A Matchmaker Moms Romance Series by Dalton Douglas

What happens when pretending not to care becomes impossible? Max has. Don’t get attached. Don’t get messy. And definitely don’t agree to be someone’s fake boyfriend for a weekend. Xavier has a family that means well—but meddles spectacularly. When Max agrees to help him survive a high-pressure family gathering, it’s supposed to be act convincing, smile politely, and walk away. Except pretending turns into late-night texts. Fake dates turn into real feelings... moreWhat happens when pretending not to care becomes impossible? Max has. Don’t get attached. Don’t get messy. And definitely don’t agree to be someone’s fake boyfriend for a weekend. Xavier has a family that means well—but meddles spectacularly. When Max agrees to help him survive a high-pressure family gathering, it’s supposed to be act convincing, smile politely, and walk away. Except pretending turns into late-night texts. Fake dates turn into real feelings. And somewhere between a funeral, an anniversary party, and one very dangerous kiss, neither of them is pretending anymore. The Inconvenient Boyfriend is a warm, funny, emotionally satisfying gay romantic comedy about found family, messy hearts, and falling in love when you least expect it. Perfect for readers who. Fake datingSlow-burn chemistryFound familyBanter, feelings, and happily-ever-afters. less

Two moms. Two sons. One very inconvenient crush. Nate Robinson is not looking for love. He’s a responsible, slightly anxious tax attorney who prefers spreadsheets to surprises — especially romantic ones. Asher Adams is creative, charming, and absolutely not interested in becoming another one of his mother’s “projects. ”... moreTwo moms. Two sons. One very inconvenient crush. Nate Robinson is not looking for love. He’s a responsible, slightly anxious tax attorney who prefers spreadsheets to surprises — especially romantic ones. Asher Adams is creative, charming, and absolutely not interested in becoming another one of his mother’s “projects. ”. So when Nate and Asher start noticing each other across their favorite coffee shop, they assume it’s just a harmless crush… until Maggie McGlynn and Alexandra Adams decide to get involved. Maggie watched her own son fall in love in The Inconvenient Boyfriend, and now she’s convinced she can help someone else find their happily-ever-after. Alexandra just wants her son to be happy — and isn’t above a little friendly matchmaking to make it happen. With well-meaning moms meddling, friends watching from the sidelines, and feelings getting harder to ignore, Nate and Asher must decide whether they’re brave enough to go after what they really want… even if everyone else seems to be watching. Mother Knows Best is a laugh-out-loud, heart-warming gay romantic comedy about awkward crushes, found family, and discovering that sometimes the people who love you most are also the ones who cause the most chaos. less

Kevin Kim has known Maggie McGlynn his entire life. He grew up across the street from her—close enough that Maggie has witnessed every awkward phase, every heartbreak, and every time Kevin pretended he didn’t want what everyone else seemed to find so easily. So when Maggie decides Kevin deserves a little happiness, there’s no stopping her. Enter Brody a veterinarian with a calm voice, a sleeve tattoo, and a motorcycle that looks like it belongs in a different life than Kevin’s... moreKevin Kim has known Maggie McGlynn his entire life. He grew up across the street from her—close enough that Maggie has witnessed every awkward phase, every heartbreak, and every time Kevin pretended he didn’t want what everyone else seemed to find so easily. So when Maggie decides Kevin deserves a little happiness, there’s no stopping her. Enter Brody a veterinarian with a calm voice, a sleeve tattoo, and a motorcycle that looks like it belongs in a different life than Kevin’s. Brody is confident without being arrogant, kind without trying to prove it, and entirely too good at making Kevin laugh when Kevin is trying very hard not to fall for him. In a town where people notice everything, Kevin’s careful boundaries don’t stand a chance—not against Brody’s steady attention, and certainly not against Maggie’s well-timed invitations, “accidental” run-ins, and community gatherings that feel suspiciously like opportunities. Kevin has spent years believing love is something that happens to other people. Brody seems determined to prove him wrong. Not His Brother is a feel-good M/M romantic comedy packed with small-town charm, meddling moms with big hearts, and a happily-ever-after that’s worth the risk. less

Luke Bennett has spent his whole life being good. Good son. Good church kid. Good at pretending he isn’t quietly, painfully, inconveniently gay. Then he meets Drake. Drake is a DJ with a crooked smile, a leather jacket, and a reputation that makes Luke’s pulse spike and his moral compass short-circuit. He’s everything Luke was taught to avoid—and everything he suddenly can’t stop wanting... moreLuke Bennett has spent his whole life being good. Good son. Good church kid. Good at pretending he isn’t quietly, painfully, inconveniently gay. Then he meets Drake. Drake is a DJ with a crooked smile, a leather jacket, and a reputation that makes Luke’s pulse spike and his moral compass short-circuit. He’s everything Luke was taught to avoid—and everything he suddenly can’t stop wanting. Enter Maggie McGlynn, Dalton’s resident matchmaker, professional meddler, and unapologetic architect of romantic chaos. When she spots Luke staring across a crowded club at Drake like his entire future just walked in, she decides it’s time to intervene. What follows is a hilarious, tender, and sometimes slightly scandalous collision of church potlucks, dance floors, emotional honesty, and one very determined woman who refuses to let nice boys sabotage their own happiness. The Trouble With Nice Boys is a cozy, feel-good romantic comedy about learning to want what you actually want… even when it terrifies you. Because sometimes the biggest risk isn’t falling in love—it’s admitting you deserve it. less

One potluck. One allergic reaction. Two men who weren’t supposed to meet. Aaron didn’t come to the potluck looking for love—he came because his mother promised there would be food, minimal drama, and absolutely no matchmaking. Mylo came because someone had to supervise the allergy labels… and because saying no to Maggie McGlynn has never worked out for anyone. When a minor medical emergency brings Aaron and Mylo together, sparks fly faster than the Coven can update their spreadsheet... moreOne potluck. One allergic reaction. Two men who weren’t supposed to meet. Aaron didn’t come to the potluck looking for love—he came because his mother promised there would be food, minimal drama, and absolutely no matchmaking. Mylo came because someone had to supervise the allergy labels… and because saying no to Maggie McGlynn has never worked out for anyone. When a minor medical emergency brings Aaron and Mylo together, sparks fly faster than the Coven can update their spreadsheet. As the self-appointed matchmaking moms of Dalton scramble to pretend this was all part of the plan, Aaron and Mylo find themselves navigating awkward first dates, meddling advice, and the terrifying realization that the right person might arrive when you’re least prepared. Matchmaking, Potlucks & EpiPens is a warm, funny, heart-forward romantic comedy about unexpected connection, found family, and the kind of love that shows up when everything else goes wrong. Perfect for readers who. Small-town LGBTQ+ romanceMeddling families with good intentionsSlow-burn chemistry with real emotional payoffHumor, heart, and happily-ever-aftersWelcome back to Dalton—where love is inevitable, resistance is futile, and someone always has snacks. less

Ted Cooper didn’t think he’d be buying a house anytime soon. Not with a third grader, a too-small apartment, and a daily obstacle course of Legos, Hot Wheels, and one suspiciously dangerous skateboard near the front door. But “cramped” has officially become “hazardous,” and Ted is done living like he’s one step away from filing an insurance claim against a toy car. So Ted does what any responsible single dad would do: he declares an emergency move... moreTed Cooper didn’t think he’d be buying a house anytime soon. Not with a third grader, a too-small apartment, and a daily obstacle course of Legos, Hot Wheels, and one suspiciously dangerous skateboard near the front door. But “cramped” has officially become “hazardous,” and Ted is done living like he’s one step away from filing an insurance claim against a toy car. So Ted does what any responsible single dad would do: he declares an emergency move. Blake Blanchard is Dalton’s most reliable realtor—calm, charming, and irritatingly good at reading people. He’s also the first person in a long time who makes Ted feel like he can exhale. What starts as open houses and practical decisions turns into something softer… and a lot more terrifying. Because Ted has rules. Ted has walls. Ted has a kid who comes first. And Ted has history—one that taught him how quickly “good” can disappear. But Dalton has a way of showing up. Maggie has a way of meddling. Teddy has a way of saying exactly what everyone is thinking. And Blake has a way of staying. Open Houses, Legos & Hard Hats is a warm M/M romantic comedy full of small-town community chaos, single-dad tenderness, and the kind of love that doesn’t demand perfection—just honesty, and one brave five-minute choice at a time. While this book can be read as a standalone, it’s even better in series order for maximum Dalton cameos and community shenanigans. less

