The set includes the following stories:
All I Want for Christmas $2.99
By Linda Reilly
Spending Christmas in New York City was supposed to be for fun, not for falling in love, but when David Gilden’s buddy thinks it’ll be funny to crank-call a stranger, David’s perfect, cookie-cutter life takes an unexpected twist. He’s been in denial for years about being gay, and with just one kiss, he realizes all he wants in life is to be with Nicholai Markoff. Even if he knew ahead of time the mysterious stranger was a vampire, being in the man’s bed would’ve still topped David’s Christmas wish list—and he was Jewish!
An Australian Christmas in New York $1.49
By Sean Kennedy
Vince has been living in New York for the past four years with his partner Chuck, but as Christmas approaches, Vince finds himself missing the weather, smells, and other traditions of the Australian holiday. With Chuck being a little distracted, Vince is feeling sorry for himself, until the day itself arrives....
Biting the Christmas Biscuit $1.49
By Dawn Kimberly Johnson
With friends and family busy or unwelcoming, Alec and Eli make an unusual decision and accept an invitation from the Tuckers, the family of Eli's dead lover. At first it makes for an uncomfortable holiday, but both men may find questions answered and fears quieted by basking in the love and understanding of the colorful clan.
Cabin Fever Over the Holidays $2.99
By Jay Starre
Sam arrives at the cabin hideaway to visit his best friends Cole and Andreas for Christmas and New Year's, well aware of the wild, carnal frivolity to come. He tends to be the withdrawn sort, but when the handsome Jimmy arrives, Sam decides he just might not mind the distraction, thanks to his friends' gentle amusement and love.
Charity Starts at Home $3.99
By Zahra Owens
During the Christmas holidays, the affluent Haden knocks on the door of Quinn's homeless shelter with a proposition: he wants to help make Christmas a little brighter for the shelter's residents. But Quinn is suspicious of Haden's motives and money. The fact that their worlds are miles apart is painfully clear, and although Quinn finds he just might be able to love Haden, his own prejudices might block the way to a future together.
Christmas Perfection $1.49
By Bethany Brown
Sky and Derek are a happy couple enjoying their first Chrismas in their recently purchased home. Unfortunately, their Christmas dinner comes with thirteen guests: their families are coming for dinner. Along with one niece who won't eat meat and one who will only eat food that is yellow, they have some challenges to overcome, but they're determined to find a way to make their Christmas perfect.
Collingsworth $2.99
By Andy Eisenberg
Michael is the poor cousin, living on charity and a scholarship to an exclusive boys' school, Collingsworth, after his parents' deaths. With the help of a sympathetic teacher, Michael is outfitted for the formal masked ball, and when the girls' school pulls out at the last minute, the Headmaster of Collingsworth holds the event with only the boys of Collingsworth attending--and Michael may have the chance to recognize his dream and dance with his longtime crush, David. But will it mean nothing in the end and leave Michael despondent and alone for the holidays?
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Dresden Weihnachten $2.99
By Edward von Behrer
When Daniel Richardson abruptly finds himself in Dresden, Germany, heading a new branch office, culture shock hits him hard. Then one day the attractive young cashier for the express lane at the grocery store around the corner from his new apartment strikes up a conversation about one of the American's recent purchases--and so begins a relationship that at first seems improbable. But could it be fate? As gorgeous baroque Dresden begins celebrating Christmas in its own special way, Daniel discovers that life is not always what it seems and realizes that until now, he's had no idea what love is.
Earth and Sun, Cedar and Sage $3.99
By Margaret Mills and Tedy Ward
Gideon Makepeace grew up in Bill Tourney's Traveling Wild West Show, so he knows Indians better than a lot of folks of his day. He and his half-breed lover, Jedediah Buffalo Bird, are traveling east to New Orleans where Gideon hopes they'll find a home together, safe among the crowds of the big city. But it's winter in the desert and a storm is blowing in, so when they run across Kingman, Arizona, just before Christmas, they decide to take their chances and hunker down for the holiday.
