As a kid, Raphael was a homophobic bully. Now, at age 23, he's grown out of the bully act. His homophobia? Still there, but it doesn't show often―after all, there are no gay people around him. Just his mom, ex-girlfriend, and daughter, Mia. Or so he thinks, until a phone call one morning comes with news that puts him face-to-face with his prejudice. But shaking prejudice is hard when your ashamed family, some hungry reporters, and a stubborn gay activist are breathing down your neck. Changing is hard, especially when you've buried skeletons.

Alex and Liam have been best friends their whole lives until a drunken kiss leads them down separate paths. As time passes, they must face truths they never expected. ***** Alex Camejo and Liam Santos have been thick as thieves since they met at age seven. As the years passed, Liam protected Alex from bullies while Alex denied what those bullies were saying. He's not gay no matter how "girly" he seems... or how much he longs to hold Liam's hand. But a drunken kiss tears everything down. The inseparable Liam Santos and Alex Camejo can no longer be friends. Without each other's support, they must overcome the struggles of adolescence, coming out, new lovers, self-doubt and lingering emotions. One hopes he will forget his best friend and find happiness. The other hopes they will reunite and be happy. In the end, whose dreams will come true? [[Watty's Award Winner]]

Football players are assholes. I know - my brother is their king. Older and annoyingly overprotective, he's the star quarterback at Santa Cruz High School. I love him, but everyone worships the air he breathes and it's suffocating. After a traumatic experience with a quarterback three years ago, I want nothing to do with boys and dating. All that matters is getting into college, so I ace my classes and sign up for my school's student ambassador program to boost my applications. Thankfully, I have my best friend, Harper, to get me through high school being overshadowed by my brother. My plans for a quiet, low-key senior year are destroyed when my brother's cocky, arrogant rival keeps butting into my life. Logan Hightower is a total player who expects me to drool at his feet while he uses me to burn my brother's game. If he thinks I'll fall for his gorgeous looks and shallow charms, he's totally mistaken. He'll never succeed because I hate football players. Note: Some of the chapters have mature content, as marked. Swearing is blatantly rampant and sensitive chapters are marked with the associated trigger warnings. highest rankings: #1 lovestory, youngadult, quarterback, goodgirl, cute, texting, sports, slowburn, series, & California, highschool, teenager, teenfic, series, completed #2 romance This story is complete, edited, and totally revamped in 2023! -me