J. Alan Veerkamp's Blog, page 17
June 27, 2015
Flashback Interview from Gay Authors! Info on me and my stories.
Here’s an interview from back in July 2014 by Alicia Nordwell (known as Cia on Gay Authors.org) about me and the very first version of The Luxorian Fugitive. I have a series of stories hosted on Gay Authors, and in fact, without the site I’d never have gotten the courage to publish. It’s been almost a year since the interview, but I still find it relevant today.
Interview: Mann Ramblings on “The Luxorian Fugitive”
Interviewer: Cia Let’s start this off with the fun question. What are you wearing (and no fibbing!)?
Well, it’s almost midnight writing this and I’m relaxing with a glass of wine before heading to bed. Without being deliberately titillating, I’ll just say I’m in Liam Jacks’s favorite lounge wear…
Chocolate, Vanilla, or…?
Let’s swirl those babies together!
What brought you to GA?
Like a lot of others I was reading naughty stories on Nifty and came across a few that were actually good stories! OMG! I found Rob Colton’s Timber Pack Chronicles and followed links that took me to Literotica. I found a number of authors, and followed Cia’s postings of Hypnotic to fresh chapters on GA. I read for a long while until I finally got the urge to write Little Man, my first M/M story. Afterwards, Night Tempest, an author I found from Lit that I followed through her blog, directed me to post on GA as a better place for a fledgling author. I loved the community and the support and decided to stay.
Your writing is all over the place: contemporary, sci-fi, drama and action to comedy. Do you have a favorite genre?
I like to say my favorite genre is M/M. I like being able to write about whatever grabs my attention. I don’t believe it limiting myself if I can avoid it. However, I admit Sci-fi holds a special place in my heart. A self proclaimed comic nerd, the ability to world build and manipulate the environment within natural laws allows for a board canvas to paint on.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Getting started! The first words are always the worst to get typed out, so I write out plot lines in a notebook or random scraps of paper to keep me moving forward.
Did the characters or the plot for The Luxorian Fugitive come to you first?
The idea of Hadrian Jamison came first. He was originally inspired to be a male geisha, but I wanted to avoid feminizing him so he morphed into the current version. The plot formed around him.
Why name the ship “The Santa Claus”?
Capt. Danverse was always designed with having a penchant for antique Earth history, so I wanted the ship to be named after something the reader would recognize. Since the story was placed so far in the future, the icon would have to be something that could stand the test of time. Add in the idea of a cargo freighter, and Santa Claus just fit the bill. Then it became automatic that Mrs. Claus would be the ship’s A.I.
If your story were made into a movie, who do you picture playing each characters part?
The closest actor I can picture for Hadrian is Jason Momoa from Game of Thrones Season 1 (without going into various porn actors lol) and Chris Hemsworth with a tight auburn haircut for Liam. This is actually difficult, because Hollywood has very few actors that fit my preferences. I think I find more adult film stars fit the physical profile, but we won’t go into that here. LOL
What was your favorite part of the story?
The rescue. Since the action was so intense and fast paced, I spent a lot of time acting out the scene to make sure it could actually happen the way I planned it. I wanted a very visual feel to the chapter. I knew I hit it right when MJ85 (my editor/beta) gave me the most enthusiastic series of thumbs up smilies in his return PM after reading it. (And he didn’t make me change anything significant in the chapter!)
Will there be more on the crew of the Santa Claus in the future?
Oh yes! The format of thirty plus men on board, many of which have yet to be identified leaves me with a fertile universe to play with. The setting was too good to leave as a one-off. I love being able to have character cameos and little snippets as a nod to people who have read the previous stories. The second story in the series, A Cook’s Tale, was completed a while ago and I’m in a slow progress on the third, titled Priest and Pariahs. I’m hoping to have something to work with by the end of summer. Wish me luck!
Okay, final question… what’s one thing no one really knows about you?
Before Little Man, I had NEVER completely a single story I’d ever tried to write. The support and feedback I’ve received on GAhas been invaluable and without it, I would never have managed so much work that I’m honestly very proud of.