Four Grooms and a Queen $3.99
By John Simpson
Life is good these days for rookie cops and best friends Patrick St. James and Hank Capstone. They've closed the books on two high-profile serial murder cases and survived unscathed. Now they learn that they've earned the admiration of their peers and superiors and that they've both been promoted to detective third-class. Things are good on the home front too--both men have loving partners who worry about them but support them wholeheartedly. Could things get any better? How about a double wedding on Christmas Eve? A story in the Murder Most Gay series.
Got Mistletoe? $3.99
By Andi Anderson
Blake Roberts just wants to buy some wrapping paper and go home. That changes when he's surprised by a supercenter employee keeping the Christmas spirit alive by singing and doing some impromptu dance moves. Ryan Jolly is bouncy and a little flamboyant... and Blake is immediately smitten with him. Despite being total opposites, Blake's heart is captured by Ryan’s bubbly personality and sweet smile, and when attraction flares between them, Blake starts to hope his new Christmas wish--to spend more than the holiday with Ryan--might come true.
Holiday History $2.99
By Heidi Champa
When Kevin is hired to paint Gary's house before the holidays, he's immediately attracted to the rich, smart, and handsome man who is way out of Kevin's league. Why? Because Kevin has a history just like Gary's present life; he grew up rich and privileged before his father's gambling destroyed his financial security. Though Gary is interested in him, Kevin is scared to try again, scared of daring to wish for a second chance at all his dreams. As Christmas gets closer, will Kevin realize how close his dreams are to coming true? Or will his fear keep him from believing in holiday miracles?
Home for Christmas $1.49
By Nicki Bennett
Connell and Spence met on the Savannah riverwalk, drawn together by Spence's music and the sudden passion that flared between them. But when Connell has to return to England, rather than wearing itself out as long-distance relationships often do, their attraction only grows stronger. Facing the holidays alone, Connell decides there's only one place he wants to be for Christmas--with Spence. Read how Connell and Spence met in Riverwalk.
If I Must $3.99
By Amy Lane
Joel Martinez, a practical and organized computer programmer, is roommates with Ian Cooper, a certified IQ-in-the-stratosphere mathematical genius who literally can't find his own underwear in the mess of his day-to-day life. When Joel uneasily leaves Ian for the holidays, he ends up telling stories to his sister and discovers he feels much more for Ian than he thought. So when Ian calls, distraught because the only other thing in his life that loves him (a half-feral cat named Manky Bastard) is going to have to be put down, Joel hurries back home hoping that opposites really do attract.
The Mistletoe Phenomenon $3.99
By Serena Yates
Magnus Carstens, an eminent glaciologist, recently had to change his life: he's become his nephew Jakob's guardian after the boy's parents died in a plane crash, he's taken a new job as a park ranger, and he's moved them to Mistletoe, Wyoming, so he can offer a stable home to Jakob while still contributing to science. There he meets Lance Rivera, a disillusioned physical therapist who is working in his sister's store to make a living after his lover took off with all their money. When the two men come together--literally under the mistletoe--both realize all they really want, despite adversity, is a family to love.
Mitchell's Presence $2.99
By D.W. Marchwell
Arthur is so emotionally jaded that he prefers nameless, faceless encounters allowing him the freedom to walk away. But then he meets Mitchell while hunting for an office Secret Santa gift. Mitchell is kind, funny, and quick-witted, and while Arthur starts thinking about a meaningless hook-up, he's also considering what it might be like to know Mitchell better. Despite their all-too-apparent differences, Arthur sets out to woo Mitchell. In the process he finds himself not only thinking of changing but of doing everything he can think of to make it happen so he can finally find a home.
