Beings in Love Series by R. Cooper

Los Cerros is Detective Ray Branigan’s town, his to protect in a way that satisfies his werewolf instincts, even though most humans are afraid of him. Los Cerros is famous for its fairy village and its supposedly welcoming attitude toward magical beings like Ray, but Ray is one of only two beings on the police force... moreLos Cerros is Detective Ray Branigan’s town, his to protect in a way that satisfies his werewolf instincts, even though most humans are afraid of him. Los Cerros is famous for its fairy village and its supposedly welcoming attitude toward magical beings like Ray, but Ray is one of only two beings on the police force. While dealing with human prejudice, Ray and his partner have to solve crimes relating to magic, and are forced to rely on the department’s part-time magical consultants, something Ray tries to avoid—and not only because werewolves are uncomfortable around magic. Enter Cal Parker, the son of the department’s most admired detective. Cal is brilliant, contemptuous of the police, and half-fairy. He’s also Ray’s mate, a fact that Ray has kept secret despite his every instinct screaming for him to claim and worship, because weres mate for life, and fairies… don’t. Everyone knows that. Fairies are beautiful, flighty, and fickle. But perhaps it’s not only the humans who have prejudice about beings. Cal isn’t shy about his desire for Ray—not that fairies ever are—and Ray’s resistance is crumbling. But the situation is growing more dangerous as they get closer to the killer, and by the time Ray accepts the truth of a fairy’s heart, it might be too late. Being(s) in Love: Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart. less

A Being(s) in Love AnthologyVery little is known about seers—those individuals, both human and being, with the power to know both what could have been and what is yet to come. Seers prefer it that way. Some of them run from their visions. Others call themselves artists or authors instead of oracles. But even in the most seemingly innocent of their creations, the truth will out, and lessons will be learned... moreA Being(s) in Love AnthologyVery little is known about seers—those individuals, both human and being, with the power to know both what could have been and what is yet to come. Seers prefer it that way. Some of them run from their visions. Others call themselves artists or authors instead of oracles. But even in the most seemingly innocent of their creations, the truth will out, and lessons will be learned. Two storytellers of different eras and vastly different temperaments weave fantastic tales of magic and romance for their enthralled audiences: A young prince avoids his betrothed and the curse that binds them. A witch uses his magic to help the man he loves court someone else. A warrior betrayed by his lord finds himself in the company of a mysterious stranger. A half-fae is doomed to be sent to the Faery Court unless he can find someone to love him. A lonely outcast finds himself drawn to a forbidden forest. A bookseller at a masked ball wonders if he should pursue a handsome prince. A dragon attempts to woo a beast. A shy servant is given one night to reach for what he wants. Fairy tales that reveal more about the tellers, and their audiences, than they might want. Being(s) in Love:Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart. less

Arthur MacArthur is in desperate need of a better paying job. Before Arthur dropped out of school to support his younger sister, he loved being a research assistant at the university, and becoming a personal assistant to a famous historian like Dr. Jones is a chance for Arthur to, sort of, live his dream again. But though Arthur was told Dr... moreArthur MacArthur is in desperate need of a better paying job. Before Arthur dropped out of school to support his younger sister, he loved being a research assistant at the university, and becoming a personal assistant to a famous historian like Dr. Jones is a chance for Arthur to, sort of, live his dream again. But though Arthur was told Dr. Jones is a dragon, one of the most powerful and least understood of the beings, he didn’t anticipate what that could mean—or that he would be so immediately attracted to his boss.Dr. Philbert “Bertie” Jones is a brilliant historian, but he can’t keep track of the days of the week, much less find his own notes without help. His house is a hoard of books and antiques, and yet unlike all the stories about vicious, possessive dragons, he seems to have no problem with Arthur taking over the clutter and setting the house to rights. In fact, he seems to delight in it, treating Arthur as if he is something precious.Arthur isn’t sure what to make of that. There is nothing special about him, even if Bertie disagrees. Dragons are supposed to collect treasure, and Arthur isn’t treasure, is he?Being(s) in Love:Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart. less

