Showing results by author "Mark A. Roeder"

Unnatural Selection is the first book to examine the rise of the "technocentric being" - or geek - who personifies a distinct new phase in human evolution. People considered geeks often have behavioral or genetic traits that were previously considered detrimental. But the new environment of the Anthropocene period - the Age of Man - has created a kind of digital greenhouse that actually favors their traits, enabling many non-neurotypical people to bloom.

Bastien is now the man of the house. His mom has given up everything to give him a new life and he’s determined to do everything in his power to take care of her. Verona, Indiana is Bastien’s chance to start over and he’s not about to waste the opportunity. The grumpy old man next door is most certainly not one of the more attractive features of Bastien’s new hometown, but Bastien’s opinion of him slowly begins to change. More intriguing is another neighbor. Viktor is a wrestler for Verona High School and mows his lawn shirtless.

Cedi is certain of his future until his path crosses that of Thad, a tall, dark, older man who tells Cedi he has no talent. Cedi is infuriated, but intrigued. He becomes obsessed with Thad, who wants nothing to do with him. Cedi isn't about to give up, however, and wedges his way into Thad's life. Cedi finds himself caught between his love for Thad and his dream. Just when he has what he thinks he wants, his adventure truly begins.

The Soccer Field Is Empty is the story of teen love, steamy romance, friendship, loyalty, understanding, and ancient prejudice. Here is a tale that breaks the stereotypes of the ignorant and peers into the soul of two boys who want what we all want; to love and be loved. The story of Mark and Taylor, two 16-year-old high school athletes, is a tale of love and happiness torn asunder by a world that understands too late.

Henley sits on the sideline of life. What else is a fat kid to do? He's determined to make a change as he enters high school and summons the courage to take a chance only to have super-jock Axel O'Connell go off on him for being a pathetic slug. Henley nearly calls it quits, but pushes forward, and then something amazing happens; Axel does an abrupt about-face and offers to help Henley lose weight and get in shape. Henley is suspicious of Axel's motives, but so desperately needs help he takes him up on his offer.

WWII. 1942. Will's brother is fighting the war in the Pacific, but Will is forced to remain behind. Will takes his brother's place in the academic world of Indiana University, where he meets two students and two soon-to-be-legendary men who will change his life forever. Will thought he was the only boy attracted to other males, but when he sneaks into Professor Kinsey's marriage course he realizes his mistake. Will meets Ben, who he suspects is not unlike himself.

Disastrous Dates & Dream Boys is the story of teenage boys who want what we all want - to love and be loved. Shawn yearns for a boyfriend but fears his father's wrath if he discovers the truth. Dane seeks a soul mate and tries to leave his checkered past behind. Brendan has created a new life for himself and his boyfriend, Casper, but the past haunts him. Nathan also has issues from his past to resolve. Disastrous Dates & Dream Boys is a tale of fathers & sons, lovers & friends, and love & understanding.

Attending Indiana University and dating Jeff Morgan has been Scotty Jackson's dream for two whole years, but Scotty arrives on campus only to discover that Jeff refuses to date him. Scotty turns disappointment to opportunity and devises a plan to date a new boy each week. Ryder is Scotty's incredibly hot lacrosse-jock roommate. He's hostile, dismissive, and rude, but there's a humorous edge to his caustic comments and superior attitude. Scotty holds his own in their ongoing battle of wits while he enjoys the scenery provided by his hunky roommate.

Nathan is eager to experience college life but misses his boyfriend back home. Sexy IU boys surround Nathan, but he's confident he can be true to Ethan. While Nathan has little trouble controlling his lust, the same cannot be said for one of his classmates. Trace is sexy, well built, and accustomed to getting who and what he wants. At first Trace is a minor annoyance, but the more Nathan rejects him the more Trace's desire for Nathan increases. Nathan's friends try to protect him, but Trace is relentless.

When strange happenings begin to occur at Griswold Jr./Sr. High, Graham's once boring life becomes more exciting than he can handle. Mystery, intrigue, and danger await Graham as he sets out on an adventure he never dreamed possible.

