A.O. Chika's Blog, page 6
December 11, 2016
Book Blitz: Bizia on Ice by Gillian St. Kevern
Title: Ibiza on Ice
Series: For the Love of Christmas! Book 2
Author: Gillian St. Kevern
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: Dec 12
Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 22600
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Skiing, Vacation
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Synopsis
Tired of being ridiculed as the man dumped in favour of an ugly Christmas sweater, Aston is determined to get revenge–by having his dream vacation at Ibiza’s hottest clubs! He’s even planned a social media campaign to make sure his ex, Dan, knows exactly what he’s missing.
When a snowstorm strikes, and Aston’s media campaign takes off before he does, he finds himself propositioned by his unwelcome roommate Mike: trade vacations, or Mike will out Aston as a fake. Desperate to save his reputation, Aston finds himself in Finland–and falling hard for a man with a sweater almost as terrible as Dan’s. Worse, Laaksonen cares as little about impressing people as Aston cares about being nice. Aston knows he has too much self-respect to fall for a man so hazardous to his reputation. But the long Polar Night poses the ultimate test to his Ibiza club dreams…
Excerpt
“What is Dan doing?” Aston frowned at his phone screen. “He saw the message. I know he saw the message. So where’s the reply?”
“He’s ignoring you.” Mike, Aston’s companion in the cupboard-like hotel room, didn’t even look up from his phone. There was not much to look at. The curtains were a faded geometric design that almost succeeded in making the stains look like part of the pattern, and there were cracks in the plaster ceiling. The carpet had given up on life altogether. Fortunately, their two twin beds took up most of the room, so they didn’t have to see much of the carpet at all.
If only the same could be said for Mike. Aston gave him a withering glare. The man had long, shaggy hair and wore a woollen jersey that—while thankfully bereft of hideous seasonal decorations—showed signs of being mended by hand. The overall impression was a university student who had never got around to graduating. Or even shaving. Mike was not Aston’s first choice to share a hotel room with, or even his second, third, or fourth. Unfortunately, the worst snowstorm in British history, cancelled flights, and a shortage of hotel rooms at Heathrow had led to Aston lowering his standards considerably. The only upside was that British Airways was footing the bill for the shared accommodation. “He’s not ignoring me.”
“Right.” Mike snickered. “Who could ignore knees like those?”
Of all the people Aston would have preferred to walk into the hotel room while he lay on his back on the carpet with his knees in the air, camera in hand, and laptop precariously balanced on the edge of his bed, Mike was the absolute last. He hadn’t offered to hold the laptop steady while Aston faked his beach photo, just leaned against the wall to watch, making disparaging comments. And when Aston had said ‘Do you mind?’ in his most cutting tone, Mike had simply grinned and said that he didn’t. “Shut up.”
“Why should I? This is as much my hotel room as it is yours, and to be perfectly honest, watching you fake beach photos was not how I wanted to spend my vacation.”
Aston sat up. “You’re not even going on a real vacation, just some crummy cut-price ski thing.”
“Hey, it was the best I could afford, and I’ve lost an entire day already. The group will have started without me. You, on the other hand, don’t need to play catch up in the clubs.”
Aston glanced uneasily at his computer. “At least Ibiza is a real vacation destination.”
“In summer, sure. It’s winter in Spain, you know.”
“Still warmer than here,” Aston shot back. “God, I want to be out of this country.”
“You’ve said. Repeatedly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was rooming with a desperate fugitive. What’s the deal?”
Aston blinked. Mike was unexpectedly sharp underneath that scruffy exterior. “I’ve been working towards this vacation for years, honing my beach body, spending every night I could out clubbing. Ibiza has some of the best clubs in the world! Space has this amazing—”
“No, I mean…there’s more to this than liking a good time. When the flight attendant told you there was no way you’d be flying to Ibiza today, you practically broke down. You asked about other flights, if there was any way you could detour.”
“I want to get to Ibiza as quickly as possible.”