Go to Gayauthors.org for a great site full of good reading!
The Luxorian Fugitive can be purchased at the following sites:
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-luxorian-fugitive-by-mann-ramblings/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theluxorianfugitive-1768560-145.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luxorian-fugitive-mann-ramblings/1121637747?ean=9781925222388
June 26, 2015
Release Day Blitz – Guitars and Cages by Layla Dorine
Synopsis
Asher Logan is a bartender and a pretty wicked guitar player, when he isn’t wrecking his hands fighting in a cage. With a past he keeps hoping to outrun, Asher’s been on a downward spiral for longer than he can remember. When his sister-in-law leaves Rory, his eight-year-old nephew, in his care, Asher is forced into two things he’s never been good at: sobriety and responsibility. As he struggles to care for Rory, his own life begins to unravel.
When Asher’s brother, Alex, turns up, presenting as a girl and announcing her new name is Alexia, it further complicates matters, as does the arrival of his new neighbor, Conner. Both, in their own way, compel Asher to look at his own closely-guarded views on sexuality.
When the siblings’ older brother, Cole, reacts violently to Alexia, Asher is placed squarely in the middle of a family conflict which compels him to confront who he pretends to be versus who he really is.
Asher must choose who to trust and who to finally walk away from.
Buy Links
Don’t miss the Wayward Ink Publishing Tickle Me Pink Sale – 25% off all list prices!
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/guitars-and-cages-by-layla-dorine/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-guitarsandcages-1838198-341.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guitars-and-cages-layla-dorine/1122098430?ean=9781925222463
Book Trailer
Link: https://youtu.be/tulzD04gOu8
Giveaway
Prize: $10 WIP Gift Card
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3e3d66a37/
Excerpt
Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 5:18 in a morning I wouldn’t have seen if not for the knocking—no, the pounding on my door. The steady cadence of the banging had rattled the plaster in the walls, knocking an old picture damn near on my head. I’d awoken with a groan and tried to ignore the knocking, because if it was the cops beating on my door before the sun was even up then I didn’t wanna know or remember what the hell it was that I’d supposedly done.
Still, it didn’t stop. It kept going until one of my neighbors came out and yelled. Not wanting to be the most-hated guy in the building, since that honor actually belonged to the hoarder in apartment 3C, I rolled from the bed, stumbled over the tangle of my discarded clothes, stepped on the ashtray, and damn near broke my neck on a four-pack of Monster I’d left on the floor. I wrenched the door open, forgetting about the chain, and the recoil yanked me into the rough wooden surface as I fumbled around sleepily before getting the chain undone.
A growled, “What the fuck?” from me, a gasp and a flurry of female hands covering the eyes of a small child, and suddenly I was quite a bit more awake than I’d been. Awake enough to realize I was buck naked with at least three of my neighbors looking on and a vaguely familiar redhead sputtering, gasping, blushing, and glaring at me.
“Kimber?” I stammered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I leaned there, looking into her furious blue eyes.
“For God’s sake, Asher,” she hissed, “go put some clothes on!”
“Uhh, yeah,” I muttered, making my way back to my room, my fuzzy brain trying to figure out why the hell my brother’s ex was on my doorstep at the asscrack of dawn. By the time I made it back to the door she’d seen herself and the kid in, closed and chained the door behind her, and was looking around the kitchen with her nose wrinkled in what could only be disdain. I saw her eyes widen when she looked at the pile of dishes and empty bottles in the sink, and then they narrowed as she turned toward me, frowning at my appearance.
“So, uhh, what brings ya by?” I asked as I brushed my fingers through my hair, trying to tame all those strands that seemed determined to stick everywhere. When was the last time I’d had a haircut, anyway?
I tried to give her a smile, but I wasn’t much for people, especially not two hours after I’d staggered in, and the look she was giving me was screaming loud and clear that a pleasant grin wasn’t gonna cool her temper.
Her arms were crossed, and a little face peered around her. “Do you ever answer your phone?”
