The Elmwood Stories Series by Lane Hayes

The hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...VinnieHockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.So I'm going home to Elmwood.But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance... moreThe hometown hockey hero and his best friend's brother...VinnieHockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.So I'm going home to Elmwood.But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.And that's almost as scary as coaching teens.NolanNo, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.So maybe my life isn't particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.And I’m not coaching with him. No way.Ugh…I can’t believe I’m doing this again.You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA! less

The injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while... moreThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion. It’s a doozy too—the kind that’s going to keep me off skates for a while.Which is how I end up in a small New England town in the middle of nowhere Vermont, eating every meal at a diner where a grumpy chef from Quebec makes haute cuisine…and burgers. Jean-Claude is funny and charming and—Okay, I have a crush on a gay man.This is a new one.Jean-ClaudeConfused straight men are entertaining. But Riley is…fascinating, sexy, and curiously vulnerable. His injury has rocked his confidence a bit, so perhaps he’s in need of a friend. Any friend. Even moi .I’m an unlikely choice, but maybe he just likes my tuna salad.No…I think it’s me.And though I’m happy to help him explore his bisexual curious side, I have career concerns of my own. See, the things I love most about Elmwood seem shaky and uncertain, but not Riley. He’s solid and genuine. Suddenly, this temporary secret liaison feels more real than anything in my life.I need more than this season. I want it all. With Riley.Next Season is an MM bisexual-awakening romance featuring a grumpy chef, an injured hockey player, and a big HEA in a small town where anything can happen. less

The hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?  This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.  Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more... moreThe hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what?  This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup.  Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan. No, no, it’s not what you think. We went to school together. We’re acquaintance-friends…nothing more. But you know, I like him. A lot. He’s funny and relentlessly upbeat. I’m a better person when I’m with him—the kind who volunteers to deck the halls and wrap garland on lampposts and—
Whoa. What’s happening here? Ivan I love the holidays! But running the coffee shop on my own during the busiest season of the year is going to be a challenge. And the sudden appearance of my former crush is all kinds of distracting. 
See, I spent my formative years mooning over Court Henderson, our high school’s hockey phenom, even though he was out of my league. Thankfully, I grew up and left the silly remnants of my youth behind. Or did I?  Grown-up Court is full of surprises, and under his gruff yet extremely fine exterior, he’s a good soul with a huge heart. He’s charming, sweet, handsome, and— Uh-oh.  My crush is back. Just in time for the holidays… Holiday Crush is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a renewed ancient crush, some mistletoe latte art, and a little seasonal magic. less

The hunky hockey dad, the bad boy coach, and a new start... Bryson Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Sorry. I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town life, but I haven’t had a date, let alone a boyfriend in years. That’s fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus. Except now he’s grown and is rarely home. And it’s lonely. Yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off limits... moreThe hunky hockey dad, the bad boy coach, and a new start... Bryson Elmwood isn’t good for my love life. Sorry. I’m a positive person and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about small town life, but I haven’t had a date, let alone a boyfriend in years. That’s fine. My son is and always has been my number one focus. Except now he’s grown and is rarely home. And it’s lonely. Yes, the new hockey coach is hot and single, but he’s off limits. Smitty’s trouble with a capital T and his baggage outweighs mine. Besides, we said nothing would happen after “that” night. It was a one-time, never to be repeated deal. So why can’t I stay away from him? Smitty Am I sad about retiring from pro hockey? Honestly, no. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t in pain. My body needs a rest, but I can’t go home. Everything has changed there and I need a distraction. Stat. So… Elmwood. Look, we all know I won’t last a whole season of coaching high school kids, but stepping in till they find a better candidate is a good temporary plan. And Bryson’s here. There’s something about the hot dad with the sunny smile and bad jokes that makes me feel alive again. Look, I’m not in the market for forever. Been there, done that. I’ve risked my body, but I’m not giving my heart away again. I know thin ice when I see it. Or do I? Thin Ice is an MM bisexual, small town romance featuring a silver fox dad, a bad boy hockey player, and a new start on solid ground. less

The rookie superstar, the cowboy, and the proposition… DennyI’m the rookie hot shot, the new guy who scores at will, and conjures plays out of thin air. But I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.The my anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the press without breaking into a cold sweat and I’m the one they want a piece of. I just need to get through the season and regroup at home. Life is simpler in Elmwood. Nothing changes much and everyone knows your name... moreThe rookie superstar, the cowboy, and the proposition… DennyI’m the rookie hot shot, the new guy who scores at will, and conjures plays out of thin air. But I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.The my anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the press without breaking into a cold sweat and I’m the one they want a piece of. I just need to get through the season and regroup at home. Life is simpler in Elmwood. Nothing changes much and everyone knows your name.Except…there’s a sexy new cowboy in town. Literally…a cowboy.He rides a horse and wears a hat, and he’s hot.And get this…he has a proposition for me.HankProposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture in the Four Forest area, and in return, I can help him with his anxiety through equine-assisted therapy.Yeah, I’m a horse whisperer and maybe a Denny whisperer too. But I’ve never met anyone like him—skittish and nervous in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sweet, sexy, and—Whoa! I’m not falling for a hot shot rookie. No way. Especially not one with a big secret. Hot Shot is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hot shot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything. less

Two rivals, one secret, and a shot at forever… JakeFavorite things and hockey, family, friends.Least favorite person in the entire history of the Mason Trinsky.I have my reasons, but since you’re curious, Trinsky is a showboat and a loudmouth. Sure, he’s a great athlete. Good for him. I accept that we have mutual friends and I grudgingly accept that he’ll be a coach at Elmwood Junior’s Camp this summer, however, I plan to keep my distance... moreTwo rivals, one secret, and a shot at forever… JakeFavorite things and hockey, family, friends.Least favorite person in the entire history of the Mason Trinsky.I have my reasons, but since you’re curious, Trinsky is a showboat and a loudmouth. Sure, he’s a great athlete. Good for him. I accept that we have mutual friends and I grudgingly accept that he’ll be a coach at Elmwood Junior’s Camp this summer, however, I plan to keep my distance.Of course, some wise guy pairs us up for a camping expedition and everything that can go wrong does go wrong.Guess who I’m stuck with?TrinskyFavorite things and hockey, surfing, and my kid brotherLeast favorite person in the entire history of the Jake MilliganLook, I might be in the minority, but if you ask me, Jake is a nitpicking diva who wants everything his way. I hope my NHL team crushes his, and this summer, I want my campers to out-prank his. Childish? Nah, it’s all in good fun.Until it starts to feel…complicated. I shouldn’t care if he’s happy, should I? I don’t want to be Jake’s friend. I don’t want to have feelings for him at all.The only thing that matters is hockey. It's all about the puck. Not love.Or is it?Puck Love is an MM bisexual, small-town romance featuring hockey’s hottest rivals, a hiking trip gone wrong, and a shot at forever… less