“You offered to go to Ibiza via Shanghai.” Mike put his phone down, sitting up to look more closely at Aston. “That’s a detour of eight to ten hours.”
“I want to be on my way. I can’t stand all this waiting around.” Aston shrugged.
“So you’d rather be crammed into a tiny airline seat instead? Just relax. British Airways is footing the bill, and they offered us an upgrade on future flights.”
Aston smiled slightly. “Business class is enough to make anyone jealous.”
“There! What did I tell you?” Mike crossed his arms. “You’re obsessed with this ex of yours.”
“I am not.”
Aston’s phone beeped with his message alert. He snatched it up, only to see that it was a google notification. He sighed, dropping it onto the bed, and met Mike’s eyes. “That could have been an important message from British Airlines.”
“Sure. Just accept the fact that you were dumped—”
“I wasn’t dumped! If anyone was dumped, it was him!” Aston sucked in a short breath. “I gave him an ultimatum. Shape up or move out.”
“What? At Christmas? Harsh.”
“Christmas is just like any other time of the year, except that everyone loses their collective minds about it.” Aston stood from his bed. “Nothing special about it—just exceptionally good marketing.”
“Spoken like a true advertiser. But you’re not working now. Doesn’t the thought of Christmas coming give you a sort of anticipation, a sense of wonder, of excitement?”
“All Christmas has ever given me was a feeling of dread. It’s a fake holiday for fake people.”
“All right, all right, sorry I brought up your deeply rooted Santa trauma.” Mike mirrored Aston’s actions, standing up. “The airline gave us complimentary meal vouchers. Want to see if we can trade them in at the bar for drinks?”
Aston shook his head. “Pass.”
“What are you going to do, sit and stare at your phone? You can do that in the bar with a drink in hand. Come on.”
“Not feeling it.”
“And you call yourself a clubber?” Mike paused in the doorway, sticking his wallet into the back pocket of his paint-splattered jeans. “I tell you, there is something about you that just doesn’t add up… Maybe I should scan the papers while I’m in the bar. If I’m rooming with an escaped convict, I want to know about it.”
Not good. Not good at all. Aston gulped. “You are not— For Christ’s sake. Fine, I’ll come to the bar.” He picked up his phone, patting his pocket to check he had his wallet. “But don’t expect me to like it.”
“No,” Mike muttered. “That would be entirely too much.”
Purchase
NineStar Press | Amazon
Meet the Author
Gillian St. Kevern is an author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Originally from New Zealand, she currently lives in Japan and has visited over twenty different countries. Her writing is a celebration of the diverse people she meets.
As a chronic traveller, Gillian is interested in journeys rather than endings, writing characters that grow and change to achieve their happy ending. Her stories cross genres, time-periods and continents, taking readers along for an unforgettable ride.
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November 21, 2016
Book Blitz: Tow Trucks & New Year’s Kisses by Lila Leigh Hunter
Title: Tow Trucks & New Year’s Kisses
Series: Cupcakes & Brews, #1
Author: Lila Leigh Hunter
Publisher: NineStar Press
Release Date: November 21, 2016
Heat Level: 1 – No Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 10,100 words
Genre: Romance, Gay, Pansexual, Cisgender
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Synopsis
A Jag with out-of-state plates is the last car Scott DeLaney expected to find when answering a tow call as a favor to his drunken godson. But, the tall man in the fedora seems like a nice reward until Scott finds out the stranger’s destination. Yes, he’d take care of the brooding man, but he has a selfish reason for it.
Finding himself in a ditch after dodging a deer is the least of Patrick Samuels’s problems when his rescuer arrives, wearing a tuxedo and driving a hot pink flatbed. Perhaps his older brother’s scheme will benefit Patrick after all.
Who knew that a New Year’s kiss is far more efficient than any boardroom strategy to seal a deal?
