Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, only to return four years later, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Cookesville, Alabama isn’t the most welcoming place on earth, particularly for a gay, Hispanic student wanting nothing more than to earn his degree and get back home to Texas. An image of a somber young man that he knows only by name and the stories told by an adoring sister comes to life when Michael returns home, just as Jay is already half-way to losing his heart. Michael’s biggest battle lies ahead, and he’ll need all the help he can get to find his way in a world where he no longer fits in. Jay’s not sure where he fits either, but it could be next to the war-torn soldier who needs his strength. \\\* Proceeds from Amazon sales are being donated to PFLAG.

Javier "Jay" Ortiz had always considered the Fourth of July a time for celebrations, fireworks, and cookouts – that is, until he met Michael Ritter, a US Army veteran traumatized by the horrors of war. For Michael, the Roman candles sound like rockets and the pops and blasts of fireworks mimic rifles and grenades. When bitter memories suck him into the hell of his own mind, can his partner's love bring him back? (Sequel to The Telling.) This story contains subject matter that some may find objectionable and is intended for mature readers only.

The Telling by Eden Winters meets 500 Miles by Parker Williams – a story of four men caught up in the aftermath of war. War has left both Jase and Michael with scars, physical and mental. At times all they’ve suffered weighs heavily, and it’s easy to feel that no one understands what they’ve been through. It’s up to Jay and Mark to show them they’re not alone. And for one of the couples, Veteran’s Day will bring a new beginning…