The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead. He rescued me from the streets six years ago—a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination. Now what do I do? I have no one. My life might look great from the outside. I’m in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends. But I’m dying on the inside. I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless. I’m not the kind of person to wallow in self-pity. I need a distraction. The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad.

The good news is the most gorgeous cowboy I've ever seen is moving in next door to me. The bad news? He's not alone. Hanging on his arm is a very pregnant woman. Are they a couple? It sure looks like they are. So not only is he not gay, but he also has a girlfriend, or a wife, or whatever. Just my luck.

JACKSON I'm a bit of a neat freak. I have my reasons. Call it OCD. Call it dealing with the past. Call it whatever you like. I call it keeping life nice and tidy. An act of arson to the hot fireman's unit next to mine makes my life messy. Real messy. What was I supposed to do? He's needed a place to stay and I had a spare bedroom. You see I've been into Eli Grayson for some time. But he has baggage. An ex-boyfriend who just won't go away. And worse, Eli seems oblivious to the jerk's manipulating BS. Willpower. That's what I need. Lots of willpower. But the more time I spend with him, the less willpower I have. He's got it all together, even if he forgets to hang the towel up after a shower. Me? I'm great with keeping the towel in place, but I definitely don't have it all together. I just have to get through the next few days until he can move back into his apartment and back into his crazy life with his ever-present ex. That's it. Should be simple. But with him right across the hall every night I'm afraid it's going to be anything but simple.

Book 4 / Mockingbird Place - New Adult / Gay Romance Maddox Butler Some people say you can’t fall in love at 18. But I did. And the man of my dreams? Jaris Black. He was also 18. Our first year at medical school we moved in together. It was…perfect. Until… I haven’t seen or talked to him in six years. But I’ve never stopped thinking about him. Jaris is a very successful doctor, which is no surprise to me. Still living in Unit H at Mockingbird Place. God, how I’ve missed him. I won’t drag Jaris into the chaos that is my life. No. I won’t. But my mother who is dying has requested to see him. They were so close. Still are. I had to honor Mom’s wish. I called him and he’s arriving in an hour. Can I keep my feelings hidden from him? I need to, for his sake.

Will it take a miracle for this Episcopal priest and MMA fighter to fall in love? Stephen I call him Anthony, though everyone else calls him Tony. Why? Because I know there’s more to this rude, obnoxious, sullen, sexy man. Anthony totally mesmerizes me. He’s like a drug habit I can’t quit. I’m a priest. I should know better. We are friends. Or were. I guess he felt safe with me since I’m a priest. But when he learned that my church is welcoming to gays and that it even has gay priests, he backed off. I haven’t been totally honest with him about my feelings, but I’m sure he senses them. He’s incredible in the fighting cage and wins all his fights. Before Anthony, I never cared for boxing, let alone mixed-martial arts fights. But now? I’m enthralled every time I see him battle it out with an opponent. What does he whisper to them before he pummels them to the mat? I wonder. Why does he keep his guard up with everyone, especially me? He’s pushed me away at every turn. He’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t believe in anything. Not God. Not anyone. Not even me. I should just walk away. But I just can’t. Every time I look into his eyes something overwhelming and undeniable pushes me to keep holding on to hope. Is there a chance for us or is it just a fool’s fantasy? —— Anthony I like sex, but making love? That’s not in the cards for me. If a guy wants more from me than wild, sweaty sex… I move on. There’s plenty of others to choose from. I don’t let people in. It never works out. Never. I made a mistake opening up to Stephen when he moved into Mockingbird Place. Why do I like him so much? He’s a priest. Father Stephen. And he believes in things I see as fairy tales. I have my reasons. I’ve seen the darkest parts of humanity, and I didn’t see any divine light breaking through. I’ve iced him out. I know what he wants, and I can’t give it to him. I’m not white-picket anything. Never will be. But I can’t get him out of my mind. It’s driving me crazy. The only thing I know to do is to shut out everything and jump back into the cage. That’s the only place it gets really quiet for me and I can forget for a few precious moments.

Chad Holiday magic is in the air. I’m hoping for a big break for my band. Thanks to a twist of fate, I ran into Blake Diamond at the mall. He is the hottest DJ on the biggest station in Dallas. Blake has agreed to interview my bandmates and me on his show. I’m thrilled, but also worried. Why? Because whenever I’m near him I have visions of us being together… But it’s obvious to me that he’s got a wife and a kid. They seem like the perfect little family. Blake and me? That’s an impossible dream. Damn it. I must conquer my desires. I’m not the kind of guy who wants to break up a family.

Nicco I’m still getting used to my freedom. Ten years in prison definitely had an impact on me. Since my exoneration and release, I’ve had my eye on Josh the musician in Unit G. He’s so damn sexy. I sense that he’s hiding something from everyone. I know a thing or two about secrets. I caught a lucky break when he asked me to be his roommate. I’m moving in today. Who knows? Maybe he let his walls down and we can get real with one another. Really real. Josh What have I done? In a moment of weakness I agreed to let Nicco move in with me. Yes, I’m very attracted to him, on every level. But I can’t pursue a relationship with him or with anyone. I’ve already taken too many risks. Not only am I going to have to quit my band, I’m going to have to figure out how to deal with Nicco living with me. He can’t know about my past. No one can. If it gets out, I’ll have to leave, which is something I’m too familiar with.

\\\ A hero with a badge \\\ Following in his courageous father’s footsteps, Police Officer Mike Tucker takes his career very seriously. Relationships have always been kept on the back burner until he meets Brex, the handsome college student who lives in his complex. \\\ A man with a difficult past \\\ When Brexton Doyle offers to let Mike stay at his place, he immediately wonders if that’s a big mistake. Yes, his attraction for the sexy cop is off-the-charts intense, but he knows rejection far too well and isn’t willing to risk being hurt. But facing a crisis forces the two men to reveal their true feelings for each other.

Six Gay Romances all taking place at Mockingbird Place in Dallas - plus Bonus Scenes at Lifeline Ranch The lives of hot gay college-aged residents of the 10-unit apartment complex are explored. The Marine in Unit A - Oliver & Adam The Cowboy in Unit E - Trace & Luke The Fireman in Unit C - Eli & Jackson The Doctor in Unit H - Jaris & Maddox The Fighter in Unit J - Tony & Stephen Holiday Beaus - Chad & Blake Bonus Scenes - Lifeline Ranch Our couples take the next steps in their journey of love.