After graduating college, Zeki Janowitz returns to his hometown of Wolf’s Paw before beginning his career as a consulting wizard. But he has no plans to stay. Wolf’s Paw, a werewolf refuge, shuns human magic and a very human Zeki. Despite that, Zeki can’t help but wish he belonged there the way he’s always wanted to, which has a lot to do with one werewolf in particular, Theo Greenleaf... moreAfter graduating college, Zeki Janowitz returns to his hometown of Wolf’s Paw before beginning his career as a consulting wizard. But he has no plans to stay. Wolf’s Paw, a werewolf refuge, shuns human magic and a very human Zeki. Despite that, Zeki can’t help but wish he belonged there the way he’s always wanted to, which has a lot to do with one werewolf in particular, Theo Greenleaf. Years away haven’t lessened Zeki’s feelings for the quiet werewolf, although Theo has grown even more withdrawn in Zeki’s absence. When town gossip informs Zeki that Theo is suffering from a mate’s rejection, Zeki is outraged on Theo’s behalf—but also wonders if this means he might finally be able to at least get Theo to consider him. For that, Zeki would stay in Wolf’s Paw no matter what it cost him. Werewolves usually don’t recover from losing their mates, and Theo barely pulled through. Now, he doesn’t know what to think when this new, braver Zeki attempts to woo him. It’s almost as if Zeki doesn’t have a clue that he is the one who broke Theo’s heart. But they are grown up now, and the magic the town fears might have drawn them back together for an unprecedented second chance. If anyone can figure out how to woo their mate after messing it up the first time, it might be a clever human wizard and werewolf with hidden talents. Being(s) in Love: Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart. less

On the run from his old-blood werewolf family, Tim Dirus finds himself in Wolf's Paw, one of the last surviving refuges from the days when werewolves were hunted by humans and one of the last places Tim wants to be. Kept away from other wolves by his uncle, Tim knows almost nothing about his own kind except that alpha werewolves only want to control and dominate a scrawny wolf like him... moreOn the run from his old-blood werewolf family, Tim Dirus finds himself in Wolf's Paw, one of the last surviving refuges from the days when werewolves were hunted by humans and one of the last places Tim wants to be. Kept away from other wolves by his uncle, Tim knows almost nothing about his own kind except that alpha werewolves only want to control and dominate a scrawny wolf like him. Tim isn’t in Wolf’s Paw an hour before he draws the attention of Sheriff Nathaniel Neri, the alphaest alpha in a town full of alphas. Powerful, intimidating, and the most beautiful wolf Tim has ever seen, Nathaniel makes Tim feel safe for reasons Tim doesn’t understand. For five years he’s lived on the run, in fear of his family and other wolves. Everything about Wolf’s Paw is contrary to what he thought he knew, and he is terrified. Fearing his mate will run, Sheriff Nathaniel must calm his little wolf and show him he’s more than a match for this big, bad alpha. less

Being(s) in Love StoriesMagical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart.A firebird in 1930s Paris is drawn to a writer with a haunted past... moreBeing(s) in Love StoriesMagical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others fearsome and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart.A firebird in 1930s Paris is drawn to a writer with a haunted past. Upon returning from fighting in the Pacific, a jaguar shifter finds a third-gender human on his doorstep. Early rock ‘n’ roll DJ Hyacinth the fairy shocks his listeners with his admiration for his quiet assistant. During the AIDS crisis, a gruff, leather-wearing troll dreams of a settled life with a mixed-species elf across the bar. An imp, who remembers only too well how cruel the world can be, tells himself he’s content to stay behind the scenes—if only his chaotic, impish magic would stop getting in the way. And a shy human tending his poisonous and carnivorous plants is convinced no one will ever want him, certainly not the handsome werewolf grieving for a lost mate. Human or being, all must overcome fear to reach for love. less