Excerpt
The rumble of an engine brought him back to his cold predicament. He adjusted his fedora and covered his mouth with his scarf as he moved closer to his brother’s Jag to signal the newcomer. It had been thirty-nine minutes. At least they had arrived before he froze his balls off.
The truck lights illuminated the area, making Patrick cover his eyes. It took him a moment to readjust to the dark night after moving out of its reach. The flatbed was better than he had expected in a small town in the Valley.
He did a double take when he realized it was hot pink, not exactly your everyday color. Well, that’s what he could see without being blinded again, anyway. The driver’s door opened, and Patrick moved closer. Before he could acknowledge the driver, Patrick ran out of words.
A tall man in a well-tailored tuxedo stepped out of the truck, the lights reflecting on the shiny tips of his dress shoes. Patrick continued to gawk since the man was putting on some type of dirty work coat. He moved even closer, wanting to examine his savior’s features.
They seemed to be about the same height, but the trucker had broader shoulders. Patrick was mesmerized by the geeky glasses and the long beard that concealed a hint of a smile. He wanted to run his tongue over the man’s thin upper lip and feel the coarse hairs partially hiding it.
The thwack of the closing door startled him back to reality, and the knowing smirk on the other man’s face made his body warm up for the first time that night. “About time,” he said, trying to cover his discomfort. He followed the trucker’s movements as he checked the time.
“I quoted you forty-five minutes, Mr. Samuels. I arrived with three minutes to spare.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Patrick said over his shoulder as he made his way back to the car. “You know you’re a little overdressed to respond to a tow call, right?”
“You’re correct, Mr. Samuels, but my superhero cape is at the dry cleaners. The tux will have to do for now.”
Patrick turned to berate the smartass but collided with him instead. The trucker held Patrick’s biceps, preventing him from falling, and once again, Patrick stared at the man’s lips. He shook his head to break the connection and winced at the pain instead. The cold and the bruises were getting to his brain
“You need to be careful, Mr. Samuels. You don’t want to hurt yourself any further.” The tow driver released one of Patrick’s biceps and traced Patrick’s bruised cheek with a long, cold finger.
Patrick shivered and immediately pulled away from the wanted but unnerving touch. “If you’re done manhandling me, Mr…”
“You forgot my name already? It’s Scott, baby face,” Scott said before tapping Patrick’s fedora.
The vibration traveled all the way to Patrick’s cock and back up to his nipples. The cold had been forgotten too. Even so, Patrick couldn’t believe his traitorous body’s response to the man’s forwardness. Yeah, if they were anywhere else, he’d be the one propositioning Mr. Scott, but they were in the middle of the boonies, for God’s sake. He couldn’t be that desperate. After looking into those hazel eyes again, he might have to change his opinion.
“No matter how much I’m enjoying this, we need to get moving before we have to ring in the New Year inside the truck.”
©2016 Lila Leigh Hunter
All Rights Reserved
Purchase
NineStar Press | Amazon | Allromance eBooks/OmnitLit | Barnes & Noble Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords
Meet the Author
Lila Leigh Hunter is the pen name of a Puerto Rican author with a hyphenated surname. Born and raised on the island, Lila grew up making up stories her siblings pretended to like. But no matter what they say, as the youngest of six, she’s still their mom’s favorite. According to the dusty diplomas on her wall, she’s an architectural designer living in Southern Texas with her husband and four military brats.
She spends most of her free time writing homoerotic romances about middle-aged men finding happiness and the rest hiding from pesky house chores. When outside of her cave, she likes to observe people and try to guess their stories. Sometimes she wishes the voices in her head were real; going out with the boys in her books sounds like a plan made in heaven.
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Giveaway
Three lucky winners will each win an ebook copy of Tow Trucks & New Year’s Kisses
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October 20, 2016
Book Review: The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James
Blurb:
Michael has wrestled with anxiety his entire life, and finding out he’s half-werewolf doesn’t help matters. When bond-mate, Quinn, takes Michael to the werewolf colony, Michael finds more surprises in store for him, and some may be more than he can handle.
