Bear Camp Series by Slade James

What do lumberjacks do at a gay, clothing-optional campground during the off-season? Play with wood, of course.It’s time for the Jackolympics, the camp’s annual wood-splitting competition. This year I’m more determined than ever to win because I’ve got skin in the game.I fell in love with Gunner the first night I met him. Two and a half years later, I’m still deep in the friend zone. I can’t go another season without telling him how I feel.The wager is: if I win, he has to go on a date with me... moreWhat do lumberjacks do at a gay, clothing-optional campground during the off-season? Play with wood, of course.It’s time for the Jackolympics, the camp’s annual wood-splitting competition. This year I’m more determined than ever to win because I’ve got skin in the game.I fell in love with Gunner the first night I met him. Two and a half years later, I’m still deep in the friend zone. I can’t go another season without telling him how I feel.The wager is: if I win, he has to go on a date with me.The Uncut Wood is a 12,000-word short story prequel to the Bear Camp series, featuring friends to lovers, a cabin in the woods, and a kilt-wearing lumberjack. This story can be read as a standalone. less

Hooking up with an employee is not on my to-do list.Making sure other men have a good time is my business, even if it means suppressing my own desires. It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums.The last thing I need is a temporary employee who can’t even put up a tent.Luke Cody’s not my type... moreHooking up with an employee is not on my to-do list.Making sure other men have a good time is my business, even if it means suppressing my own desires. It’s opening weekend at my clothing-optional campground, guests are starting to arrive, and I’ve got a pool party and a few hundred peoples’ vacations to save while battling Mother Nature’s tantrums.The last thing I need is a temporary employee who can’t even put up a tent.Luke Cody’s not my type. He’s too young, too pretty, and too much like my late partner. Another flaky musician? No thanks. But when a storm blows down his campsite, I can’t just leave him outside and soaked to the bone. Now he’s staying in my cabin, sleeping in my bed, and worst of all, he’s completely ignoring the proverbial sign over my head that says Grumpy Bear: Do Not Approach.I’m not quite as immune to his charms as I want him to believe, but he’ll only be here for a few days.Nothing’s going to happen… Grumpy Bear is a boss/employee, grumpy/sunshine romance set at a gay campground full of bears. (Not shifters; the other kind of bears.) It’s the first full-length book in the Bear Camp series and can be read as a standalone. less

What if my best friend is the one that got away?He told me he loved me back in college, but I didn’t believe I was good enough for him.For twenty years, even as I tried to make other men love me, he’s the one who’s really been there for me.Now we’re back at the campground where he first confessed his feelings for me... moreWhat if my best friend is the one that got away?He told me he loved me back in college, but I didn’t believe I was good enough for him.For twenty years, even as I tried to make other men love me, he’s the one who’s really been there for me.Now we’re back at the campground where he first confessed his feelings for me. Did I mention the cabin he rented has a private hot tub and only one bed?A little bourbon, a ton of memories, and a few bombshell truths… Maybe our being together was always just a matter of time.The Cubby Hole is a 15,000 word short story from the Bear Camp series featuring friends to lovers, second chances, and one night that brings a true love full circle.This story can be read as a standalone. less

He’s a little too young and way too hot for me.Austin Fox is a twentysomething beefcake living his best life working at a clothing-optional campground. He’s the reigning Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he radiates body positivity and self-esteem.He could have anyone he wants.I’m a forty-two-year-old, once-celebrated author with a bad case of writer’s block, a dad bod, and “performance anxiety” in bed.He picks me... moreHe’s a little too young and way too hot for me.Austin Fox is a twentysomething beefcake living his best life working at a clothing-optional campground. He’s the reigning Best Cub of Bear Mountain Lodge. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he radiates body positivity and self-esteem.He could have anyone he wants.I’m a forty-two-year-old, once-celebrated author with a bad case of writer’s block, a dad bod, and “performance anxiety” in bed.He picks me.On paper, he’s offering me exactly what I came here for — a weekend of no-strings fun to reboot, “get my groove back,” and find my muse before summer ends.But there’s more to Austin’s story than his title and appearance. He’s empathetic, wise beyond his years, and he challenges me to see myself in a new light. Despite our age difference, we’re in the same place, hoping to find a renewed sense of purpose.If we choose to let go of the stories that no longer serve us, we can write our next chapter together. Muscle Cub is an age gap, surly/sunshine gay romance that starts with a one-night stand and turns into a deeper reflection on identity and self-image. It’s the second full-length book in the Bear Camp series, featuring cringe-inducing karaoke, a makeover, and a man-pageant. It can be read as a standalone. less

A Meet Cute with MuscleIt's just supposed to be one day at the men's campground—a few hours by the pool, a few beers before I have to go to work... maybe a little semi-anonymous quickie.Living in the Boonies, I don't have a lot of opportunities to get lucky with other men.Now, I'm making out with my bodybuilder fantasy come to life, he's looking at me like he's the lucky one, and it feels like this could be something more than a hookup.I don't want this day to end... moreA Meet Cute with MuscleIt's just supposed to be one day at the men's campground—a few hours by the pool, a few beers before I have to go to work... maybe a little semi-anonymous quickie.Living in the Boonies, I don't have a lot of opportunities to get lucky with other men.Now, I'm making out with my bodybuilder fantasy come to life, he's looking at me like he's the lucky one, and it feels like this could be something more than a hookup.I don't want this day to end.How do I say goodbye to someone I only just met and already never want to leave?The Day Pass is a 6,400-word short story from the Bear Camp series, featuring men in their fifties, size difference, and a tattoo that's a cosmic sign. It can be read as a standalone.This short story is a promotional title only available via the author's website. less