New Year, New Love, New Challenge $1.49
By S. Blaise
Andy and Trent met at a Hogmanay ceilidh last year when Trent was new to Scotland, and they hit it off right away. Now it's New Year's Eve twelve months later, and they're still together, happier than ever. But Andy has news for him, something that may mean Trent will be alone in Scotland once more. Read how Andy and Trent met in New Culture, New Year, New Love.
Northern Exposure $2.99
By Marguerite Labbe and Fae Sutherland
Angel Ferrera and Sebastian Case have spent the last four months content in their casual yet intense burgeoning relationship. So when Sebastian invites Angel on a ski trip over the Christmas holidays, he can hardly wait. A fun, relaxed trip and lots of wild sex in front of the fireplace? Sounds like just the cure for his holiday blues. Except Sebastian's thinking it's time to admit their relationship has slipped right past casual and well into serious, and this trip is the perfect time to see what his flighty lover thinks of making things a bit more permanent.
Read more of Angel and Sebastian's story in Exposure in the Sindustry II anthology and Maximum Exposure in the Games in the Dark anthology.
One Night Stand $2.99
By Clare London
Teddy realizes he drank too much at the office Christmas party when he wakes up in a hotel room with confused memories of a night of fierce, fabulous sex and a man asleep beside him. He doesn't know how his outrageous behavior will be judged by his boss, but he'll find out soon... when his boss wakes up.
Pleasures with Rough Strife $2.99
By JL Merrow
One chilly night just before Christmas in 1922, eighteen-year-old poacher Danny Costessey comes to regret his impulse to climb a tree to fetch some mistletoe for his mother when he falls, breaking his leg. He doesn’t expect his luck to change when he is found by the furious gamekeeper who’s long hated his family. However, when he is taken to the manor house, the reclusive owner, Philip Luccombe, takes an interest in Danny rather than condemning him for his actions, and it surprises them both when that interest turns into something more.
The Santa Mug $3.99
By Patric Michael
When Marlon died on Christmas Eve, Darren withdrew from the holidays, and life in general, until Max, the man who introduced him to Marlon, invites Darren to his parents' house for Thanksgiving. Darren agrees and is immediately overwhelmed by Max's large, boisterous family. He tries to retreat behind familiar barriers, but Max has other ideas for the reclusive young man. It's not until Max delivers Marlon's last Christmas gift, four years late, that Darren truly understands that love is the greatest gift of all.
Season's Greetings $2.99
By Chrissy Munder
Roses are red. Violets are blue. If I ever got my hands on your fine ass, oh baby, the things I would do. Russ Manners writes greeting cards for a living, except Christmas is fast approaching, there's no snow, and he's fallen behind on his big Easter Card project. He's blaming the new guy, Ian Fiorillo, because ever since Ian was hired, Russ spends all his time writing bad Valentine rhymes to Ian's best asset. What Russ doesn't realize is that Ian would love to help him appreciate the wonders of Christmas in Florida.
Silent Night $1.49
By Rowena Sudbury
A blizzard hits Detroit, and Jonah and Max, teammates on an independent wrestling promotion, find themselves stranded on Christmas Eve. Max has a steady mate at home, but he's longed for Jonah for years, so he's going to take this chance and prove to Jonah that he thinks he's a lot more than a muscle-bound pretty face.
Silver and Gold $3.99
By Devon Rhodes
Geoff Radcliffe is having a mid-life crisis just in time for the holidays. He goes into a tailspin after hearing from his first love, picks up a stranger who locks him out of the house in nothing but his pants, and then he gets up the courage to go get rid of his grey, and the colorist refuses to 'do' Geoff's hair! But Abe Golden, thrilled that the hunky silver-tipped guy has admitted he's gay, does 'do' him, taking him home for the hottest night of Geoff's life. After three heavenly days of smoking hot sex, Abe has done the unimaginable: he's fallen in love. And when he finds out that Geoff has been using him to practice for another man, Abe is at first heartbroken... and then he plots how to show Geoff the value of combining silver and gold.
