Falcon | NakedSword, a gay adult entertainment company, has launched FalconINK, a new publishing house focused on erotic fiction. This venture includes three imprints and will release original fiction in print, e-book, and audiobook formats.
FalconINK's Debut
FalconINK, a full-service publishing venture, was announced on July 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT. The new division will operate under three imprints: Falcon Books, NakedSword Books, and Raging Stallion Books. The company's President and CEO, Tim Valenti, stated that launching a full-service publishing house is a natural next step for the company, reflecting a belief that storytelling extends beyond the screen.
The initial lineup for FalconINK includes Riley Parks’ "Hard Ball," described as a baseball romance, and "Wild Game: Open Season," an original prequel to NakedSword’s XMA-winning feature "Wild Game." "Hard Ball" is an original sports romance from Falcon Books, while "Wild Game: Open Season" is from NakedSword Books and is scheduled for release on September 10. The launch of FalconINK follows the premiere of "Heated Rivalry," which became a worldwide phenomenon nine months prior.
Valenti indicated that this new venture reflects the company's commitment to expanding beyond its traditional audience while maintaining its focus on storytelling and sexuality, which has defined Falcon for over five decades. He also noted that FalconINK aims to create content for women, identified as one of the largest audiences in the M/M romance space, stating that no company is better positioned to tell accessible romantic and erotic stories than Falcon, which has been doing so since 1971.
Expanding Storytelling and Reach
Ben Rush, Co-Chief Content Officer and Chief Creative Marketing Officer, commented on the timing of FalconINK's launch, noting how audiences now move freely among various forms of entertainment. Rush described this as a "360-degree experience" encompassing films, streaming, television, podcasts, books, novellas, audiobooks, gaming, and social media. He believes this offers an opportunity to delve deeper into stories, explore characters in more detail, and connect with new audiences across formats and platforms.
Rush also stated that Falcon | NakedSword’s existing catalog of characters and storylines provides an advantage across these channels. FalconINK is intended to create opportunities for writers and new voices to contribute fresh perspectives to the brand. This combination of familiar worlds and emerging talent is expected to allow for more gay stories to be told and to explore new directions for these narratives. Rush affirmed that this initiative is about continuing to invest in storytelling, viewing publishing as the "next chapter" in the company's evolution rather than a departure.
Erotic M/M romance will be a core focus for FalconINK, but its three imprints will also explore other genres, including fiction, memoirs, photography, and creator-driven projects that reflect various aspects of gay life and culture. Rush emphasized that the common thread among their books is "emotional honesty in storytelling," aiming to publish stories with characters that are both complicated and relatable. He believes this blend of "heat and heart" is central to attracting new readers.
Rush also articulated a broader vision for the brand, stating that the project is not about changing the company's identity but rather expanding on its legacy. He envisions Falcon | NakedSword evolving into a multimedia entertainment company that offers creators more ways to share stories and audiences more ways to experience them.
Featured Titles and Creative Pipeline
FalconINK's initial releases, "Hard Ball" and "Wild Game: Open Season," present distinct narratives. "Hard Ball" features rival shortstops Mateo Ruiz and Chase Whitaker, whose on-field competition develops into a secret romance. Eddie Burke provides the voice for the audiobook edition of "Hard Ball."
"Wild Game: Open Season" focuses on Derek Kage, a closeted married man whose life is disrupted by an encounter with a construction worker, awakening suppressed desires. Derek Kage, who portrayed his namesake character onscreen, narrates the audiobook. Kage drew on his previous voice acting experience and training, using gestures and facial expressions during recording to enhance his delivery. He noted that the main difference from his onscreen work was not having to remove his clothes for the role.
Kage also drew upon his personal experience of growing up closeted in conservative Alabama to capture the character’s inner struggle, stating that he used both his character’s experience in "Wild Game" and his own experiences to give the character more gravitas. He recalled suppressing his desire for men and feeling shame and torment. Kage views his character as an embodiment of his past self when he was in the closet and had intense desires he felt were shameful. He credited Ben Rush for the opportunity to turn these stories into audiobooks, highlighting Rush's commitment to storytelling and improving the gay porn industry.
FalconINK aims to attract more women, including straight and queer readers, while keeping gay men central to the brand. Rush stated that "great stories are bigger than labels" and that readers connect with compelling characters, authentic relationships, and emotional depth regardless of their identities. He noted a growing readership of women seeking LGBTQIA+ stories with romance, drama, humor, eroticism, and representation. Rush expressed excitement about creating books that resonate with this audience without compromising the company's identity, viewing new readers as a "win" that widens the conversation.
Falcon | NakedSword envisions books as the beginning of a two-way creative pipeline. Rush explained that a novel or novella could become a film, a memoir could inspire a documentary, or a character could evolve into a new series. He described this as building a "creative ecosystem." Rush concluded that success is not solely measured by book sales but also by creating resonant material, introducing new voices, and building intellectual property that can grow across multiple platforms.
A launch party for the new three-imprint erotic fiction venture is scheduled for August 29 at 5 p.m. at Book Soup in West Hollywood, featuring a book signing, photo opportunity, and mixer.
Key Facts
- Falcon | NakedSword launched FalconINK, a new publishing house, on July 28, 2026.
- FalconINK consists of three imprints: Falcon Books, NakedSword Books, and Raging Stallion Books.
- The initial releases are "Hard Ball" by Riley Parks and "Wild Game: Open Season," a prequel to the film "Wild Game."
- Derek Kage narrates the audiobook for "Wild Game: Open Season," and Eddie Burke narrates "Hard Ball."
- A launch party is scheduled for August 29 at 5 p.m. at Book Soup in West Hollywood.
- The company aims to expand its audience, including women, while maintaining its focus on gay men.