Our Exception Series by Cora Rose

A straight man walks into a gay bar searching for meaning…It sounds like the start of a lousy joke. And honestly, that’s what my life is beginning to feel like. I look back at all the hateful things I’ve said and done—so many things I can’t take back—and I’m not proud. I let my ignorance steal my relationship with my youngest brother, Magnus. He and his husband, Sem, are now happily married with kids, and all I want is to be a part of their lives. But I need help to get there... moreA straight man walks into a gay bar searching for meaning…It sounds like the start of a lousy joke. And honestly, that’s what my life is beginning to feel like. I look back at all the hateful things I’ve said and done—so many things I can’t take back—and I’m not proud. I let my ignorance steal my relationship with my youngest brother, Magnus. He and his husband, Sem, are now happily married with kids, and all I want is to be a part of their lives. But I need help to get there. Help in the form of a sweet man so open-hearted and optimistic that he’s willing to take on and teach a lost cause like me. Because I don’t know if people are truly capable of change. But the way Beau looks at me with his pretty eyes and cheeky smile, the way he openly shows me friendship, love, and affection…he sure makes me wonder, if a person can change, can they also earn forgiveness? less

We’ve all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. ". God help me, if only that were true. Because as it turns out, my surprise gay husband is very much still my husband outside of the great state of Nevada. And let me tell you, as a straight guy, waking up married to a man I barely know with no memory of how it happened wasn’t even on my Bingo card... moreWe’ve all heard the saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. ". God help me, if only that were true. Because as it turns out, my surprise gay husband is very much still my husband outside of the great state of Nevada. And let me tell you, as a straight guy, waking up married to a man I barely know with no memory of how it happened wasn’t even on my Bingo card. What started as a fun weekend getaway to support my brothers in their relationships and show them how much I've grown, has somehow spiraled wildly out of my control. Cooper Barone is rich, kind, and charming, but he’s holding all the cards now. Because he doesn't want our marriage annulled. No, he says he wants us to make a deal. He wants me to spend time with him, to move in with him. All I know is that I’m broke and I can't afford a divorce without his compliance, without his help. So there’s nothing left for me to do but agree and accept my fate. I'm a straight dude with a husband. This is my life now. less

They say blood makes you related but loyalty makes you a family…. Sounds like a tacky wall-art quote to me. But what do I know? I don’t have a family. Not anymore. And I definitely don’t know loyalty. Not since my brothers collectively decided to shut me out of their lives. .. Not since my mother lied to me and kept a devastating secret. .. Not since my father sold our company out from under me to a smug jerk with a chip on his shoulder... moreThey say blood makes you related but loyalty makes you a family…. Sounds like a tacky wall-art quote to me. But what do I know? I don’t have a family. Not anymore. And I definitely don’t know loyalty. Not since my brothers collectively decided to shut me out of their lives. .. Not since my mother lied to me and kept a devastating secret. .. Not since my father sold our company out from under me to a smug jerk with a chip on his shoulder. Gideon Masters… he’s my new boss, and I hate him for everything that’s happened to me. For everything that’s been taken away. Even though I know, deep down, that being an angry bastard all my life hasn’t done me any favors, and that my hatred must have consequences. So maybe Gideon is my rightful punishment. Maybe I deserve his retribution for my sins. But the way he taunts me and torments me, the way he commands me, it all feels too good to be wrong. Maybe I don’t want him to stop. Maybe my punishment could also be my savior. This story contains intense themes of depression and homophobia, as well as other potential triggers. Please see the full list of trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. less