Title:
The Wolves of Daos 5
Author:
Rebecca James
Genre:
Sci-fi, Paranormal, Romance
Publisher:
Rebecca James
Release Date:
September 24,2016
Format:
eBook
Pages:
195
Source:
Indigo Marketing & Design
This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
It was a nice novel. I was skeptical at first, and the editing errors didn't help in the least, also when the tags said Mpreg, Sci-fi & werewolves my first thought was 'isn't that an overkill?'
I liked Micheal, he was easy to connect to, I was a bit skeptical at his anxiety vanishing without a trace when he met Quinn and Beau. I loved beau and I was a bit pissed that after the author made me warm up to him he vanished from the book after the 25-30%ish mark.
On to the story: I loved the mystery/suspense added to the book, I expected it to be a mess given that the author was also juggling other concepts such as the Sci-fi aspects of the book and the Mpreg part. there was already a lot going on but I loved how the mystery blended in nicely with everything.
I don't read a lot of fantasy or sci-fi books mostly because the names are either difficult to pronounce, or because there are many names to remember. There were so many names and couples and alien species to remember that I stopped trying to remember who they were and stuck to the two couples that interested me the most: Quinn &Micheal and Ty & Ezzy.
Daos 5 is an interesting world, their culture made me laugh as well as made me unconsciously stare at the crotch of everyone I saw after reading this book. I was impressed by the world building nd the details the author put into the book. It was rich in characterization nd even though I've there wasn't an active scene in Daos 2 I could picture the atmosphere vividly. Also, I'm never going to forget the word Tanga which I assume is a mix of 'toga' and 'thong'
Quinn as a character was... interesting. I didn't connect with him as much as I did with Ezzy and Micheal, but he was an okay character, I'm not a fan of possessive over protective people but in this case, i would give him an exception because I could understand his behavior.
My favorite character surprisingly was Ezzy, I loved Micheal and Quinn but for some reason, i loved Ty and Ezzy. Ezzy was such a mischevious brat I couldn't help but love him, I loved him, even more, when the fertility issue was mentioned and all I wanted to do was to hold him and tell him every ting would be okay.
One more thing, the sex scenes were HOT AF! which is to be expected when 'package checking', public sex and raging boners are part of the Daos 5 Culture.
The post Book Review: The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James appeared first on A.O. Chika Book Blog.
October 14, 2016
Book Blitz: Sons of Taldra by Duane Simolke
Title: Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure
Series: Taldra, 2
Author: Duane Simolke
Publisher: Duane Simolke
Release Date: 8/27/2016
Heat Level: 2 – Fade to Black Sex
Pairing: Male/Female, Male/Male, Female/Female
Length: 42,498 words
Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Science Fiction,
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Synopsis
In an alternate reality, an Iroquois woman and her twin gay sons battle shapeshifting aliens.
Valchondria (Earth) developed a one-world government, consisting of Leader, the Maintainers, and the Supreme Science Council. A millennium ago, the Valchondrians sent two ships of colonists into space. The first ship became radicalized by a violent religious cult. Alien creatures called the Naadloosh attacked the second ship. Valchondria banned contact outside its atmosphere and shut down the space program. Over the centuries, freedom and progress decayed.
Now the Naadloosh have found the human world. Leader and her sons must stop the invasion. Maintainer Admiral Nil blames Leader for a series of tragedies and might pose an even greater threat than the changelings that want to feed on humanity.
One of Leader’s twin sons, Telius, simply wants to marry the man he loves. The other, Argen, struggles with the residual effects of a deadly drug addiction. The young men rally to Leader’s side as she faces humanity’s greatest threats.
Native American storytelling inspired this stand-alone sequel to Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.
Excerpt
Telius stepped through the sliding doors, into their two-story home. The aroma of docle bread wafted through the house and led him into the kitchen. A few white petals remained on the cutting board, but the smell came from the oven, now set on “Warm.” His famished stomach tightened even more, but he hoped his favorite dish signaled an even bigger surprise, one he really couldn’t call a surprise.
