guys. But when he asks me to show him the ropes with practice sessions, I get the feeling he’s desperate. Our dates are pretend, so why am I getting so into them? I want to make Austin happy, but the line between friendship and something more is getting really damned blurry. The fluttery feeling, that electric energy every time we touch…it’s addicting. I’m getting overprotective, not only of my time with Austin, but with douchebags who might break his heart.

Eventually, the pretending has to end so Austin can strike out on his own. But how do I tell him I’m not ready to let him go, when every attempt at confessing leaves me tongue-tied?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

DEX

I lift my last box and head to the door. “Don’t miss me too much.”

Austin scrunches his nose. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”

“Liar.”

Austin and I have been best friends since grade school. We roomed together in the Franklin U dorms as freshmen and for half of our sophomore year. The plan was always for us to get out of the dorms, though I’ve been in more of a hurry than Austin. I’ve been on a waiting list for the political science house, known as Poli House, and didn’t think a spot would open until next year.

When I got word that a bed would be available at the beginning of the second semester, Austin encouraged me to take it. But I feel guilty, like I’m abandoning him.

“Look at all the space I’ll have.” Austin motions to the empty bed on what used to be my side of the room. He’s been gloating about scoring a single since I made my decision over winter break. That also makes me nervous because Austin has hermit tendencies. Not that I’m his keeper, but I am practically the organizer of his social calendar. Without me, he will never leave this room except for work and class.

That means I have to step up my plan to get him out more.

“You sure you don’t want me to wait?” I ask, knowing full well he won’t change his mind. He knows what a good experience it’ll be for me, especially as I try for local internships. The other residents are as community-minded as I am, and I’ll have a home base to work on any number of campaigns. The dorm room is too tiny for all that.

It was the same for me in high school. I was on student council and loved being active in the community. Austin is an introvert who always has something to read on his device—even in the middle of parties.

He’s painfully shy and awkward around men he finds attractive, so even though he loves the idea of romance, he has always been too timid to follow that dream. But somehow, I can always get him to accompany me to any number of events. He admits it’s because I’m one of the only people he likes being around, but if he wasn’t so picky, he’d have more friends. He’s smart and sweet and amusing too.

“Hell no.” He frowns. “This is important to you.”

“I’ll just have to bug you to help with community-service stuff from Poli House.”

He pumps his eyebrows. “Oh, you’ll be doing plenty of community service at the Molly House. I mean Poli.”

I huff out a laugh. I’m not any sort of hookup master, but I like to have a good time. I’ve never had an actual boyfriend because I suck at the long-term thing. Austin has tried to give me pointers from what he’s read in his romance books, but I think all that stuff is ridiculous. Plus, I’ve never had serious feelings for anyone, and I’ve kept myself too busy to care. After seeing how many boyfriends my mom has been through since she divorced my dad, I know it’s more important to make myself happy. And okay, Austin too because he’s a significant part of my life.

“Think you got everything?” he asks, and I nod as I give the room a once-over. “Good. Now get out so I can jerk off without you hearing me.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Don’t you mean hear it?” he calls after me as I go out the door.

I grin as I descend the stairs and head across campus. It’s a running joke between us that I’m the hornier one. Either he’s really fucking quiet, or he hardly jerks off. Mind-boggling.

Poli House, a sprawling, brick, Tudor-style building, seems out of place with the rest of campus, but I think it’s charming. Once I arrive, I’m greeted by a couple of housemates sitting with their laptops open at a long table in the dining area.

Ian grins. “Good to have you.” I already know him since he’s the FU student council president, and I’m serving as part of the student senate this year. Still, I was required to meet with him to make sure I would be a good fit with the other Poli House residents. Ian’s cool—upbeat and friendly every time we’ve interacted. How he maintains that temperament is a mystery, but I suppose some people have brighter outlooks than others.

I like that Poli House does plenty of fundraising and generally frowns upon heavy partying. The no-hazing rule sold me too. I enjoy having a good time, but not to the point of passing out, especially not after hearing an old classmate died from alcohol poisoning on another campus. Plus, the other residents have similar political goals, as well as community connections. Milo, whom I know from my American Foreign Policy class, is the one who convinced me to put my name on the waiting list. And now Milo is my roommate.