“It had an unfortunate accident with a pot of chili and I ain’t gotten around to replacing it yet,” I told her, still feeling like an idiot for having dropped the goddamned phone in the pot. Might not have happened if I hadn’t been shaking the damn thing like it was garlic powder while yelling into the garlic-powder jar like a raving lunatic, but that’s what happens when I cook drunk and angry.
She sighed, frustrated, and pulled the little boy from behind her so I could see him. “You do remember your nephew Rory?”
I squinted at the kid. “Uhh, yeah; he, uhh, grew?” It did look like he’d grown since I’d seen him last, I thought. When the hell had I seen him last?
“Yes, Asher, kids grow. Shocking, isn’t it,” she said, and man, did she look pissed… and so very fuckable. I couldn’t help thinking how fun it would be to slide my hands over all those curves, grab a handful of breast, and see how well I could mold that lush little body against mine. God, did I really still think that about my ex-sister-in-law?
I opened my mouth to say something, and then decided silence might be the best bet. No such luck. She went for silence, too; then glaring, until the glare got too heavy and she snapped.
“Aren’t you even going to ask what your nephew and I have come all this way for?” she asked, foot tapping on the cracked green linoleum of my floor.
“Uhh, sure,” I said, knowing with all the uhhing I was doing I likely sounded like a moron by now, but hell, it was five in the bloody morning in my own goddamned kitchen; I had a right to sound like a moron, didn’t I? “Why are you guys here?”
“My boss is relocating me to Montreal. It’s a promotion and Lord knows I need it, but I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to get settled and find a good apartment and a good school for Rory.”
As she spoke, she fidgeted and twisted one long braid the way she’d always done when she was nervous; meanwhile, I was still trying to figure out what the hell it had to do with me.
“I can’t take him with me while I try to do all that,” she said at last.
“Okay, so…” I began, trying to find words that weren’t going to unleash all that fury she had bubbling beneath the surface. Hell, I could practically see the steam erupting out of her ears as her fingers clenched around her braid so hard I feared she’d yank it from her head.
“I need you to watch him.”
My eyes widened so much I could feel the scar pulling at the edge of the left one. “You want me to what?” I was wide awake now, with the words “no way in hell” right on the tip of my tongue.
About the author
LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking, fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and visit museums, historic, and haunted places.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.
Layla Dorine can be found at:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005197938547&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/layladorine
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/layladorine/
June 19, 2015
Release Day Blitz – Ari by Cheryl Headford
Title: Ari
Author: Cheryl Headford
Genre: LGBT, romance, transgender, intersex, M/M, F/F
Length: Novel
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing
Synopsis
After having known each other online for some time, writers, Benji and Ari meet at a convention.
Their attraction is both immediate and mutual.
But all is not straightforward—Ari is intersex and Benji transgender.
Together they embark on a journey.
A journey that unites families, and heals old wounds.
But not everyone is happy with the blossoming love between these two unique and special individuals.
Will an act of aggression crush the flower before it can bloom?
Book trailer
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUntf_SzFDA
Buy Links
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/?p=1298
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00YUT48QE/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ari-1820879-341.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ari-cheryl-headford/1122098431?ean=9781925222487
Excerpt
MY EYES slammed open to a world gone mad. Bella barked as an enormous flash of light was followed immediately by a god-awful bang and rumble that shook the house on its foundations. Before I quite got my bearings, another brilliant flash of lightning blinded me and thunder cracked and rolled down the valley. I yelled at Bella for howling, cursed her for waking me—then I checked the clock.
“Jesus. Marc, it’s ten past five. We slept in. We have to get up. Now.”
“Benji?” Marc’s sleepy voice was sharp with alarm. He cried out with terror when another flash of lightning was followed by a deep boom and the lights flickered.
“Benji?”
“It’s okay. I’m here. It’s just a thunderstorm. We need to get going. We slept late.”
Marc jumped up and scampered around the bed to hug me tight. The dog was still whining and yipping, clearly unhappy, and the rain absolutely hammered.
“Typical,” I grumbled as I pried my little brother off me and headed for the bathroom. Marc followed, so close he tripped me.