Multi-colored artwork in synthetic wood frames covered the bland plastic walls of the front entry way. Telius had insisted on displaying the abstract paintings Argen had created during the early phases of his addiction recovery program, during the time the twins got to know each other.
Telius stepped through a holographic mural of Valchondria and approached the wallscreen room’s long brown couch. Its only occupant used voice commands to channel glide the giant screen he faced. Ebony skin showed through his close-cropped hair. Dark brown eyes lit up from his smile when he turned around.
“You’re finally home!” Jase-Dawn said, jumping up from the couch. He gave his boyfriend one of his big hugs, the ones that meant he wanted to share something, followed by an even bigger kiss. “I expected you in sooner.”
“Forgiveness. After class, I spent some extra time in the undermall. The priests were distributing food packages to as many of the walkway people there as possible, and I wanted to help out.”
Jase-Dawn stepped back a little, leaving his hands on Telius’s shoulders. “You didn’t eat, though, did you?”
Telius laughed. “No, I didn’t eat one of those food packages. I’m hardly a walkway person, living here.” He spun his pointed finger around at the oversized house Taldra’s predecessor had commissioned for her, the house that Telius, Argen, and Jase-Dawn now shared. Taldra had moved to Valcine Plaza a year earlier, after accepting her predecessor’s appointment of her as Leader.
Jase-Dawn’s arm moved up and over like a Maintainer directing crowd control. “Don’t start complaining about how easy we have it here! You’ve saved the world enough for today, or should I say tonight? Not that you should have gone to the undermall after dark anyway. It’s dangerous and full of crime, and you’re—”
“One of Leader’s sons? I won’t start if you don’t.” He grinned a little, then returned to the scent that made his stomach growl. “Who baked docle bread?”
“Me.”
“You?” Telius narrowed his eyes.
Jase rubbed his partner’s shoulders. “I’m learning new things. Argen gave me a video chip of your father’s recipes.”
“That was nice of him. Where is Argen, anyway?”
“Finishing something. He knew we needed some time alone.” Jase-Dawn led Telius to the couch, and they sat close together, arms entangled.
“He had a seizure today, from the confidence pills. He’s fine, though. Forgiveness, I didn’t mean to spoil the moment.”
Jase smiled again. “You didn’t, love. Argen told me all about it, while we were programming the tonal androids to help me teach my music class. Actually, though, I wanted to talk about something else.”
“Like what?”
“Like us. Over the past year, I’ve thought constantly about the day I’ll gain Valchondrian citizenship, and no longer be considered a Degran spy. Now that day is almost here.”
“I kind of remember that, considering you wrote it on the holo-calendar…with sparkle font.” Telius winked, his nose still trying to pull him to the kitchen. But he wondered if Jase-Dawn was about to ask a question that involved one of the benefits of becoming Valchondrian.
“Telius, will you become married with me?”
“I knew it!” Telius said, wide eyed.
Jase scrunched his nose. “That was actually a yes or no question.”
“And you already knew the answer. Of course I’ll become married with you! How many people find the perfect spouse, the person they always want to be with?”
Telius leaned forward and kissed him.
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Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Meet the Author
Duane Simolke wrote the books The Acorn Stories, Degranon, Sons of Taldra, Holding Me Together, and New Readings of Winesburg, Ohio. He co-wrote The Return of Innocence and The Acorn Gathering: Writers Uniting Against Cancer. DuaneSimolke.Com includes writings and links. He lives in Lubbock, Texas.
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eMail | Stonewall Society | This Week in Texas
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October 11, 2016
Book Blitz : Crazy Joe by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Title: Crazy Joe
Author: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Publisher: Torquere Press
Release Date: September 7, 2016
Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 25,000 Words
Genre: Romance, Police Procedural, Humorous
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Synopsis
Montana Delray, a hot, good-looking New Orleans detective, had it made until his captain found him fooling around with his son at the office Christmas party. Even a gold shield and a medal for valor can’t save him from being busted down and transferred to the last place any cop wants to go—the 77th Precinct.
