The Goldilocks Principle

2023 | Contemporary | LGBTQ+ | Romance

One summer, two men chasing a fresh start, and three meddling Bears. What could go wrong?

ELI
Fairytales are overrated. At least, I’m tired of experiencing their dark side. Must be why I hate my nickname: Goldy.
My summer vacation is the perfect excuse for a fresh start. Sea. S*x. Sun.
The irony isn’t lost on me when I meet three burly, colorful, and furry men—known as Bears—who quickly become friends and confidants. Yet, it’s a bi-curious voyeur who piques my interest and provides the ideal distraction.
Spellbound, Tristan and I agree to give our insane attraction a try. I’m left wanting more, but we’re on borrowed time. I shouldn’t get my hopes up.
I know very little about him, and there’s no such thing as Prince Charming in my fairytale, right?

TRISTAN
My fairytale life is a lie. I’m privileged, but everything the public thinks they know about me is a charade. I need a breather and flee the French Riviera to enjoy some anonymity and visit my American friends and relatives. There, a gorgeous blond male turns my life upside down, eliciting feelings that I’ve never allowed myself to acknowledge. We’re not meant to be for more reasons than I can count. Even if we were, dragging Eli into the limelight wouldn’t be fair. Some secrets are better left unsaid… unless he is worth the risk.

Can summer promises heal past wounds and lead to a lasting future—and our happily ever after?

Inspired by the classic fairytale Goldilocks & The Three Bears, The Goldilocks Principle is a contemporary bi-awakening M/M romance with low angst and a French flair.

It features:
- a lonely guy yearning for a fun vacation, and slightly impulsive tendencies
- a confused French-American celebrity hiding from the world and labels
- 3 protective and colorful Bears welcoming guests in Provincetown, Massachusetts
- a hot summer deal and a happily ever after fairytale ending!

The Goldilocks Principle is part of the Ever After series with stories inspired by classic fairytales. Each story can be read as a standalone, but why pick just one when you can experience a whole world of fairytales?

Hope Irving (Author)