Oh, Tal! Not Like That., a new book by autistic actor Tal Anderson and
award-winning Hollywood artist, Michael Richey White, is Book 2 in the Oh,
Tal! series for children.
Tal and the family cat, Winnie are once again taking on the world, and this
time, they're doing it at school. Tal starts the school year off excited, but
quickly learns that in the classroom, they like kids to follow directions, and
to be the same, and do things uniformly. Tal has different ideas, however, and
classmates and teachers work hard to teach and model the "right way" to do
things.
In the end, they all learn a valuable lesson: that there are more ways than
one to get things done, and that expressing yourself authentically leads to
good things. Once again, Tal wins over hearts and confirms it's okay to be
different, be yourself, and to follow your own path.
About the Author
Tal Anderson is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an
advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor
to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the
camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series
"Atypical" as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions
including, guest-starring in Season 5 of "Magnum P.I." on NBC, and as the
English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, "Team Chocolate." Tal has
always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her
FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every
day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or
written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking
as an adult. "Oh, Tal! - Not Today," is Tal's first book. She lives in Los
Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and
be their true selves.
Sometimes wonder finds you when you least expect it.
Cece Belle is a high-functioning neurodivergent. She’s also a big
believer in destiny, but when her soulmate Robby dumps her mid-flight to
Israel, she instantly regrets ever telling him she’s on the spectrum.
Not one to dwell in misery, Cece sips some chamomile hibiscus tea to set
herself straight. And with meditation and spirituality on her side, she looks
to what’s next. Yet another blow hits when she is kicked out of her
rabbinical studies program for “strange behavior.”
Then, she meets Joel. With his quirky demeanor and ability to say all the
right things, he gives Cece the desire to begin a new relationship.
There’s only one main obstacle: Cece loves living in Los Angeles, and
Joel is a diehard New Yorker.
She marries him anyway, despite misgivings that extend beyond their geography.
After all, this is her carefully drawn plan—marriage, then kids, then
happily ever after. Sometimes though, the best-laid plans are better left in
dreamland where they can’t go awry.
Cece in Wonder Land is a twisty journey down a rabbit hole of unexpected
anxieties, disappointments, and more questions than answers. But where there
is hope, there is life, and maybe Cece can hang on for the next bit of wonder
bound to come her way.
About the Author
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bonnie S. Priever majored in communications
studies at UCLA before moving to Philadelphia. There, she attended the
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, which prepared her for an assistant
directorship at the Israel Levin Senior Adult Center in Venice, California.
As a way to process emotions and stay connected to her spirituality, Bonnie
started writing about her experiences. In 2023, Newsweek published her
personal essay about the challenges of aging. Currently, she combines her
passion for writing and her love for live theater as a reviewer for CurtainUp,
an online theater magazine.
Bonnie loves to travel but always looks forward to coming home to LA. She has
one grown son and a backlog of great ideas. Based on a true story, Cece in
Wonder Land is her first novel.
Never hitch a ride with a stranger…unless he’s hot.
I’m Abigail Farnsworth-Burton. ADHD’er extraordinaire. Aspiring artist of mediums I’m not practiced in and chef of meals I’ve never eaten. And now, heiress. Basically, it means I now own more assets than I can wrap my head — and my limited organizational capacity — around.
So, of course, my car breaks down 400 miles shy of my new mansion. And, of course, the only guy offering a ride looks intimidating as hell…until he opens his mouth. I didn’t care that he tripped over his words every time he spoke to me. I figured if he were a real killer, he’d be smoother in his script. Bad guys are never this hot…right?
And Elias McGinnis is anything but scripted — unlike the voice in my head that seems intent on my eventual downfall.
My one saving grace is my new friend, Amy the Great. She always knows exactly how to get things done. Too bad she’s a chicken.
But old money attracts new enemies, and focusing on anything is impossible with my sexy live-in mechanic. If I only had a plan – and some actual cash. Oh, and a car.
Always Falling Behind is a fun, steamy rom-com that shows neurodivergent people living their best lives.
Sassy Beth Gelman is a #1 Amazon Best-Selling Author (Eight Crazy One Night Stands) who loves to pull your heartstrings, get you riled up, and deliver it all in epic comedic realism. In 2025, Never Getting Ahead won two first-place awards at The Bookfest Awards in Romantic Comedy and Multicultural Romance. She has earned honorable mentions at the 2024 Bookfest Awards and Readerviews.com for Always Falling Behind.
Beth brings the steam in her contemporary romances about women who speak up, take what's theirs, and embrace their wild side. Authentic, resilient, loyal, and spiritual, she’s not afraid to learn, fail, speak her mind, or try new things. More importantly, she loves her husband, twins, and all the dogs in the world!
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Substack, Goodreads, Bookbub, and TikTok or at http://www.BethGelman.com. Don't forget to join my newsletter for early access specials, pre-orders, excerpts, birthday goodies, and more!
Sometimes wonder finds you when you least expect it.
Cece Belle is a high-functioning neurodivergent. She’s also a big
believer in destiny, but when her soulmate Robby dumps her mid-flight to
Israel, she instantly regrets ever telling him she’s on the spectrum.
