Sequel to Rival While the other members of glam rock sensation The Rade indulge in public affairs and flirtations, bass player and soulful lyricist John has kept himself to himself. He's had no end of offers, seeing as he's the heart of the band (and stacked like a brick wall), but since losing his mortal lover, no one has sparked his interest. After all, to a centuries-old shapeshifter-fae, most people's lives are just too short for him to risk his heart on them. Then he meets someone who captures his attention as well as his long-buried protective instincts. Venkat, a shy but brilliantly talented energy vampire and classical violinist, is just coming off a triumphant US tour. He and John bond immediately over their love of music and blossoming mutual attraction. But Venkat has a past, one that seems to give his fae manager Red an unbreakable hold on Venkat's violin and life. And Red isn't above using it to keep him isolated and under his power. John and Venkat know the future could be theirs. But the road to freedom will lead directly through the darkest places in both their pasts.

Anjali always thought anxiety was her worst enemy. She's got a decent handle on it, but it makes social situations, especially social situations with cute girls, awkward as hell. She first noticed Maeve in a college class, and since, she hasn't been get the adorable punk girl with the heart-shaped backpack out of her head. Especially since the backpack invited onlookers to <i>F Off</i>. When Anjali sees Maeve again post-graduation at a coffee shop, they finally start up a conversation. Things get romantic over Thai food and at the Renn Faire.<br><br>But for once, anxiety might <i>not</i> be Anjali's worst enemy. Maeve's coworker seems bent on making things difficult for reasons of her own. Anjali has to find a way to deal with uncomfortable situations on her own terms if she wants to hang onto the cute girl.

Ted MacTaggart's overbearing father is still trying to control his life, even from the grave. His will insists that, in order to inherit the family company, MAC Superior, Ted must be married by his twenty-fifth birthday -- and the marriage has to be "real." As in the board of MAC has to sign off on it.<br><br>Ted could fight the will, but then the handsome, artistic Ryan Costa, an old friend from school days walks back into his life, offering to be his groom-of-convenience. Ted draws up the contracts and Ryan, who has family medical bill problems, agrees gladly to the terms. Ted, emotionally walled off and afraid of his attraction to Ryan, also suggests they should keep their relationship strictly professional. Caring for people has always proven a weakness for him. Now isn't the time to start.<br><br>It's not long before Ryan's charm breaks through Ted's walls, but Ted isn't his own worst enemy in this case. Other forces are vying for MAC Superior, and even when their relationship is becoming the real deal, its shaky foundations land Ryan and Ted in trouble.