Tossing the Caber

One introverted athlete. One colorful artisan. One extra part to make them a perfect fit.

Laurel Lushroot runs a gauntlet of extremes. After his apprenticeship as a blacksmith’s assistant ended abruptly due to an accident that maimed him, he redirected his creative focus toward magical body modifications. He’s made a name for himself—the Anatomancer—and elves travel from far and wide to seek his services. But his father resents supporting him, and the Everend Marriage Market is the perfect opportunity to make Laurel someone else’s problem.

Beacon Sure-of-Foot has long known that his preference for solitude is not compatible with his profession. He’s an elite athlete, especially famous for his performance in the caber toss. During competitions, the rush of attention from winning is invigorating. All other times, he wants to be left alone. Unfortunately, he’s the heir to the Sure-of-Foot clan, and societal expectations demand Beacon accept a spouse.

The first time Beacon and Laurel meet is just shy of a disaster. Despite that, both men find the other intriguing enough to proceed. The union neither of them wanted seems like it might work…

Except it’s not long before Beacon’s avoidant nature takes over. He struggles to tell Laurel that he was born different from other men, that his current appearance is due to magical intervention, and that he will be missing something Laurel is likely to expect in their marital bed.

Knowing their fragile connection will wither unless he can break through Beacon’s walls, Laurel must find a way to prove he’ll accept his intended no matter what. Fortunately, his creativity is unmatched.

~

Marriage Market Misadventures is a light-hearted series of queer romances where elves from all over the realm gather at the Everend Midsummer Markets to meet, match, and marry—with plenty of shenanigans along the way. “Tossing the Caber” is a spicy trans M/M romance, featuring a fuchsia twink with a tail, a grumpy ginger, and rather interesting use of magic. Happy ending guaranteed!