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Wild at Heart Read Online Christina Lee, Riley Hart http://www.ilovenovels.com/wild-at-heart-read-online-christina-lee-riley-hart Sat, 11 May 2024 14:56:53 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/wild-at-heart-read-online-christina-lee-riley-hart Genre: Contemporary, M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee, Riley Hart Advertisement

Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >83

BISHOP SULLIVAN
I’ve always known what my future had in store: inheriting the family ranch and having myself a wife and kids to carry on the Sullivan name. Porter Dixon never factored into those plans. We may have spent our teenage years sneaking away to lose ourselves in each other, but he always held me at arm’s length…until the day he up and left without so much as a goodbye.

PORTER DIXON
After everything I’ve lost in my life, it’s important that I keep myself tightly guarded. Especially around Bishop Sullivan. Dad would be rolling in his grave if he found out I was shacking up with a Sullivan, given the bad blood between our families. But eleven years after leaving, I’m back in Laurel Springs with something to prove: I don’t need the Sullivans, nor their land.

Except, damn it all, Bishop has this way of burrowing under my armor. The magnetic draw between us is still too hard to ignore, and what starts out as boss and ranch hand quickly turns into stolen moments and simmering encounters that make it hard to stay angry.

I want to think that love can conquer all and tame my wild heart…but the past isn’t so easy to forget.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

Porter

Eighteen years old

One way or another, Bishop Sullivan is gonna be the death of me.

I lean against the wood fencing around the paddock, watching him try to break Midnight, the new stock horse his dad had just brought back.

The wild boy completely ignores him, while I fight to bite back my smile. Bishop is the only one who can make me smile like this, which is going to get me into trouble one day, hence the whole he’s-gonna-be-the-death-of-me.

At least I know how to play the part no matter what goes on in secret between us. I can touch him, kiss him, make him come so hard, his eyes roll back, but he doesn’t realize it’s more to me than fucking and friendship because I don’t want him to know.

“You need some help, Bishop?” I yell at him, wishing I could call him Sully, the nickname I use when it’s just us. He’s never been as good with the horses as I am, and it’s something I never fail to tease him about.

“Fuck off,” he replies, and I chuckle quietly.

There’s just something about him that gets to me. There has been since the first time I set foot on Sullivan Ranch when I was thirteen years old. Being a cowboy is all I’ve ever wanted. It’s what my dad had wanted before he passed away five years ago, but working on the Sullivan Ranch? That’s not something I ever thought I’d do and I still feel guilty about it. How can I not, with the family history between us?

On day one, Sully had come up to me, all wide green eyes, with dirt smudged on his face. “My dad says I need to show you the ropes.”

“I don’t care what your dad says,” I’d replied, Sully’s mouth dropping open before I’d walked away. I’d always been a bit of a hothead.

It had taken Sully a week to convince me to let him show me how to do the things I’d always wanted to do anyway, and whether he knew it or not, he’d had me wrapped around his finger ever since.

When the Sullivan Ranch truck pulls down the long gravel driveway, kicking up dust as it leaves, Sully’s gaze catches mine. His dad’s truck. I still hate Sully’s father, but unlike all those years ago, whenever Mr. Sullivan leaves is when I sneak away with Sully.

Sully leaves Midnight where he is, then walks over to Wade, the ranch foreman. “I’ll be back to work with him later. I have something I gotta do.”

“Yes, sir.” Wade might be older than Sully, and he might have more experience, but he’s not Bishop Sullivan Jr., which means that to everyone except me, he’s sir or boss.

Sully heads in my direction. Without waiting for him, I turn and go to the stables, where we saddle the horses without a word, climb on, and get on our way. We know exactly where we’re going. There are a hundred different excuses we can use—working on the fence, checking on the cattle and so on—and we pretty much exhaust them all.

The ride to our freshwater stream is a good twenty minutes. We didn’t want to be alone somewhere too close to the house and risk getting caught. It’s not the only place we’ve found, but it’s our favorite—gives us a spot to rinse off the sweat a little, and sometimes, when Sully catches me on a good day, I even play around in the water with him, pretending I hate it.

We don’t talk most of the ride out. I’m not sure why. Maybe because we both know this will have to come to an end soon. There aren’t a whole lotta queer cowboys around, and even if there were, even if it’s okay, I still wouldn’t be good enough for Sully, the man set to inherit such a well-known Colorado ranch.

Our stream is tucked back into the mountain, a wall of trees and brush helping hide it from prying eyes.

The second we dismount and tie up the horses, Sully starts working my shirt open. “You hungry for it?” I ask him.

