Be it forced seduction/dubious consent, non-violent intimidation, or pre-negotiated fantasy, there is something wickedly taboo about non-consensual sex, where consent is muddled. While rape is a crime of power, focusing on exerting physical control over another person, non-con is all about the gray area where verbal consent is either never given (not a 'yes', but not a 'no' either) or doesn't match the arousal and passion both parties share during the act. In "Like It or Not", we push the boundaries of consent without fully breaking them. When Connor's rent money is due and not even hooking can make up the shortfall, he really is "Out of Options". So when playboy Jarrett makes him a very generous offer, he doesn't look too closely at the terms—and lives to regret it. Then, werewolf Trevor is subjected to "Obedience Classes" when his pack alpha becomes fed up with his rebellion. Dirk, the wolf charged with this task, though, seems more interested in claiming Trevor for himself, by any means necessary. Writer Ian Richards has to decide "What It's Worth" to get his story when his contact meets him in a private club. In fact, Vincenzo has no intention of letting his information go easily, if at all. In "Blindside", freshman Matt is tired of enduring the hazing by (admittedly gorgeous) upperclassman Dylan, when Dylan ups the ante significantly. And as much as Matt wants Dylan, he can't be sure the whole thing isn't one more bizarre prank. Confessor Isak must resort to "Unnatural Means" when he is charged with the task of forcing Sain to confess his sins of murder and witchcraft before inevitable execution. Torturing in the name of the Divine is difficult enough, but when Sain's seductive magic takes hold of him, he isn't sure it will be Sain who breaks under pressure to find release. Finally, "Salting the Earth" becomes Ronan's only choice when he suspects his sister has been taken by the fairies. However, this only draws the interest of ruthless King Finnbheara, who extracts a price for his cooperation that may be too high for Ronan to pay.
Authors
Stella has loved books for as long as she can remember. Her mother was a librarian and so Stella spent countless hours hiding and exploring among the stacks. She believes to this day that books hold all the secrets worth knowing. Stella holds a degree in Sociology from the beautiful University of California at Santa Cruz. She finds people, and the ways they relate to each other, endlessly fascinating. Her studies had a special emphasis on gender and sexuality and these remain issues close to her heart. Stella believes love comes in many forms and hopes to celebrate that with her writing. You can find her online at www.stellaharris.net on Instagram as @stellaharrisereotica and on twitter @stellaerotica
Often referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago." A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys. Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
Naomi Brooks has been writing since age 9 when she wrote a short story about giants that won a school contest. She continued on, writing Twilight-esque angst in high school, and later Star Wars and Highlander fan fiction in college and beyond. She went pro in 2006, collaborating with Angelia Sparrow. While she's not trying to tame plot bunnies, Naomi enjoys PC gaming. She as a well-established neighborhood in the Sims 2 and a level 80 blood elf warlock in World of Warcraft (For the Horde!). She also adores her cat, though the sentiment is not exactly mutual.
Gryvon is writer of things strange, fantastical, and queer. Her works span a wide range of tone, from dark paranormal thrillers to cozy romances. During the day, she works as professional code monkey with coworkers who think her far more innocent than she actually is. She's an avid gamer and all-around geek who spends a fair number of weekends running around (or LARPing) with people playing as vampires or werewolves. She currently resides in Buffalo, NY with a menagerie of cats, rats, hamsters, and other small animals. Her other works, including a plethora of fanfiction, can be found at gryvon.com.
