NEW RELEASE
Book Title: Dusty’s Snack Shack (Book One of the Short Orders Gay Romance Series)
Author: Dann Hazel
Publisher: The Original Press, LLC
Cover Artist: Joshua Fippen
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Tense/POV: Past Tense; 3rd person
Genres: Gay MM Romance
Tropes: Second Chance, Friends to Lovers, Vacation Encounters
Themes: Long-Distance Romance; Importance of Community; Romance Across Social Classes
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 60 500 words/215 pages
It is part one of a new series, but can be read as a standalone
It does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited
At Dusty’s Snack Shack, desserts range from gooey to chewy.
But Ken finds the treats at Dusty’s shop aren’t necessarily as sweet as one tantalizing owner!
Blurb
Sand, sun, and a steamy summer fling.
That's all Dusty and Ken expected from their chance encounter at Myrtle Beach, when Ken purchases ice cream from Dusty’s Snack Shack.
But as their bodies entwine, so do their hearts, leading them on a journey of unexpected emotions.
With the bustling beach as their backdrop, and a sweet Saint Bernard that adores both men, they explore the depths of their passion and the pitfalls of falling in love.
Then, as the summer winds down, their romance takes a precarious turn, threatening to tear them apart.
Will their love withstand the crashing waves, or will it be washed away by the tide?
If you enjoyed the passionate romance and twists and turns of Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook," you'll love this beachside love story with a gay twist.
Why wait? Grab your copy now before the tide changes!
Excerpt
“I won’t get to see you again before you leave?” The disappointment in Dusty’s voice was palpable.
“Here’s the deal with me, Dusty. I’m not up to driving. Not tonight. I’m far too tired to start the long trek home, only to stop at some fleabag hotel along the way when I get sleepy. Which will happen sooner rather than later. I already feel exhausted.”
“Then stay.” Dusty uttered the words before Ken finished his sentence. “Please. There’s no need for you to transfer to another hotel. I’d love for you to be my guest for as long as you wish.”
“You have a life to live, Dusty, and a business to run—” Ken began.
“That business will be closed for at least another day,” Dusty interrupted. “Probably longer. They’ve closed the entire block near my shop. Several other blocks have also been closed. Customers wouldn’t be allowed access to the Snack Shack even if I were allowed to open it. But I have to wait until city officials give the all-clear.”
For a moment, Ken didn't speak. Then, Dusty heard a heavy, resigned sigh. “Your offer is tempting, Dusty. Really, it is. But let me ask you. Are you fucking positive?”
Dusty laughed gently. “I’ve never been surer of anything else. Get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”
Ken began a hearty chuckle. His chuckle grew into a laugh.
“Why are you laughing?”
“As you know, I wasn’t crazy about a Myrtle Beach vacation from the beginning. Now, I am adamant not to cut the damn thing short. I have four more days, for Christ’s sake! And I’m gonna take them.”
Dusty turned into his driveway, which he'd almost overshot. “The beach can have a seductive effect on people, that’s for sure.”
Dusty transferred the sound from the car’s audio system to his phone. He got out of his car, then headed to his front door. Benji, his tail wagging furiously, was waiting for him,.
“But Dusty? I don’t want you to think the ocean is the only temptation.” Ken’s voice sounded plaintive and sincere, hinting of a vulnerability that Dusty hadn't noticed before. “It’s you, too. You’re a great guy, even if we did get off on the wrong foot. Those four additional days I have left? I would rather spend them with you.”
Dusty was rendered speechless by Ken’s confession, delivered with great sincerity.
Maybe, Dusty thought, the man’s much more sensitive than he often comes across.
“Then it’s settled,” Dusty said. “I’m sitting on my sofa right now, caressing a big furry monster who would love to see you almost as much as I do. So get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”
Ken laughed. “I’m approaching the Bayview parking garage now. I have to get clearance to retrieve my car, then I’m on my way.” He cleared his throat. “I will have to make a quick stop at a convenience store to pick up a few toiletries. That shouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.”
“Good idea. I don’t share my toothbrush with anyone.”
Suddenly, Dusty felt overcome with gratitude—gratitude that Ken was alive. “Hey, Ken?”
“Yes?”
Dusty inhaled deeply, as though to sequester some immense feeling. “Be safe. Please. I know you’re upset. That doesn’t always make for safe driving. But remember I’m here, waiting for you. Call me if you need anything.”
Ken swallowed the lump forming in his throat. “Thanks, Dusty. You’re the best.”
About the Author
As a Florida-based author of both fiction and nonfiction, Dann worked as an educator on both the secondary and post-secondary levels. But since high school, when he served as a reporter for the school newspaper, he’s always had a passion for both reading and writing. Dann lives in Lake Wales, FL, with his husband, Josh (also a writer) and their adorable Eskie (American Eskimo), Flurry. She's definitely part of the family, with boundless energy and appetite! Dann is passionate about scenic walks and jogs around a local lake, enjoying Walt Disney World, staying healthy, reading, streaming movies and provocative TV series (especially those based on novels!) and current events. His pronouns are he/him/his.
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