A small-town coffee shop. A man who orders chamomile. And the barista who makes “no refusing kindness before noon” a house rule. Gideon Hansen didn’t move to Dalton to be noticed. He moved to disappear—quietly, respectfully, and preferably behind the safest drink on the menu. Chamomile. No caffeine. No risk. No complications. Then he walks into The Ministry of Coffee… and meets Alex. Alex is sunshine with an apron: warm, quick-witted, and entirely unbothered by Gideon’s careful edges... moreA small-town coffee shop. A man who orders chamomile. And the barista who makes “no refusing kindness before noon” a house rule. Gideon Hansen didn’t move to Dalton to be noticed. He moved to disappear—quietly, respectfully, and preferably behind the safest drink on the menu. Chamomile. No caffeine. No risk. No complications. Then he walks into The Ministry of Coffee… and meets Alex. Alex is sunshine with an apron: warm, quick-witted, and entirely unbothered by Gideon’s careful edges. He doesn’t ask prying questions. He doesn’t demand explanations. He just offers tea, a cookie, and the kind of kindness that doesn’t come with an invoice. But Dalton isn’t a town that lets people stay lonely for long—especially not when Maggie McGlynn and Martha have opinions, a plan, and a firm belief that hydration is a moral obligation. As Gideon learns how to breathe again and Alex learns what it means to love someone gently, they discover that healing isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it looks like decaf. Sometimes it looks like compromise. And sometimes it looks like choosing to stay. Decaf & Other Compromises is a cozy M/M romantic comedy full of found family, small-town charm, sweet laughs, and low-heat emotional swoon. less

Malik Khan came to Dalton, Maine to take a break from his life. No meetings. No founders. No investors. No one asking him what he’s building. Dalton took that personally. Because Dalton is going to adopt you whether you agree or not—so you have two options: resist and become exhausted, or accept and get fed. It starts at The Ministry of Coffee, where the espresso is perfect, the pastries are smug, and the locals treat “personal space” like a cute suggestion... moreMalik Khan came to Dalton, Maine to take a break from his life. No meetings. No founders. No investors. No one asking him what he’s building. Dalton took that personally. Because Dalton is going to adopt you whether you agree or not—so you have two options: resist and become exhausted, or accept and get fed. It starts at The Ministry of Coffee, where the espresso is perfect, the pastries are smug, and the locals treat “personal space” like a cute suggestion. Then Maggie McGlynn schedules him for a sitdown with The Coven (without even having his number yet), Ravi watches like a man witnessing a plan lock into place, and Martha monitors hydration like she’s running an invisible government. Malik is outmatched. Socially. Spiritually. Possibly municipally. And then there’s Logan. Logan works at the clinic. He’s quiet, steady, and carrying his own kind of exhaustion behind competence and a decaf order. He isn’t offering romance. He’s offering quiet. A trail behind the clinic. Empty mornings. A place Malik can breathe. It’s not a grand gesture. It’s not a flirtation. It’s care. And it might be the most dangerous thing Dalton has thrown at him yet. Startups, Sitdowns & Connections is a cozy, low-angst M/M romantic comedy full of small-town chaos, found family, gentle caretaking, and a slow-burn love story that sneaks up on you—like Maggie with a clipboard and a plate of brownies you didn’t agree to, but are somehow holding anyway. less

Owen McKinney is a hobby farmer with too many goats, too many opinions, and exactly zero interest in being adopted by Dalton, Maine. Unfortunately, Dalton has never let a man with “mildly feral but clearly kind” energy walk away unclaimed—especially not when he shows up holding eggs like evidence. David O’Connor is a polished Boston investor visiting town with Malik... moreOwen McKinney is a hobby farmer with too many goats, too many opinions, and exactly zero interest in being adopted by Dalton, Maine. Unfortunately, Dalton has never let a man with “mildly feral but clearly kind” energy walk away unclaimed—especially not when he shows up holding eggs like evidence. David O’Connor is a polished Boston investor visiting town with Malik. He’s here for two days, he has a calendar that bites, and he absolutely does not have time for rural charm, community events, or feelings. Then Maggie McGlynn does what Maggie McGlynn does: she turns “a simple farm event” into a full-town operation, drafts David into logistics, and watches—bright-eyed and unrepentant—as Owen and David start orbiting each other like inevitability. David tells himself he’s just doing diligence. Owen tells himself he’s just delivering eggs. Dalton tells itself they’ll figure it out… as long as someone brings snacks. Eggs, Goats & Good Intentions is a cozy, low-angst M/M romantic comedy full of small-town chaos, found family, gentle caretaking, and the kind of slow-burn love that grows when you stop rushing—and start showing up. less

Jack Elliot runs a nursery with labeled rows, clean edges, and a strict no-chaos policy. Then Owen McKinney’s goat breaks in and eats Jack’s poppies like it’s committing a personal vendetta. . Jack would like everyone to know he does not “do” neighbors, spring festivals, or towns that treat boundaries like a group project. Dalton would like Jack to know that Dalton does not care... moreJack Elliot runs a nursery with labeled rows, clean edges, and a strict no-chaos policy. Then Owen McKinney’s goat breaks in and eats Jack’s poppies like it’s committing a personal vendetta. . Jack would like everyone to know he does not “do” neighbors, spring festivals, or towns that treat boundaries like a group project. Dalton would like Jack to know that Dalton does not care. Because once Maggie McGlynn hears the words “goat” and “poppies” in the same sentence, she does what she always does: she opens her iPad, declares it a community project, and assigns a morale component. . Enter Fred Mitchell—lumberjack, human fence post, and the kind of steady competence that makes Jack’s life complicated in the worst possible way. Fred shows up with boards, calm energy, and a quiet certainty that the fence will be built right… whether Jack is emotionally prepared for that or not.  . Between rogue goats, poppy recovery, spring-festival “logistics,” and a town that thinks privacy is a myth, Jack is about to learn two things:. 1. you can’t out-stubborn Dalton, and. 2. you definitely can’t out-stubborn a man like Fred Mitchell. Poppies, Proposals & Pandemonium is a cozy, low-angst M/M romantic comedy with small-town chaos, found family meddling, and a slow-burn romance built on quiet competence, unexpected softness, and the kind of care that shows up with a tool belt. less

Elliot Hart doesn’t do chaos. He does structural integrity, municipal code, and the kind of quiet competence that keeps ceilings where they belong. So when he’s hired to inspect a historic meeting hall ahead of Dalton’s beloved Lantern Walk, he expects a straightforward measure, certify, leave town before anyone tries to put him on a committee. Then he meets Dante Kim... moreElliot Hart doesn’t do chaos. He does structural integrity, municipal code, and the kind of quiet competence that keeps ceilings where they belong. So when he’s hired to inspect a historic meeting hall ahead of Dalton’s beloved Lantern Walk, he expects a straightforward measure, certify, leave town before anyone tries to put him on a committee. Then he meets Dante Kim. Dante is the Lantern Walk’s unofficial mastermind—part craft gremlin, part community conductor, and somehow the only person in Dalton who can make “fire safety plan” sound like foreplay. He’s cheerful. He’s relentless. He has a mop bucket that literally has a warning label with his name on it. And worst of all… he listens. As permit deadlines tighten and the town’s matchmaking moms circle like they’ve found fresh meat, Elliot finds himself stuck in the exact kind of warm, meddling small-town machine he avoids at all costs. But between late-night walk-throughs, carefully negotiated boundaries, and the slow realization that being seen doesn’t have to mean being trapped, Elliot starts to wonder if the safest thing in Dalton might actually be staying. A cozy, funny, slow-burn M/M romantic comedy about competence, consent, community chaos, and the kind of love that holds—without cracking. less

Harry Lowe runs Dalton’s summer events the way he runs his life: with lists, timers, and contingency plans tight enough to survive a hurricane. So when the town launches Lobster Roll Week—and Harry’s tasked with vendor ops—he’s ready for permits, deliveries, and chaos. What he’s not ready for is Julian Park. Julian returns to Dalton as the headline lobster-roll vendor with warm confidence, a thriving business…and a history with Harry that never fully healed. They agree to keep it professional... moreHarry Lowe runs Dalton’s summer events the way he runs his life: with lists, timers, and contingency plans tight enough to survive a hurricane. So when the town launches Lobster Roll Week—and Harry’s tasked with vendor ops—he’s ready for permits, deliveries, and chaos. What he’s not ready for is Julian Park. Julian returns to Dalton as the headline lobster-roll vendor with warm confidence, a thriving business…and a history with Harry that never fully healed. They agree to keep it professional. Dalton immediately refuses to let that happen. Between taste-test wars, assembly-line training, late-night prep in The Rectory, and a festival-day disaster that turns them into a two-person crisis-response unit, Harry and Julian find themselves doing the one thing neither of them planned for: trusting each other again. Because the problem with second chances isn’t the town. It’s the moment you have to stop managing everything…long enough to ask. A warm, funny second-chance M/M romantic comedy full of found family, small-town chaos, and a lobster roll that might just rewrite the ending. less