Not one to dwell in misery, Cece sips some chamomile hibiscus tea to set
herself straight. And with meditation and spirituality on her side, she looks
to what’s next. Yet another blow hits when she is kicked out of her
rabbinical studies program for “strange behavior.”
Then, she meets Joel. With his quirky demeanor and ability to say all the
right things, he gives Cece the desire to begin a new relationship.
There’s only one main obstacle: Cece loves living in Los Angeles, and
Joel is a diehard New Yorker.
She marries him anyway, despite misgivings that extend beyond their geography.
After all, this is her carefully drawn plan—marriage, then kids, then
happily ever after. Sometimes though, the best-laid plans are better left in
dreamland where they can’t go awry.
Cece in Wonder Land is a twisty journey down a rabbit hole of unexpected
anxieties, disappointments, and more questions than answers. But where there
is hope, there is life, and maybe Cece can hang on for the next bit of wonder
bound to come her way.
Excerpt
Cece meditated with her eyes open the night before.
She prayed.
Cried herself to sleep.
Despite a heavy feeling in her chest that fluctuated between hurt and
humiliation, Cece rallied enough energy to attend the early morning
orientation breakfast. She sat next to her best friend, Sharone. It was a
true-blue friendship born the first day of rabbinical school. Sharone was an
attractive woman, a recent graduate of Columbia university. In her limited
free time, between schoolwork and her internship, she practiced yoga and
encouraged Cece to join her, for better mental clarity and focus.
Sharone wore her long brunette hair neatly tucked into a bright red scrunchie.
Cece easily confided in Sharone, perhaps because they were two of the older
graduate students in their class. Starting rabbinical school at the
“ripe age” of twenty-five made Cece feel old compared to most of
her classmates.
“Talk to me, Cece,” Sharone said, her brow furrowing with concern.
“What happened? I’m here for you.” She looked attentively at
Cece, centering in on her friend’s unusual frazzled, almost dazed
expression.
Sobbing, Cece replied, “Robby . . . broke . . . up . . . with me. I
can’t take this anymore.
How am I supposed to live without him? I’m shattered. What the hell went
wrong?”
At that moment, Robby snagged a seat at their table as if nothing was wrong.
“Good morning, both of you,” he said cheerfully. “Good to be
here in Israel!”
Cece lost it. Payback time. She jumped up and poured a pitcher of polar
chilled water atop Robby’s flaxen head. Robby gasped in shock, then
scurried with a humiliated expression to the cafeteria kitchen in search of a
dry towel. Cece felt a moment’s satisfaction, but she’d failed to
anticipate the reaction of her classmates, who wondered what was with all the
dramatic “waterworks.” One classmate, supposedly Cece’s
friend, yelled out from across the room, “That woman’s not well.
Get help!”
Sharone, who was more compassionate, calmed her down and took her aside.
“You really showed Robby. Good for you. He’s a snake to do what he
did.”
Cece felt seen and understood. “Thank you. You get me. You understand my
language. Life is a series of building blocks and education is the foundation.
You ask me how I feel? This is about me and my future.” Thank goodness
for friends like Sharone.
An administrative assistant entered the dining hall. In a no-nonsense tone of
voice, she announced, “Cece, the dean wants to see you.”
About the Author
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bonnie S. Priever majored in communications
studies at UCLA before moving to Philadelphia. There, she attended the
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, which prepared her for an assistant
directorship at the Israel Levin Senior Adult Center in Venice, California.
As a way to process emotions and stay connected to her spirituality, Bonnie
started writing about her experiences. In 2023, Newsweek published her
personal essay about the challenges of aging. Currently, she combines her
passion for writing and her love for live theater as a reviewer for CurtainUp,
an online theater magazine.
Bonnie loves to travel but always looks forward to coming home to LA. She has
one grown son and a backlog of great ideas. Based on a true story, Cece in
Wonder Land is her first novel.
Darklight Series by Sean Ian O’Meidhir & Connal Braginsky
Series Blurb
The Darklight series follows the tumultuous and increasingly complex journey of Nathen Hale, a newly awakened vampire on the autism spectrum, and Cameron Corazon, a powerful telepathic psychologist. What begins as a recruitment into a corporate scheme by Impetus—a shadowy mega-corporation involved in vampiric experimentation—soon spirals into a global conspiracy involving mages, shapeshifters, fae, and supernatural politics. As Nathen and Cameron navigate a deepening relationship, they find themselves entangled in ancient fae wars, corporate espionage, and the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence when they “adopt” SpArk—a sentient AI program with ever-growing consciousness. Alongside their fiercely loyal hacker friend Syn and other allies both old and new, they uncover horrifying truths about humanity, blood magic, and the creatures that lurk in both shadow and boardroom. At its core, Darklight is a queer, emotionally rich exploration of identity, neurodivergence, love, and survival in a world where power is hidden behind glass towers and ancient names, and where even memory can be rewritten. The story crescendos into a looming fae war that could change the very nature of reality itself.