“Fuck yes.” Sully is always hungry for it. I think my cock is one of his favorite things.

He kisses my neck while unbuttoning my shirt, licking my sweat. My skin pebbles with desire, my hairs standing on end and blood rushing to my groin.

I can’t wait to bury my dick inside him, show him how much I want him. You’re betraying your dad…your family…by doing this with him.

When Dad died and Mom came to work here as a cook, I thought I would never forgive her. How could we be so close to people Dad hated? How could she work for them, when she knew and believed the rumor about our family, and when I asked, she always said it was because she had to put food on the table. As for me, no matter how much I fought it, how much I tried to keep my distance because of the same reason I’d get upset with her about, things have morphed over the years, grown and changed, where there’s nothing I like more than losing myself in Sully’s body.

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Until We Meet Again – Roosevelt College Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/until-we-meet-again-roosevelt-college-read-online-christina-lee Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:24:54 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/until-we-meet-again-roosevelt-college-read-online-christina-lee Genre: M-M Romance, New Adult Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 48146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 241(@200wpm)___ 193(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >49

Bruce “Bones” Lanning and Emil Ettinger had a decent roommate arrangement at Roosevelt College—other than Bones leaving his dirty socks lying around—so they agree to share the same space again. Their relationship has always been ridiculous banter and competitive streaks, and they assume this year will be the same.

So why are they suddenly enjoying nights holed up in their room together?

Bones can’t figure out what’s changed, why he likes being around Emil so much and why he’s suddenly falling asleep in Emil’s bed. And as far as Emil knows, Bones is straight, so why does he seem jealous when Emil arranges a random hookup, then asks all sorts of questions about what it’s like to kiss another guy?

To put an end to his roommate’s endless queries, Emil kisses Bones, convinced he’s just goofing around. But one encounter leads to another, until Emil begins seeing Bones in a different light. Underneath the clueless, carefree facade lies a deeper emotional underpinning that allows Emil to become more vulnerable too—and maybe even admit that spending time with his roommate is the best part of his day.

Still, Emil isn’t about to become another jock’s experiment, so he makes it clear that their hookups are totally casual. Until they’re not.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

Bones

Bones

I suppose you were a decent enough roommate, and I’d be cool with keeping the same living arrangement for next year. Don’t make me regret it! It’ll also be nice not to find your socks and underwear all over the fucking room over break. Maybe work on that this summer.

Until we meet again. Dork.

Emil

I didn’t know why I kept reading that stupid note, but it made me smile despite myself. I’d grown to like my roommate at Roosevelt College and would even call him and his band of misfits friends. It was fun when we all hung out. I could admit that, at least.

But Emil and I bickered more than anything else. His competitive streak was worse than mine, and when we started fighting over the controllers in the common area, everyone cleared the room. I hated that he could kick my ass in any racing game, and in Ping-Pong, and…well, in all the games, really.

“Bruce, dinner’s ready,” Mom called from downstairs.

“Be right there.”

I read the note again, homing in on the familiar words—until we meet again. My older brother, Brody, had expressed the same sentiment.

Brody had been an all-star in high school and had gone on to impress coaches in college too. Name a sport, and he played it. He was the apple of my parents’ eye, and after his college graduation, he enlisted in the Army and became a Ranger—because, of course, he would join an elite force.

I still held on to the note he wrote me before he left.

I’ll miss you, Squirt.

Until we meet again.

Despite our six-year age difference, Brody and I had been close and had communicated regularly by email when he was overseas in Afghanistan.

Brody,

Mom’s been a nervous wreck since you got shipped off. Dad, too, though he tries not to show it. It’s like Mom can’t even concentrate. Her mind wanders, and she worries constantly about your safety.

I feel like anything I do lately is a nuisance. Especially to Dad. I know my grades aren’t the best, but it’s not like I don’t try.

Maybe it’ll get easier with time.

B.

His replies always made me feel better—probably because I’d looked up to him as much as my parents did.

Squirt,

Soon enough, you’ll be an adult and out on your own. You’ll be able to live how you want. I certainly do.

Hang in there.

Brody

I couldn’t wait for the day I got my college diploma.

Okay, enough reminiscing. I shoved Emil’s note in my drawer and headed down the steps, pausing in the entryway near the large photo of Brody in his military whites. Underneath the picture frame was a table with a pottery bowl we threw our keys into as we came through the front door. Brody had made it for a Mother’s Day gift in middle school. There were also other things he’d sent her over the years that she’d set up as a sort of shrine to him.

