Heidi Cullinan Boeken

Arthur wants nothing to do with romance, and he certainly won't play Santa in his mother's fundraising scheme. The town librarian doesn't want him, either-as a Santa, boyfriend, or anything. But two men who insist they don't date do an awful lot of dating. The sleigh they're trying not to board could take them all the way to happily ever after

Sometimes you have to play love by ear. Aaron Seavers is a pathetic mess, and he knows it. He lives in terror of incurring his father’s wrath and disappointing his mother, and he can’t stop dithering about where to go to college—with fall term only weeks away. Ditched by a friend at a miserable summer farewell party, all he can do is get drunk in the laundry room and regret he was ever born. Until a geeky-cute classmate lifts his spirits, leaving him confident of two things: his sexual orientation, and where he’s headed to school. Giles Mulder can’t wait to get the hell out of Oak Grove, Minnesota, and off to college, where he plans to play his violin and figure out what he wants to be when he grows up. But when Aaron appears on campus, memories of hometown hazing threaten what he’d hoped would be his haven. As the semester wears on, their attraction crescendos from double-cautious to a rich, swelling chord. But if more than one set of controlling parents have their way, the music of their love could come to a shattering end.

Exploring the resilience of love, the narrative delves into how relationships can flourish even in imperfect circumstances. Characters navigate their vulnerabilities and emotional scars, discovering that openness and acceptance can lead to profound connections. The story emphasizes the beauty of growth and healing, suggesting that love often emerges in unexpected ways when individuals allow themselves to be seen and embraced.

The journey to discover true love is filled with humor and unexpected twists. Set against a winter backdrop, the story explores the challenges and joys of dating, highlighting the characters' quirky encounters and heartfelt moments. As they navigate the ups and downs of romance, the narrative emphasizes the importance of friendship and self-discovery, making the search for Mr. Right both entertaining and relatable.

Exploring the complexities of love, the narrative delves into the unpredictable nature of relationships that defy conventional expectations. Characters navigate their emotional journeys, confronting challenges and discovering deeper connections. The story emphasizes the idea that love is a personal experience, shaped by individual circumstances and growth, rather than a set of rules to follow. Through poignant moments and relatable struggles, it captures the essence of finding love in unexpected ways.

"First edition published by Riptide Publishing, January 2013."--Title page verso.

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.

Normal is just a setting on the dryer. The Roosevelt, Book 1 High school graduate Jeremey Samson is looking forward to burying his head under the covers and sleeping until it's time to leave for college. Then a tornado named Emmet Washington enters his life. The double major in math and computer science is handsome, forward, wicked smart, interested in dating Jeremey-and he's autistic. But Jeremey doesn't judge him for that. He's too busy judging himself, as are his parents, who don't believe in things like clinical depression. When his untreated illness reaches a critical breaking point, Emmet is the white knight who rescues him and brings him along as a roommate to The Roosevelt, a quirky new assisted living facility nearby. As Jeremey finds his feet at The Roosevelt, Emmet slowly begins to believe he can be loved for the man he is behind the autism. But before he can trust enough to fall head over heels, he must trust his own conviction that friendship is a healing force, and love can overcome any obstacle. Warning: Contains characters obsessed with trains and counting, positive representations of autism and mental illness, a very dark moment, and Elwood Blues.

The story revolves around a deep connection between characters who are faced with the challenge of severing existing ties that hinder their relationship. As they navigate emotional and external obstacles, their journey explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of personal freedom. The narrative delves into the transformative power of breaking away from the past to forge a stronger bond, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of their commitment to each other.

A Tucker Springs Novel Paul Hannon flunked out of vet school. His fiancée left him. He can barely afford his rent, and he hates his house. About the only things he has left are a pantry full of his ex's kitchen gadgets and a lot of emotional baggage. He could really use a win--and that's when he meets El. Pawnbroker El Rozal is a cynic. His own family's dysfunction has taught him that love and relationships lead to misery. Despite that belief, he keeps making up excuses to see Paul again. Paul, who doesn't seem to realize that he's talented and kind and worthy. Paul, who's not over his ex-fiancée and is probably straight anyway. Paul, who's so blind to El's growing attraction, even asking him out on dates doesn't seem to tip him off. El may not do relationships, but something has to give. If he wants to keep Paul, he'll have to convince him he's worthy of love--and he'll have to admit that attachment might not be so bad after all.