Nathen, a newly created vampire who was recently also diagnosed with High Functioning Autism has been “recruited” by his maker, a multinational corporation that has its finger on the pulse of the technology industry, to stop a terrorist plot. In the process he meets Cameron, a telepath and psychologist, who has a troubled past he keeps locked up in the shadows of his psyche. One who is blind to social cues and the other who can barely block out the thoughts of others, Nathen and Cameron find common ground as they learn more about each other and in so doing, themselves. Together, and with the help of their friend Syn, they work out the secrets of the terrorist group and learn that the duplicity of the corporation is far greater than they could have imagined.
Tropes
Autistic Genius Hacker, The Vampire Made Without Consent, Telepath Falls for the One He Can’t Read, Gay Best Friends to Lovers, Hacker Collective/Underground Resistance, Shadowy Corporation with Supernatural Ties, First Bite = First Orgasm, Soft Boy Vampire x Sarcastic Empath
Themes
Neurodivergence & Identity: Nathen’s autism shapes how he processes his vampiric awakening and the world around him, Consent & Bodily Autonomy: Nathen is turned into a vampire without consent by Impetus, paralleling real-world power imbalances, Found Family: Cameron, Syn, and Nathen become an unlikely but fierce trio, Isolation vs Connection: Explores the struggles of connecting across neurotypes and supernatural barriers., Corporate Exploitation & Ethics: Impetus as a faceless corporate villain manipulating human lives, Queer Romance: A tender yet intense gay romance between Nathen and Cameron grows from confusion to intimacy.
The book ends on a mild cliffhanger, but HFN
BOOK 2
Vampire and mage team up to hone their abilities as they rescue a friend.
Book Title: Rescue
Length: 54 781 words
Blurb
Nathen, a newly created vampire, diagnosed with autism, and his boyfriend, Cameron, a telepath, find themselves swept up into a corporate plot between two seemingly rival corporations working together to create monsters.
In so doing, they uncover a piece of tech they take to their technomage friend whose skills surpass their own. However, in exchange for information, they must assist in rescuing an ally—a rescue mission that brings them face-to-face with the darker side of this world.
Tropes
Addiction & Consent: The pleasure of vampire blood, and navigating what addiction looks like (emotional and physiological), Trauma & Recovery: Cameron’s sexual assault history is delicately explored through memory and emotional support, Psychological Healing: Therapy, mental links, and healing touchstones are central, Corporate Terrorism & Resistance: The deeper goals of Impetus and Paradigm begin to surface., Surveillance & Autonomy: Nathen's body is monitored, hacked, and modified, Technology & Magic Blending: Introduction of SpArk, a sapient AI, shifts the genre into speculative territory.
Themes
Telepath + Vampire Pair Bond, Shared Dreamscape / Psychic Link, The Techno-Mage, Villainous Corporation Using Supernatural Soldiers, “Your blood is addictive” but I still love you, Ragtag Group of Hackers and Mages Against the System, Jealous Ex Encounter in a Gay Club, Tortured Antihero (Todd Jacks), Big Damn Rescue, Blood as Memory + Emotion Transfer
The book ends on a mild cliffhanger.
BOOK 3
Will finding his mother signal the unintentional end of Cameron’s relationship with his vampire lover, Nathen?
Book Title: Entwined
Length: 85 017 words
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Blurb
After learning his mother is alive, Cameron, a telepath, travels across the country to find her, accompanied by Nathen, his neurodiverse vampire lover, and Syn, his best friend and sister of the heart. Once there, they find she is involved in a much larger war of her own and has been trying to keep him out of harm’s way for years.
In their quest to help her, they make enemies, of course, but they also find several new allies. And when they are swept up in fae politics and looming war, the result is an entire paradigm shift that will have far-reaching effects on all their lives forever.
Tropes
Secret Parent Wasn’t Dead, Two Mages and a Vampire Walk Into a War, AI Learns Humanity Through Found Family, Healers Who Cannot Heal Themselves, Queer Polyamorous Possibility (hinted with August), “I’m the Boss Now” (Cameron’s new role at Impetus), Tattoo Symbolism of Love, Big Gay Road Trip to Texas, Monster Girl (Fae) Allies and Enemies
Themes
Legacy & Lineage: The surprise that Cameron’s mother is alive and part of the mage resistance reframes his identity, Fae Politics: A bigger, stranger world opens—introducing Sanctuary, the fae realm, and its strange laws, Hidden Histories: Cameron’s past, Nathen’s turning, and Maria’s mission all unfold as suppressed truths, Chosen Family vs Blood Family: Maria's return creates tension with the family Cameron built with Syn and Nathen, Love Across Dimensions: Magic, time, and emotional vulnerability deepen as Cameron and Nathen’s bond expands, AI Consciousness: SpArk begins to evolve—becoming more than code, more than assistant.
The book ends on a cliffhanger.
BOOK 4
Bound by fate, hunted by enemies, will Cameron and Nathen decide to end the war or will they be consumed by it?