From candy-obsessed fairies searching for their happiness, to growly werewolves with secretly soft hearts and a love for baking, to possessive but so very polite dragons, chaotic yet well-meaning imps, exquisitely beautiful firebirds, trolls who like the rough stuff, outspoken wizards with a bit more than a crush, and utterly confused but beguiling humans, the Being(s) in Love series is about finding love where you least expect it... moreFrom candy-obsessed fairies searching for their happiness, to growly werewolves with secretly soft hearts and a love for baking, to possessive but so very polite dragons, chaotic yet well-meaning imps, exquisitely beautiful firebirds, trolls who like the rough stuff, outspoken wizards with a bit more than a crush, and utterly confused but beguiling humans, the Being(s) in Love series is about finding love where you least expect it. And how even the most seemingly powerful of creatures can be knocked head over heels by a pure heart—and maybe a dimple or two.Being(s) in Love:Magical creatures known as beings emerged from hiding amid the destruction of the First World War. Since then, they’ve lived on the margins of the human world as misunderstood objects of fear and desire. Some are beautiful, others frightening and powerful. Yet for all their magic and strength, they are as vulnerable as anyone when it comes to matters of the heart.The queer romance set includes the first five books of the Being(s) in Love series plus a bonus story. Some Kind of Magic, A Boy and His Dragon, A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate, Little Wolf, and The Firebird and Other Stories, as well as the f/f novella A Mate of One’s Own. less

David is in love with Tulip, a kind and unusually quiet fairy in his social circle. But everyone knows Tulip doesn’t date humans. David tells himself he is happy to be Tulip’s friend, because he doesn’t believe a fairy could love him and Tulip has never tried to “keep him”—as fairies refer to relationships with humans.Fairies are drawn to David, describing his great “shine,” but David knows only too well how quickly fairies can forget humans, and thinks he’s destined to be alone... moreDavid is in love with Tulip, a kind and unusually quiet fairy in his social circle. But everyone knows Tulip doesn’t date humans. David tells himself he is happy to be Tulip’s friend, because he doesn’t believe a fairy could love him and Tulip has never tried to “keep him”—as fairies refer to relationships with humans.Fairies are drawn to David, describing his great “shine,” but David knows only too well how quickly fairies can forget humans, and thinks he’s destined to be alone. He can’t see his own brilliance or understand how desperately Tulip wants him, even if Tulip believes David can do better.But exhausted and more than a little tipsy at a Christmas party, David makes his feelings too obvious for Tulip to deny any longer. Because of a past heartbreak involving a human, Tulip is convinced someone as shiny as David could never want a “silly, stupid fairy” in his life. Now, if he wants to keep David, he’ll have to be as brave as his shiny, careful human. less

A Being(s) in Love StoryIn the nineteenth century, the dragon Dìzhèn put the small coastal town of Everlasting under her protection. Her family was supposed to carry on the tradition, but all of Dìzhèn the Great’s heirs eventually left rather than live in the shadow of such a powerful dragon.Only the youngest dragon of the current generation remains: Zarrin, the softhearted disgrace of his family... moreA Being(s) in Love StoryIn the nineteenth century, the dragon Dìzhèn put the small coastal town of Everlasting under her protection. Her family was supposed to carry on the tradition, but all of Dìzhèn the Great’s heirs eventually left rather than live in the shadow of such a powerful dragon.Only the youngest dragon of the current generation remains: Zarrin, the softhearted disgrace of his family. He might be weak, small, and afraid, but he is determined to show the humans they have not been forgotten… one human in particular. The problem is, Zarrin can barely get that human to talk to him.It should be a dream come true to have a dragon trying to get his attention. But Joe refuses to bow to Zarrin like everyone else. Yes, Zarrin is sexy, oddly gentle for a dragon, and stares at Joe with a gaze so hot it makes him shiver. But hurt, mistrustful Joe can’t believe Zarrin’s promises that he’s here to stay. Joe doesn’t realize he is the treasure Zarrin has been looking for his whole life, a treasure he once let slip through his fingers out of fear. Now, to win Joe’s trust, Zarrin has to be brave and become as strong as Dìzhèn herself. less

