Gunther Allen

Gunther Allen is a writer who crafts compelling stories celebrating the resilience, diversity, and compassion of the LGBTQIA+ community. His journey to becoming an author was shaped by a life rich in experiences—from performing music across continents to competing in LGBTQ+ sports championships.
A graduate of Long Beach State with a degree in music, Gunther co-wrote a musical that toured Los Angeles. His passion for community led him to compete in the 1988 NAGVA North American Gay Volleyball Association Championships and win first place in water polo at the Vancouver International Gay and Lesbian Aquatic Championships. He later founded Orange Juice Aquatics, a Laguna Beach-based gay swim team, coaching them to victory at the 1994 Gay Games.

Gunther has worked in web publishing, photography, and marketing, earning a certificate in Web Publishing and Graphic Arts. For over a decade, he has served as Director of Marketing and Design at Austin Rare Coins & Bullion. He has also been a dedicated HIV/AIDS volunteer, supporting those in need through programs like Laguna Shanti’s Christmas Gift Basket initiative.

Now, as an author, Gunther draws from his diverse background to write stories that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices, foster empathy, and inspire conversations about identity, love, and family. His books include Not Your Father’s Mafia, Coming Out in Paradise, Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute, Road Dawgs, My Big Fat Mafia Family, and Awakening—The Chronicles of Sesi. Learn more at GuntherAllenBooks.com. 

Pushed Out Of The Closet Without a Parachute

Memoir

Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute by Gunther Allen is a deeply personal memoir about his unexpected friendship with Hollywood icon Rock Hudson. Set in the 1980s, the book follows Gunther’s journey of self-acceptance as he becomes entangled in the media frenzy surrounding the Marc Christian lawsuit.
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A chance meeting at a local bar leads to a growing bond between Gunther and Hudson, offering a rare glimpse into the struggles of a closeted Hollywood star. As their friendship deepens, Gunther discovers the weight of Hudson’s secrets—his hidden sexuality and his decision to withhold his AIDS diagnosis. Meanwhile, Marc Christian manipulates Gunther, pretending to be romantically interested in him to gather information for his legal battle. The betrayal leaves Gunther questioning his trust in others at an already fragile time.

At its heart, Pushed Out of the Closet Without a Parachute is a story of identity, friendship, and resilience under public scrutiny. With humor and vulnerability, Gunther Allen delivers a raw, heartfelt memoir that speaks to anyone who has struggled with self-acceptance, the complexities of trust, and the cost of living authentically in a world that often demands secrecy.

Not Your Father's Mafia

Gay M/M Romance/Thriller

"Not Your Father's Mafia" follows Tito, heir to the Barbarotti Crime Family, as he meets Rico through a gay dating app in Chicago. Their coffee shop encounter sparks an immediate connection, but their budding romance is complicated when Tito's uncle is murdered, drawing Rico deeper into the family's world.

Unknown to Tito, Rico is an undercover FBI agent. As they grow closer, Rico becomes entangled in family gatherings, including a Halloween party organized by Tito's mother Virginia to lift the family's spirits. Their relationship intensifies against a backdrop of mounting danger and deception.

The truth explodes at Uncle Sully's funeral during an assassination attempt, where Rico's true identity is revealed as he takes a bullet to protect Tito. While Rico fights for his life, Tito struggles with the betrayal before ultimately choosing forgiveness. Despite suffering amnesia from his injuries, Rico is determined to rebuild their relationship on a foundation of honesty.

The story culminates during a Christmas celebration with the Barbarotti family, where Tito proposes to Rico. Their love story transcends traditional boundaries, weaving together elements of romance, crime, and redemption into a compelling narrative about the transformative power of love.

Coming Out in Paradise

Gay M/M Romance
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Follow Chris Johansen's journey of self-discovery and love in the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii. From an unexpected encounter in Huntington Beach to embracing his sexuality in Honolulu, Chris navigates the complexities of coming out while pursuing his dreams as a competitive swimmer.

As Chris builds a new life in Hawaii, he experiences the highs of newfound freedom and the lows of heartbreak. He forms deep connections with a diverse cast of characters, including the charming but troubled Koa Kalani. Their relationship takes Chris on a rollercoaster ride of passion, betrayal, and ultimately, enduring love. Against the backdrop of 1970s Hawaii, Chris faces challenges both personal and societal, from homophobia to the emerging AIDS crisis.

Will Chris find the strength to overcome his fears and fully embrace his identity? Can his love for Koa withstand the storms of addiction and secrets? Dive into this poignant tale of self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of love to transform lives in paradise.

Road Dawgs

Gay M/M Romance

Lester Helms, a 34-year-old romantic, falls for Douggie, a charming 20-year-old Louisiana student he meets through an online dating site. Douggie, living with his grandparents near Cross Lake, balances college with volunteer work in a nursing home, where his encounters with elderly patients lead to moments of hilarity and heartfelt connections.

Despite their age gap, Lester and Douggie build a deep bond through emails, calls, and occasional visits. The family initially welcomes Lester, but when unexpected circumstances arise, support turns to opposition. Pops, determined to set Douggie up with someone “more suitable,” intervenes—with disastrous consequences.

Then comes the shocking truth—Douggie has been keeping a major secret. He’s not just a student; he’s also in the seminary. Lester is blindsided, questioning everything about their relationship. As the Catholic Church tightens its grip, Douggie is sequestered in an Ozarks monastery, forced to choose between his religious vows and the life he truly wants.

In a courageous stand, Douggie confronts Church leadership, reclaiming his future. With an ‘Absolve from Orders’ petition granting him freedom, he chooses love, truth, and a future with Lester. Road Dawgs is a moving story of faith, identity, and the courage to embrace love against all odds.

​Coming Soon
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