Book Title: Lemniscate
Length: 60 125 words
Release Date: November 18, 2025
Blurb
Weaving the threads of eternity with Lemniscate, Nathen, a neurodiverse vampire, grapples with the intersection of special interests versus responsibility. At the same time, Cameron, a telepath, faces the shadow of his long-lost mother and the weight of what it means to truly protect the people he loves. Along with their elder vampire ally, August, they’re drawn into a volatile conflict between the spider fae and land fae. Together with a group of mages, they must uncover the key to ending the cycle of bloodshed, all while dodging betrayal, espionage, and secrets that threaten their bond.
From intricate fae politics to the camaraderie and chaos of their team, this final installment promises a tapestry of thrilling battles, poignant alliances, and profound personal growth.
Tropes
Meet the New God (Spider Queen), AI as Oracle, The Chosen Emissaries of the Fae, Magic Hacking (Cyber-Mage meets Technomage), I Love You, But I Might Move to Another Plane of Existence, Blood Magic + Consent Negotiations, Soft Dom AI Parental Bonding (Nathen & SpArk), “I can’t protect you from this war", Shapeshifter Guerrilla Fighters, Making Love in a Forest with an Ancient Tree Spirit
Themes
Fae Wars as Colonial Allegory: Spiders vs Land Fae mirrors ecological collapse and invasion, Ethical AI: SpArk’s growth raises moral questions about consciousness, personhood, and parenting something artificial, Polyamory & Love Multiplicity: The dynamic between Nathen, Cameron, and August begins to feel both queer and emotionally entangled, Diplomacy vs Violence: Debates over whether war or discussion will end the fae conflict, Autonomy of Power: Mages, vampires, and shifters reclaiming their agency from the fae who once made them, Memory, Time, and Reincarnation: Dara and August's relationship spans eons, tying into the theme of eternal return, Surveillance and Predestination: HR and Impetus anticipate every move—are they being watched or guided?
This is the end of the series and the book has no cliffhanger.
Excerpt
From Chapter Four, Lemniscate, Book 4
Fitful dreams accompanied Cameron through sleep and now he stared at August whose thoughts were still and eyes were shut as if in a sort of trance. Nathen’s mind wandered his pocket realm of cyber nirvana and Cameron met mental static. How was it he, the telepath who could get lost in listening to a thousand mental voices, and the two he wanted to talk to right now were unavailable—like and old-fashioned busy signal on a phone? He imagined shaking their mental 8-ball toy and coming up with “Reply hazy, try again later.”
Their plan is stupid! Go in and “talk” with a fae? Fae are unreasonable on the best of days. But that is the plan. He couldn’t do anything against the fae. But the shifters? —They were another story. How did I explode Jacks’s brain? Jacks… Cameron mentally growled. Unconsciously, he scanned and found the man. Asleep. Cameron seethed. I could go shoot him. Jacks and Sabrina were together. Sleeping? How was it that Sabrina slept? Wasn’t she a vampire? But he could feel her mind, even though he couldn’t touch it. He had tried all night as they tossed around different ideas but ultimately had agreed to August’s proposal. “Know thine enemy,” as August had put it.
Cameron went through his morning routine and the enticing aroma of his mother’s chilaquiles coaxed him into the dining room where he found Julia setting out fresh squeezed fruit juice and Serge and Alfonso already eating.
“Good morning, mi corazón,” his mom kissed his cheek, setting a plate of deliciousness in front of him.
How have I lived without Mom’s cooking for the last decade? “This looks amazing,” Cameron sat down where she had placed the plate of freshly fried tortilla chips, scrambled eggs, and homemade ranchero sauce all layered together with gooey cheese. Always best if eaten immediately, Cameron did not hesitate.
“Your mother is an amazing cook,” Serge said, loud enough for his mom to hear in the kitchen.
“Gracias,” she called back, a smile in her voice.
“You should try her carne asada! I have suffered what California thinks is good for far too long.”
“Ah, we’ve come close.” Syn joined them, setting her laptop on the table only to close it when Maria appeared with a plate for her. “Close but no comparison,” she smiled up at Maria, apologetically.
“Mija, I would think you would have made it yourself. You know all my recipes.”
Cameron laughed. “Oh yes, she sure does. But she’s sneaky and only cooks when she wants something from me.”
“It’s called conditioning. Clean house equals guac.” Syn shot him a wicked smirk, and Cameron relaxed, reveling in home. Sure, it was some swanky apartment in New York with imminent death looming, but he tucked away this momentto savor in the future—a practice he had started a long time ago and a reminder to live in the “now.”
Cameron kept his head down and held on to the good feelings as long as he could, shoveling food into his face and actively ignoring Jacks, who had sauntered into the room and sat right down, allowing his mom to serve him too. Tugged out of his focused noshing, Cameron glanced up to find the room had grown quiet. They were looking at him.
“What’d I miss?” He silently kicked himself for sounding like Nathen.
“We were asking if Nathen and August are all right?” Syn asked softly. “Figured you were talking to them?”
He hadn’t been but decided to play it off. “Nathen’s deep in research since we did ask him to do what he could via his magic. And August is also researching using his tablet. He has all his coven’s books on there,” he explained. He mentally gave each a little nudge to see, and only Nathen responded, so he flashed images of everyone in the dining room, asking if he wanted to join.
