Animal Magnetism Author:Anne Regan (Editor) Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Whether it's a dog, cat, or something more exotic, the animals in this collection of romantic m/m stories serve as the catalyst for bringing lovers together. No matter how the encounter begins, by the end of each story, with a little help from their finned, furred, or feathered friends, our heroes have disc... more »overed some animal magnetism of their own.
Stories include:
A Few Too Many by Heidi Champa: For three years running, Ted's Scottish sheepdog, Jake, has taken the championship at the local Highland Games. But when Jake indulges in a bit too much celebrating after his latest win, it's up to the town's new veterinarian, Dr. Kyle Emerson, to save the day -- and to discover how genuine a Scotsman Ted really is.
Having a Ball by Cari Z. : Jimmy Sargent moved to Tucson to help his widowed brother care for his niece, Kelly. He hadn't counted on being stuck with the care and feeding of Kelly's pet snake over the holidays, but family is family, right? When he accidentally overfeeds Ganymede, a panicked Jimmy calls on their neighbor, herpetologist Casey Bradshaw, who proves to have a way with more than just reptiles.
Along Came Spiders by Matthew Vandrew: Good-natured and easygoing, Hedge is the most atypical nurse you could encounter. But when an earthquake hits town, Hedge is out there to help. Somehow, he ends up stuck in a basement with an unconscious arachnologist, a very handsome policeman named Alec, and dozens of dangerous spiders on the loose. And those things BITE.
Cuddling Up by Chris T. Kat: It's bad enough zookeeper Paul Myers can't leave work because of a thunderstorm, but when he seeks refuge inside the big cat house, he's greeted with a sight that chills him to the bone. The new keeper Paul happens to have a crush on, Noah Collins, is sitting in one of the compounds -- and he's not alone. Noah is cuddling with a full-grown snow leopard and her two small cubs. But that's not the only surprise Paul is in for that night...
New Tides by Avery Vanderlyle: A mechanical pencil with a crab on top is all marine biologist Steve Compton has left from his former lover, Eric. When Steve's dream job took him from California to an East Coast aquarium, they hadn't been able to make a long-distance relationship work. Lately, though, the pencil has been disappearing from his desk and turning up in strange places. Are the interns playing pranks? Or could sexy octopus researcher Dr. Jan Waechter be involved in the disappearances?
Care and Rehabilitation by Kim Fielding: History professor Ira Mayer is having trouble moving on from the past. After the sudden loss of his lover, he’s left with sad memories, a garage full of boxes, and a dog with an embarrassing name. But then the dog finds a fallen nestling, and when Ira takes the baby bird to a wildlife care specialist, he runs into a former student, hunky Caleb Phillips. Can Caleb help rehabilitate more than an orphaned bird?
Butterbean and the Pretty Princess Make a Home by R. Cooper: Roommates Riley and Eli are a study in opposites. Riley is runway gorgeous with a slightly dangerous appearance. Eli is a chubby, organized homebody. Riley isn't even sure how they became friends, and when he realizes he wants something more, he's not sure Eli is interested -- until Riley brings home two abandoned kittens someone dumped in the garbage, and they both discover a side of each other they'd never seen before.
Jonno by Emily Gould: Ethan's life isn't going so well: his boyfriend is losing interest in him, his new job involves cleaning up animal dung, and he seems to have formed a bitter rivalry with an Indian palm squirrel. The only person who shows him any respect is Mitchell, the nurse who works with him at the wildlife park. Between despair, worry, and squirrel bites, Ethan starts to figure out the path he wants his life to take and gains the confidence to make it change.
On an Eagle's Wings by A. J. Marcus: When his golden eagle, Elphaba, starts acting strangely during a hunt, falconer Gavin McAlister never expects to find ranger Heath Mallory injured on a cliff side after being attacked by a poacher. As he recuperates, the injured ranger awakens something locked away in the falconer, and together their hearts take flight on an eagle's wings.
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? by Skylar Jaye: Gabe was content with his quiet life on his acre of land outside Dallas, working from home and caring for his chickens. Things change when a new neighbor moves in across the street and one of Gabe's chickens develops a fascination with the attractive man's yard. Suddenly, Gabe finds that maybe what he's always thought he wants is not what he actually needs.
Tears for a Broken Sun by Minerva Wisting: Disaster can strike when we least expect it. Akira Yamazaki is a florist with a crush on his handsome customer Luca. Akira lives alone with his dog, Wan, and has no idea on the morning of March 11th, 2011 that the world he’s known is about to be destroyed. Now his only hope for survival rests with his faithful dog, who just might lead him into the arms of the one he loves the most.
Stripped Bare by Lily Velden: Artist Nick Farrell's nerves at his first solo gallery exhibit aren't helped by the appearance of an enigmatic stranger who captures his attention. Architect Michael Davenport is interested in buying some of Nick's work, but his probing into the meaning behind the art leaves Nick feeling naked and vulnerable. It's up to Nick's irreverent and foul-mouthed parrot, Oliver, to provide some excellent advice to bring the two men together in his own unique way.
Wild Horses by Kate Pavelle: Living on the streets after losing his job, Kai Alewright is reduced to picking a stranger's pocket, winding up with not only the man's billfold, but also his cell phone. The loss of his business contacts and records is devastating to horse trainer Attila Keleman, who texts the thief, telling him he can keep the money but requesting the return of his phone. His pride stung, Kai sets out to prove to the intriguing man -- who insists Kai is better than this -- that he isn't mistaken.
Show and Tell by Liz Makar: First grade teacher Damian Coletti is convinced he's an animal serial killer. Every pet he's bought for his classroom has met an early and unfortunate demise, but to keep his students happy, he keeps replacing them, no matter how much of his salary goes to enriching the local pet store. When he throws himself on the mercy of the shop's new owner, Sam Barker, Sam vows to find a way to keep Damian's next pet -- and the attraction between them -- alive.
The Conch Republic by G. S. Wiley: After breaking up with his lover, Jack Everard finds himself back in Key West, living at his mother's bed-and-breakfast and working in a souvenir shop. It isn't the life he'd imagined, and he's worried: that he won't find another job he'll love, that he won't get over the breakup, that he'll be stuck at home forever. Then he meets Randy Morrison, who has a master’s degree in marine biology and runs a tiny Conch and Sea Snail museum, and finds that taking things slow isn't such a bad idea after all.« less