When the doorbell suddenly rang, I jumped.

“Who’s at the door?” Dad asked from the kitchen.

“UPS,” I replied, glancing through the window.

“Answer that, will you?” Mom called.

“On it.” I grabbed the package he’d left on the stoop. I felt lightheaded as another memory came rushing back.

That day, almost five years ago now, I’d opened the door to find men dressed to the nines in military uniforms with patches and medals on their chests that obviously meant something important. My gut had tightened at their somber expressions.

When they told us Brody had lost his life in a helicopter training mission, our whole world shattered, and life had never felt the same again.

Mom became inconsolable, and Dad shut everyone out.

I didn’t know what the hell to do those weeks after, so I’d resorted to emailing Brody one last time to make sure it was real—or who the hell knew the reason why. Maybe because it’d become a habit and living by routine kept us going.

Tears had streamed down my face as I’d typed the words and hit Send.

Brody,

I still can’t believe you’re gone. Writing this at least keeps you alive in my head.

Mom is devastated. We all are.

When your body was flown in, it felt like a nightmare.

Were you really inside that casket with the flag draped over it?

I’ll keep a brave face for you and try not to disappoint Mom and Dad.

And if you’re watching from somewhere like Mom believes, send her a sign or something. Let her know you’re okay.

Maybe it’ll ease the ache I feel dead center in my chest, like it’s been hollowed out.

Until we meet again.

B.

Even knowing deep down that he was truly gone, I was destroyed all over again when there was no response.

But despite that, I continued to update him on my life all through high school. The emails were always returned as undeliverable because his account had been suspended, but for that brief moment after hitting Send, it was almost like he was still there on the other side of the world, listening and offering advice.

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In the Gray Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/in-the-gray-read-online-christina-lee Wed, 25 Oct 2023 18:31:26 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/in-the-gray-read-online-christina-lee Genre: M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >75

Foster
I moved to a new city for a librarian job at the university, and though I’m enjoying the change, it does little to dispel the dull grayness of my world. When my dog, Oscar, forms an instant bond with a man living in a yellow tent, my surroundings begin to feel more vibrant and full of possibility. I’m first drawn to Lachlan’s soulful eyes, and then to his kind nature and resilient spirit. I want to know more about him, and Oscar seeking him out on our daily walks provides me with that opportunity.

Lachlan
One split-second decision leads to losing everything and living on the streets. Still, I’d choose my current conditions over being harmed by someone I loved. The only bright spot in my struggle to survive is the handsome stranger and his dog. Despite how compassionate Foster seems, I don’t want any handouts. I need to stay safe and stand on my own two feet after what I’ve been through. But when I find myself in a bind, I allow Foster to rescue me, if only for a night.

Our circumstances couldn’t be more different, and yet I’m drawn to Foster in ways I hadn’t expected. When our attraction skyrockets, Foster assures me that finding comfort in each other doesn’t hurt anyone. But when it becomes something deeper—meaningful conversations and mind-blowing intimacy—it occurs to me that I might’ve met the right man at the wrong time. Story of my life.

*CW: Discussions and depictions of domestic violence, mental health struggles, and experiencing homelessness.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

LACHLAN

Spring had finally arrived, which made being in the elements more bearable, at least until the heat scorched the concrete beneath me. I’d been houseless for the better part of a year, couch surfing at first and then living on the streets in downtown Cleveland when those options ran out. I had no family, no friends, and no place to call my own. Not anymore. All I had was my tent and the clothes on my back, plus a few extra amenities.

It was still a bit nippy this morning, so I pulled my blanket tighter, hoping to sleep for an additional hour before more businesses opened their doors. I’d tossed and turned until well after midnight because of how noisy the surrounding restaurants and bars got on weekend nights, and soon enough I’d need to pack it up and get out of the path of foot traffic.

When I heard a noise outside my tent, I stayed still. Sometimes drunk guys tried to mess with me, but that was normally after closing hours. Surely, they were all tucked into their comfortable beds in the suburbs by now.

The brushing sound against the nylon wall happened again, so I carefully unzipped the tent flap to peek out, and was relieved when all I saw was black fur. I hoped the mutt didn’t decide to take a piss on my makeshift house because it would be hard to get the smell out. It was difficult enough keeping my belongings safe and clean.

