All that Cody wanted was a way out, for himself and for Hunter, the best friend he’d ever known. They were close, and they’d been that way for a long time. What Cody didn’t understand was somehow they were growing into more than friends—intimate play was turning into love. Late night kisses and a harrowing escape from violence pointed toward a future neither Cody nor Hunter would have ever predicted. Cody lived with his unpredictable and moody Uncle Cal, but at least it meant food and a roof over his head. He managed to escape his reality when he spent time with his best friend Hunter, goofing around, daydreaming about the future, and making each other feel good. Hunter had moods, too, but at least he had a job, and he would be loyal to Cody forever. Living with his mom, Hunter dreamed of a better future for everyone important in his life. First, they would need money, however they could get it. Enter Rick, a wannabe Internet video producer, who picked out Cody and Hunter as his surefire stars. The route he had in mind would be physical and even painful, but those desperate for a plan couldn’t be too choosy about their options. Rising is a 50,000-word friends-to-lovers gay romance. It includes explicit scenes of bondage and violence and dark themes.