Elliott isn't pleased about being exiled from Chicago to the sleepy town of Verona, Indiana, but he's determined to make the best of it. He meets Marshall, who is undoubtedly the most bizarre boy in school, but who is the only one, other than his grandmother, that Elliott can trust not to be freaked out by the ghost in his bedroom and the strange dreams that might not be dreams at all.

The lead singer of the most popular boy band in the world has a secret. A tabloid willing to tell all turns his world upside down. In Do You Know That I Love You, Ralph, a young gay teen living on a farm in Indiana, has an aching crush on a rock star and wants nothing more than to see his idol in concert. Meanwhile, Jordan, the rock star, is lonely and sometimes confused with his success, because all he wants is someone to love him and feels he will never find the love he craves. Do You Know is the story of two teenage boys, their lives, desires, loves, and a shared destiny that allows them both to find peace.

Scotty Jackson is a gay boy in trouble. His fanatically religious parents cannot accept his attraction to other boys. Scotty tries to fool them at first, but they grow suspicious and clamp down on him until his life isn't worth living. Fearful that Scotty's parents will send him away to be 'cured,' Scotty's friends spirit him away while desperately seeking a way to make his life better. While Scotty is in hiding, Dorian comes up with a brilliant idea to improve Scotty's life. He'll kill Scotty!

A specter from the past haunts the halls of Blackford High School, terrorizing anyone who preys on the weak. Rumors say that a Goth/skater boy controls the ghost, but can the rumor be true? A mysterious new boy catches the eye of Toby and his new friend, Daniel Peralta as well. The new boy seems too perfect to be true. Is he or will be become the boy of Toby's or Daniel's dreams? Cedi is living his fantasy-touring with Phantom, the most popular band in the world.

Masked Destiny is the story of Skye, a high school athlete determined to be the Alpha male. Skye's obsessed with his own body, his Abercrombie & Fitch wardrobe, and keeping those around him in their place. Try as he might, he's unable to ignore the world around him, or the plight of gay boys who cross his path.

Jared is determined to earn the center forward spot on his new soccer team, but he faces fiercer competition than expected. Mark is taller and stronger, and his prowess on the field is unmatched. Worse, his cocky, smug attitude makes Jared want to punch him in the face. A battle begins that both Jared and Mark are determined to win. Jared despises his nemesis, but fate pushes them together, and Jared learns there is more behind Mark's hostility than he guessed.

Caden helped Jonas through the rough times, the lonely times, and the times Jonas needed someone to love and someone to love him back. The only problem was that Caden was imaginary - at least until Jonas spotted him in the cafeteria of Verona High School. When Jonas recovers from his shock, he is determined to meet the boy who was once nothing but a fantasy but is obviously quite real.

Brayden has a bad attitude and a temper to match. Caspian has his own rep to protect and can't decide if Brayden is friend or foe. The decision is made for him when Brayden attacks Dylan, a stereotypically gay boy who is known for being too aggressive in his pursuit of young men. Caspian steps in to save Dylan and so begins a mutual distrust between Caspian and Brayden that repeatedly threatens to come to blows. Despite being nearly bashed by Brayden, Dylan won't back off.

A Better Place is the story of two boys from two completely different worlds struggling to find themselves amongst a whirlwind of confusion. Will the strength they find in each other be enough to overcome the hatred and abuse of others? The unlikely pair struggle through friendship and heartbreaks, betrayal and hardships, to find the deepest desire of their hearts.

Brendan is beginning his college football career at Indiana University in Bloomington, but his relationship with his high-school-age boyfriend, Casper, is strained. Brendan knew parting from Casper would be tough, but he didn't count on the temptations of a major Midwestern university. He's surrounded by hot young men and the hottest of them all is his very own teammate and the quarterback of the IU football team, Gabrial Diaddio. Brendan knows he's in trouble the moment his eyes fall on Gabrial.