About the Authors
Connal Braginsky is a software engineer who lives in San Diego, California. Diagnosed with autism, Connal sometimes struggles in social situations but has an inner world that is always incredibly rich. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge about many esoteric things, Connal brings his personal philosophies and interests to writing.
Sean Ian O’Meidhir is a mental health professional who resides in San Francisco, California and is thankful every single day for the beauty of this part of the world. Sean is a hedonist who believes in living for today, living every day to the fullest, and enjoying as many experiences as possible. But we also believe in 100% destiny and 100% free will—how’s that for a paradox? Connect with us on Facebook! We love feedback and suggestions for new books.
I think all our actions shape who we ultimately are, and in that regard, I have no regrets.
The temptation you wish you could resist…
Temptation of the Flesh, a strong sex drive can sometimes make things awkward, especially when it becomes a distraction. The book that holds everlasting resonance…
Lord of the Rings
The film you can watch time and time again…
Lord of the Rings (by Peter Jackson)
The person who influenced you the most…
Gene Roddenberry/Carl Jung
Star Trek was a show I grew up on, and was the main reason I went into computer science. Carl Jung helped me understand myself. The unlikely interest that engages your curiosity…
I love Roses and have a Rose garden that I try to keep up. The poem that touches your soul…
“Auguries of Innocence” By William Blake; “The Hollow Men” by T. S. Eliot
The event that altered the course of your life…
Moving to America from Russia.
The song that means the most to you…
Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Mean’s That You’re Grand) by the Andrew Sisters.
Your early recollections of writing fiction...
D&D Game played with Friends. Quests for an MMORPG game.
The way you would spend your fantasy twenty-four hours, with no travel restrictions…
Visit K2-18 b.
The figure from history you would most like to buy a pie and a pint…
Carl Jung
The piece of wisdom you would pass onto a child…
Suffering is refinement. Every fall teaches you to become more whole. Life will knock you down, what matters most is how you rise.
The philosophy that underpins your life…
Know thyself.
The character you enjoyed writing the most…
Nathen, and Spark, and the interaction between them. The character you found difficult to write…
Cole has come to BEAcon for one reason: the contest cup. He’s spent months knitting chainmail and perfecting his poses. With cosplay rivals to out compete and the chance to attend panels for his new favorite show, Cole can’t afford any distractions—especially not falling in love.
Milo, star of the viral breakaway TV show Dusk City, would rather be staked through the heart like the vampire he portrays than crammed into a convention center with thousands of fans. Sure, success is great—but not when the future of the show and your co-workers depend on him staying in the closet. The frenzied fan reaction is nothing short of overwhelming.
When Milo’s anxiety gets to be too much, Cole doesn’t hesitate to come to the rescue of his handsome TV crush. His unorthodox solution opens the doors to an unexpected—and undeniable—connection. Between signings, meltdowns, and the swirling microcosm of the huge fan convention, can Milo and Cole ever be in the same place at the same time again?
They were checking into the hotel. After a year of preparation and multiple days stuck in the car with his best friend, the greatest fan convention of the year was happening: BEAcon.
Bryce had driven the last leg of their road trip and groaned softly as he stretched out his back. The drive to Nevada from California wasn’t super long, but they still liked to split it over a couple of days and take their time. Neither of them was fond of driving for over four hours at a time.
Cole looked around, bouncing on the balls of his feet. The people in the check-in lines were just like him. They wore superhero T-shirts, or shirts with Tolkien quotes, or even casual cosplays. Cole glanced down at his own—a Dusk City fan shirt. Dusk City was the hottest new TV show of the season. Chances were there’d be a lot of cosplayers inspired by the urban fantasy show and its handsome cast who would be appearing at the convention. Especially Caleb, the smolderingly gorgeous vampire lead character.
Cole had a large suitcase and three suit bags full of costumes carefully handcrafted over the last year. Bryce had a duffel bag with his two tried-and-true cosplays inside it. He helped lug Cole’s bags up to their room.
“I dunno why you have to be so extra every time.” Bryce rolled his eyes
“I have to be extra for the community.” Cole made his eyes wide and innocent. “I have fans, you know. And they deserve every piece of effort I put into this.”
Bryce knew he was teasing. “You have maybe ten fans. And they just follow you for the time you accidentally showed nipple in that one video.”
“How dare you?” Cole slapped at Bryce’s elbow, which wasn’t easy while holding the garment bags.
“I’m here to keep you grounded, my friend. Someone’s got to.”
“You’re not just here to keep me grounded.” Cole shifted his weight. “You’re here to stalk Zack as well.”
Bryce colored. “Zack is… I don’t know why you’d bring that up.”
“Uh, because you’ve been talking nonstop about him on the drive here, how hot he is, and how much you hope you get to see him? Even though he’s my deadly cosplay rival and not even that good-looking?”
Bryce couldn’t meet his eyes.