“Whoa. You can’t go in the bathroom with me.”
“But I’m scared.” He underlined his words with a yelp when another round of thunder and lightning rolled over us.
“You can’t come in the shower, so don’t be silly. I’ll leave the door open, okay? You can sit on the stairs, or in your room.”
Marc was unhappy, but I managed to take a quick shower. As soon as he was able he came in, sat on the closed toilet, and watched me do my hair.
“You have very pretty hair.”
“What’s brought this on? You’re usually criticizing.”
“You shouldn’t complain. You should take compliments where you can get them, at your age.”
“Cheeky bugger. I’m not old.”
“You are, compared to me.”
“Only by seven years. I’m still a teenager.”
“Only for four weeks.”
“Then I’ll have to make the most of it while I can.”
About the author
CHERYL HEADFORD was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.
Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.
Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re-enactment group who traveled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.
It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.
In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and her two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. The part of her that needs to earn money is a lawyer, but the deepest, and most important part of her is a storyteller and artist, and always will be.
Website: Nephylim-author.blogspot.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.headford
Twitter: @SevenPointStar
June 18, 2015
Cover Reveal! – Guitars and Cages by Layla Dorine
Synopsis
Asher Logan is a bartender and a pretty wicked guitar player, when he isn’t wrecking his hands fighting in a cage. With a past he keeps hoping to outrun, Asher’s been on a downward spiral for longer than he can remember. When his sister-in-law leaves Rory, his eight-year-old nephew, in his care, Asher is forced into two things he’s never been good at: sobriety and responsibility. As he struggles to care for Rory, his own life begins to unravel.
When Asher’s brother, Alex, turns up, presenting as a girl and announcing her new name is Alexia, it further complicates matters, as does the arrival of his new neighbor, Conner. Both, in their own way, compel Asher to look at his own closely-guarded views on sexuality.
When the siblings’ older brother, Cole, reacts violently to Alexia, Asher is placed squarely in the middle of a family conflict which compels him to confront who he pretends to be versus who he really is.
Asher must choose who to trust and who to finally walk away from.
Pre-order Links
Don’t miss the Wayward Ink Publishing 1st Anniversary Sale – 40% off all list prices!
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/?p=1304
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Guitars-Cages-Layla-Dorine-ebook/dp/B00YWD9PVQ/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-guitarsandcages-1838198-341.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guitars-and-cages-layla-dorine/1122098430?ean=9781925222463
Book Trailer
Link: https://youtu.be/tulzD04gOu8
Giveaway
Prize: $10 WIP Gift Card
Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3e3d66a34/
About the author
LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking, fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and visit museums, historic, and haunted places.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times, troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers, truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a kitty on her lap.
Layla Dorine can be found at:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005197938547&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/layladorine
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/layladorine/
June 13, 2015
No More Hiding by Renee Stevens is now available!
***Available Now***
Dreamspinner Press – Paperback
Blurb
Phillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he’s been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?
When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.
Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky. Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip’s chance at the life he never thought he could have. But is it possible?
Excerpt
Phillip was still trying to figure out where to start when Vance leaned forward, one hand resting on the driver’s headrest, and closed the distance between them. He paused, just inches away, but must have seen what he was looking for.
He pressed his lips to Phillip’s.
Phillip groaned. He wanted more and tried to turn in his seat to reach for Vance. But he growled in frustration as the damn steering wheel dug into his side and prevented him from moving closer.
The kiss was brief and left Phillip wanting more when Vance pulled back.
“I’ve wanted to do that since the day I met you.”
“Why didn’t you?” Phillip didn’t know what else to say. He’d thought about it, more than once, and wouldn’t have pushed Vance away.
Vance shrugged and moved back to his side of the truck. “Didn’t want to spook you. Something about you told me to proceed with caution. Nothing specific, just a lot of little things.”
“Like what?”
“Mainly, you’d never really talk about yourself. I tried a couple of times to steer the conversation into more personal territory.” Vance stared out the front window. “You’d always change the subject or move on to the next machine, yet you were fine as long as it was just light flirting.”
