When Skies Have Fallen

When Skies Have Fallen

Debbie McGowan

LGBTQ+ / Contemporary / Science Fiction

For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He’s a thinker and a dreamer; however, it’s not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms—his best friend Jean—who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance.For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He’s a thinker and a dreamer; however, it’s not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms—his best friend Jean—who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance.Their love is forbidden, by both the armed forces and the law, but with Jean’s cunning and support, Arty and Jim try to bridge the distance between them and find true love despite the danger and a life-threatening disaster that could destroy Arty’s dreams for good.Can the pair stand strong together, no matter how many skies have fallen?----Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Romance.Part of Love is an Open Road (Don't Read in the Closet 2015), based on the prompt:Life isn’t a fairy tale. These two know that better than most. These men are survivors. Against all odds, they made it through hardships, separation, and war. They clung to hope where little existed and, as the skies fell around them and the world was torn apart, found strength in loving each other.Suddenly, the war was over. Battlefields lay silent and troops prepared for the journey home. These two were more than ready. They had experienced enough loss, grief, and pain to last ten lifetimes. The country they left behind may not have been ready to accept them, but they were prepared to live no matter how many skies had fallen.You can tell me the story of how these men met, but what I really want to know is what happened to these men after this photo was taken. Did their love endure the trials of a return to civilian life? Were they able to overcome the trauma of war and find peace together?Sincerely,Tiffany
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Breakfast at Cordelia's Aquarium

Breakfast at Cordelia's Aquarium

Debbie McGowan

LGBTQ+ / Contemporary / Science Fiction

This is a very short, fun interlude in the Hiding Behind The Couch series. Unlike the rest of the series, which is written in third-person (semi-omniscient) past tense, this short story is written in first-person present tense. It has no real bearing on anything else that happens in the series; it is what it is: an Easter Egg.This is a very short, fun interlude in the Hiding Behind The Couch series.Unlike the rest of the series, which is written in third-person (semi-omniscient) past tense, this short story is written in first-person present tense.It has no real bearing on anything else that happens in the series; it is what it is: an Easter Egg.It is entirely self-indulgent, for which I make no apologies.~ Deb ~
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Beginnings

Beginnings

Debbie McGowan

LGBTQ+ / Contemporary / Science Fiction

Journey back to childhood, where the buds of friendship blossom; take a peek into the lives of the primary schoolchildren who would become...The Circle. A stand-alone prequel from Hiding Behind The Couch. WARNING: deals with themes of child sexual abuse, sudden infant death, and parents' marriage breakdown due to infidelity (intended to be accessible for children aged 10+ years).Journey back to childhood, where the buds of friendship and romance blossom; take a peek into the lives of the primary schoolchildren who would become...The Circle.'A very sweet short story of blossoming friendships and childhood traumas.''...a wonderful, engaging story that made me feel good inside...
Highly recommended for readers who love richly written characters and clever dialogue.'* * * * *Beginnings is a stand-alone prequel (novella) to Hiding Behind The Couch.The story continues in Ruminations (Novel) and Hiding Behind The Couch (Season One).* * * * *WARNING: this story deals with themes of child sexual abuse, sudden infant death, and parents' marriage breakdown due to infidelity. All issues are written about sensitively and in a way that is intended to be accessible for children aged ten and above.
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The Making of Us

The Making of Us

Debbie McGowan

LGBTQ+ / Contemporary / Science Fiction

When English Lit. student Jesse Thomas meets Leigh Hunter, he has to reconsider a few assumptions he's made about himself.Two years ago, Jesse joined Pride—the uni's LGBT+ society—to support best friend Noah, and Noah's boyfriend, Matty. As a straight, cismale ally, Jesse keeps a low profile—not difficult for someone as shy and body-conscious as he is.Leigh Hunter is Noah and Matty's new housemate. Born with a life-threatening congenital condition, Leigh is intersex and identifies as queer—none of which alters Jesse's conviction that they are the most beautiful person in the world.While Jesse and Leigh get to know each other, a new academic year begins in earnest, bringing with it the usual challenge of balancing work and play. Add in a week's holiday in Cornwall that Jesse and Leigh half-wish they hadn't agreed to, Jesse's unplanned involvement in the election of Pride's new officers, and some big decisions for Noah and Matty, it's going to be an interesting semester all...
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Cherry Pop Valentine

Cherry Pop Valentine

Debbie McGowan

LGBTQ+ / Contemporary / Science Fiction

Their band’s new single is due to be released in four days’ time, and lovers Sven and Flavier are beyond excited. It’s tipped to be a big hit, and Flav can’t wait to see the online reaction to the promo film he’s made. But when he joins Sven in bed, he can’t even begin to imagine the fallout that will ensue when he awakes, and all his dreams are shattered with just one click of an upload button.
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