A.M. Johnson

As Tampa Bay's star center, Mark Carmelo's life was hockey, and after a bitter and public break up, all he wanted to do was focus on the game. Until he saw her. The one that got away. The one he thought he'd never see again. For thirteen years, Stevie West drowned in her lackluster life. Recently divorced from her “roommate” with passionless benefits, she was ready to start over. On her own. Until she ran into him. The same man she'd met one year ago. The temptation that had finally given her the courage to find herself again. When lightning strikes twice, there’s no way to deny the chemistry it creates. But with both of them still nursing old wounds, Mark and Stevie will have to find a way around the other's defenses, a way to breakaway and score the one thing they never expected… love.

Parker, I never meant for any of this to happen, to fall for you. It doesn't matter that we're both adults, or how much we want this to work. The college policy is clear. I can't see a way around this without one of us getting hurt. If I would’ve known who you were when we met online, I would have never pursued a relationship. I'm new to all of this, and besides my daughter, getting to know you has been the best thing to ever happen to me. But I can't make you hide again. I won't. It's not fair to either of us. Deepest regrets, Donovan ** Dear Mr. Brody, You're right, we are adults. I'm twenty-four years old, and I think I can decide for myself what's best for me. If this is about you losing your job, I'll walk away. But if this is you trying to protect me, then you're an idiot. I want you. I care about you. My past isn't an issue. What we're doing… it isn't the same thing. If we have to hide, so be it. I'm not ready to let you go. Your Lost Boy, Parker

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.

Chance, I never in a million years thought I would want a guy who smells like a tree and probably hugs them on the daily, but alas, you've somehow snuck your sexy, khaki-covered ass into my life. It doesn't help that we're stuck living in this apartment together for God knows how long, but I can't stop thinking about that kiss. I know I said it was one and done, and maybe that's the smart thing to do since I'm not convinced of your emotional availability. Maybe I'm a masochist. Or, maybe I might kind of like you. I said what I said. No regrets, Marcos~ *** Marcos, Your ability to simultaneously compliment and insult me is probably one of my favorite things about you. I think it's part of your charm. Does that make me a masochist as well? I definitely like to torture myself. The night I kissed you, I knew it had the potential to push you away, but I couldn't stop myself from wanting you. I still can't. You can flirt and bully me all you like. I'm not going anywhere. I've finally found my home, and it's here. And just in case you need me to be more specific, I like you too. Forever, con amor… Chance~ Forever, Con Amor is an interconnected, stand alone, slow burn, contemporary, MM opposites attract romance that is heavy on humor, light on angst, and features an age gap, a sexy yoga session, heels, and a few passive aggressive quips about cargo pants, hugging trees, and kale.

Eben had one job at Elysium–keep the barrier wall lit at all cost. As a Dusk Guard, he was safe from the war raging across the country, from the rebels, and the new world–safe from the battle over power, water, and electricity. He was safe from the laws that would see him dead if they knew his one secret. But when he’s called inside Elysium to watch over one of the rebel prisoners, every wall he’d created to protect himself comes tumbling down. Cale never thought he’d survive the virus that had turned the world dark and had flipped his country upside down. He never thought his last days would be drawn out inside a cell in one of the most notorious prisons in the west. Elysium was a place for the dead. But in the pitch of night, the one person he’d thought he couldn’t trust becomes his savior and so much more.

**Not a Cliff Hanger** His world was water and rhythm. Hard work and drive kept Royal O'Connell one step ahead of his competition. His spot on the swim team, keeping his scholarship, was the only plan that mattered. His world was ebony and ivory. Natural talent and ambition set Camden Morgan apart from the other music majors. His dedication scoring him a full ride. Normally, their paths would have never crossed…. But when Royal meets his best friend's new roommate, his big plan and Camden’s controlled environment faces a variable that could destroy it all. Attraction. The world they live in had no room for error. That undeniable pull between them was dangerous and neither one of them could've prepared for the choice they'd have to make. Love isn't always an easy road and, when everything they've worked for is on the line, they'll have to decide if being together is worth the risk.