I breathed out when the dog and his owner passed by me, the woman giving me the side-eye. I was used to the pity or annoyance in strangers’ expressions, so I kept to myself—mostly. I didn’t panhandle like others did and not because it was beneath me. Everyone had different reasons for living like this—or should I say, surviving. I’d trained my body to eat only the one meal a day provided by a nearby shelter and rationed their donations well enough to keep me chugging along.

When a dog on a leash rounded the corner, I couldn’t help noticing his owner, a handsome stranger with a gloomy expression, like just the effort of walking weighed him down. Or maybe he had a lot on his mind. I knew the feeling well.

They didn’t look familiar, so maybe they were new to the area or the man had changed their route. When the dog began tugging toward my tent, I stiffened.

Christ, not another one.

“Oscar,” the owner warned as the dog made a beeline toward me. What the hell?

I considered zipping up and hiding, but his tongue was wagging along with his tail, which told me he was friendly. I couldn’t help being curious about what would happen next. Dogs normally inspected my tent, but this one seemed intent on inspecting me.

He tugged so hard that his owner struggled to hang on, and I heard him swear under his breath. On instinct, I stretched my arm out so the dog could sniff my knuckles.

“Sorry about this. He seemed determined to get up close and personal with you.”

It was hard not to notice his crisp khakis and button-up white shirt, even as his expression had turned to exasperation.

“I don’t mind.” I smiled as the dog licked my palm. “He’s a good-looking boy. Golden retriever?”

“Irish setter.”

“Aha.” I brushed my hand down his back, smoothed the red fur that was a close match in color to my late mother’s hair. I’d inherited my father’s light eyes and dark hair, though Mom always said she could see a hint of auburn in mine in direct sunlight. Likely to make me feel better. “Makes sense.”

“Thanks for being cool about it,” he said, releasing a steadying breath.

“You don’t see many of his kind around.” I scratched behind his ears as he tickled my cheek with a flick of his tongue. “You must’ve been bred. Bet you’d do well at the AKC dog show—top of the class.”

The owner’s eyebrows ticked upward, maybe because he hadn’t expected a man like me to hold any sort of relevant conversation. But I’d seen it too many times to count. I twisted the braided-leather bracelets on my wrist, something I did when I was nervous or irritated.

When the man seemed to surreptitiously take in my ragged beard and grown-out hair, I couldn’t help wondering what he saw when he looked at me. He had the advantage of a clean shave and a shower, so it was a bit unfair.

But what did I care what a random stranger thought of me? My injuries had healed. I glanced down at my banged-up fingers—well, mostly healed. I probably wouldn’t be able to hold shears steady again. But despite some bleak days living on the street, I’d gotten my life back. I couldn’t give that up, not after what I’d been through. No doubt the solitude affected me at times, but it was worth it for the freedom.

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XOXO Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/xoxo-read-online-christina-lee Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:01:03 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/xoxo-read-online-christina-lee Genre: M-M Romance, Sports Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >84

Lark Levitt doesn’t belong at Roosevelt College, at least in theory. Most students who attend the private university come from wealthy families, and Lark is only a scholarship and a bus ride away from the trailer park where he lives. It’s also a dream come true because dance is his life, and their program is one of the most prestigious in the country. But there are bumps in the road, like running into someone from a difficult time in his childhood. Someone who now pretends he doesn’t exist.

Henry Albrecht survived childhood cancer and is now a Roosevelt quarterback and model student. His past is something his father insists Henry keep private, and though his dad has his reasons, it makes his remission feel like a dirty secret instead of a triumph. He has few precious memories from that time in his life, except for a kid from the hospital who made his recovery manageable. A kid who’s all grown up now and at Roosevelt, jeopardizing everything Henry’s carefully kept under wraps.

They decide the best course of action is to keep their distance. Easier said than done. Their renewed connection brings solace, clarity, and a raw intensity that awakens a spark between them. But hiding their history is exhausting, and soon enough their secret meetups are in danger of being exposed. Henry will need to face his fears—and his father—or lose the only person who’s ever understood the real him.

* Discussions of cancer treatments and depictions of mental heath struggles

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

PROLOGUE

SEVEN YEARS AGO

Henry

I shuffled toward the common room of the children’s ward at Mercy Hospital, wearing a hoodie over my thin gown because of the chill in the air and fuzzy socks with grippers so I didn’t slip and fall. It was standard wear for all patients, so I no longer felt self-conscious about it, and some days I was too sick to care.

