Never a Hero — Marie Sexton

Owen Meade is desperately in need of a hero. Raised by a mother who made him ashamed of his stutter, his sexual orientation, and his congenitally amputated arm, Owen lives like a hermit in his Tucker Springs apartment. But then hunky veterinarian Nick Reynolds moves in downstairs.

Nick is sexy and confident, and makes Owen comfortable with himself in a way nobody ever has. He also introduces Owen to his firecracker of a little sister, who was born with a similar congenital amputation but never let it stand in her way. When she signs the two of them up for piano lessons -- and insists that they play together in a recital -- Owen can't find a way to say no. Especially since it gives him a good excuse to spend more time with Nick.

Owen knows he's falling hard for his neighbor, but every time he gets close, Nick inexplicably pulls away. Battling his mother's scorn and Nick's secrets, Owen soon realizes that instead of waiting for a hero, it's time to be one -- for himself and for Nick.