by Z. Allora
The result is that many voices are silenced out of fear. Visibility is a luxury not everyone can afford.
Why am I writing yet another story about a band? I’ve watched a number of musical groups implode over a hint of same-sex love. In the West, some of us celebrate out-and-proud rock stars, in part because it is still a rare event. We know many idols remain closeted for fear of losing their fan bases. I wanted to celebrate those who boldly tread across the notes and melodies to be exactly who they were born to be.
I truly believe seeing and understanding can lead to acceptance. This is why I write rainbow romance, and why Sage starts the band Kashi-sei.
I truly hope you enjoyed this adventure.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Many hugs & much love,
Z. Allora
More from Z. Allora
Stefano Rossi longs for the mystical—and so far unattainable—peace of reaching subspace. But can he accept that the person who can take him there is a man?
Riku Tao has given up on finding a sub who complements him. He’ll stick with doing demonstrations at the BDSM club the Edge. He certainly doesn’t have time for a closeted Catholic guy with internalized biphobia… and yet he cannot help but want to protect Stefano and give him what he needs. A history of physical and sexual abuse makes it impossible for Stefano to come out of the closet, and Riku certainly isn’t going back in.
Perhaps an arrangement of six months to explore their desires will be enough to satisfy them both.
Or it might break their hearts.
To take hold of his future with the man he’s coming to love, Stefano will need to move beyond the pain of his past, and he won’t be able to do it alone.
The holiday season is lonely for construction worker Benjamin Morgan, a big muscular guy who just wants to submit, obey, and serve. But the men he’s attracted to usually don’t have a dominant bone in their bodies. He’s done seeking his BDSM dreams with someone who isn’t interested in putting him in his rightful place—on his knees at their feet.
When a friend sets up a meeting with Foster Ridgeway at the BDSM club, Entwined, Benjamin has his doubts. Of course he is attracted to bookish Foster, who works for the same construction company, but how will someone so small and delicate-looking master Benjamin? But when Foster—the tiny temple of dominance wielding a crop—heads toward Benjamin, he might get what he’s always wanted, just in time for Solstice.
Can a sexy rock star show a relationship-phobic ice skater that there’s more to life than gold medals?
When ice-skating’s bad boy Blaze first glimpses Drake, every fantasy he’s ever had flares to life. Not only is rock star Drake sexy as sin, his songs awaken a longing in Blaze that he’s denied for years. But Blaze Parker doesn’t believe in relationships—at least not those that last more than twenty minutes.
Drake Keys has dreamed about the sensual ice skater for years. When Drake is kicked out of his band because of his bisexuality, he drives across the country to finally see the man he’s had a crush on skate live.
Though the attraction is instant and intense, both Blaze and Drake have baggage that puts any relationship on thin ice. Blaze is driven by a long-ago betrayal to prove himself a champion, and Drake, uncertain about the future, hopes to resurrect his music career. As they take a road trip together, Drake romances Blaze, hoping to melt his heart and show him that love is possible… but not without some tough decisions.
Made In China: Book One
Destiny will be decided by a battle between heart and mind….
Jun Tai “Styx” Wong loves two things: playing the drums, and his best friend, Jin. But being a good Chinese son means he can’t have either—he’ll have to marry a girl of his parents’ choosing and settle into a traditional job. His move to the bigger city of Suzhou is both a blessing and curse, as living with Jin makes it harder for Styx to suppress his desires. Nearly dying while trying to eradicate his feelings serves as a wake-up call for Jin, who takes extreme measures to keep Styx safe from harm.
When given a second chance at life and happiness, will Styx be able to claim the future he wants with Jin, his bandmates, and his music? Can love and hope grow with the constantly looming threat of Styx’s parents ordering him home? Great things await—if Styx finds the courage to break down the wall that stands between him and everything he wants.
Made In China: Book Two
Music is Tian Di’s life and his love, and he’s made plenty of sacrifices. His career is finally taking off with his band, Made in China, and he’ll continue to put music first… until he meets Jordon. Then insta-lust becomes insta-love and a commitment to the future—no matter how difficult it might be.
Jordon lives in a bubble constructed by his overprotective older brothers, who are so controlling that they’ve kept him from dating. A talented artist, Jordon managed to keep his success with a Japanese manga publisher a secret from his family, but now he fears discovery. It’s easier to let his brothers handle everything, but Jordon has reached his limit. He’s ready to draw some boundaries so he can be his own man and face all the challenges that come with that.
Their families and careers aren’t the only obstacles. Jordon must accept his identity as a gay man who doesn’t top or bottom. Fortunately, Tian Di—and his special talents—helps Jordon open up to his sexuality in an erotic adventure that spans Japan and China, and with love, luck, hard work, and open minds, will end in a happily ever after.
Readers love Z. Allora
Bent Not Broken
“My favourite quote is ‘Life may have bent you a little but you are not broken.’ It is so true for so many of us and one of several reasons as to why I recommend giving this story a go.”
—Paranormal Romance Guild
“Very moving and inspiring OFY romance with incredibly well-rounded main characters. High on hurt/comfort and genuine emotions, very nuanced story-telling.”
—Open Skye Book Reviews
The Great Wall
“I am very excited to check out the next books when they come out and definitely recommend this book and author.”
—Rainbow Gold Reviews
“The growing love is sweet and strong despite all the difficulties.”
—Diverse Reader
The Librarian’s Rake
“If you are looking for a quick, relaxing read I would recommend picking this up.”
—Just Love: Queer Book Reviews
“The Librarian’s Rake by Z. Allora was an extremely sweet and cute book.”
—Love Bytes
Z. ALLORA didn’t always believe in romance, although before giving up on happily ever afters completely, Z. took out a personal ad in a college newspaper. On October 20, 1987, at 5:08 p.m., Z. found what they didn’t think existed—their other half. Five years later, Z. married their best friend and true love.
A bit of an overachiever, Z.’s earned three bachelor’s degrees (psychology, English, and philosophy) and a master’s degree in psychology. Z. loved enhancing the quality of life of people in their residential and day programs, but their love’s job swept Z. to live in Singapore, Israel, and China. Much of Z.’s adult life has been spent traveling. So far Z. has played in thirty-four countries and can’t wait to add to the list.
Z. believes each of us is wonderfully unique and deserving of a happily ever after. Regardless where we are on the infinite spectrum of gender identity or orientation, our differences and similarities should be both respected and celebrated.
Identifying as nonbinary of the transmasculine variety, Z.’s pronouns are they/them, though based on current gender constructs, Z. presents as female looking much of the time.
One of the biggest goals of Z.’s writing is to validate everyone’s individual uniqueness. There’s an infinite spectrum within each stripe of the rainbow and Z. wants to explore them all.
Z. will never apologize for having too much yaoified smexy goodness in their books. Z. teases that plot is simply the words between the se
x scenes (though that’s a bit of an exaggeration). Sex is one of our most important and basic forms of communication, and Z. feels it’s a vital part of understanding her characters.
Z. Allora truly believes this rainbow romance is changing hearts and minds and will continue to speak out for love for all of us.
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Z Allora Allora and join Z.’s Yaoified Love group (for fun, character chatters, giveaways, and silliness)
Website: www.zallorabooks.com
Blog: zallora.blogspot.com
Dreamspinner Press: www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/z-allora-637-a
By Z. Allora
Bent Not Broken
The Craving
Illusions & Dreams
The Librarian’s Rake
The Longest Night
Not Another Boy Band
Rocking Thin Ice
ENTWINED DREAMS
Lock and Key
Secured and Free
MADE IN CHINA
The Great Wall
The Temple of Heaven
Published by DREAMSPINNER PRESS
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Published by
Dreamspinner Press
5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886 USA
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of author imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Not Another Boy Band
© 2021 Z. Allora
Cover Art
© 2021 Tiferet Design
http://www.tiferetdesign.com
Cover content is for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted on the cover is a model.
All rights reserved. This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of international copyright law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines, and/or imprisonment. Any eBook format cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law. To request permission and all other inquiries, contact Dreamspinner Press, 5032 Capital Circle SW, Suite 2, PMB# 279, Tallahassee, FL 32305-7886, USA, or www.dreamspinnerpress.com.
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1-64405-958-6
Digital ISBN: 978-1-64405-957-9
Digital published August 2021
First Edition
v. 1.0
Printed in the United States of America