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C.L. Etta

C.L. Etta, a bartender's daughter, became the apple of her parents’ eyes at her first dimpled smile. Developing a lifelong passion for reading, C.L. spent summers riding her bicycle to the library where she filled the handlebar basket with books. Much to her chagrin, C.L.'s mother often found her under the bedcovers with a flashlight, reading in the middle of the night.

Fast-forward to college, where C.L. spent good times burning bras, working in summer-stock theater, trying out potential husbands, then to her parents’ and in-laws’ delight, finally started a family. Having raised three kids and a husband, and with varied careers as a secretary, credit union loan veep, a software support rep, a mortgage broker, and a nurse under her belt, C.L. decided it was time for a break. So, she retired.

It wasn’t until life had slowed that she heard voices—sexy male voices. Intrigued, she listened. She discovered new friends who clamored for their stories to be told. So, it was back to school where she stood outside the creative writing classroom with students who observed her silver hair and mistook her for the teacher. After completing class and going on a cruise, she sat at her computer and began telling her boys’ stories.

Eighteen months later, C.L. has contracted with two different publishers for four books. The voices in C.L.’s head are as loud as ever, giving C.L. the impetus to keep writing.

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Contact Information:

Email Address: clettabooks@gmail.com


Books By C.L. Etta

Word Count: 102,000

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: San Francisco’s legendary promise of acceptance draws Xander Peters to its streets like a rainbow beacon. Despite his parents’ cruel rejection after coming out to them, he is hopeful of the future awaiting him there. Entranced with the sights and sounds of the city he is blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking behind the friendly faces. Jamie Beck watches from the shadows of the bathhouse as a rowdy group of leather daddies try coercing the young twink inside. Unable to idly stand by while the men bait the naive teen, he steps into the crowd and rescues Xander from eminent danger. When Jamie offers Xander the spare bedroom in exchange for help with his ailing partner, he jumps at the opportunity. He’s won the lottery—free room and board in trade for a few hours each day of caretaking. However, the year is 1985 and the AIDS epidemic is relentless. Charles Greyson has a gift for making money. He is a successful lawyer and he harbors a secret. His newest client has a penchant for finding trouble and it’s his job to keep the young activist out of jail. Greyson recognizes his attraction to the young man, but he has a legal obligation to fulfill, and his interest in Xander only impedes his need to stay closeted. Over the course of three decades Remembrance and Renewal recounts the years AIDS savaged a generation. It is the story of one survivor’s journey toward the promise of love in a world left wary by the ravages of a pandemic.

Remembrance ans Renewal - C.L. Etta
Remembrance and RenewalPairings: M-M
Published:

Word Count: 83600

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: “Sometimes things happen, no one can explain. The boy’s dad did his best after his wife died, but Sammy is Sammy, kissed by angels and sweeter than maple syrup. The why of it all isn’t important. It’s the nurturing and keeping him safe that counts. That’s the kind of thing that makes heroes. And, doesn’t everyone deserve a hero on their side?”   Sam Jensen is content pouring lattes for the tourists and citizens of Durango, Colorado. Oxygen deprived at birth, he has accepted that he’s not normal and slower at most things others take for granted. When he spots the cute stranger with the enticing sashay standing at his counter, Sam is awestruck. Malcolm Meuli strolls into Branson’s Books and Bagels seeking employment. What he doesn’t expect is the gorgeous barista with the blinding smile happily serving coffee in the busy store. Drawn to his charisma and naiveté, Malcolm spends the next two years working with and fantasizing about the enigmatic Sam. When Sam suddenly asks Malcolm on a date, he’s about to refuse. Dating the man folks say the angels kissed, isn’t fitting for a someone like Malcolm, a homeless boy raised on a ranch for at-risk youth. Besides, a boyfriend doesn’t fit in with Malcolm’s five-year plan. Even the best-laid plans can go awry when fate refuses to follow life’s blueprint. A smart man acknowledges the Fates are fickle vixens.