“Yeah, about that.” Phillip cleared his throat. “I’d like to give it a shot.” He glanced at Vance, surprised to see his pale eyes focused on him. “If you’re still interested.”
Author Bio
Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of admin and Anthology Coordinator.
Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works. When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts.
When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.
Twitter * Blog * Facebook * Goodreads
June 6, 2015
No More Hiding by Renee Stevens is coming soon!
My very good friend and beta reader Renee Stevens has a new release from Dreamspinner Press releasing on June 12!
Renee was kind enough to answer some interview questions to give a little insight to her process and work. Let’s take a look!
What does your writing process look like? If I’m serious about writing, I turn on music, and it’s usually late at night when there are fewer distractions. I turn on the music and pull up whatever it is I’m working on at the time.
What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors? Just sit down and do it. Don’t worry about the first draft being perfect. Once you’re finished, or even during the writing process, find yourself a good beta/editor. They are invaluable and are there to help you smooth out your writing or tell you if you’ve gone on a tangent that has nothing to do with the storyline.
Is this your first book? How many books have you written prior (if any?) I have a self-published book called Challenging Fate. It’s available on both Amazon and All Romance. As for how many books I’ve written, counting short stories, probably a couple dozen, but only a couple of them are published.
Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork? The cover for No More Hiding was designed by Maria Fanning. I was presented with a few different options and the cover I chose really jumped out at me. I think the part that really cinched it for me was the picture of the kids. A picture of Phillip’s kids are a big part of the story.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why? I think my favorite character is actually one of the supporting character. Phillip’s brother Robert is constantly there for Phillip. When it really comes down to it, Phillip can count on him no matter what the situation.
What are you working on now? What is your next project? Right now I’m working on revising my story Joined by Blood. It’s a vampire novel that I’m anxious to get ready for publication. After that, I want to finish the two online stories I have, Forging Trust and Thwarted. Both can be found on GayAuthors.org. After that, I want to start working on finishing the dozen or so stories that are in various stages of completion on my computer.
How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
I have a blog where I not only showcase my own writing but other authors as well. I’m slowly working on being more active and if you want the latest information of what I’m working on, follow me. I also have quite a few stories available online at GayAuthors.org
Available for Pre-Order
Dreamspinner Press – Paperback
Blurb
Phillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he’s been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?
When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.
Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky. Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip’s chance at the life he never thought he could have. But is it possible?
Excerpt
“PLEASE THINK about what you’re doing.” Robert reached out and snatched Phillip’s tux jacket out of his hand. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do.” Phillip took his jacket back and forced a smile for his identical twin brother. “You know how Mom and Dad are. They’re never going to give up until they have both of us married off.”
“How can you pretend to be something you’re not? You’re gay, Phillip. Just tell them. Put an end to this farce of a wedding.”
Phillip stopped in the act of putting on his jacket and smiled sadly at his brother. He wasn’t surprised Robert was trying to talk him out of getting married. This wasn’t the first time since he’d announced his engagement that they’d had this conversation.
“You don’t understand.” Phillip finished getting dressed and stepped forward until he stood toe-to-toe with his brother. “Mom and Dad will never accept me being gay, you know that. This is my only chance.”
“Your chance for what? Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that you’re ready to live a lie for the rest of your life?”
“You’re acting like I don’t love her.” That was one thing Phillip could honestly say—he did love Janice. Maybe not in the typical way a man was supposed to love his wife, but he was sure he could make her happy.
“I’ve tried. God help me, I’ve tried to understand, but this is wrong in so many ways. Stand up to them. Tell them what you want, not what you think they want to hear. There’s other ways for you to have kids. You don’t have to get married to do that.”
“I can’t,” Phillip admitted. “You’ve always been the stronger of the two of us. You’ve never given a rat’s ass what Mom and Dad thought of you. I’ve always envied that. This is what I have to do, and as much as I’d like to have your support, I’m doing this either way.”
“You’ll always have my support. I just hope you don’t end up regretting this.” Robert touched his shoulder and smiled sadly.
“I know what I’m doing.” He did. Phillip wasn’t going into this marriage half-cocked. He’d thought about it a lot, and marrying Janice was what he wanted. He headed to the altar to do just that, his brother trailing behind him.
Author Bio
Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of admin and Anthology Coordinator.
Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works. When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts.
When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.
Twitter * Blog * Facebook * Goodreads
May 30, 2015
The Luxorian Fugitive gets a guest appearance on Jeff Erno’s blog!
I love visiting other author’s blogs, especially when I’ve read and enjoyed their work and didn’t realize it! The Luxorian Fugitive gets a guest spot on Jeff Erno’s blog! It’s full of content! He’s seriously prolific. Check it out!
http://www.jefferno.com/jeffs_blog.php
May 12, 2015
Luxorian Fugitive Giveaway is complete!
Hello ladies and gentlemen! The giveaway attached to my blog tour for the Luxorian Fugitive is complete! What a great turn out! For this being my first published novel, I’m thrilled! If you haven’t already seen it, the winners are…
Winners will be contacted separately. I can’t thank you all enough for participating and making this blog tour a success. If you still need your copy of The Luxorian Fugitive, you can find links below:
Buy Links
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-luxorian-fugitive-by-mann-ramblings/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theluxorianfugitive-1768560-145.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luxorian-fugitive-mann-ramblings/1121637747?ean=9781925222388
Thank you again and happy reading!
May 9, 2015
A Special Thank You!
My Blog Tour is complete and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the work that went into promoting The Luxorian Fugitive. So many were involved, I don’t think I can mention them all, but I wanted to give a giant hugs & thank yous to Lily Velden at Wayward Ink for taking me on and Alina Popescu. Both ladies worked crazy hard to put the whole promotional effort together. And to all of you who purchased by book! OMG! I love you!!!
As my first release, I’m still excited and look forward to more! I’m working on the second book in the series as we speak! I’ll tell more as we get closer!
Book One: The Luxorian Fugitive is still available through all the sites listed below:
Buy Links:
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-luxorian-fugitive-by-mann-ramblings/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theluxorianfugitive-1768560-145.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luxorian-fugitive-mann-ramblings/1121637747?ean=9781925222388
April 30, 2015
Daywalker by Nicki Markus is now available!
Day-Walker
Nicki J Markus
1 May 2015
ISBN: 9780994234643 (paperback)
ISBN: 9780994234650 (e-book)
ASIN: B00U35W2FI
Paranormal Romance/Vampires
Amazon US (Kindle) / Amazon UK (Kindle) / Amazon AU (Kindle) / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Amazon US (Paperback) / Amazon UK (Paperback) / The Book Depository (Paperback)
When Darci spots a mysterious stranger, she is instantly smitten. Will is the perfect gentleman and seems to be everything she has been waiting for. But Will has a terrifying secret and soon Darci finds herself in grave peril. Will her love for him give her the strength sheíll need to prevail against overwhelming odds?
Will is drawn to Darci Madison from the moment she steps out onto the stage. He knows he shouldnít approach her, knows his secret could put her in danger if he gets too close. But he also realises he cannot live without her. When his enemies learn of Darciís existence and emerge from the shadows, Will must fight to save the woman he lovesÖ even though it may require the ultimate sacrifice.
For deep in the night, creatures are stirring in the darkness; creatures that long to infiltrate the light.
About the Author
Nicki J Markus was born in England in 1982, but now lives in Adelaide, South Australia with her husband. She has loved both reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist.
Nicki launched her writing career in 2011.
She published works through Wicked Nights Publishing and Silver Publishing before both companies closed their doors. She is now self-publishing some of her works.
Nicki also writes M/M fiction under the alternate pen name of Asta Idonea and has had several short
stories published by Wayward Ink Publishing.
Nicki works as a freelance editor and proofreader and in her spare time enjoys: music, theatre, cinema, photography, sketching, history, folklore and mythology, pen-palling, and travel.
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