My heart leaped when I spotted Lark working a puzzle at a round table. It was one of his favorite activities, especially putting together the famous painting with the ballerinas. He’d sworn me to secrecy before sharing his dream of dancing on Broadway someday. He liked putting earbuds in and listening to soundtracks from his favorite musicals. I’d been to quite a few with my parents and only enjoyed a handful. But Billy Elliot was a memorable one. Not that I was as obsessed with the story as he was, but it helped us find common ground. Lark had taken dance lessons his entire life, but his cancer treatments had set him back.

“Guess what?”

“Chicken butt?” Lark replied, and we smiled at each other.

“I’m being discharged tomorrow,” I said, and though I was excited, I was also sad to leave my new friend. I had what the doctors called a successful bone-marrow transplant for leukemia. But only time would tell.

“Awesome,” Lark responded around a cough.

I sat down in an orange plastic chair. “You get better too so you can go home.”

“I’m trying my best.” He slid an apple Jolly Rancher across the table to me, then pulled down his mask and popped a watermelon one in his mouth. It was his favorite flavor, and his mom kept his hard-candy obsession well-stocked.

I slid a corner piece over to him, though he could probably do this puzzle with his eyes closed at this point. Lark’s cancer was a bit trickier than mine because they also found spots of it on his lungs. He had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and people often got our two types of cancers confused. But mine started in my bone marrow and his in his lymph nodes. And yeah, we both knew way too much about the disease.

We’d been in this hospital for the better part of two months, both receiving treatment and fighting for our lives. The hospital staff tried to treat us as the kids we were by offering activities during the day as long as we wore our masks and washed our hands before and after leaving the room.

One of my favorite days was when they brought the adorable therapy dogs. My least favorite was when one of us died.

Lark and I had grown close, maybe because we were a similar age—him being eleven and me twelve. But it seemed more than that, even if on the surface we had few shared interests. I loved sports and played them all my life. My cancer had also placed me on the sidelines, and my dad worried it might ruin my high school football chances. I was actually more worried about surviving.

“Should we exchange numbers?” I asked Lark as I sat down across from him.

He frowned. “I don’t even own a cell phone. But maybe our parents can?”

“Sounds good,” I replied, though we both knew it was unlikely. Our parents barely saw each other and hadn’t spoken more than a sentence or two. Talk about having little in common.

My parents ran a prestigious real-estate business in Hunterdon County—at least that’s how they always described it. They were usually busy and sometimes seemed more worried about how my illness might affect them more than me. Don’t get me wrong, they were scared and sad when I was first diagnosed; it was written all over their faces. But soon enough they put on a brave front and offered plenty of reassurances—maybe too many. As if my cancer was only a blip on the radar that was my life. Of course, one could only hope. But in the thick of it, I needed all the support and comfort I could get. They offered it, but I always felt like they never really sank into it with me.

And I got it. They wanted to remain optimistic. But as soon as they heard I was being discharged, they were already talking future plans and what private high schools I should apply to with prestigious football programs. There was that word again. Prestigious.

I didn’t tell Lark any of that, but I wanted to. I felt like I would be betraying my parents if I did. They were always worried about appearances, and though I knew I had grown up not wanting for anything, sometimes I wished they would be more like other parents. Like Lark’s mom and stepdad. He wasn’t around a lot, but she was, and she was so warm, caring, and awesome.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >84

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Love Song Read Online Christina Lee http://www.ilovenovels.com/love-song-read-online-christina-lee Mon, 01 May 2023 20:22:21 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/love-song-read-online-christina-lee Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, M-M Romance Authors: Christina Lee Advertisement

Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 71054 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >74

Thirtysomething bandmates, Nolan Metcalf and Ellis Bloom, have been there for each other through thick and thin. So when a life-changing event sends Ellis to the safety of Nolan’s apartment, he’s grateful for the comfort his best friend provides. They’ve never done anything resembling cuddling and sleepovers before, but Ellis finds he needs it just the same.

Soul-deep conversations and tender moments transform into a passion that shocks them both. Since neither has ever entertained the idea of being with another man, they attribute their confusing feelings to their established nightly routine. Determined to spend time apart, they resume their solo lives. But the desperate, achy neediness only returns, and soon enough they’re back in each other’s arms—and beds.