Malcolm's Man - C.L. Etta
Malcolm's ManPairings: M-M
Published:
Genres:

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: Sorrow’s grip is relentless until a rambunctious ball of fur and a handsome dog wrangler break its hold. Four years after his partner died, leaving him to raise their daughter alone, Mason Ford still grieves his loss. Resigned to devoting his life to their little Nik, Mason goes through his days exhausted by the nightmares that keep him from sleeping. When he and Nik meet Jeremy Coulter, dog wrangler extraordinaire, their cozy world is upended. Mason’s attraction to the exuberant man with the teasing smile is unfamiliar and frightening, while Nik’s easy camaraderie with Jeremy is instantaneous. When Jeremy saves Nik’s life, Mason wonders if he has fallen for the much younger man or are his feelings nothing more than obligation? Is it possible that love at first sight is real?

Mason and the Dog Wrangler - C.L. Etta
Mason and the Dog WranglerPairings: M-M
Published:
Genres:

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: In a world where discrimination and segregation are the standard, can tradition be changed through transcendence? Raised in a world of segregation and discrimination, Phoenix Ashe stands on a precipice. He is an Elitist Masc, destined to become mayor of his prefecture. His lineage is revered for its singular preference in matters of the heart and loins. All he must do is make a seminal deposit during the twin-moon solstice to secure his legacy. While contemplating the enormity of the transaction he’s about to complete, he meets the irreverent Tristan Faire. Tristan is the renowned Femme attendant for Seminal Depository. It’s his job to entice and satisfy the prefecture’s Mascs, harvesting their seminal fluids for storage until requested for conception. He enjoys his work and looks forward to someday making a home with a suitable mate. What he doesn’t need is to fall in love with a client who deems Tristan a second-class citizen. Mascs for mascs and Femmes for femmes. It's the way of their world. Tristan can’t hope to transcend the ingrained beliefs of the arrogant Phoenix and win his heart. But the Divinity has other ideas, and she works in mysterious ways. Will a haughty Masc and irrepressible Femme challenge the prefecture’s social mores and prejudices to find happiness?

Transcending Phoenix - C.L. Etta
Transcending Phoenix
Published:
Genres:

Word Count: Information not available

Character Identities: Gay

Summary:Don’t let his adolescent behavior darken your soul, Mijo. You have the uncanny ability to see the heart of a person, despite your blindness. Randy needs you.” Adrian Treadwell knows nothing darkens a soul more than losing your sight at nineteen to homophobes. When his family turns him away, after his hospital stay, he’s left with one choice—relocate to New Mexico, and let his friend Mico’s family assist him. With their promises of a new life, the opportunity to relearn his independence, and the potential of making a new friend, Adrian’s future is looking brighter. Once he meets Randy, the possibility they will get along diminishes, as he uses every chance to undermine Adrian’s newfound confidence. The afternoon Randy Martinez first spies him, Adrian’s dressed in a crop-top, and his jeans are low-cut, barely hanging on his hips, while he dances. He undulates his cut abs like a snake, making Randy’s mouth water. When the music stops, Adrian’s smile has Randy’s heart in his throat. Then, he remembers—he’s not gay. Rejecting all of Adrian’s overtures of friendships, Randy runs with the local gang to keep himself straight. With Randy on the path to nowhere, and Mico away at school, Adrian fills his time with Braille translations and learning to cope in a sighted world. If he’s lonesome, he keeps it to himself. His world is small, but Mico’s family loves him and has given him a home. It doesn’t seem right asking for more. Then one year it all came crashing down… Darken Not My Soul tells how contentious Randy wins the heart of gentle Adrian. Intertwined amid the tragedy of Mico's paralysis, Randy struggles to overcome Adrian's distrust of his motives, his reservations over Randy's youth, and his fear that his disability will burden and steal his future. Darken Not my Soul complements Love’s Tethered Heart, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel

Darken Not My Soul - C.L. Etta
Darken Not My SoulPairings: M-M
Published:

Word Count: 73341

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: He struggles with the stirrings of his heart The welcoming lights of Las Vegas dim when Kevin Monroe and his drag persona Layona Beach leave Robbie Rhythm. Deciding it’s time to face his past, Robin McMaster emerges from Robbie’s shadow, and sets his sights on Canada to reconcile with the mother who abandoned him. But, first he to travels to San Francisco, intending to mend his broken heart amid red-headed sluts and willing men. A year after his partner of twenty years left him, retired Master Sergeant, Cassidy O’Connor lives alone on his mountain. With his PTSD under control, he is content with his solitude. When a mutual acquaintance requests a favor, Cassidy agrees to trail Robin covertly. With instructions to keep Robin safe, Cassidy is unprepared for his attraction to the engaging young man. But Cassidy has a secret. So, he struggles with the stirrings of his heart for the young musician, over his loyalty to his former partner. Will Robin allow himself to give his heart to the man called Hound? Can a gruff Master Sergeant find love with a fiery redhead whose past goes beyond heartache? Will the secrets of their pasts grant a life of harmony?

Hound and Harmony - C.L. Etta - Beyond Heartache
Hound and HarmonyPairings: M-M
Published:

Word Count: 82997

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: Two years ago Mico and his partner suffered a savage gay bashing that left Mico a quadriplegic—and ended his dreams of traveling the world as an archeologist. Abandoned by the man he loved, he lives in isolation, tethered to his bed by the machines keeping him alive, with only his caretakers and immediate family as companions. Assigned to interview Mico and uncover the story behind his assault and his refusal to identify his attackers, journalist Danny is unprepared for his reaction to the other man. Mico is afraid to let Danny into his life, and Danny is unsure how to change his mind. Mico is also keeping secrets, and he isn’t the only one. Danny is determined to protect Mico, and he’s determined to show Mico that their feelings for each other can thrive amidst the mechanics of Mico’s existence. If you enjoy romantic tales of heartbreak turned to hope, the life-affirming story of Danny and Mico will make you believe in the possibility of love for everyone—no matter what obstacles they face.  

Love's Tethered Heart - C.L. Etta
Love's Tethered HeartPairings: M-M
Published:
Genres:

Word Count: 75527

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: Book two in The Beyond Heartache Series For the past two years, Kevin Monroe has lived his dream, performing alongside his partner, Robbie McMaster, as noted Las Vegas drag queen Layona Beach. Raphael Delgado’s love for Kevin made it easy to set aside his dream of becoming a teacher, to care for Mr. Monroe and his own disabled mama. Now Mr. Monroe is dying, and Kevin is coming home. Raphael’s inadvertent refusal to publicly hold Kevin’s hand is the catalyst for a chain of events that answers these questions. Will Kevin go to gay inmate prison?  Will Robbie end Layona Beach and Robbie Rhythm? How does Raphael become accidentally engaged? Within its themes of family obligations, unrequited love and acceptance Kevin, Robbie, and Raphael discover that heart and home are synonymous.

Heart and Home - C.L. Etta - Beyond Heartache
Heart and HomePairings: M-M
Published:

Word Count: 90311

Character Identities: Gay

Summary: Book one in the Beyond Heartache series After heartache comes hope… At eighteen, Kevin Monroe has learned that mothers don’t always love their sons, Dad’s fists can break your bones and a closet gets mighty crowded with two. After the boy next door breaks his trust and his heart, Kevin departs Albuquerque, New Mexico, determined to live his life out and proud as the man he is meant to be. With Diamondback tickets in his pocket, Kevin leaves his heartache behind to pursue his long-time hope of entertaining as a drag queen. Fear has ruled Raphael Delgado since he first realized he was gay—fear of discovery, fear that he can’t support his disabled mama and fear that he has lost Kevin forever. Against a backdrop of familial love and obligation, Raphael struggles to find the courage to accept his sexuality, while hoping to leave the fragile confines of his closeted life. While watching a Diamondback game on television, Raphael spots Kevin kissing a man in the crowd. His first reaction is fear for Kevin’s safety and his second, fear that Kevin will never come home Can love be restored long distance? Will love’s key be strong enough to unlock Raphael’s closet door? And who is the red-haired beauty wrapped in Kevin’s arms?

Heartache and Hope - C.L. Etta - Beyond Heartache
Heartache and HopePairings: M-M