Wilder, When I left that night, I had every intention of coming back to you. To us. But no matter how hard I wish for what I want, there are some things in life that aren't meant to be. I don't expect you to understand. You've already moved on, living your life. But mine ended that night, nine years ago, and I still can't let you go. Not sure I ever will. I regret so many things, but hurting you, I'll never forgive myself. I'm sorry for… everything. Jax~ **** Jax, If only you could've seen it like I did, the way you were when you thought the world wasn't watching. How you'd change when I looked at you, when it was just us. But most of all… I wish you could've seen how much it hurt me when you disappeared. Regrets are for cowards. It has always been my belief you should chase after the things you want with actions, not words. There is no such thing as never meant to be. So this apology… not accepted… Love always, Wild

Meet me… in the place where the sun kisses the horizon and sinks into blue shades of you and me. Meet me there… where everything was always perfect. You and me and the damp grass at dawn and the gray dirt in the late evening rain. Meet me where we were ourselves and not these two people who can’t even say I love you. Meet me there and maybe we’ll remember… We’ll remember the us we were before them, before miles, before lost hours, and you’ll ask what color the sky is, and I’ll say blue like your eyes. And you’ll smile, and I’ll forget I ever missed you. **** Luka and Rook have been best friends since they were nine years old. Five years ago, Luka threw it all away. When his dad’s health takes a turn for the worst, Luka must come home to say his goodbyes and mend the bridges he burned all those years ago. But coming home is harder than he imagined, and after reuniting with his family, there’s only one person he needs. Rook… His best friend. The one man he pushed away, the one man, no matter how hard he tried to forget, he can't stop himself from loving. Even if loving him means breaking his heart all over again.

Ethan, About last night... I could blame the bourbon. I could say I let things get out of hand, that I should have never called you, but I'm done lying to myself—to you. I know what you're going to say. You're not very good at keeping your opinions to yourself, but this can't happen. It's inappropriate, at best. I'm your boss. Not to mention, you're clearly still hung up on him. I'm not a consolation prize. Anders~ ** Anders, You didn't think it was inappropriate when you had your tongue down my throat, but I digress. As for your accusation, I'm not the only one stuck in the past, but at least I'm not running from it. I can't believe I'm about to say this… Maybe you're right. You shouldn’t have called me. Especially if you never intended to own it. Own that you wanted it to happen. Admit that you wanted me. Not so sincerely, Yours Not So Sincerely, Yours is a 97,000-word standalone HEA, enemies to lovers, light on angst, MM office romance, featuring southern sass, words of the day, Happy Meals, and one unforgettable weekend trip to Manhattan.

A glimpse into the future. Four couples. Eight lives. A moment in time. Now and Forever Still gives us a “where are they now” look at our favorite char-acters from the Forever Still Series.

Stand Alone Novel**No Cliff Hanger**10 "I need all of Kieran O'Connell's words" Stars!!!NessReads~Melissa Trujillo knows suffering. She's tasted it, touched it, injected it. Sobriety is a gift, but it isn't enough to wash away her secrets.Kieran O'Connell knows sacrifice. He's owned it, held it between his fingers, and felt it in his knees. Words are his freedom, and they've begun to fade.Two different worlds, one moment and the Earth shifts--granting them a path.His eyes meet hers. Her hand fits his.Kieran finds his muse.Melissa finds her new addiction.But, when sin meets virtue, angels fall, and the truth, it becomes a blade. Together they'll walk the sharp edge, and if her lies cut too deep, not even his words could save her... save them.

Paige Simon was the only girl Declan ever loved. The only one capable of silencing his voices, the only person to ever have faith in who he was, until the day her faith turned to doubt and destroyed everything they’d made together. Declan O ’Connell was the only person Paige could be herself with. The only one she could rely on, until the day she was forced to make a choice that would condemn them both. They’ve had years apart, and second chances don’t belong to the damned. But when you come face to face with your savior, it’s almost impossible to walk away. In order to move beyond the sins of their past, and forever silence the demons in his head, they’ll have to risk it all. But with love, there are real reasons to be afraid and, sometimes… your salvation is your damnation. *Not a Cliff Hanger* *Adult Themes*

**Stand Alone** Her world was color. Canvas and paint. Indie O’Connell lived inside her head. Her voices the muse. And as a freshman at St. Peter's College, all she wanted, was to create a name for herself with the brush in her hand. His world was over. Despite his humble upbringing, Kai Carter seemed to have it all. Captain of the swim team and a full scholarship. His golden boy status a mask he had to wear to keep his dream and his family afloat. All the pieces of his life dangled precariously from his fingertips. Forced to fight a battle he’d never signed up for, Kai’s loyalty turned out to be his undoing, and like a good captain, no matter what the cost, he’d gone down with the ship. They never planned for their worlds to collide. He was her brother's best friend. She was supposed to be invisible. Off limits. Being together, regardless of how much they wanted it, was a line they'd never cross. But when lives get messy, lines get blurred, and in love, nothing is ever black and white.

