Crazy Little Thing Series by Serene Franklin

Eli I’m bad at love. I’m bad at many things, but love is so far down the list that it would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. At twenty-eight years old, I’ve had my fair share of partners, and each hasn’t hesitated to tell me that I’m incapable of loving. I love my dog, though I guess that’s not the same thing. Every woman I’ve dated can’t be wrong, right? So I’ve given up on love and resigned myself to a solitary life... moreEli I’m bad at love. I’m bad at many things, but love is so far down the list that it would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. At twenty-eight years old, I’ve had my fair share of partners, and each hasn’t hesitated to tell me that I’m incapable of loving. I love my dog, though I guess that’s not the same thing. Every woman I’ve dated can’t be wrong, right? So I’ve given up on love and resigned myself to a solitary life. Everything is going all right until he walks through the door at my office. He’s the one person who knows my deepest secret—I just know everything’s going to change. Bryan I didn’t think I’d ever see him again. It’s been ten years—and I’d long ago given up all hope—though I never forgot about him. The last place I expected to find him was in the ad agency I’m considering for the launch of my bakery, yet here we are. I can’t lie and say I’m not excited at the prospect of working closely with him. This feels like a second chance, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn his trust and find out what happened to him all those years ago. Hopefully my heart survives in the process. less

Mac I’m the kind of guy you can always count on. When my best friend and former roommate—who up and ditched me in favor of his boyfriend—needs a favor, I don’t hesitate to help any way I can. This most recent favor landed me with a moody Irish university student for a roommate. With his long copper-red hair and blue eyes, he’s too damn cute for his own good—which is saying a lot considering I’m straight. Thing is, he kinda hates me... moreMac I’m the kind of guy you can always count on. When my best friend and former roommate—who up and ditched me in favor of his boyfriend—needs a favor, I don’t hesitate to help any way I can. This most recent favor landed me with a moody Irish university student for a roommate. With his long copper-red hair and blue eyes, he’s too damn cute for his own good—which is saying a lot considering I’m straight. Thing is, he kinda hates me. Crazy, right? I shouldn’t care as much as I do, and I definitely shouldn’t let it bother me. Alas, here I am, caring and letting it bother me. I want him to like me, although I’m not quite sure why. Dubhlainn Insufferable. My new flatmate is insufferable. Between his loud, cheesy music, stupid assumptions, and flippant attitude, he annoys me. He also has this ridiculous aversion to wearing clothes around the flat, which wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t so bloody attractive. It’s hard to remember to hate him when his perfect arse is within view. Going after straight guys is nothing but trouble, and I’m smart enough to avoid that. Besides, I’d rather not mess up another living arrangement, and sex always makes things complicated—not that I’m thinking about sex. less

Remy I’m the worst. I don’t mean that in some cute, self-deprecating way; I’m literally the worst person I know. I’m not the type of guy that gets second chances, but fate has a funny way of messing with you sometimes. A phone call in my darkest hour sends me flying back to a city I left behind a decade ago—right back to the only guy I’ve ever loved. He also happens to be the person I’ve hurt the most, and the reason why I left. Now he’s in the hospital, and I can’t imagine leaving his side... moreRemy I’m the worst. I don’t mean that in some cute, self-deprecating way; I’m literally the worst person I know. I’m not the type of guy that gets second chances, but fate has a funny way of messing with you sometimes. A phone call in my darkest hour sends me flying back to a city I left behind a decade ago—right back to the only guy I’ve ever loved. He also happens to be the person I’ve hurt the most, and the reason why I left. Now he’s in the hospital, and I can’t imagine leaving his side. I don’t deserve to stay—I know that more than anyone, but I’m not going anywhere until he’s well again. Once that happens, I’m gone for good. Maxim Waking up in a hospital is disorienting enough. With my ex here too, it feels like a dream. Except it isn’t. After ten years without a word, Remy is back. When he insists on being the one to see to my rehabilitation, I jump at the chance to invite him to stay at my apartment. Remy smiles and says all the right things, yet I can tell there’s something weighing on him. I want to help, but if I push too hard, he may run again. When he’s ready to talk, I’ll be there. I’ll do whatever it takes to make him want to stay. *** TW: suicidal thoughts, mental illness, sexual assault (not on page) less