A tourist-trap stop outside Stephen King’s house is supposed to be a harmless family-photo moment—until Robert Worley meets Chase Smith on the sidewalk and everything in Robert’s carefully controlled world tilts. Robert is steady, earnest, and allergic to attention. He’s a “good kid” with a lifetime habit of performing normal so well he sometimes forgets what he actually wants... moreA tourist-trap stop outside Stephen King’s house is supposed to be a harmless family-photo moment—until Robert Worley meets Chase Smith on the sidewalk and everything in Robert’s carefully controlled world tilts. Robert is steady, earnest, and allergic to attention. He’s a “good kid” with a lifetime habit of performing normal so well he sometimes forgets what he actually wants. Chase is charming, quick-witted, and emotionally braver than he looks—using humor as armor, but always the first to say the true thing when it matters. One impulsive night in Bangor becomes the kind of memory neither of them can file away. Years later, they collide again in Dalton during the town’s fall “Horror & Harvest” fundraiser—spooky book club, costume trivia, scary-story night in The Rectory, and a haunted hayride that practically demands jump-scare proximity. Dalton is small, nosy, and dangerously invested in other people’s love lives… which makes secrets hard to keep and half-truths impossible to survive. As old shame resurfaces and new feelings refuse to stay quiet, Robert and Chase have to decide what’s scarier: being seen, or letting the best thing they’ve ever felt become “just a hookup” in someone else’s story. Horror, Half-Truths & Hookups is a warm, funny, tender romantic comedy about second chances, truth-telling, and the kind of love that turns one night into a lifetime—no ghosts required. less

No Wi-Fi. No excuses. No hiding. When Dalton launches an off-grid adventure weekend to prove the town can do “rugged” tourism without anyone crying (crying is fine), anxious new-to-town logistics guy Kieran Ward gets voluntold into running schedules, waivers, and contingency plans for people who think “planning” is optional... moreNo Wi-Fi. No excuses. No hiding. When Dalton launches an off-grid adventure weekend to prove the town can do “rugged” tourism without anyone crying (crying is fine), anxious new-to-town logistics guy Kieran Ward gets voluntold into running schedules, waivers, and contingency plans for people who think “planning” is optional. His co-lead is Beck Barton—wilderness instructor, search-and-rescue volunteer, and the calmest man Kieran has ever met… which is deeply inconvenient, because Beck keeps clocking Kieran’s panic as kind of adorable. Between a no-phones challenge, fire-building fiascos, cabin repairs, and a night hike that turns honesty into its own kind of survival skill, Kieran realizes belonging isn’t something you earn by being impressive. It’s something you build by being real—especially with the person who sees through your “I’m fine” faster than you do. A warm, funny small-town romantic comedy about competence, vulnerability, and the love that shows up with a lantern, a steady hand, and a stash of marshmallows. less

Mitchell McQueen thought “team-building retreat” meant a catered lunch, a name tag, and exactly enough nature to post about later. Instead, it means rural Maine, zero cell service, and the humiliating realization that his “hiking boots” still smell like the box they came in. Lost, overdressed, and aggressively over-cologned (to the point of attracting bees), Mitchell stumbles straight into Bodhi Burke—calm, grounded, and so competent it should come with a warning label... moreMitchell McQueen thought “team-building retreat” meant a catered lunch, a name tag, and exactly enough nature to post about later. Instead, it means rural Maine, zero cell service, and the humiliating realization that his “hiking boots” still smell like the box they came in. Lost, overdressed, and aggressively over-cologned (to the point of attracting bees), Mitchell stumbles straight into Bodhi Burke—calm, grounded, and so competent it should come with a warning label. Bodhi grew up off-grid on a Maine hippie commune, navigates by moss and stars, forages like it’s basic manners, and wears Birkenstocks like they’re functionally part of his body. He’s also the kind of man who asks before he touches, holds steady through panic, and makes survival skills feel suspiciously… romantic. As Bodhi teaches Mitchell how to exist in the woods without negotiating with reality, Mitchell discovers something worse than bears: the terrifying comfort of being cared for without strings attached. Between open-fire dinners, relentless trash-safety lectures (“Black bear, to be exact. ”), and a handmade hemp bracelet that becomes a quiet emotional anchor, Mitchell’s “funny anecdote” turns into a life-changing detour. Camping was never the plan. Falling for the forest man in sentient Birkenstocks definitely wasn’t either. But in Dalton—and in the woods—sometimes the best kind of love is the one you choose on purpose. less

Ian Ward moved to Dalton for one reason: silence. He bought a house with a long driveway, a respectful number of trees, and enough distance from the road to qualify as a privacy policy. The plan was simple—unpack, exhale, and avoid human interaction for at least six business days. Dalton has other plans... moreIan Ward moved to Dalton for one reason: silence. He bought a house with a long driveway, a respectful number of trees, and enough distance from the road to qualify as a privacy policy. The plan was simple—unpack, exhale, and avoid human interaction for at least six business days. Dalton has other plans. Within minutes, Ian is ambushed by a welcome basket, interrogated for “emergency purposes,” adopted by a feral gray cat with boundary issues, and introduced to his next-door neighbor: Micah Barton—warm, handy, relentlessly helpful, and dangerously good at showing up without pushing too hard. Micah flirts like it’s a public service. Ian panics like it’s a survival skill. Between unsolicited “neighborly advice,” fix-it montages that turn into intimacy, snow-day soup deliveries, and a town that treats matchmaking like a community sport, Ian has to learn the hardest thing of all: boundaries aren’t walls—they’re instructions for how to stay. Because quiet isn’t the absence of people. It’s the presence of the right one. Nosiness, Nuzzling & Neighborly Advice is a cozy small-town M/M romantic comedy packed with found family, gentle caretaking, laugh-out-loud meddling, a cat named Pickles who chooses violence, and a happily-ever-after that arrives exactly when Ian stops running. less

Dalton’s newest charity weekend was supposed to be a guided cave tour, an outdoor skills competition, and a fundraiser banquet where nobody got emotionally exposed. Then Rory Ward signed up. Rory is fitness-forward, fiercely competitive, and allergic to losing—especially to Caleb Barton, the rescue-trained outdoor guide with calm competence and a teasing streak that makes Rory want to win and kiss him in equal measure... moreDalton’s newest charity weekend was supposed to be a guided cave tour, an outdoor skills competition, and a fundraiser banquet where nobody got emotionally exposed. Then Rory Ward signed up. Rory is fitness-forward, fiercely competitive, and allergic to losing—especially to Caleb Barton, the rescue-trained outdoor guide with calm competence and a teasing streak that makes Rory want to win and kiss him in equal measure. Their rivalry is trash talk, one-upmanship, and “I could do that faster” nonsense that the entire town treats like live entertainment. When Dalton pairs them for the main event, the rules change. The final challenge isn’t about speed or strength—it’s about trust. And when a harmless-but-dramatic moment underground forces Rory to face the one thing he can’t out-train, Caleb is there with steady hands, quiet patience, and a warmth Rory didn’t know he needed. Between headlamps, knot-tying showdowns, matchmaking “data,” and post-adventure cuddles that become suspiciously hard to stop, Rory and Caleb discover the real victory isn’t beating each other. It’s choosing each other—especially when the whole town is watching. Caving, Cuddles & Competition. is a funny, tender small-town M/M romantic comedy packed with rivalry-to-romance tension, competence chemistry, found family chaos, and a happily-ever-after that doesn’t require anyone to earn love by winning. less

Ice Dams, Ice Cream & Imagination drops Dalton, Maine into late-winter chaos—when roofs start leaking, gutters turn into icicle battlegrounds, and the town’s favorite emergency fundraiser becomes a full-contact sport. Gavin Ward is the kind of man you call when something is wrong: calm, meticulous, and built for fixing problems—not feelings. Toby Barton is the kind of man who shows up with cocoa, a ridiculous amount of hope, and the unnerving ability to make hard days feel lighter... moreIce Dams, Ice Cream & Imagination drops Dalton, Maine into late-winter chaos—when roofs start leaking, gutters turn into icicle battlegrounds, and the town’s favorite emergency fundraiser becomes a full-contact sport. Gavin Ward is the kind of man you call when something is wrong: calm, meticulous, and built for fixing problems—not feelings. Toby Barton is the kind of man who shows up with cocoa, a ridiculous amount of hope, and the unnerving ability to make hard days feel lighter. When an ice-dam disaster forces them into close quarters, long nights, and nonstop teamwork, Gavin discovers Toby’s warmth isn’t a distraction—it’s a lifeline. And then Jesse enters the picture: steady, capable, and quietly impossible to ignore. As Dalton rallies with ladders, soup, and way too many opinions, Gavin is faced with the one situation he can’t solve with a checklist—learning how to be wanted, not just needed. Because winter doesn’t care how competent you are… but the right people might. A cozy small-town romantic comedy packed with competence, community chaos, and the kind of tenderness that holds. less

Dalton is building a Treehouse Trail—tiny reading nooks and lookout platforms designed for kids, grownups, and anyone who needs a quiet place to breathe. It’s whimsical, community-funded, and absolutely not something Silas Ward plans to let become a safety disaster. Silas is a certified arborist with a strict rulebook, a sharper “no,” and a soft heart he keeps buried under hard standards... moreDalton is building a Treehouse Trail—tiny reading nooks and lookout platforms designed for kids, grownups, and anyone who needs a quiet place to breathe. It’s whimsical, community-funded, and absolutely not something Silas Ward plans to let become a safety disaster. Silas is a certified arborist with a strict rulebook, a sharper “no,” and a soft heart he keeps buried under hard standards. Rowan Barton is a treehouse builder who treats wonder like a structural requirement—warm, playful, wildly competent, and determined to prove that safety and softness can coexist. When they’re forced into partnership—Silas protecting the trees, Rowan protecting the joy—Dalton’s volunteers turn chaos into comedy, a storm tests the build, and a county safety audit threatens to turn Rowan into a liability. But the biggest risk isn’t the platform. It’s what happens when someone looks at Silas like he’s worth caring for. Tall Trees, Tiny Treehouses & Tenderness. is a cozy, laugh-out-loud M/M romantic comedy about small-town meddling, competent men with big feelings, and the kind of love that’s both safe and soft—because tenderness isn’t fragile. less