Hate… Anger… Distrust… it fed the animal. Status… Money… Power it’s all women want. Never yield… Never give them a piece of who you are. These were the ideals that Seth Montgomery had lived with since he was a child. After his mother abandoned their family for another man, the same man who took everything from Seth’s father, Seth’s life turned dark. He’d never give a woman all that control. He’d never give them the satisfaction of destroying his heart. Tiffany Webster had been falling in love with one man for the past three years. Her boss’s best-friend. The day Seth walked into her bar, the day his steel blue eyes met hers, she was hooked. But, Seth Montgomery was unattainable, and only into one night hook-ups with a certain type of girl. A girl Tiffany was not. Tiffany was the one girl Seth had ever considered breaking his rules for, but swore he’d never corrupt. Until one night… when everything fell apart… and hidden truths surfaced. When your past hurts so much it makes it hard to breathe and your heart ache, what else can you do? What path should you take to feel something, trust someone again? Two hearts… two souls… align… One shift… one break… and you’re falling. Feel this… trust this…Survive this.

After being rejected by his childhood best friend, Todd Dixon turns his back on love and all its false promises. Three years later, he's living in a new city, making a name for himself with his bar, record label, and one night stands. Lily Spring knows nothing but the music that flows through her veins, but after one night of betrayal that ended in tragedy, her entire life falls from under her right along with her musical dreams. Now, she finds herself living in a new state with a sister she barely knows and a dream that she MUST fulfill. He's everything she doesn't need. Stubborn as hell, sexy as sin, with a reputation as wicked as his body. To make things worse, he's her new boss and the ticket to what she's always wanted. When two fates collide and passions burn high, will the fire die or will it simmer into a slow burn becoming much more than either of them thought possible This isn't just a love story. This is a story of hope, repentance and second chances. Are you ready?

Chris Delaney I've promised myself that this was going to be the year to finally buckle down. I'm a junior, and I’ve settled on a major. I've got focus and determination. The one thing I haven't figured out yet? How to deal with the massive crush I've been harboring on the guy in study carrel six. I don’t know his name and some of my friends think it’s time for me to move on, but he has this whole sexy, broody, dark eyes and messy hair thing going for him. And yeah, he seems like he could be my polar opposite. The kind of unapproachable, serious type who doesn’t smile much, but I’d like to think he’s all rays of sunshine underneath his stormy expressions and disheveled demeanor. All that intense energy… I dig it. I want to know him. The rub? I’ll have to find the courage to actually introduce myself. Aiden Russo The college experience is supposed to be parties, drinking, and fun with a few classes mixed in. It sounds pretty amazing, right? For me, it turned out to be endless lectures, avalanches of homework, and copious amounts of caffeine. The study carrel might as well be my dorm room. And that guitar under my bed? It's got two years of dust growing on it. But this is the life I have to lead if I’m ever going to help my dad. Pre-med isn’t for the weak. The problem? Loneliness holds me hostage. If only I could find someone willing to break through my ever-present cloud bank, and remind me what it’s like to have fun again.

Chris Delaney I've promised myself that this was going to be the year to finally buckle down. I'm a junior, and I’ve settled on a major. I've got focus and determination. The one thing I haven't figured out yet? How to deal with the massive crush I've been harboring on the guy in study carrel six. I don’t know his name and some of my friends think it’s time for me to move on, but he has this whole sexy, broody, dark eyes and messy hair thing going for him. And yeah, he seems like he could be my polar opposite. The kind of unapproachable, serious type who doesn’t smile much, but I’d like to think he’s all rays of sunshine underneath his stormy expressions and disheveled demeanor. All that intense energy… I dig it. I want to know him. The rub? I’ll have to find the courage to actually introduce myself. Aiden Russo The college experience is supposed to be parties, drinking, and fun with a few classes mixed in. It sounds pretty amazing, right? For me, it turned out to be endless lectures, avalanches of homework, and copious amounts of caffeine. The study carrel might as well be my dorm room. And that guitar under my bed? It's got two years of dust growing on it. But this is the life I have to lead if I’m ever going to help my dad. Pre-med isn’t for the weak. The problem? Loneliness holds me hostage. If only I could find someone willing to break through my ever-present cloud bank, and remind me what it’s like to have fun again.

To whom it may concern, I can't be sure what you're into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading... Ever since Clay Saxon's parents passed away a year ago, he's been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer's block ever. But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you'll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay's mundane little world turns to sunshine. I don't want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames. Set in the For Him World, this standalone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection.