Five Boroughs Series by Santino Hassell

Corrupting Chris takes place circa 2011 and is a prequel to the Five Boroughs series.Christopher Mendez has long since accepted his role in his squad of gorgeous friends. He’s the short one. The funny one. The one who gets called “cute” and “sweet” before girls bypass him to check out his taller and sexier friends. His lack of game has become a running joke. He doesn’t mind. Not really. But his hands are starting to get boring and flying solo is getting old... moreCorrupting Chris takes place circa 2011 and is a prequel to the Five Boroughs series.Christopher Mendez has long since accepted his role in his squad of gorgeous friends. He’s the short one. The funny one. The one who gets called “cute” and “sweet” before girls bypass him to check out his taller and sexier friends. His lack of game has become a running joke. He doesn’t mind. Not really. But his hands are starting to get boring and flying solo is getting old.Enter Stephanie Quinones and Raymond Rodriguez—stage left. They adore Chris in every way, and they’ve made a pact to get him naked. Together. No strings, no romantic feelings—just three lifelong friends getting dirty on a hot summer day. Their usual routine of video games and trash TV is fun, but corrupting Chris? Even better. less

Michael Rodriguez and Nunzio Medici have been friends for two decades. From escaping their dysfunctional families in the working-class neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens, to teaching in one of the city's most queer-friendly schools in Brooklyn, the two men have shared everything. Or so they thought until a sweltering night of dancing leads to an unexpected encounter that forever changes their friendship... moreMichael Rodriguez and Nunzio Medici have been friends for two decades. From escaping their dysfunctional families in the working-class neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens, to teaching in one of the city's most queer-friendly schools in Brooklyn, the two men have shared everything. Or so they thought until a sweltering night of dancing leads to an unexpected encounter that forever changes their friendship.Now, casual touches and lingering looks are packed with sexual tension, and Michael can't forget the feel of his best friend's hands on him. Once problems rear up at work and home, Michael finds himself seeking constant escape in the effortless intimacy and mind-blowing sex he has with Nunzio. But things don't stay easy for long.When Michael's world begins to crumble in a sea of tragedy and complications, he knows he has to make a choice: find solace in a path of self-destruction or accept the love of the man who has been by his side for twenty years. less

Raymond Rodriguez's days of shoving responsibility to the wayside are over. His older brother wants to live with his boyfriend so Raymond has to get his act together and find a place of his own. But when out-and-proud David Butler offers to be his roommate, Raymond agrees for reasons other than needing a place to crash.David is Raymond’s opposite in almost every way—he’s Connecticut prim and proper while Raymond is a sarcastic longshoreman from Queens—but their friendship is solid... moreRaymond Rodriguez's days of shoving responsibility to the wayside are over. His older brother wants to live with his boyfriend so Raymond has to get his act together and find a place of his own. But when out-and-proud David Butler offers to be his roommate, Raymond agrees for reasons other than needing a place to crash.David is Raymond’s opposite in almost every way—he’s Connecticut prim and proper while Raymond is a sarcastic longshoreman from Queens—but their friendship is solid. Their closeness surprises everyone as does their not-so-playful flirtation since Raymond has always kept his bicurious side a secret. Once they’re under the same roof, flirting turns physical, and soon their easy camaraderie is in danger of being lost to frustrating sexual tension and the stark cultural differences that set them apart. Now Raymond not only has to commit to his new independence—he has to commit to his feelings for David or risk losing him for good. less

Caleb Stone was raised on the Upper East Side, where wealth and lineage reigns, and “alternative lifestyles” are hidden. It took him years to come out to his family, but he’s still stuck in the stranglehold of their expectations. Caleb knows he has to build his confidence and shake things up, but he doesn’t know how… until Oliver Buckley enters the picture. Oli is everything Caleb isn’t—risk-taking, provocative, and fiercely independent... moreCaleb Stone was raised on the Upper East Side, where wealth and lineage reigns, and “alternative lifestyles” are hidden. It took him years to come out to his family, but he’s still stuck in the stranglehold of their expectations. Caleb knows he has to build his confidence and shake things up, but he doesn’t know how… until Oliver Buckley enters the picture. Oli is everything Caleb isn’t—risk-taking, provocative, and fiercely independent. Disowned by his family, Oli has made his own way in the world and is beholden to no one. After a chance encounter on New Year’s Eve, Caleb is smitten. As Caleb sheds the insecurities that have held him back for years, he makes bold steps toward changing his career and escaping years of sexual repression. But for Caleb to take full control of his life, he has to be brave enough to confront his feelings and trust Oli with his heart. less