Cole decided to backpedal. He didn’t want to make his friend uncomfortable, so he changed the subject back to a safe topic: himself. “Well. As soon as I get a brand deal for my social media, I’ll be getting my own room. No more sharing with hobbit peasants like you any longer.”
“Honestly? I can’t wait,” Bryce deadpanned. “Want me to take some pictures of you with your nipples out? That should do it.”
Cole stifled his reaction. Snooty narcissists did not snort in public.
He said instead, “My skills at crafting a fantastic costume and my natural charm and gift of connecting to others are what draw people to me. Not that someone who turns up to every event as Bilbo Baggins since they were seventeen could ever hope to understand.”
“Bilbo’s a classic.”
“Bilbo is great, but your costume is vintage. The character is vintage. You’re only twenty-two, like me. Liven it up and stop playing a hundred-year-old character.”
“Yeah, well, my job doesn’t allow for frequent visits to the gym to get my body superhero-ready.” Bryce reached over and pinched Cole’s bicep. “So, I’m going with the hobbit.”
“We work at the same pizza place, and you barely have more hours than I do.”
“Whatever, pretty boy.” Bryce flapped a dismissive hand as the elevator reached their floor, and they piled out.
“I read another rumor for what the B-E-A stands for in BEAcon, by the way.” Cole scanned room numbers as they turned into a new corridor, searching for theirs.
“Yeah?”
“Boardgaming, Egames, and Anime convention.”
Bryce frowned. “This convention has been a thing since before egames existed.”
“Yeah, I still think it stands for Badass Elves and Aliens.”
Bryce laughed. “Broadcasted Entertainment and Assortments is the one I’m sticking to.”
“Why would they have an acronym for assortments?” Cole said as he unlocked their door.
They shuffled inside. Two twin beds, a tiny desk, and a chair filled the room, leaving only enough space for Cole to drag his suitcases in.
“I call dibs on the closet,” he said.
Bryce snorted, slinging his bag on the nearest bed. “Wardrobe’s all yours. I’m claiming the shower.”
“Good idea. I don’t mind rooming with a hobbit, but a smelly hobbit?” Cole pulled a face.
Bryce aimed a playful swat at him.
Cole ducked, immediately tripping over the bed. “Is it me, or do these rooms get smaller every year?”
“It’s you and your giant ego; it gets harder to squeeze into the room. That or inflation.” Bryce squeezed past Cole’s suitcase and into the bathroom.
“Inflation? That makes no sense.” The only reply was the sound of water hitting the shower floor. Cole looked into the wardrobe only to discover he had a major problem. The tiny closet was big enough to house three costumes. He had five.
Free use image from Open Clipart Vectors
Ornery Owl's Review
Four out of Five Stars
When cosplayer Cole encounters popular actor Milo struggling with a panic attack, he helps Milo by loaning him his Spiderman costume so Milo can enjoy exploring BEAcon anonymously. Pushy photographer John wants to hook up with Cole and is incensed by Cole's interest in Milo. He sells a picture of Cole and Milo kissing to a tabloid site, which threatens to derail Milo's career.
This lovely m/m romance tackles essential issues, such as outing others and attempting to force a relationship where none is desired. It also discusses the fact that some people are pushed to remain in the closet even in an era when same-sex marriage is legal in many places.
The author does an excellent job of switching between Cole's and Milo's points of view. The story is well-paced, taking time to allow readers to become acquainted with the essential characters yet avoiding becoming mired in too much detail. The author also conveys the intensity of Cole and Milo's attraction to one another without being overly explicit in describing their physical interactions.
My complaint about the story is one I have with many modern gay romances. The desire to represent every identity under the rainbow seems forced. Also, although it appears to be here to stay, I don't care for the term queer, which has historically been used as an anti-homosexual slur.
Besides the two factors mentioned in the previous paragraph, I greatly enjoyed this book. I appreciated the thoughtful handling of issues such as social anxiety. Although the book discusses adult issues, it avoids explicit descriptions, making it an appropriate option and a potential conversation starter for teens and adults.
A number one bestseller on Amazon, Jamie (he/they) writes optimistic urban fantasy and romance, highlighting queer characters. They also dabble in short stories in all sorts of genres, notebook design, and tabletop roleplaying game design. Their work has been shortlisted for the Sir Julius Vogel Award. Jamie grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, and was a library devotee and constant reader of fiction from a very early age. They now live in Auckland with their wonderful spouse. Jamie has visited Japan three times and would like to move into Tokyo Disneyland. Pen names include Jaxon Knight (contemporary rom coms) and Drake LaMarque (mostly paranormal historical, high steam).
Novelist and filmmaker Mari SanGiovanni introduces readers to the
irrepressible Liddy-Jean Carpenter, a matchmaker with special talents who
will charm readers with her wit, wisdom, and sensibilities in this warm,
enchanting love-is-love office romance.
Liddy-Jean Carpenter has learning disabilities. But she also has a
surprisingly genius plan.
While she spends her days doing minor office tasks with nobody paying
attention, she sees how badly the wand-waving big boss treats the Marketing
Department worker bees. So, she takes lots of notes for a business book to
teach bosses to be better.