Wes Barton built his brewery to be small on purpose. Small meant control. Small meant quality. Small meant no one telling him how his dream should work. Then Dalton’s tiny one-room brewery is offered a make-or-break opportunity: a regional showcase and a tap takeover at the town bar — conditional on safety upgrades, improved service flow, and actual building plans. Plans Wes does not have... moreWes Barton built his brewery to be small on purpose. Small meant control. Small meant quality. Small meant no one telling him how his dream should work. Then Dalton’s tiny one-room brewery is offered a make-or-break opportunity: a regional showcase and a tap takeover at the town bar — conditional on safety upgrades, improved service flow, and actual building plans. Plans Wes does not have. Enter Aidan Ward: a calm, precise carpenter whose life philosophy is “measure twice, cut once,” and who refuses to let Wes’s carefully constructed chaos fail an inspection. Wes thinks Aidan wants to sanitize his dream. Aidan thinks Wes is one tripping hazard away from disaster. Their partnership starts as arguments over tape measures and building codes, turns into brutally honest taste-testing sessions, and somehow becomes late-night fixes, steady hands, and a feeling neither of them is prepared for. But when a bad batch, a public event, and Wes’s past collide all at once, he’ll have to decide what’s harder: protecting his independence… or trusting someone enough to stay. In Dalton, compromise doesn’t mean losing. It means choosing the same future. Craft Beer, Craftsmanship & Compromise is a warm, funny small-town romantic comedy featuring competence, banter, community meddling, goats with poor boundaries, and a happily-ever-after built to code. less

A storm hits Dalton, Maine—and suddenly “just being helpful” turns into shared blankets, close quarters, and the kind of quiet chemistry everyone else clocks immediately. Holden Ward is the town’s steady, practical fix-it first to the equipment shed, last to leave a problem unresolved, and absolutely convinced he is emotionally fine... moreA storm hits Dalton, Maine—and suddenly “just being helpful” turns into shared blankets, close quarters, and the kind of quiet chemistry everyone else clocks immediately. Holden Ward is the town’s steady, practical fix-it first to the equipment shed, last to leave a problem unresolved, and absolutely convinced he is emotionally fine. Elias Barton is an out-of-town forestry/utility contractor assigned to storm debris support—hyper-competent, quietly funny, and unreasonably patient with Holden’s denial. When heavy rain and wind force a late-night response and the roads close, the crew beds down at a rustic bunkhouse. Holden and Elias wind up assigned adjacent bunks—because the universe has a sense of humor and Dalton has a matchmaking ecosystem. Under candlelight and flashlight beams, with power flickers and a town full of “helpful” witnesses, their teammate dynamic shifts into something warmer, riskier, and harder to pretend is nothing. But when the weather clears, Holden’s fear of being seen hits harder than the storm. Elias won’t chase him with pressure—he’ll just keep showing up, steady as a heartbeat, until Holden realizes the real choice isn’t whether he wants more. It’s whether he’s brave enough to stop calling it “just logistics. ”. Bunkhouses, Bad Weather & Blissful Ignorance. is a cozy, funny, tender small-town M/M romance featuring forced proximity, storm-response shenanigans, gentle caretaking, meddling friends, and the kind of love that arrives with coffee, dry socks, and the person who makes you feel safe enough to exhale. less

Dalton discovered curling on a Tuesday—and by Friday, it had become a fundraiser, a town identity, and a full-blown public spectacle. Corey Hartwell is Dalton’s local weatherman with a secret becoming a sports reporter. When Maggie McGlynn decides Dalton needs a post-Olympics charity curling weekend, Corey grabs a microphone, a borrowed broom, and the confidence of a man who has absolutely no idea what he’s doing... moreDalton discovered curling on a Tuesday—and by Friday, it had become a fundraiser, a town identity, and a full-blown public spectacle. Corey Hartwell is Dalton’s local weatherman with a secret becoming a sports reporter. When Maggie McGlynn decides Dalton needs a post-Olympics charity curling weekend, Corey grabs a microphone, a borrowed broom, and the confidence of a man who has absolutely no idea what he’s doing. René Leroux is the opposite of a quiet, precise, and determined to keep his past firmly in the past. He came to Dalton for a fresh start, not a spotlight—especially not one pointed at him by an enthusiastic town with too much free time and a suspicious amount of glitter. But when Corey steps onto the ice in regular shoes and immediately becomes a physics problem, René does what he’s always done keeps things steady. Including Corey. What starts as reluctant coaching turns into private practices, accidental almost-dates, and the kind of slow-burn intimacy that only winter can force—where closeness isn’t optional, and feelings show up whether you scheduled them or not. With cosplay chaos, small-town commentary, and a romance that refuses to be loud to be real,. Curling, Cosplay & Curiosity. is a warm, funny, tender Dalton rom-com about being seen safely—and choosing each other on purpose. less

Dalton, Maine, takes winter seriously—ice thickness, safety checklists, thermos etiquette, the whole thing. So when a small-town “Ice Week” fundraiser needs a responsible coordinator, the town picks the last person who would ever wing it: the meticulous, glasses-wearing organizer who believes joy is best enjoyed on a schedule. Unfortunately, Dalton also assigns him a co-lead... moreDalton, Maine, takes winter seriously—ice thickness, safety checklists, thermos etiquette, the whole thing. So when a small-town “Ice Week” fundraiser needs a responsible coordinator, the town picks the last person who would ever wing it: the meticulous, glasses-wearing organizer who believes joy is best enjoyed on a schedule. Unfortunately, Dalton also assigns him a co-lead. A beanie-wearing, charming, improvisational handyman who treats rules like friendly suggestions and keeps calling the whole thing “a vibe. ”. Now they’re stuck together on a frozen lake with a clipboard, a thermos, a suspiciously ambitious igloo plan, and a town full of “helpful” volunteers who absolutely cannot stop matchmaking. What starts as a simple winter event turns into:. • accidental closeness in an igloo that is… not as spacious as advertised. • competitive ice-fishing lessons (with extremely unhelpful flirting). • a rescue-worthy moment that proves competence is hot, actually. • and the creeping realization that the safest place in Dalton might be right next to the person you’re trying not to want. Because in Dalton, intimacy doesn’t always look like a grand gesture. Sometimes it looks like someone quietly holding your glove while you fumble with the knot—then refusing to let go. Ice Fishing, Igloos & Intimacy is a sweet-and-steamy M/M romantic comedy packed with small-town chaos, winter coziness, and a happy ending warmer than any space heater. less

Dalton takes its whoopie pies seriously. Dignity, too. So when the town’s beloved Whoopie Pie Festival gets hijacked by a mysterious, escalating whoopee-cushion prank war, the mayor does the only reasonable appoint two unwilling co-chairs to restore order. One is Donald “Daisy” Ward, a meticulous baker with a perfection streak and a deep fear of being laughed at... moreDalton takes its whoopie pies seriously. Dignity, too. So when the town’s beloved Whoopie Pie Festival gets hijacked by a mysterious, escalating whoopee-cushion prank war, the mayor does the only reasonable appoint two unwilling co-chairs to restore order. One is Donald “Daisy” Ward, a meticulous baker with a perfection streak and a deep fear of being laughed at. The other is Parker Barton, a chaos-charming handyman with a golden-retriever vibe—and a long history of being blamed for any mischief within five miles. Daisy wants a respectable, sponsor-friendly festival that proves Dalton can do “professional. ” Parker insists laughter is a community resource… and that Daisy shouldn’t have to carry the whole town on his shoulders. As prank traps multiply, frosting disasters strike, and rumors turn sharp, their partnership becomes a rom-com detective find the prankster, save the festival, and try not to fall in love while covered in powdered sugar. But the closer they get to the truth, the more Daisy realizes the real problem isn’t the whoopee cushions. It’s the belief that joy is dangerous—and that being chosen requires being flawless. In Dalton, love shows up loudly, kindness comes with clipboards, and even the goats have opinions. Whoopie Pies, Whoopee Cushions & Whoopsie Daisy. is a warm, funny small-town romantic comedy about structured joy, accidental tenderness, and learning that the best kind of dignity doesn’t ban laughter—it makes it safe. less

