This page is about the Heroes At Heart series by Dreamspinner Press, and it's composed of four novellas. See below.

Though dealing with serious issues, like family rejection after coming out and youth suicide, these sweet romances are not without humor, fun and sensuality.

This novella, Yellowbelly Hero, released on Aug 5, 2015, and it's a contemporary M/M novella. It's readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Yancy Bell was bullied in high school for being a yellowbelly, not because of any cowardice, but because of his nervous bladder condition. It’s Yancy’s first year in college, and he’s hoping to make a fresh start.

Three days before Christmas, the campus is empty. Having to pee on a midwinter night leads Yancy to meet Curt Donovan huddled in a dark shower stall. Curt’s a troubled jock whose coming out went badly, so he plans to end it all.

But Yancy adamantly refuses to let Curt go through with his irrevocable plan. With just one dark night to talk Curt around, Yancy has to win the trust of a stranger who only sees one way out."

Five Star Review by MM Good Book Reviews:

"The short of it is that I cannot wait for book two! There is a lot of space for these guys to develop more, both as young men and as a possible romantic couple. I read the sneak peek and – Sweet Jesus – I want to read it now!!! This is a heartbreakingly familiar world where similar stories to that of Curt’s is all too common, but I loved the way in which the story has been told."

Five Star Review by Inked Rainbow Reads:

"This is a short story that is too close to being a reality for so many in this situation. Susan Laine held nothing back in this story when it came to the emotions of feeling so utterly alone, useless, and pretty much numb inside. This is a story about Curt feeling all these emotions and so much more that he felt as if he nothing left to live for. --I think that it is very commendable of Susan Laine to put this situation into a story for others to read because so many people are scared or turn a blind eye on topics of sensitive nature such as this story. And this story was done with such compassion. It is truly an amazing read."

Four Star Review by Top 2 Bottom Reviews:

"I really liked this couple. This book is in the beginning stages of their meeting and possible relationship. It is easy to see how well they could fit together and hope they are able to do so. Curt still has MANY things to work out and even Yancy has issues of his own too, but I can see already see that this series will be an addictive one to read. -- I’ll be reading the next installment, Yellow Streak as soon as it is out. Susan Laine fans will definitely love this book and this couple and I know they will be as anxious to read the next book in the series too! Recommended!"

Four Star Review by Divine Magazine:

"To start with, I want to say just how much I loved this story. I mean, it tackled a really difficult topic – suicide – and did it with sensitivity and understanding that you don't often see in books. -- I also really liked how this wasn't your stereotypical Jock-Geek story. This time, the Jock is the vulnerable, unsure one and the Geek is the hero, showing up just in time to save the day."

This novella, Yellow Streak, released on Nov 11, 2015, and it's a contemporary M/M novella. It's readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Sequel to Yellowbelly Hero
Heroes at Heart: Book Two

Yancy Bell, a book geek with a bladder problem, saved the life of suicidal gay jock Curt Donovan. But when Curt returns to college after the Christmas holidays pretending he doesn’t know Yancy, warning bells go off.

Has a frightened Curt decided the safety of the closet is preferable to coming out? A remorseful Curt comes knocking on Yancy’s door in the dead of the night. Yancy wants to help Curt find the courage to proudly be himself and pursue his dreams, but first Curt needs to come to terms with his past acts. Yancy can only hope their reunion ends in light, not darkness."

Five Star Review by Inked Rainbow Reads:

"After reading book one and before reading book two I stupidly thought that these two men where over the hard parts as far as leaving behind the suicide attempt and coming out part since Curt had already came out to his family, but I was wrong and soon learned that in book two of this series. -- Yancy is still my little hero because he once again out himself out there in sake of Curt and decided to forgive him for the way he treated him. -- This series in my opinion is definitely a series that shows that we all have insecurities and there are times we all want to give up but even with that said, there is someone out there that believes in us no matter what and loves us in spite of our insecurities. Cannot wait till the next book in the series."