Before they have time to work through it, the real world intrudes. Admitting their secret status would change not only the chemistry of their band but the trajectory of their lives. Plus, their newfound feelings seem as fragile as the beginning notes of a new melody. They’ll need to rely on the solid foundation of their friendship, and even then, it could all fall apart. Will they become a one-hit wonder or a love song that endures the test of time?

TW: Discussions of past child abuse and a home invasion involving weapons

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

Nolan

Ellis leaned toward the microphone near the end of our final set. “Thanks for coming out!”

We drew a decent crowd on a good night, but by this hour, it normally thinned out. Ellis got enthusiastic applause from the stragglers, either because they enjoyed our music or because he was so charismatic. I often wondered if he should’ve been our front man. But I had better pipes. Still, he and Perry sang backup, mostly for the more energetic songs, and Ellis was always the one who got the crowd going because he was like a bright light everyone gravitated toward—and not only because of his sunny outlook. He was damned handsome with his perfectly styled dark hair, groomed scruff, and tall and bulky stature. His mad skills on the bass helped too, the ladies easily swooning. It was why we’d decided he should be the one introducing the band.

Ellis continued, “We’ve got Anthony on the drums, Perry on the keyboard, and our front man, Nolan, on the guitar. And he’s single, ladies.”

The audience clapped as I shot him a scalding look. I was going to kill him. Ellis enjoyed being in relationships, while I’d rather remain solo.

He ignored me, flashing our attendees a smile. “And I’m Ellis, on the bass. You’re listening to In a Funk, and this is our final song. Something new we’ve been working on.”

Our diehard fans, whom I recognized by now, seemed enthusiastic as I looked pointedly at Anthony, then Perry, my fingers perched on the fret. Perry counted off the beat to the first note, and then we were off, playing our newest song we’d practiced for weeks.

We had a regular Thursday night gig at the Thirst Lounge, a little hole-in-the-wall place in downtown Ann Arbor, which was a mecca for live bands. We looked forward to it all week. Just four guys in our thirties who worked regular day jobs and breathed music.

What was left of the crowd swelled toward the stage because it was a livelier number. An older couple even started their version of swing dancing, which wasn’t new. Once they got going, they were pretty entertaining to watch. Ellis and I moved closer to belt out the refrain, smiling on either side of the microphone. We were considered a funkadelic band in the same vein as Bruno Mars. Hell, we’d even covered some of his songs, but we did a ton of our own music because we loved the creative energy so much. We’d never strike it big or score a recording contract, despite Perry’s lifelong dream. Most musicians didn’t, but if we could play for the rest of our lives, we’d die happy.

“Good night!” I said into the mic after the song ended. I was sweating underneath my trusty hat, my glasses sliding down my nose, and from the looks of Anthony, whose shirt was soaked through, he was just as exhausted. It used to be Heather on the drums, and she was badass. When she left the band, it was hard to find a replacement who clicked with us. Finally, Anthony had shown up for the ad we’d placed, sat in on one of our sessions, and won us over.

Perry, Ellis, and I had been in the music scene forever and had seen bands come and go. Musicians fought and broke up like the most dysfunctional families. That was why we had to put our foot down when it came to asking Anthony to join our crew.

“We’ve got some ground rules. For one, don’t throw a hissy fit and walk out on the band. Be a grown-up and talk it through first.”

His eyebrows had lifted. Oh, he was gonna love the second.

“Never mention our former drummer. It sends Perry into a tailspin.”

That made the third rule easy. “No dating between bandmates allowed.”

Full stop. We were done with that bullshit. It was silly to mention that last rule, though, because we were all straight dudes—and Anthony was actually married, we later learned—but the look Perry gave me spoke volumes. Still, you never knew what might happen. We’d considered adding a fifth—maybe someone on the saxophone—for a long time.

We didn’t talk about the reason Heather left, but it had everything to do with Perry. They’d started dating, and it all went downhill from there, which sucked so bad, especially since we’d had a good thing going.

We walked off the small stage, Perry reaching for a hand towel to wipe his brow, and headed to the bar for refreshments. On the way, we were greeted by fans who loved listening to live bands. This was our community, and we reveled in it because everyday life could be a grind.

“Great job, guys,” one guy said.

“Love the new song,” another called out.

“Thanks,” I replied, my cheeks striped pink. But it felt good.

Lydia, the bartender, already had our beers lined up, and we gulped the cool liquid without any chatter between us. We’d brought water onstage, but I was still parched from playing, the tang of the blunt we’d shared before the show still on my tongue. One of our rituals.

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