Dalton is raising money for a local family in need—and, like any reasonable small town, decides the only solution is to enter a regional chowder competition with bragging rights, judges, and the kind of rivalry that turns adults into feral sports fans. Leo Ward is the chef Dalton is counting on. He’s talented, proud, and allergic to chaos… which makes him the worst possible match for Jamie Barton, the town’s beloved community organizer and fundraiser lead... moreDalton is raising money for a local family in need—and, like any reasonable small town, decides the only solution is to enter a regional chowder competition with bragging rights, judges, and the kind of rivalry that turns adults into feral sports fans. Leo Ward is the chef Dalton is counting on. He’s talented, proud, and allergic to chaos… which makes him the worst possible match for Jamie Barton, the town’s beloved community organizer and fundraiser lead. Jamie can rally volunteers in ten minutes flat, sweet-talk sponsors into donating anything that isn’t bolted down, and read what people need before they admit it—even when the “people” in question is a guarded chef who insists he works best alone. They strike a Leo controls the recipe and the kitchen. Jamie controls the logistics, the sponsorships, and the humans. But as the pressure rises and the town piles in with opinions, aprons, and a suspicious number of “helpful” taste tests, their sniping starts to sound a lot like flirting. The competition heats up, Leo’s old family baggage hits a nerve, and Jamie realizes the only thing Leo fears more than losing is being pitied—and left. In Dalton, love shows up with soup, stubbornness, and a chair pulled up to the table. And when Chowder Wars day arrives, Leo and Jamie will have to decide what matters winning the trophy… or choosing the kind of family you don’t have to be born into. A small-town romantic comedy filled with simmering pots, hotter looks, meddling locals, and the sweetest kind of coming home to someone who stays. less

When a brutal nor’easter slams Dalton, Maine, the town loses power—and immediately gains a thousand terrible ideas. Hank Naylor, Dalton Hardware’s blunt, beloved manager, is used to being the safety conscience of a community that treats warning labels like dares. But this storm is downed lines, blocked roads, vulnerable neighbors, and a multi-day outage that turns “helpful” into high-stakes... moreWhen a brutal nor’easter slams Dalton, Maine, the town loses power—and immediately gains a thousand terrible ideas. Hank Naylor, Dalton Hardware’s blunt, beloved manager, is used to being the safety conscience of a community that treats warning labels like dares. But this storm is downed lines, blocked roads, vulnerable neighbors, and a multi-day outage that turns “helpful” into high-stakes. Enter Redmond “Bangor” a Bangor-based solar and energy-efficiency contractor who shows up with a tool bag, a plan, and the patience of a man who has already heard every possible way someone can accidentally carbon-monoxide themselves. He’s competent, prickly, and maddeningly right—exactly what Dalton needs, and exactly the kind of man Hank doesn’t know how to make room for. As Hank and Bangor triage generators, extension cords, warming stations, and rescue-risking DIY heroics, their sniping turns into flirting, their teamwork turns into trust, and a storm that should’ve been pure misery becomes the thing that finally pushes them both into the light. Because in Dalton, surviving winter is a community project… but choosing each other is personal. Snowdrifts, Snowplows & Sex Appeal. is a cozy-small-town romantic comedy packed with winter chaos, competence-as-foreplay, found family, and a happily-ever-after that feels as warm as a woodstove—and a lot safer. less

He came to Dalton to sell cretons. He accidentally called the entire town “cretins. ”. Étienne “Eddie” Leclair is a charming French-Canadian breakfast vendor with a cooler full of pork spread, a grin that works on most crowds, and exactly zero understanding of how one wrong word can start a small-town riot. Winterfest was supposed to be easy: set up, sell out, soak up the quaint Maine vibes, leave. Then Quinn Hadley shows up... moreHe came to Dalton to sell cretons. He accidentally called the entire town “cretins. ”. Étienne “Eddie” Leclair is a charming French-Canadian breakfast vendor with a cooler full of pork spread, a grin that works on most crowds, and exactly zero understanding of how one wrong word can start a small-town riot. Winterfest was supposed to be easy: set up, sell out, soak up the quaint Maine vibes, leave. Then Quinn Hadley shows up. Quinn is Dalton High’s no-nonsense chemistry teacher—precise, sharp-witted, and professionally allergic to nonsense (especially the kind that gets people sick). After Eddie’s public language disaster, Quinn steps in to save him… and proceeds to roast him with scientific accuracy. Unfortunately, the more Quinn turns Eddie’s stall into a controlled experiment—temperature logs, sanitation standards, scaling recipes without losing authenticity—the more their bickering starts to feel like flirting. And the more Eddie realizes Quinn’s bluntness isn’t cruelty… it’s care. As Winterfest chaos turns into late-night prep sessions, pun wars, and a town that absolutely refuses to let Eddie coast on confidence without competence, Eddie starts to want something he never planned for:. Belonging. But when an opportunity pulls Eddie back toward Quebec, Quinn assumes he was always leaving—and Eddie has to decide if Dalton is just another stop… or the first place that feels like home. Cretons, Cretins & Chemistry is a cozy, small-town M/M romantic comedy full of competence flirting, food festival chaos, found family vibes, and the kind of chemistry that’s equal parts tender and volatile (in the best way). less

Vaughn Wilder travels for a living. New places. New stories. No attachments. When a glossy magazine sends him to Dalton, Maine to photograph “real winter grit,” he expects rugged scenery, photogenic locals, and a quick exit before anyone learns his last name. What he does not expect is Fred Mitchell — a quiet, hyper-competent woodsman who treats safety like a moral code and charm like a suspicious activity... moreVaughn Wilder travels for a living. New places. New stories. No attachments. When a glossy magazine sends him to Dalton, Maine to photograph “real winter grit,” he expects rugged scenery, photogenic locals, and a quick exit before anyone learns his last name. What he does not expect is Fred Mitchell — a quiet, hyper-competent woodsman who treats safety like a moral code and charm like a suspicious activity. Fred isn’t impressed by Vaughn’s camera, his career, or his carefully curated independence. He’s only interested in one thing: making sure the outsider doesn’t get himself killed on logging roads during a Maine winter. Their partnership is supposed to be practical. Instead it becomes:. • long drives through snow-covered woods. • arguments about risk and responsibility. • a cabin week during a blizzard. • tea that feels suspiciously like emotional support. • and a man who keeps showing up even when Vaughn expects him to leave. Vaughn has always believed staying leads to losing. Fred believes love is built by showing up. When a storm — and Vaughn’s past — forces the truth out into the open, Vaughn has to decide whether Dalton is just another stop on the map… or the first place he’s ever wanted to stay. Wild Men, Woodsmoke & Wanderlust is a warm, funny, small-town M/M romantic comedy about competence, grief, found family, and the terrifying possibility that home might be a person. Perfect for readers who love:. small towns, slow burn romance, caretaking heroes, cozy winter settings, banter, and found family. less

Eggs are supposed to be simple. In Dalton, Maine, they never are. Owen McKinney’s “FREE EGGS” cooler is a beloved neighborhood tradition—until a summer person slips on a stray feather, faceplants into the eggs, and turns wholesome community courtesy into a full-scale liability incident. Suddenly there are memos. There’s a town meeting. There’s glitter (which may or may not be a controlled substance)... moreEggs are supposed to be simple. In Dalton, Maine, they never are. Owen McKinney’s “FREE EGGS” cooler is a beloved neighborhood tradition—until a summer person slips on a stray feather, faceplants into the eggs, and turns wholesome community courtesy into a full-scale liability incident. Suddenly there are memos. There’s a town meeting. There’s glitter (which may or may not be a controlled substance). And there is one very serious man who looks like he’s seconds away from issuing a citation to the concept of joy. Tanner Teller is Dalton’s careful, exacting, and allergic to chaos. He likes predictable numbers, tidy risk, and plans that don’t involve chickens. Unfortunately for him, Owen is the opposite—soft-hearted, wildly competent with animals, and absolutely unhinged with paperwork. When Tanner gets assigned to help Owen “make it compliant,” their bickering turns into an inconvenient attraction… and then into the kind of tenderness that changes what home feels like. As Dalton debates waivers, signs, and whether kindness needs a policy, Owen and Tanner have to decide what’s worth the egg station, the town’s soul, and the messy, honest thing growing between them. Eggs, Emergencies & Enchanted Idiots. is a warm small-town romantic comedy featuring opposites attract, forced proximity, community chaos, and two men learning that boundaries don’t ruin kindness—boundaries save it. less

Fiddleheads, Fancy Titles & Fantasies. is a small-town Maine rom-com where a burned-out Chief Visionary Officer tries to disappear—and gets lovingly dismantled by a blunt local forager who treats fancy titles like a symptom. Carter Vance is brilliant on paper and exhausted in private. When the job that once made him feel chosen starts making him feel owned, he escapes to Dalton for a “quiet reset” in a tasteful cabin with hiking socks, spreadsheets, and absolutely no emotions... moreFiddleheads, Fancy Titles & Fantasies. is a small-town Maine rom-com where a burned-out Chief Visionary Officer tries to disappear—and gets lovingly dismantled by a blunt local forager who treats fancy titles like a symptom. Carter Vance is brilliant on paper and exhausted in private. When the job that once made him feel chosen starts making him feel owned, he escapes to Dalton for a “quiet reset” in a tasteful cabin with hiking socks, spreadsheets, and absolutely no emotions. Dalton has other plans. Wes Alder—Dalton’s dry-humored forager and seasonal guide—takes one look at Carter’s expensive boots and immediate identity crisis and decides the only ethical response is honesty. He feeds Carter fiddleheads like medicine, translates corporate language into plain truth, and refuses to be impressed by a title. Their enemies-to-lovers bickering turns into reluctant trust… then inconvenient attraction… then the most terrifying thing of being known. Because Dalton doesn’t care what you do for a living. Dalton cares if you show up. If you. • small-town Maine charm and chaotic community care. • grumpy/sunshine energy (with a blunt forager who is allergic to nonsense). • burned-out corporate hero + grounded local who won’t let him perform. • forced proximity, teasing, and slow-bloom tenderness. • found family, laugh-out-loud set pieces, and a big warm HEA. …welcome to Dalton. Eat your vegetables. Try not to overthink it. (Standalone romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. ). less