The Raymond Rodriguez from a few years ago wouldn’t recognize the guy he is today. He’s left his slacker ways far behind him and is now juggling two jobs and school. But the balancing act doesn’t allow much time for the man he loves. David is doing his best to be supportive, but problems at work and his own insecurity leave him frustrated—in more ways than the obvious—whenever he goes to bed before Raymond gets home... moreThe Raymond Rodriguez from a few years ago wouldn’t recognize the guy he is today. He’s left his slacker ways far behind him and is now juggling two jobs and school. But the balancing act doesn’t allow much time for the man he loves. David is doing his best to be supportive, but problems at work and his own insecurity leave him frustrated—in more ways than the obvious—whenever he goes to bed before Raymond gets home. The heat and affection between them is still there, but they barely have the time or energy to enjoy it. And it doesn’t help that Raymond is still hiding David from his colleagues. The stress mounts so high that a vacation in paradise is filled with turmoil instead of harmony, and culminates on their return to the five boroughs with broken promises and heartache. They have to figure out how to stop allowing their differences to overshadow their love. It’s the only way they’ll make it to forever. less

Ashton Townsend is the most famous celebutante of Manhattan’s glitterati. The black sheep of his wealthy family, he’s known for his club appearances, Instagram account, and sex tape. Most people can’t imagine him wanting for anything, but Ashton yearns for friendship, respect, and the love of his best friend—amateur boxer Valdrin Leka. Val’s relationship with Ashton is complicated... moreAshton Townsend is the most famous celebutante of Manhattan’s glitterati. The black sheep of his wealthy family, he’s known for his club appearances, Instagram account, and sex tape. Most people can’t imagine him wanting for anything, but Ashton yearns for friendship, respect, and the love of his best friend—amateur boxer Valdrin Leka. Val’s relationship with Ashton is complicated. As the son of Ashton’s beloved nanny, Val has always bounced between resenting Ashton and regarding him as his best friend. And then there’s the sexual attraction between them that Val tries so hard to ignore.When Ashton flees his glitzy lifestyle, he finds refuge with Val in the Bronx. Between Val’s training for an upcoming fight and dodging paparazzi, they succumb to their need for each other. But before they can figure out what it all means—and what they want to do about it—the world drags them out of their haven, revealing a secret Val has kept for years. Now, Ashton has to decide whether to once again envelop himself in his party-boy persona, or to trust in the only man who’s ever seen the real him. less

Third Rail can be read as a standalone but chronologically takes place after Interborough in the Five Boroughs series.Christopher Mendez has always known his sexual identity had a swerve. No straight guy would have low-key lusted after his childhood best friend, right? Unfortunately, a combination of insecurity and overall lack of game has prevented him from further exploring his sexuality... moreThird Rail can be read as a standalone but chronologically takes place after Interborough in the Five Boroughs series.Christopher Mendez has always known his sexual identity had a swerve. No straight guy would have low-key lusted after his childhood best friend, right? Unfortunately, a combination of insecurity and overall lack of game has prevented him from further exploring his sexuality. That changes once he agrees to participate in a photoshoot for a queer dating app and meets Jace Fairbairn.Jace is beautiful, fey-like, and in an open polyamorous relationship with his gorgeous linebacker-looking husband Aiden. Once they set eyes on Chris, they’re instantly in lust and determined to broaden his sexual horizons. But what’s supposed to be a straight-forward sexual encounter gets complicated once a one-night-stand has repeat performances, and Jace and Aiden begin to fall in love.This collection of shorts explores the start of a relationship that eventually blossoms into something the three men realize they cannot do without. less

A record-breaking heatwave engulfs the Five Boroughs, and emotions run as hot as the temperatures.In Rerouted, Chris Mendez is trying to live a drama-free life. That doesn’t include another threesome with Jace and Aiden Fairbairn. But then a citywide blackout leaves them trapped together, and Chris is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about relationships and his own heart... moreA record-breaking heatwave engulfs the Five Boroughs, and emotions run as hot as the temperatures.In Rerouted, Chris Mendez is trying to live a drama-free life. That doesn’t include another threesome with Jace and Aiden Fairbairn. But then a citywide blackout leaves them trapped together, and Chris is forced to re-examine everything he thought he knew about relationships and his own heart.In Gridlocked, former Marine Tonya Maldonado is keeping real estate heiress Meredith Stone on permanent ignore. Mere isn’t Tonya’s type. Not even close. Who cares if she kisses like a dream and has the filthiest mouth this side of the East River? But then a security detail at a summer party ends with her saving Mere’s life and discovering they have more chemistry than she’d ever imagined.In Derailed, Stephanie Quinones escapes the heat and her complicated love life by going on a company retreat. Trouble is, it’s a couples’ retreat, and she lied about having a boyfriend. Unfortunately, the only person willing to play pretend is her on-again/off-again fling, Angel León. They’re currently “off again,” but after a week in the woods, Stephanie realizes she wouldn’t mind them being permanently on. less

Publication of this edition was originally set for April 2018, but was cancelled prior to release date.Charles Jovanovic is known for being fun, loud, and a drama queen. That changes when he comes home after a six-month dancing gig on a cruise line and finds his boyfriend kissing a muscular tattooed stranger. He retreats into his Staten Island apartment and ignores the world . . . until he discovers that the man he’d found with his ex is his downstairs neighbor.Luis Ramos hates cheaters... morePublication of this edition was originally set for April 2018, but was cancelled prior to release date.Charles Jovanovic is known for being fun, loud, and a drama queen. That changes when he comes home after a six-month dancing gig on a cruise line and finds his boyfriend kissing a muscular tattooed stranger. He retreats into his Staten Island apartment and ignores the world . . . until he discovers that the man he’d found with his ex is his downstairs neighbor.Luis Ramos hates cheaters. He had no idea his near hookup had a boyfriend, let alone a boyfriend as gorgeous as sassy, leggy Charles. His guilt leads to frequent groveling, but Charles’s wrath won’t quit. As soon as Luis decides to back off, he catches Charles watching him practice one of his stripper routines. Luis jumps at the chance to make peace, and Charles can’t resist an invitation to dance.Reluctant friendship turns to late-night dance sessions, intimate conversations, and flirtatious encounters in the dimly lit laundry room. Charles tries to ignore Luis’s efforts to revive his dormant passions, but the sexual tension is undeniable. When Charles realizes he wants more than a rebound, he has to learn how to move past his jealousy and trust that Luis wants him, baggage and all. less

Originally scheduled for publication in July 2018, this edition was cancelled prior to its expected release date. Attorney Clive Baptiste lives life at arm’s length. Never quite making friends, never keeping a boyfriend, and never letting his personal life interfere with his work. But things go sideways when a high-profile civil suit lands him in the middle of a stalker’s crosshairs... moreOriginally scheduled for publication in July 2018, this edition was cancelled prior to its expected release date. Attorney Clive Baptiste lives life at arm’s length. Never quite making friends, never keeping a boyfriend, and never letting his personal life interfere with his work. But things go sideways when a high-profile civil suit lands him in the middle of a stalker’s crosshairs. Clive doesn’t want or need a bodyguard, even if that man is the gorgeous and brooding Victor Quiñones—who is also on the outside of the close-knit group of queer friends Clive withdrew from long ago.Clive is a difficult client, but Victor understands the reasons for the icy lawyer’s guardedness all too well. Deeply closeted due to his own tumultuous past, Victor hides his anxiety and insecurities behind his scarred face and muscled wall of anger and insolence, making himself the black sheep of a group he secretly yearns to belong to. Like Clive, it’s easier for him to pretend he doesn’t mind being alone.Forced together, they develop an unlikely friendship that grows into a smoldering attraction. After being out in the cold for so long, neither man can ignore the fire between them. But with the stalker closing in, the distracting blaze may come at too high a price. less