Detective Joe Hunter, nicknamed “Crazy Joe” because he has the sixth sense, flounders in a department where everyone has their “idiosyncrasies.” Then Montana Delray walks through the doors of the 77th and turns psychic Joe’s world upside down.
For the two mismatched detectives, is the 77th Precinct a nightmare or their destiny?
Excerpt
..Joe was pulling up to the curb. I pulled up behind him. I turned off the engine and watched him get out. Joe strolled over to my window. I lowered it. “Coming in, handsome? Or…do you dare?”
“You keep that up and I’ll drag you into the back of this car and do you right here.”
“Like Elizabeth?” He stuck out his tongue at me.
I got out, grinning. “Ha, ha.”
He was almost up to the door, a nice side-by-side duplex with red shutters and porch swing. He was putting the key in the door when I got up behind him. I pressed close, making sure he could feel how hard I was. I felt him tremble. “You’re giving yourself away there, Joe.”
“It won’t be that easy,” he said softly, pushing open the door. He switched on the light.
I looked down to see the tent in his pants. “Oh, okay. Are you sure about that?”
Joe inched along the hallway. He threw his keys on the sideboard and smiled. “You sure are a cheeky fellow.”
I reached out to him. “What did you call me, cheeky?”
Joe pulled away and pushed open the door to a bedroom. “Tell me in here.”
I followed him and watched while he lowered himself on the bed. “Okay, so…Montana, show me what you got?”
I shrugged out of my jacket, undid my gun holster and placed it on the chair. I checked my gun and made sure the safety was on. I smiled at him as I approached the bed. “I assume I have carte blanche to do whatever I have to in order to earn my man badge?”
Joe lay back on the pillow. “Whatever you go, I can handle.”
“I have no doubt of that,” I said softly, licking my lips. I reached down and undid his shirt, one button at a time. I pressed my lips to each place as I bared his chest. When his shirt was completely open and I’d reached Joe’s waist, he let out a faint moan.
I lifted my head and looked at him. “What was that?”
“You’re a tease,” he accused, between gritted teeth.
“Yes, but I please,” I told him, pressing my lips to his chest as I undid the zipper on his pants.
“We’ll see,” he replied…
Purchase
Torquere Press | Amazon
Meet the Authors
A.J. Llewellyn
A.J. Llewellyn’s obsession with myth, magic, love, and romance might have led to serious stalking charges had it not been for the ability to write. Thanks to the existence of some very patient publishers, A.J.’s days are spent writing, reading and dreaming up new worlds. A.J. has definitely stopped Google-searching former boyfriends and given up all ambition to taste test every cupcake in the universe to produce over 200 published gay erotic romance novels.
A.J. wants you to read them all. A.J. can be found lurking on Facebook and Twitter—part-time class clown being another occupation. When not writing or reading, A.J.’s other passions include juggling, kiteboarding, and spending a fortune buying upgrade apps for Pearl’s Peril and Farm Heroes Saga.
Website | Facebook | Twitter
D.J. Manly
I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing. Eroticism between consenting adults, in all its many forms is the icing on the cake of life but one does not live by sex alone. The story of how two people find love in spite of the odds is what really turns me on.
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October 7, 2016
Book Blitz: New Orleans Hustle by P J Nevada
Title: New Orleans Hustle
Author: PJ Nevada
Publisher: Torquere Press
Release Date: September 7, 2016
Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Female
Length: 30,000 Words
Genre: Romance, Gay Romance
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Synopsis
Tristan, owner of a popular gay bar in New Orleans, is trying to balance his love life with the daily demands of running a bar. His busy schedule is complicated by interactions with local police, street walkers, and problematic employees. With just a little voodoo influence, and some steamy nights, Tristan’s life will either shatter under the pressure, or finally reveal his true path for love. This romantic tale has just enough heat to keep you wanting more.