Breathwork isn’t magic. It’s a tool. Elias “Eli” Mercer comes to Dalton, Maine to run the town’s first-ever Winter Reset Week—breathwork sessions, stress workshops, and a practical plan for surviving February without emotionally combusting. He’s blunt, brilliant, and intensely uninterested in small-town performative friendliness. Clark Long is the calm, capable high school counselor/coach everyone trusts when winter hits hard... moreBreathwork isn’t magic. It’s a tool. Elias “Eli” Mercer comes to Dalton, Maine to run the town’s first-ever Winter Reset Week—breathwork sessions, stress workshops, and a practical plan for surviving February without emotionally combusting. He’s blunt, brilliant, and intensely uninterested in small-town performative friendliness. Clark Long is the calm, capable high school counselor/coach everyone trusts when winter hits hard. He’s also Dalton’s unofficial organizer of “keep people from falling apart” initiatives—and he does not appreciate outsiders who arrive with opinions, taglines, and the confidence of someone who thinks the town needs fixing. Unfortunately for both of them, Winter Reset Week is already chaos. A volunteer no-shows, the committee starts taking bets, and Dalton’s most relentless group chat (titled BREATHWORK BEEF) turns their bickering into entertainment. Forced to co-lead sessions, Eli and Clark keep colliding—over logistics, over boundaries, over whether “nervous system” is a normal phrase to say out loud in Maine. But underneath the friction is something neither of them expected: competence that matches, honesty that lands, and a quiet tenderness that makes “belonging” feel less like a performance and more like a choice. Breathwork, Bickering & Belonging is a warm, funny, small-town romantic comedy about stubborn men, winter survival, and the kind of love that doesn’t ask you to become someone else—just to finally breathe. less

Indiana “Indy” Baker came to Dalton, Maine to lead a winter wellness retreat with trail snacks, sunrise flow, and exactly zero chaos. Foster Brady is the local Fish & Wildlife warden assigned to the area, which means he is professionally obligated to prevent chaos—and personally unimpressed by tote bags, vibes, and any plan that sounds even a little too optimistic... moreIndiana “Indy” Baker came to Dalton, Maine to lead a winter wellness retreat with trail snacks, sunrise flow, and exactly zero chaos. Foster Brady is the local Fish & Wildlife warden assigned to the area, which means he is professionally obligated to prevent chaos—and personally unimpressed by tote bags, vibes, and any plan that sounds even a little too optimistic. When storm damage shuts down a scenic crossing called Needle Bridge, Indy reroutes her retreat and tries to keep everything on track. But between anxious guests, local complaints, safety checklists, potato candy diplomacy, and a warden who somehow manages to be both infuriating and deeply dependable, Indy’s carefully planned weekend starts turning into something far more personal. Foster trusts rules. Indy trusts people. Foster believes softness is fine until it gets someone hurt. Indy believes safety and joy belong together. What starts as a clash between structure and serenity becomes something warmer, sharper, and much harder to walk away from. Set in small-town Maine and full of winter trails, local opinions, deadpan flirtation, and the kind of love that makes room for both competence and tenderness, Namaste, Needle Bridge & Needhams is a cozy opposites-attract romance about belonging, being taken seriously, and discovering that sometimes the safest place to land is with the person who sees exactly who you are. In Dalton, even a rescue plan can turn into a love story. less

Dalton’s fundraiser auction was supposed to raise money for snow-season emergency supplies. It was not supposed to send a bus full of locals to Maine’s most confusing landmark: a literal desert. When Otis Gilbert—Dalton’s calm, tender herbalist and owner of Juniper & Jar—gets drafted as the trip’s designated “calm adult,” he expects sunscreen reminders, hydration checks, and maybe one minor crisis involving Moxie and Needhams... moreDalton’s fundraiser auction was supposed to raise money for snow-season emergency supplies. It was not supposed to send a bus full of locals to Maine’s most confusing landmark: a literal desert. When Otis Gilbert—Dalton’s calm, tender herbalist and owner of Juniper & Jar—gets drafted as the trip’s designated “calm adult,” he expects sunscreen reminders, hydration checks, and maybe one minor crisis involving Moxie and Needhams. What he doesn’t expect is his co-chaperone: Graham Barton, a brilliant, blunt pastry chef who fled Portland after a very public kitchen meltdown and believes desserts are science and feelings are a hazard. Graham is here to provide a picnic dessert spread. Otis is here to keep everyone alive. Dalton is here to ask invasive questions as cardio. Between sand that gets into everything, a town that treats boundaries like a group project, and a desire neither man planned for, Otis and Graham discover that running away and running toward something can look suspiciously similar—until you choose where you’re actually staying. Deserts are real. So are second chances. less

A heart clinic. A choir director. And one bag of salt-and-vinegar chips that starts a war. After a brutal winter storm season, Dalton launches a pop-up heart health screening clinic to calm a town that’s been living on adrenaline and snowplow grit. Dr. Ravi “Rav” Singh arrives to run diagnostics with one goal: keep things efficient, accurate, and quiet. Dalton immediately refuses... moreA heart clinic. A choir director. And one bag of salt-and-vinegar chips that starts a war. After a brutal winter storm season, Dalton launches a pop-up heart health screening clinic to calm a town that’s been living on adrenaline and snowplow grit. Dr. Ravi “Rav” Singh arrives to run diagnostics with one goal: keep things efficient, accurate, and quiet. Dalton immediately refuses. Because the volunteer coordinator is Asher “Ash” Flores—Dalton’s sunshine choir director, unofficial emotional-support committee, and the kind of man who believes harmony can fix anything… including a room full of anxious patients. Rav believes in protocols and second-checks. Ash believes in community care, gentle breathing, and aggressively comforting snacks. (Especially Humpty Dumpty chips, which Rav insists are “not medical. ”). As Rav and Ash work side-by-side through nervous heartbeats, waiting-room singalongs, and late-night charting fueled by tea and questionable chip diplomacy, their bickering turns into teamwork… and then into something far more dangerous: belonging. But when Rav gets a new contract offer—and Ash assumes Dalton was always temporary—both men have to decide what they actually want. Because the best rhythm isn’t perfect control. It’s learning how to let someone keep time with you. Heartbeats, Harmony & Humpty Dumpty Chips is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud M/M small-town romantic comedy packed with found family, cozy winter charm, and a happily-ever-after as warm as The Ministry of Coffee on a snow day. less

He said it out loud in the coffee line. “You’re clenching. ”. Tanner Teller—Dalton’s buttoned-up banker with a spotless tie and a jaw made of pure denial—does not want a dental diagnosis from a stranger at 7:42 a. m. He wants coffee, silence, and a day where nobody in this town looks at him like he’s personally responsible for their feelings. Dr. Griffin Wheeler has other plans. Griffin is Dalton’s calm, wry dentist with a dangerous talent for reading stress like a second language... moreHe said it out loud in the coffee line. “You’re clenching. ”. Tanner Teller—Dalton’s buttoned-up banker with a spotless tie and a jaw made of pure denial—does not want a dental diagnosis from a stranger at 7:42 a. m. He wants coffee, silence, and a day where nobody in this town looks at him like he’s personally responsible for their feelings. Dr. Griffin Wheeler has other plans. Griffin is Dalton’s calm, wry dentist with a dangerous talent for reading stress like a second language. When he clocks Tanner’s TMJ in real time, he offers a simple fix: a night guard, a few stretches, and one inconvenient truth—Tanner isn’t “fine. ” He’s functional. What starts as reluctant appointments and banter-filled follow-ups turns into recurring proximity: coffee “thank yous” that become a habit, small-town gossip that becomes a problem, and a banker who’s terrified of being seen needing anything… falling for the one man who refuses to let him hide behind competence. But when a high-stakes “closure” decision at the bank ignites town pressure and corporate scrutiny, Tanner does what he’s always done—withdraw. And Griffin, who equates distance with rejection, does the only thing he knows: he backs off. Until they stop clenching long enough to talk like adults. Because healing isn’t a finish line. It’s a series of small choices…. and one brave conversation at a time. Caffeine, Clenched Jaws & Closure is a warm, funny M/M small-town romantic comedy packed with sharp banter, found-family chaos, a meddling town chorus, and a happily ever after that tastes like coffee and relief. less

