Don’t Shoot the Messenger by Sean Kennedy
The only part Dave hates about his job as a singing telegram messenger is having to deliver an “86”—a break-up by proxy—on Valentine’s Day. Well, that and the fuzzy bear costume. But the take-a-hike jingle is especially difficult to deliver this time: the recipient, sexy IT nerd Mitch, is surprisingly attractive for a guy who’s just been dumped.
The Second Time is the Charm by Maria Albert
Florist Sean Wycliff thrives on helping happy couples express their love for one another, so he’s thrilled to aid Detective Rick McFarlan in finding the perfect Valentine’s Day bouquet for his life partner Jeremy Masterson. Sean only wishes he had someone special too. A fateful shortcut through a mall service tunnel promises to change Sean’s life forever, if he can find the courage to finally lay the demons from his past to rest. Meanwhile, Rick and Jeremy’s relationship isn’t quite as idyllic as it seems. Will Sean find his own happiness only to see them lose theirs?
Read more about the policemen and firemen of Hilldale, Calif., in Maria Albert’s other stories.
Better Late Than Never by Ashlyn Kane
Shy medical student Julian Piet is preparing to spend his birthday—Valentine’s Day—alone in his dorm room with only his textbooks for company. His plan is foiled when a handsome stranger appears to deliver a birthday gift. Patrick Hawkins is cute, confident, and completely determined to get Julian to come out of his shell (and the metaphorical closet), even if he has to drag him out kicking and screaming.
Read more of Julian Piet’s story in True North.
Indulge on Valentine’s Day by S. Blaise
Glyn Bateman works at a gourmet chocolate shop called Indulge. But the chocolates aren’t the only things catching his eye: there’s also his good-looking manager, Maxwell Black. It’s getting close to Valentine’s Day, but Glyn is too nervous to figure out if Max would be interested in him... until a gorgeous, bubbly blonde shows up at Indulge, calling herself Max’s girlfriend.
Dr. Hot Reindeer Antlers Kisses It Better by Bethany Brown
Seth McAllister is on cloud nine. He and sexy doctor Noah Hunter have been dating since Christmas, and it just keeps getting better. Seth is planning an extravagant Valentine’s Day dinner for the two of them and Noah’s son, Brady, whom he adores. Everything is perfect until a run-in with an ex and an emergency trip to the hospital ruin Seth’s plans. Will Noah be able to soothe his lover’s fried nerves and salvage their Valentine’s Day before Seth loses it completely?
Interested in more of Seth and Noah’s story? Read Christmas Luck.
Milestones by Chrissy Munder
Things started out great for Devon and Jeff, but as time passes and their work commitments grow, so does the distance between them. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it takes a stranger’s advances and a friend’s well-meaning interference to remind them that sometimes it’s more important to celebrate the little milestones in life than the big ones.
Under Protest by G. S. Wiley
In 1973, aspiring writer Bobby Katz lives in a Greenwich Village loft with his activist boyfriend and an assortment of hippies and radicals. But something’s missing. Arrested during a Valentine’s Day protest against the Vietnam War, Bobby comes face to face with a high school friend, Jim Darnell, now an NYPD officer—and the relationship neither of them ever really left behind.
A Year-long Valentine by Jaxx Steele
A singer at a jazz and blues club, Stephan’s dream has always been to make it big. When the club’s new owner offers him a contract to headline at the other clubs he owns, it’s the start of a whirlwind year of travel, exposure—and a very special man in every city. Not until he returns home on Valentine’s Day does Stephan realize he has one dream that’s yet to come true.
Meant to Be by Zahra Owens
On Valentine’s Day five years ago, Kai met Toby in an airport when their flight was delayed by a blizzard. Since then their long-distance relationship has had its ups and downs, but both men have plans to make their anniversary special—until fate once again takes a hand.
The Wild Side by Janey Chapel
Ryan’s usual hookups are “jocks and jarheads,” but when he takes a job at a beachfront restaurant during the busy Valentine’s Day weekend, he feels an immediate chemistry with Nick, an older man recovering from a nasty divorce. Ryan thinks the attraction is mutual—but “No-Dick Nick” doesn’t do one-night stands. Maybe it’s time for Ryan to rethink his standards....
Coming Home by Nicki Bennett & Ariel Tachna
Since handsome truck driver Tate rescued him from a holiday snowstorm, Mason has been falling deeper in love every day. He only wishes he could be sure Tate feels the same. Mason sets his heart on a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration, but Tate’s been on the road almost non-stop since they met. Will love be enough to tempt his traveling man into coming home?