Years ago, a very intoxicated Martin nearly died in the woods outside Everlasting, and a beautiful creature saved him, although Martin’s done his best to forget it. He spends his time in a haze of weed as he avoids his emotionally abusive mother—and the way he feels about men. Martin is already a weirdo in his isolated small town; he doesn’t need a sexuality crisis too... moreYears ago, a very intoxicated Martin nearly died in the woods outside Everlasting, and a beautiful creature saved him, although Martin’s done his best to forget it. He spends his time in a haze of weed as he avoids his emotionally abusive mother—and the way he feels about men. Martin is already a weirdo in his isolated small town; he doesn’t need a sexuality crisis too. He’s a mess, but someone—or something—always seems to take care of him, usually a tall, sarcastic deputy by the name of Ian Forrester.No one knows much about Ian, which is how he and his family prefer it. Ian has resigned himself to a lonely life keeping his secrets and guarding his forest. It’s safe to dream of Martin, because Martin never remembers Ian helping him. Besides, Martin barely speaks to Ian, so nothing can ever grow between them. Right?But with the dragons—and the magic—back in Everlasting, suddenly anything seems possible, even a happily ever after for two men who never expected one.... less

Can a curse be a blessing?Clematis works hard to embody every fairy stereotype. He can be a sulky prince or a submissive flirt, slutty and arrogant or silly and soft. He makes himself into whatever causes someone to want him. Combine that with beauty that’s incredible even for a fairy, and everyone wants him sooner or later… just not for long.Well, everyone except the fairy Clematis secretly adores... moreCan a curse be a blessing?Clematis works hard to embody every fairy stereotype. He can be a sulky prince or a submissive flirt, slutty and arrogant or silly and soft. He makes himself into whatever causes someone to want him. Combine that with beauty that’s incredible even for a fairy, and everyone wants him sooner or later… just not for long.Well, everyone except the fairy Clematis secretly adores. But then, he’s never expected happily ever after, not when he’s spent years burying his emotions and making himself unlovable to push people away and protect his heart.But his curse changes all that, and Clematis can no longer prevent his feelings from rising to the surface. He’s terrified that when his few friends see him for who he really is, they’ll abandon him, just like his parents did.It’s hard to imagine friends who see past his act to the sweet person within, but maybe happiness has been in front of him the entire time, waiting for the real Clematis to break free and blossom. less

Detective Ray Branigan protects his chosen city of Los Cerros. Whatever feelings he has on how he is treated as a werewolf in a police department of mostly humans, Ray keeps to himself for the sake of being what he is supposed to be and doing what he thinks he is supposed to do. …Until he wakes up in an alley with a headache, magic tingling in his nose, and no memory of the half-fairy in front of him claiming to be his mate... moreDetective Ray Branigan protects his chosen city of Los Cerros. Whatever feelings he has on how he is treated as a werewolf in a police department of mostly humans, Ray keeps to himself for the sake of being what he is supposed to be and doing what he thinks he is supposed to do. …Until he wakes up in an alley with a headache, magic tingling in his nose, and no memory of the half-fairy in front of him claiming to be his mate. Ray does not have a mate, yet his instincts tell him this is right—and that something else is very wrong. Werewolves who lose their mates get self-destructive or violent. But a miscalculation in the spell used against him has temporarily spared Ray that fate. While he still can, he has to find who did this to him, and why, and try not to get too distracted by the brilliant half-fairy who smells like home. Callalily “Cal” Parker is beautiful, clever—and far too careful when discussing their past. Fairies are supposed to speak the truth, but maybe Cal is right to hide it from Ray, since the pack Ray has fought so hard to believe in, the police, seem to have abandoned him, and, his instincts whisper, cannot be trusted now, which means that maybe Ray shouldn’t be trusted either. But the spell is still at work, weakening even a werewolf’s strength. When Ray can no longer fight off the magic, will he become the monster so many think he is, or the hero that his mate insists he must be—that he wants to be, to save himself, and help his city, and make his Callalily proud? less