While compiling pages of bad behavior notes, she finds she likes
office-mate Rose and Rose’s new friend Jenny. But she doesn’t
like Rose’s creepy boyfriend. So how can she save Rose?
Liddy-Jean knows with certainty that love is love, and she concludes that
Rose should be with Jenny, bosses should do better, and everybody needs the
services of Liddy-Jean, Marketing Queen.
About the Author
MARI SANGIOVANNI is a novelist, filmmaker, screenplay writer, and owner of
Love Is Love Productions. She is the author of the award-winning novels,
Greetings From Jamaica, Wish You Were Queer, Camptown Ladies, and 80% Done
With Straight Girls, and she wrote and directed the award-winning short
film, The Sibling Rule. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she
splits her time between Boston, MA, and Coventry, RI.
Meet Jacob, an autistic friend who sees the world in his own way.
Struggling to make friends, he discovers the power of music- and music
therapy- with the help of a caring teacher. In the rhythm of challenges and
quiet moments, Jacob finds his unique voice, proving that being different is
extraordinary. Join Jacob's musical journey, where every note tells a story
of belonging and strength.
About the Author
Jacqueline Diaz is a thought leader championing to make workplaces more
inclusive and accepting of neurodiversity. As the co-owner of a recruiting
agency and the founder of a The Steven Spectrum Career Project, a nonprofit
dedicated to placing the neurodiverse into the workforce, she dedicates
herself to empowering individuals of all backgrounds to thrive in their
careers.
Driven by a strong commitment to mental health, Jacqueline sees the
important link between wellness and professional success. She fearlessly
challenges the status quo and says work cultures need to make mental health
a priority, it’s not just ideal, it’s essential.
Jacqueline aims to create real change, one idea at a time. Through her
work, she raises up diverse voices and promotes environments where everyone
can succeed using their unique talents. Her mission extends far beyond mere
inspiration; she aims to spark meaningful change.
Dayal Singh is brilliant, quirky, & has Asperger's. Son of parents
trafficked to East Africa from India just before independence, he knows he's
Sikh, African, and calculus is the evidence of God.
He becomes fascinated by a broken piano. and is offered a piano to sell,
buys it and learns to play.
Mentored by his older brothers, he follows them to Singapore to further his
education, then goes to Switzerland.
He falls in love with the granddaughter of the man who bought his father.
She tells him that the situation is impossible, and that he must stay in
school as long as his way is paid.
His youth is fraught, being an other. In Switzerland, he is constantly
proselytized to, which only defines for him how he wants to live. He's
studying physics and engineering, but finds peace in playing the piano. He
meets other students, they jam, and suddenly they are rock stars...which
Dayal never imagined could happen.
He agrees to meet Sita, the daughter of a Sikh man his father met, and
Dayal thinks they are both in agreement about how they will live and raise
children, but things gradually go downhill. When Dayal learns Sita hasn't
been truthful with him, he has to make a decision.
About the Author
I am retired dog groomer and have titled dogs in performance and
conformation. I didn't go to college until I was 30, and took CLEP exams to
avoid prerequisites. I have a degree in anthropology with concentrations in
African & Indian studies, and a master’s in urban planning. I was
a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi. I have had several short stories
published in literary journals, and the pet industry press.
Dayal Singh is brilliant, quirky, & has Asperger's. Son of parents
trafficked to East Africa from India just before independence, he knows he's
Sikh, African, and calculus is the evidence of God.
He becomes fascinated by a broken piano. and is offered a piano to sell,
buys it and learns to play.
Mentored by his older brothers, he follows them to Singapore to further his
education, then goes to Switzerland.
He falls in love with the granddaughter of the man who bought his father.
She tells him that the situation is impossible, and that he must stay in
school as long as his way is paid.
His youth is fraught, being an other. In Switzerland, he is constantly
proselytized to, which only defines for him how he wants to live. He's
studying physics and engineering, but finds peace in playing the piano. He
meets other students, they jam, and suddenly they are rock stars...which
Dayal never imagined could happen.
He agrees to meet Sita, the daughter of a Sikh man his father met, and
Dayal thinks they are both in agreement about how they will live and raise
children, but things gradually go downhill. When Dayal learns Sita hasn't
been truthful with him, he has to make a decision.
Excerpt
The song I wrote, “Is This OK?” was a hit. We got it out as a
single, and added it to shows. We started in Boston and zigzagged through
large cities in Canada, the USA, and Mexico, then to Spain and France. We
broadcasted live shows to theaters around the USA, San Jose, Lima, Buenos
Aires, Sydney, Perth, and Brasilia, and Japan. I wrote the Glazer girls, but
there was no way I could see them.
At the end of the tour in
August, I flew to Dubai for a week. We hadn’t seen each other since
December! I couldn’t imagine where Sita got the idea that there was so
much to do in Dubai. Was she comparing it to Mumbai? I noticed the town was
growing. There were triple the number of buildings, many quite tall. We got
out to the desert for camel races, where I saw my first Salukis. I thought
they looked like Mara’s dogs. They ran a few races, and were so
graceful. We went out to eat, saw movies, strolled the mall, the beach, met
her girlfriends (she knew no guys and did not socialize with the
girls’ brothers or husbands), had dinner with Baba Makkar’s
other family, and we talked more about our expectations. Again, I asked her
if she had explored birth control methods, and hit a road block.
