Bradley Conrad Jr. writes gay romance that lingers like the ache of a perfect rowing workout: raw, intimate, and unapologetically human. 

A former athlete of rowing, running and cycling turned writer and musician, Bradley brings the visceral world of varsity sports to life with an authenticity that only comes from experience. 

He knows the thrill of early-morning practices at 5am, in a boat full of sweaty men, the sting of tight spandex hugging every muscle, and the quiet intensity of locker rooms where emotions simmer just beneath the surface. 

His Varsity Hearts series dives deep into the emotional lives of college athletes—rowers, runners, swimmers, and more—who are chasing victories while navigating the complexities of love and identity.

Bradley’s own time as a university athlete at St. Mary’s University in London, UK, shaped his perspective on the unspoken connections that form in the world of competitive sports. 

He recalls the camaraderie of teammates, the shared exhaustion after grueling training sessions in the river, and the fleeting moments of vulnerability that often went unnoticed. The glances that catch you off-guard.

It was in these moments that Bradley found inspiration for his stories: imagined tales of rowers and athletes who are not only striving for greatness but also grappling with their own desires and fears.

Bradley’s writing captures the physicality of their world—the rhythmic pull of oars, the sheen of sweat on sunlit skin, and the quiet moments of reflection that reveal their innermost thoughts.

Bradley’s work resonates with readers who crave stories that are both tender and exhilarating, stories that celebrate the beauty of queer love in all its forms. His characters are unapologetically themselves, finding strength in their vulnerabilities and courage in their connections. 

Bradley invites readers to step into the world of varsity sports and experience the thrill of the race, the ache of longing, and the joy of discovering love where they least expect it.