When Dalton launches its first-ever River Weekend fundraiser, Hawk Stone is brought in for one reason: keep people safe, keep things organized, and keep the town from confusing “outdoor adventure” with “public liability. ”. That plan falls apart the second Cooper Cash gets involved. Cooper is a contractor, volunteer coordinator, chaos magnet, and walking argument for why Hawk’s blood pressure should be monitored professionally... moreWhen Dalton launches its first-ever River Weekend fundraiser, Hawk Stone is brought in for one reason: keep people safe, keep things organized, and keep the town from confusing “outdoor adventure” with “public liability. ”. That plan falls apart the second Cooper Cash gets involved. Cooper is a contractor, volunteer coordinator, chaos magnet, and walking argument for why Hawk’s blood pressure should be monitored professionally. He keeps “improving” the event with themed paddles, ridiculous signage, a dunk tank, and exactly the kind of reckless charm Hawk has spent his whole life learning not to trust. But when a busload of from-away corporate team-builders turns the river into a spectacle—and a sudden weather shift turns ridiculousness into a real rescue—Hawk and Cooper are forced to work together fast. What starts as friction becomes partnership. Partnership becomes trust. And somewhere between neon volunteer vests, rope throws, public bickering, and one dangerously competent act of kindness, Hawk realizes Cooper’s chaos has never been carelessness. It’s care with a grin. Set in the warm, meddling world of Dalton, Maine, Romance, Rafting & Ridiculousness is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about safety, surrender, and falling for the one person who makes the rapids feel worth it. This small-town M/M romance features:. a grumpy safety guide and a sunshine chaos magnet, forced proximity, public bickering, competence attraction, volunteer-fundraiser chaos, a rescue in bad weather, and a hard-won happily ever after. less

Compatibility can be measured… right? Dalton’s summer kickoff fundraiser—Campfires & Clambakes Weekend—is supposed to be light the fire, serve the food, welcome the summer people, and raise money for the volunteer fire department without accidentally burning down town property. Truman Sanchez, Dalton’s meticulous numbers guy, has spreadsheets for everything. Budgets. Permits. Volunteer assignments. Fire safety. Emotional risk? Not on the list... moreCompatibility can be measured… right? Dalton’s summer kickoff fundraiser—Campfires & Clambakes Weekend—is supposed to be light the fire, serve the food, welcome the summer people, and raise money for the volunteer fire department without accidentally burning down town property. Truman Sanchez, Dalton’s meticulous numbers guy, has spreadsheets for everything. Budgets. Permits. Volunteer assignments. Fire safety. Emotional risk? Not on the list. Mick McCarthy, the pub’s calm, charming bartender, has a different read the room, feed people before they get cranky, and keep Truman from stress-spiraling into a clipboard-based meltdown. When they’re forced into co-chairing the event, their methods clash hard—until late-night prep sessions turn into unexpected teamwork… and then into something warmer than either of them planned. But when a budget hiccup hits, Truman’s control spiral puts everything at risk—especially the one thing he can’t Mick. Because in Dalton, love isn’t perfect alignment. It’s showing up—again and again—until it feels like home. Campfires, Clambakes & Compatibility. is a feel-good M/M small-town romantic comedy packed with banter, community chaos, and a soft, swoony love story where the fire finally catches on the first try. less

Dalton is built on three things: stubborn locals, questionable snacks, and the unshakable belief that you can’t “science” your way around feelings. So when a traveling magnetics researcher rolls into town to investigate a weird little hotspot that’s messing with compasses, phones, and—apparently—people’s ability to behave normally, he expects long nights, clean data, and zero distractions... moreDalton is built on three things: stubborn locals, questionable snacks, and the unshakable belief that you can’t “science” your way around feelings. So when a traveling magnetics researcher rolls into town to investigate a weird little hotspot that’s messing with compasses, phones, and—apparently—people’s ability to behave normally, he expects long nights, clean data, and zero distractions. What he gets is a small-town beer festival, a mango sorbet IPA that should not work but absolutely does, and a charming brewer who treats “field testing” like a flirtation technique. One of them is all precision, protocols, and careful boundaries. The other believes chaos is a community service. And when Dalton decides their magnetic “anomaly” needs a booth at the festival, a live demo, and a volunteer committee (Maggie is involved; no one is safe), the researcher and the brewer get shoved into the same planning meetings, the same late-night setup shifts, and the same increasingly personal tug-of-war. Because the more they test the town’s strange pull…. …the more they start to wonder if the real phenomenon is the way they keep ending up in each other’s orbit. Men, Magnetic Fields & Mango Sorbet IPA is a laugh-out-loud M/M small-town romantic comedy full of festival chaos, nerdy competence, craft beer shenanigans, and the kind of chemistry that doesn’t need a meter to measure. less

Some towns can be bought. Dalton is not one of them. When Kennebunkport’s polished Traynor Ashford makes an offer on a beloved Dalton parcel—a trail-access wildlife corridor locals protect like a family heirloom—the answer is immediate and unanimous:. We don’t sell to strangers. Unfortunately for Traynor, the town’s official “no” is Fish & Wildlife warden Foster Brady—calm authority, sharp boundaries, and the kind of steady gaze that makes even a confident lawyer feel like he’s on trial... moreSome towns can be bought. Dalton is not one of them. When Kennebunkport’s polished Traynor Ashford makes an offer on a beloved Dalton parcel—a trail-access wildlife corridor locals protect like a family heirloom—the answer is immediate and unanimous:. We don’t sell to strangers. Unfortunately for Traynor, the town’s official “no” is Fish & Wildlife warden Foster Brady—calm authority, sharp boundaries, and the kind of steady gaze that makes even a confident lawyer feel like he’s on trial. Determined to prove he’s more than a checkbook with good manners, Traynor does the only thing Dalton respects: he shows up. Workdays. Committee meetings. Mud season. Moose incidents. And a growing realization that belonging can’t be negotiated—only earned. Foster expects paperwork and privilege. What he gets is labor, humility, and a man who keeps choosing Dalton… and him. Land Trusts, Logistics & Long-term Relationships is a warm, funny M/M small-town romantic comedy featuring:. • grumpy/protective warden × polished “from away” lawyer. • land-trust committee chaos, public meetings, and workday proximity. • competence, caretaking, and earned belonging. • meddling town icons, pastries, and a loyalty test involving Moxie. • a heartfelt happily-ever-after with a porch light that stays on. less

Permits are supposed to be boring. In Dalton, they’re personal. When a charming chef with a wildly popular pop-up shows up with a tray of sliders and zero patience for paperwork, the town’s by-the-book inspections guy is ready to shut him down—politely, professionally, and with a clipboard full of consequences. Unfortunately, the chef is funny. And stubborn. And distractingly good at making a crowd fall in love... morePermits are supposed to be boring. In Dalton, they’re personal. When a charming chef with a wildly popular pop-up shows up with a tray of sliders and zero patience for paperwork, the town’s by-the-book inspections guy is ready to shut him down—politely, professionally, and with a clipboard full of consequences. Unfortunately, the chef is funny. And stubborn. And distractingly good at making a crowd fall in love. As Dalton’s busiest event weekend turns into a chaotic swirl of forms, fire-code debates, last-minute rule changes, and public feelings neither of them ordered, they keep getting shoved under a tent of string lights, across a permit table, and straight into the kind of flirtation that feels like an accident right up until it isn’t. Because it’s easy to keep things professional…. Until everyone in town is watching. Permits, Pop-Ups & Public Feelings. is a warm, small-town M/M romantic comedy packed with banter, food, found family chaos, and a happily-ever-after in the most lovingly nosy town in Maine. less

Rob Kline knows exactly where he stands. On his family’s driveway. On the land his father protected. In the middle of a quiet easement dispute that suddenly doesn’t feel quiet at all. When questions about access to Rob’s house turn into paperwork, pressure, and rumors, the last person he wants showing up with survey equipment is a man from away with clean boots, careful hands, and a maddening commitment to fairness. Beckham Lane is a professional surveyor, not a troublemaker... moreRob Kline knows exactly where he stands. On his family’s driveway. On the land his father protected. In the middle of a quiet easement dispute that suddenly doesn’t feel quiet at all. When questions about access to Rob’s house turn into paperwork, pressure, and rumors, the last person he wants showing up with survey equipment is a man from away with clean boots, careful hands, and a maddening commitment to fairness. Beckham Lane is a professional surveyor, not a troublemaker. He’s in Dalton to document the truth, not get tangled up in small-town politics, coffee-shop public comment sessions, or the fiercely protective handyman whose entire life could be narrowed by one bad decision on paper. But the more time Rob and Beckham spend measuring old lines, uncovering buried records, and trying to stop money from rewriting reality, the harder it becomes to ignore the pull between them. Rob thinks Beckham will side with whoever has the deepest pockets. Beckham thinks Rob hates him on sight. The town, meanwhile, has opinions, pastries, and absolutely no respect for emotional privacy. As the legal pressure builds and the rumors get uglier, Rob and Beckham will have to decide what matters staying guarded, or trusting that some things are worth fighting for. Because in Dalton, love doesn’t always arrive gently. Sometimes it shows up with a tripod, a latte, and a very inconvenient sense of integrity. Easements, Espresso & Emotional Support. is a warm, funny, small-town M/M romantic comedy featuring stubborn men, community meddling, coffee-shop chaos, competence as foreplay, and a hard-won happily ever after. less

