Reclusive artist Russell Schar enjoys his quiet life in the big house he rents from his best friend, so he’s less than thrilled when a small family moves in next door. Neighbors and their noise do not fit into his carefully constructed routines, but as long as they stay on their side of the property? He’ll work it out. After a series of family traumas, all single-dad Patrick Gillespie wants is to find some balance: school for his seven-year-old son, a full-time job for himself, and a stable place to live while he gets his late mother’s affairs in order. He does not expect his surly, ginger bear of a neighbor to slide right under his skin and stay there. Or for Russell to develop a fast friendship with Patrick’s son. A mild flirtation between Patrick and Russell turns into more than either man expects or knows how to deal with. They both want to protect their damaged hearts, but sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find true love. Leap Year is loosely connected to the Neighborhood Shindig series, but can be read independently. Content warning for discussions of past abuse.

Can two very different men fake a relationship for the sake of a life-changing inheritance ? Angelo Voltini can seduce anyone he sets his eyes on, but now that he’s forty, his hookup habit is wearing thin. He wants something real but doesn’t know how to get it. When his mentor dies and a business-saving inheritance hinges on Angelo being in a committed relationship, he impulsively nominates his newest tenant for the job. Bryan Gillespie is recently paroled and still finding his footing in the outside world. He barely has time to be a good brother, uncle, and employee, never mind think of romance. Angelo’s shocking proposal—fake it for a percentage—catches him off-guard. And intrigues him. Bryan is attracted to Angelo in all the right (and wrong) ways, but he’s leery of dating his landlord—even if the relationship is supposedly fake. Their chemistry is real and explosive, and neither man can resist the other’s pull. But what kind of future can two men have when what they’re building is set on a foundation of lies? Rebuilding Year contains an uptight home renovator with commitment issues, an ex-con with a lot to prove, lessons in secrets and forgiveness, and adult sexual situations that include voyeur/exhibition role-play.