Title: Shelton in Love
Author: Dianne Hartsock
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: 06/14/2021
Length: 58700
Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, friends to lovers, marriage, contemporary, roommate
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Description
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Shelton in Love is told in five stories spanning two and a half years of Shelton and Nevil’s relationship, the ups and downs, trials and celebrations, with a promise, a separation, a frantic return, temptation and a final triumph. Sometimes Shelton finds it difficult to love a beautiful man, but Nevil is worth the effort.
Shelton in Love
Dianne Hartsock © 2021
All Rights Reserved
To Shelton’s surprise, Nevil took him to one of the more subdued pubs in Portland, saying he didn’t want competition for Shelton’s attention. Shelton sighed in relief as he slipped into the booth and settled against the comfortable leather cushions. He’d been half afraid Nevil would take him to one of the boisterous clubs he frequented. This was a more intimate setting, but there were enough people milling around for him to keep his head with Nevil.
A tingle of excitement filled Shelton when the waiter took their order, the man’s eyes showing interest as they flicked over him, further bolstering his confidence. Nevil laughed softly, but it sounded warm rather than mocking, filling his heart.
Nevil leaned toward him across the table after the waiter brought their drinks. “I’m glad you’re here. Everyone’s jealous of me.”
Shelton snorted, but his heart lifted at the praise. Curious as to why Nevil had said that, he sneaked a look around the crowded room and startled at a man openly staring at him. Caught, the blond picked up his drink from the bar and walked toward them, never taking his green eyes off Shelton.
Sliding into the booth beside Nevil, the man gave Nevil a familiar kiss on the cheek. “Who’s this, darling? Lovely jacket.”
Shelton felt instantly self-conscious. “Thanks. It’s a Tera Shaw.”
The man snapped his fingers. “That’s where I know you! You’re right, Nevil, the man’s as gorgeous in real life as he is in the catalogs.”
Shelton stared at his drink, heat burning his face under the stranger’s steamy gaze. When had Nevil discussed him with this man? Shelton didn’t even know the guy. What had they said?
Nevil picked up his glass and swirled the contents, his eyes focused on the reflection of light in the amber liquid. “Now you’ve seen him. Shouldn’t you be getting home to the boyfriend, or are you going to solicit an autograph?”
The man made an irritated sound, but then his expression changed as he looked from him to Shelton. “Oh, I get it. Want some privacy.” He gave Nevil a broad wink. Tossing back his drink, he then slid to his feet. “Well, gotta run. You two have fun.” He gave them a leer before pushing his way through the group of people clustered around the bar.
Nevil scowled at his retreating back, then turned a rueful face to Shelton. “Michael Barns is an ass even at work. Ignore him. I try to.”
They both glanced up as they heard their names being called, and Nevil left the booth to embrace the couple approaching them. “Steve and the lovely Sara.” He kissed Steve’s pretty wife on her cheek. “Join us.”
“Hi.” Shelton shook hands with Steve as the couple sat across from him, relieved to see friendly faces. Sara raised a questioning brow when Nevil slipped onto the bench beside Shelton. Shelton gave her a smile in return, his blood racing as Nevil’s thigh brushed against his own. Sara was a coworker and one of the few friends who knew of his feelings for Nevil. Shelton wanted to share his hopes with her but kept silent, having no idea where the evening would lead.
Nevil pushed tighter against him as several more of their mutual friends joined them at the booth, sending up a cheerful call for drinks. Intensely conscious of his growing erection at Nevil’s closeness, Shelton swallowed his drink down when it came. The liquid left a pleasant muddle in his head, stilling his panic as the heat from Nevil’s body sent his pulse hammering.
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Dianne is the author of paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, m/m romance, the occasional thriller, and anything else that comes to mind. She lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee warming her hands, which kindles her imagination.
Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.
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