This novella, Code Yellow, released on May 4, 2016, and it's a contemporary M/M novella. It's readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Sequel to Yellow Streak

Heroes at Heart: Book Three

Two years have passed since that long, dark, night of despair and near death when English-lit geek Yancy Bell met dancing jock Curt Donovan. Now a couple living in New York, they appear happy and well suited to one another.

But appearances can be deceptive.

Yancy feels Curt is growing distant, and they barely see each other. At Juilliard, Curt has bonded with a new friend, Greg. Yancy fears his relationship with Curt is coming to a head. Meanwhile,Curt harbors a secret that could spell the end of Yancy’s love for him.

Yet neither man dares to confront his fears—or the other.

Will their fate be a code yellow or a golden opportunity?"

Five Star Review by Inked Rainbow Reads:

"Susan Laine surprises me with each book in this series. One I believe that Yancy and Curt have their issues behind them, Susan Laine once again makes the next book (which would be this book) into a realistic event once again. And I have to say that I really love that about this series. -- I truly love this series and I hope that there will be a book four in it."

Five Star Review by MM Good Book Reviews:

"I am really in love with this series. While there was much less of Curt’s depression taking centre stage in this book, we actually see both Curt and Yancy develop a lot more depth. This is a relatively quick novella to read and the pace was nice and steady – I didn’t put it down until I finished it. This is a wonderful addition to the series and those following Yancy and Curt’s journey will not be disappointed."

Five Star Review by The Rainbow Reviews:

"This was a beautiful and bittersweet story of love and trust. The characters are so nice, it's so easy to fall in love with them. -- It was such a nice book to read. It was so melancholic, I really enjoy the author's ability to transmit the character's emotions. It was so easy to feel the hurt and the love. That was the part I liked the most of the book. It was devastating to see such a sweet relationship grow distant, and it seemed so realistic. -- Overall it was a beautiful book. I would recommend it to any reader who likes emotional books."

Four Star Review by Divine Magazine:

"This one returned to the essence of book 1, for me. It went back to the time when Yancy was the only thing between Curt and his dark thoughts. When each other was the only thing keeping them together and sane. There were a lot more heart-warming, sad, and funny moments in this story than in the previous book."

This novella, Good As Gold, released on July 6, 2016, and it's a contemporary M/M novella. It's readily available in e-book formats by Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.

Here's the blurb:

"Sequel to Code Yellow

Heroes at Heart: Book Four

It’s been two and a half years since aspiring writer Yancy Bell met troubled jock Curt Donovan. Yancy works at the NY Public Library, and Curt is studying dance at Juilliard. It’s summer in New York City, and the devoted couple couldn’t be happier together.

Yancy’s book is the story of Curt’s survival of depression and attempted suicide. When his former English professor, Hume, encourages him, Yancy is surprised and pleased—only to be devastated when Hume commits an unethical act. This adversity leads Yancy to a new understanding of depression as he spirals down to his lowest point ever.

It’s Curt’s turn to step up to the plate and become Yancy’s hero."

Five Star Review by MM Good Book Reviews:

"I loved revisiting these guys. They are solid together, while at the same time dealing with their mental demons. I like how Susan Laine delicately treats depression while at the same time not trivializing it. I think fans of the series will be more than satisfied by this installment of Yancy and Curtis’s story. I’m not sure if their story has ended or if there is more in store for them, but part of me hopes that this isn’t the last we see of the guys."

Four Star Review by Divine Magazine:

"Overall, it was great to go back to the roots of these characters -- he bones are great. The plot is believeable and well formed. The addition, at the end, of how Curt's career is continuing and taking off, along with a follow-up of how Yancy's career has taken off, makes me think this could be the last novel for these guys. -- After everything they've been through, it would be nice to end on a positive note."

Four Star Review by Alpha Book Club:

"--It was an emotional novel that made me wonder what I would do if I was in Yancy’s place and I couldn’t have applauded Curt more for everything he had done all things considering. This couple had it all for me: charisma, chemistry, sensuality, love and understanding, making Good As Gold the type novel that I’d recommend to others--"