Damian Shore did not come to Dalton, Maine to ruin anyone’s fun. He came to keep the town from getting sued into oblivion. As Dalton’s brand-new Municipal Risk Engineer, Damian believes in checklists, contingency plans, and not letting enthusiastic locals turn a winter night hike into a liability event with cocoa. Magnus “Mags” Bennett believes people need joy, community, and a reason to get outside under the full moon... moreDamian Shore did not come to Dalton, Maine to ruin anyone’s fun. He came to keep the town from getting sued into oblivion. As Dalton’s brand-new Municipal Risk Engineer, Damian believes in checklists, contingency plans, and not letting enthusiastic locals turn a winter night hike into a liability event with cocoa. Magnus “Mags” Bennett believes people need joy, community, and a reason to get outside under the full moon. He also believes Damian Shore is far too handsome for a man carrying that much laminated authority. When Mags’s wildly popular Moonlight Ridge Walk starts drawing crowds without permits, waivers, or a real safety plan, Damian is sent in to shut it down. Instead, he makes a compromise: if Mags follows the rules, the event can go on. Mags agrees. Mostly. What follows is a collision of headlamps, hot chocolate, marshmallow politics, weather warnings, volunteer logistics, and one very inconvenient attraction. Damian thinks Mags treats risk like a suggestion. Mags thinks Damian mistakes control for safety. But somewhere between the trail checks, practice hikes, and one nearly disastrous wind shift, they start to realize they may be solving the wrong problem. Because the real danger may not be the ridge. It may be how much Damian wants the life Mags is quietly offering him. Hazards, Headlamps & Hot Chocolate is a cozy, funny small-town M/M romance full of winter charm, community chaos, competence, tenderness, and the kind of love that makes room for both caution and joy. less

Edward Dane believes in process, structure, and doing things the right way. That includes renovation projects, public buildings, and definitely not getting emotionally compromised by a local contractor with sawdust on his boots and opinions about rooflines. Neil Kincaid knows how to make things stand. He trusts weather, workmanship, and common sense—not architects from Portland who show up with perfect plans for buildings that still have to survive a Maine winter... moreEdward Dane believes in process, structure, and doing things the right way. That includes renovation projects, public buildings, and definitely not getting emotionally compromised by a local contractor with sawdust on his boots and opinions about rooflines. Neil Kincaid knows how to make things stand. He trusts weather, workmanship, and common sense—not architects from Portland who show up with perfect plans for buildings that still have to survive a Maine winter. When Dalton Town Hall needs repairs, Edward arrives with a vision and a clipboard. Neil wins the build with practical experience and zero patience for design choices that look good on paper but won’t hold up in real life. Forced to co-lead the renovation, they clash over every detail—from handrails to history to whether “one more late night” at the site is a good idea. It is not. Unfortunately, it keeps happening. As tensions rise, so does the attraction neither man wants to admit. But when Edward gets offered a prestigious job back in Portland, Neil assumes the truth was there all along: Edward was never planning to stay. Now Edward has to decide what matters more—the life that looks right on paper, or the one that feels like home. Set in the chaotic, opinionated, coffee-fueled town of Dalton, Maine, Bids, Blueprints & Bad Decisions is a warm, funny small-town M/M romantic comedy about public projects, private feelings, and the kind of bad decisions that might just build something lasting. Perfect for readers who love:. small-town queer romance, opposites attract, competence as foreplay, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine-adjacent banter, found family, and a town that treats public comment like a contact sport. less

Cormac Tolland knows how to keep seafood cold, customers fed, and Mick McCarthy’s weekly pop-up from turning into a public safety event. Mostly. What he does not know how to handle is Joseph Hartwell—a state health inspector with a clipboard, a conscience, and absolutely no interest in being charmed into cutting corners. Joseph arrives in Dalton after a complaint and finds a kitchen that is beloved, slightly chaotic, and one bad decision away from a shutdown... moreCormac Tolland knows how to keep seafood cold, customers fed, and Mick McCarthy’s weekly pop-up from turning into a public safety event. Mostly. What he does not know how to handle is Joseph Hartwell—a state health inspector with a clipboard, a conscience, and absolutely no interest in being charmed into cutting corners. Joseph arrives in Dalton after a complaint and finds a kitchen that is beloved, slightly chaotic, and one bad decision away from a shutdown. Cormac is competent, stubborn, and far more careful than the complaint suggests. Joseph is fair, disciplined, and tired of being treated like the villain for doing his job right. Their first meeting is tense. Their second is worse. Their third involves corrective action plans, suspicious sponges, and the deeply inconvenient realization that mutual respect might be dangerously close to chemistry. As seafood night becomes the center of a growing complaint war, Cormac and Joseph are pulled into late-night fixes, public scrutiny, and a town that has a strong opinion about everybody’s business. Cormac thinks Joseph is judging Dalton. Joseph thinks Cormac wants exceptions. Both of them are wrong. And both of them are in serious trouble. Because it turns out there’s nothing more intimate than competence, nothing more threatening than integrity, and nothing more romantic than someone who chooses to stay. Tides, Tension & Two-Lane Truths. is a warm, funny small-town M/M romantic comedy full of sharp banter, quiet longing, workplace tension, found belonging, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. less

A trail-signage overhaul should have been simple. Instead, it drops Dalton’s no-nonsense Fish & Wildlife warden into the path of a polished PR consultant who thinks words like wayfinding and public interface belong anywhere near the woods. Foster Brady believes in rules, clarity, and keeping people alive. He does not believe in branding a trailhead, entertaining nonsense, or getting distracted by a man with good hair and dangerous charm... moreA trail-signage overhaul should have been simple. Instead, it drops Dalton’s no-nonsense Fish & Wildlife warden into the path of a polished PR consultant who thinks words like wayfinding and public interface belong anywhere near the woods. Foster Brady believes in rules, clarity, and keeping people alive. He does not believe in branding a trailhead, entertaining nonsense, or getting distracted by a man with good hair and dangerous charm. Channing Whitaker is from away, professionally unflappable, and very used to being underestimated. He came to Dalton to help fix a safety problem—not to get dragged through snowbanks at dawn by a warden with a badge, a glare, and an inconveniently compelling sense of responsibility. But as meetings turn into field tests, arguments turn into respect, and a public project turns into something far more personal, Foster and Channing find themselves navigating more than trail markers and winter installs. Because in a town like Dalton, nothing stays private for long—and love is a lot harder to control than a signage plan. When gossip flares, tempers spike, and the whole project threatens to become a public mess, Foster and Channing will have to decide whether they’re willing to stop treating each other like a problem to manage…and start choosing each other on purpose. Signage, Snowbanks & Second Opinions. is a cozy, banter-filled M/M romantic comedy featuring opposites attract, small-town meddling, workplace friction, winter fieldwork, public forum chaos, truck-scene feelings, and a hard-edged hero learning that love is not a liability. Welcome back to Dalton, where the coffee is strong, the opinions are louder than necessary, and sometimes the clearest sign in the world is the one pointing you home. less

A wedding-planning committee in Dalton is never just a committee. Paul Alden believes in color-coded tabs, contingency plans, and the deeply reassuring power of a binder. As best man, he’s determined to keep the wedding on track, the family drama contained, and the seating chart from becoming a crime scene. Romeo Bishop, the other groomsman, believes most problems can be solved with charm, patience, and knowing when to make people laugh... moreA wedding-planning committee in Dalton is never just a committee. Paul Alden believes in color-coded tabs, contingency plans, and the deeply reassuring power of a binder. As best man, he’s determined to keep the wedding on track, the family drama contained, and the seating chart from becoming a crime scene. Romeo Bishop, the other groomsman, believes most problems can be solved with charm, patience, and knowing when to make people laugh. He’s good in a crisis, good with people, and far more serious than his smile suggests. When Dalton’s committee culture collides with wedding culture, Paul and Romeo get assigned every “small task” the day can produce—boutonnières, vows, weather pivots, rogue relatives, and one emotionally aggressive seating chart. The more chaos they manage together, the more Paul realizes Romeo isn’t just improvising. He’s showing up. And the more Romeo gets close, the more he sees that Paul’s need for control is really his way of keeping everyone safe. But misunderstandings hit harder when feelings are already involved. Paul thinks Romeo is keeping things light because none of it means anything. Romeo thinks Paul doesn’t want the softness he keeps quietly offering. And with the wedding day closing in, both men have to decide whether vulnerability is worth the risk of being seen. Set in the beloved town of Dalton, Maine, Volunteers, Vows & Very Loud Opinions is a cozy M/M romantic comedy full of wedding chaos, small-town meddling, emotional competence, public feelings, and the kind of love that gets built in the after. Perfect for readers who love:. small-town queer romance, opposites-attract chemistry, competent but anxious heroes, charming caretakers, wedding chaos, and communities that absolutely refuse to mind their own business. less