Simple Gifts $1.49
By Andrew Grey
Eli never regrets leaving the Amish community to live with his lover, except maybe at Christmastime, when the pull of family is strongest. But even if Eli's family could accept his love for Geoff, he doesn't want them shunned by the community for his choices. So he's reconciled himself to a Christmas without them, until Geoff gives him a gift that changes the way Eli defines family. A story in the Love Means... series by Andrew Grey.
Snow Follies $2.99
By Chelle Dugan
When Eric Hanley, nerdy scientist and college professor, decides to move to Flagstaff to be closer to his sister Shannon and her twin boys, the unexpected happens: a chance meeting with the man of his dreams. Unbeknownst to him, that man turns out to be Cameron Gallagher, a police officer and Shannon's neighbor. Now the holidays are here and through a series of mishaps and accidental meetings, they're starting to grow close. Will they keep hiding the attraction they feel? Or will they finally find true love in each other's arms?
Spam! It's What's for Christmas $2.99
By Lenore Black
‘Tis the season to be... fired, dumped, and befuddled about the future? Ben Richmond is not having a holly-jolly Christmas. In fact, life has been a wash since a knee injury ended his dream of a baseball career. He's so desperate that when he spies an ad for nude male models, he jumps at it, hoping he can pull off a grand gesture to win back his boyfriend. The only hitch? Photographer Gavin McNally. He’s demanding, seductive, and wears a pair of tight-fitting black pants like nobody’s business. Ben hasn’t been this attracted to someone in a long time, but is he really ready to call it quits with the ex?
The Star Man $3.99
By Jan Irving
On Christmas Eve, Matthew Cromby is fired by Dove Hollister, the man he has a secret crush on. But things get much stranger when, right in front of him, Dove is hit by lightning and wakes up a different man--a sweet, sexy, and untouched angel who has been watching Matthew, drawn by his yearning. Dove can't stay on Earth, and protective Matthew vows to help him get home, despite his desire for the innocent angel who is trying to heal his heart.
A Time for Charity $1.49
By A. Willingham
Mitch doesn't enjoy the holiday season much since he's always alone. And it shows: while shopping for a present for his sister, he meets Sam at the perfume counter and makes a fool of himself. But in the spirit of the giving, Mitch lets himself be dragged to a charity event, and they meet again. Will Mitch behave better this time, or is he too much of a Christmas grinch to give romance a chance?
Two Christmases $2.99
By Anne Brooke
Danny Brigson makes a serious mistake when he sleeps with Marty, an old boyfriend, one Christmas. He tries to cover it up, but Marty tells all, and the love of Danny's life, Jake, throws him out. Over the next year, Danny tries to sort his life out with the hopes that when the next Christmas comes around, Jake will give him the chance to put things right.
Vintage Toys for Lucky Boys $2.99
By G.R. Richards
Max the firm and fit muscle-god doesn't fit Randy's mental picture of an antiques dealer. In fact, he's so smoking-hot, Randy can hardly breathe as Max appraises his shoebox full of vintage toys. The huge amount of money Max offers takes his breath away yet again. All Randy wants is to buy his supportive mom a really great Christmas gift, and this windfall will sure do it. There's only one snag--but it's a huge one--and despite how friendly Max is, Randy's afraid it will be a deal-breaker.
The White Stag $2.99
By Jamie Freeman
In the aftermath of September 11, a grief-stricken Joshua finds comfort and solace in the arms of a mysterious man who also lost someone that fateful day. Jude Balder, the son of a U.S. Senator and a well-known artist in his own right, is everything Joshua has ever wanted, except for the whole “religion thing.” Joshua is a Christian, and Jude... well, Jude is something else entirely, something abstract and scary and indefinable, something that is definitely not Christian. When Joshua receives an invitation to a Solstice/Christmas party thrown by Jude and his Senator mother a couple of years later, he's faced with a quandary: Should he worry about the dangerous allure of the unknown, or will he dare take the chance to bask in Jude’s undeniable perfection?