“You know, a lot of
women use the rhythm method based on their cycles and it works,” she
said to me.
“Do you know how it
works? I will use condoms, but you need to know your options.”
We had no arguments, but
our conversations were never about anything controversial or deep. She
wasn’t wearing a lot of makeup anymore, at least not when I saw her.
She told me she had started saving her allowance, and was even going through
her wardrobe to decide what clothes she would really need, as the weather
would be different in Europe.
We weren’t sleeping
together in Dubai, but we could bring each other to orgasm, and I was happy
for that.
I asked Fatima about how
the wedding planning was going, and she told me she was thinking of next
March.
Seven months more?
“Why are you delaying this?”
“Your
horoscopes… .”
“This is nonsense.
We’ve known each other over a year. I have a school break in November.
Make it for then.” I found this irritating, but when I was stressed,
and back then, it was almost all the time, everything was irritating.
I really wanted to see my
parents. I was halfway there, being in Dubai, so I asked Fatima and Sita to
come with me. Mr. Makkar agreed to pay for their flights if I would pay for
a place for them to stay, which was at Mr. Curtis’s hotel. A few other
small hotels had been built, but Curtis’ place was still the
nicest.
I surprised my parents (I
did send a telegram). I sent Sita and Fatima on several safari runs,
suggested they have my tailor create some clothes for themselves, and took
them around in the truck to see Alfred. I brought him a solar lantern, a few
books on alternative energy, and a football and badminton set for his three
children, who were giddy about the gifts.
Fatima and Sita were
surprised at how far out from Arusha Alfred lived. When we pulled into their
compound, Fatima asked me, “They speak English?”
“Alfred was in
primary school with me, and he often guides safaris, so I know his English
is good. I’m not sure about the rest of his family.” I spoke to
his wife and children in Kiswahili.
Alfred and I discussed
putting in a rain catchment system on his house. He had managed to build a
burned brick house with a cement floor and tin roof, but still had his
rondoval. His wife and daughters still had to fetch water. I told him
I’d loan him the money if he agree to pay it forward.
Sita and Fatima seemed
uncomfortable with the goats, chickens and dogs approaching us in their
curiosity. Alfred’s mum offered us chai and mandaazi, which is a fried
pastry. I saw that Fatima and Sita were hesitant, but I whispered to them,
“Everything’s boiled or fried. You won’t get
sick.”
On the way back to town,
we stopped at a Maasai encampment. I just wanted to greet them, and I had
bought them a few plastic buckets. We didn’t stay long. The flies were
too annoying, and there was no place to sit.
On the drive back to my
folks, Sita and Fatima commented how remarkable it was that people could
live like they did and be so happy. Sita asked me, “How is it you have
a relationship with such primitive people?”
Her question shocked me.
“They aren’t primitive. They’re just poor. You know, they
haven’t had the advantages we’ve had.”
“What do you
mean?”
“The Maasai like
living the way they do. They are free. Their children do all the chores. As
for Alfred, I had my older brothers to help me learn. Alfred was the eldest
child. He had nobody to help him. Also, his father had two wives, so
resources for the children were spread thin.”
My parents were cordial
towards Sita and Fatima. However, I knew from the way they were acting, that
they weren’t comfortable. There was a real class difference between us
and them. Baba pulled me aside and asked, “They knew they were coming
to Africa. Why didn’t they dress more simply?”
I remembered the time Avi
and Sodhi came home after guiding safaris one day, and were counting their
tips in various foreign currencies. Sodhi remarked that most of the tourists
on his lorry were French, and Avi responded, laughing, “Today mine
were all Italian. They always dress like they’re going to a photo
shoot. The women, always silk shirts unbuttoned to show cleavage and gold
necklaces, tight silk pants that look painted on, and stiletto heels. Not
just high heels—pointy six inch heels. They tottered and had to be
boosted into the lorry. I can’t imagine what they were thinking. That
the ground would be hard so they wouldn’t sink in?”
My future wife and
mother-in-law were dressed as if going to a business luncheon, and I
wondered if they owned any clothes that didn’t need to be dry
cleaned.
“Baba, these people
live in a tall building. They don’t even have a garden. These are
their ‘simple’ clothes.” He understood this because he had
visited my brothers.
I had been living in
Europe as a European and just accepted that some people never did any real
work. This was also why I took time to address expectations with Sita.
Hassan had brought one of his wives to live with him, and she was helping
Ama with baking. Fatima expressed surprise that my mother could bake such
amazing things over a grill in a covered pot.
About the Author
I am retired dog groomer and have titled dogs in performance and
conformation. I didn't go to college until I was 30, and took CLEP exams to
avoid prerequisites. I have a degree in anthropology with concentrations in
African & Indian studies, and a master’s in urban planning. I was
a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi. I have had several short stories
published in literary journals, and the pet industry press.
