With the rerelease this month of my novel Everyday History, a contemporary gay romance about a young man growing up enough to capture a man who’s all but given up on love, I’ve been reconnecting with my favorite contemporary romances. These stories stuck with me over time. I reread and talk about (and sometimes can’t shut up about) them. They each beguiled me as a reader and informed me as a writer.

Hot Target (Troubleshooters #8), by Suzanne Brockmann

The subplot of the early connection between FBI agent Jules Cassidy and movie actor Robin Chadwick landed on me with double impact, backed as it was by Brockmann’s preface about her gay son and her desire to write a romance story for him.

Clear Water, by Amy Lane

This story feels like clear water going down. I’ve read it many times and recommended it many more. Lane’s capable writing abilities, her focus and clarity, make this tale of two misfit men who are made for each other a story to get lost in. It captures me, then releases me at the end with a smile that lasts a day.

A Charm of Finches (Venery #2), by Suanne Laqueur

I took an intense journey when I read this book, which launches from the foundation of book one in the series, An Exaltation of Larks. Laqueur’s gorgeous writing is topped only by the resulting emotional satisfaction of her complex and demanding story of how the lives of three men intersect.

If you woo, win, and walk away, a second chance is going to cost you.

Headstrong Ruben Harper has yet to meet an obstacle he can’t convert to a speed bump. He’s used to getting what he wants from girls, but when he develops a fascination for a man, his wooing skills require an upgrade. After months of persuasion, he scores a dinner date with Henry Normand that morphs into an intense weekend. The unexpected depth of their connection scares Ruben into fleeing.

Shy, cautious Henry, Ruben’s former high school history teacher, suspects he needs a wake-up call, and Ruben appears to be his siren. When Ruben bolts, Henry is left struggling to find closure. Inspired by his conversations with Ruben, Henry begins to write articles about the memories stored in everyday objects. The articles seduce Ruben, even as Henry’s snowballing fame takes him out of town and farther out of reach.

Everyday History, a romance told with Alice Archer’s unique style and lush prose, was named a Top Book of 2016 in the HEA USA Today column Rainbow Trends.

Standalone romance, HEA.

About the Author:  Alice Archer has questions. Lots of questions. Scheming to put fictional characters through the muck so they can get to a better place helps her heal and find answers. She shares her stories with the hope that others might find some healing too. For decades, Alice has messed about with words professionally, as an editor and writing coach. She also travels a bunch. Her home base is Eugene, Oregon.

Connect with Alice: Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaway: Join us as we celebrate the release of Everyday History by Alice Archer and enter to win 1 of 2 e-copies of the recently re-released EVERYDAY HISTORY.