Excerpt
Antoine and Nolan kept Tristan up to date with daily reports on Gabriel, basically sharing their approval and satisfaction on how things were working out. Tristan was pleased. Another week passed and the bar was closing one weeknight at 2:00 a.m. Nolan was finishing up at the bar and Tristan was doing some day’s end paperwork, when Gabriel walked over to Tristan.
“Yes, Gabriel?” Tristan asked when the young man approached him. Tristan looked up to find a few tears hanging in the corner of Gabriel’s eyes. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I just want to thank you, that’s all, for giving me this chance. I hope the guys are telling you that I’ve been working hard and that I have been clean since we first talked. You can have my blood tested any time you want. I am so done with cocaine!”
“I’m glad to hear that Gabriel. And yes, Nolan has been keeping me up to date. I must say that I am quite pleased. I hope we can help you get back on your feet. Keep it up and maybe we can bring you out front to bus the tables, then at least you can get a small share of the tip money,” Tristan stated.
Suddenly, Gabriel leaned over and planted a grateful kiss on Tristan’s cheek, surprising him. Gabriel quickly turned and walked behind the bar and stood next to Nolan. He repeated the same remarks to Nolan, again followed by a quick kiss, but also placed his open palm squarely on Nolan’s ass, giving it a slow and gentle rub from one cheek to the other.
Although Nolan showed the shock of the ass caress, from Tristan’s vantage, it appeared that Nolan was simply reacting to the surprise kiss from Gabriel. As the three continued to finish up for the night, it was Tristan who first announced that he was done and heading home.
“Almost done here,” Nolan responded. You get going Tris, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks guys. See you tomorrow. Great job,” Tristan hollered as he left, locking the door behind him. The bar remained quiet as Nolan kept busy locking up the last few items for the night. Gabriel remained quiet while wiping down the rest of the tables.
“Nolan, I really mean it. I know you went to bat for me and I can’t thank you enough.”
“Its fine, Gabriel. Just keep up the good work, that’s all we ask of you,” Nolan said in response.
“You should see how I fixed up my room. I found some old curtain rods and some old material in the kitchen and made some new curtains. It now feels a bit homier.”
Nolan, clearly impressed. “Curtains, wow.”
“I’m done here Nolan, can I go upstairs now?”
“Sure, that’s fine, Gabriel.”
As Gabriel turned to leave, he stopped briefly. “Nolan, you are welcome to see how I fixed things up, if you’d like.”
“Thanks, maybe next time. It’s kind of late, but thanks Gabriel,” Nolan replied.
Gabriel turned and left, leaving Nolan to finish his remaining duties. It wasn’t fifteen minutes before Nolan finished and shut the rest of the lights, leaving on only the emergency and exit lights. He walked to the back door and passed the stairs leading up to Gabriel’s room. He let his hands drag along the old wood-paneled walls, thinking how happy and grateful he also was to Tristan, who first took him in on his out-of-town arrival and helped him get on his feet. He called up the stairs. “Good night, Gabriel.” But there was no answer.
Nolan called up again, and again received no response. Not sure why it was quiet and getting a bit concerned, he began to walk up the narrow flight of stairs towards Gabriel’s room. Once at the door, Nolan knocked.
“Gabriel, are you okay?”
Gabriel quickly came to the door and opened it. The music of a small radio was playing inside. Nolan was surprised to see a shirtless Gabriel, wearing only a pair of white briefs.
“Oh, sorry, Gabe. I didn’t mean to barge in. I called good night but didn’t get an answer.”
“Nolan, I am so sorry. I guess it was the music. I should have turned it down. Sorry.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re certainly allowed to have a radio in here. I’m glad you do, for what it’s worth.” Nolan stated, trying hard not to stare at Gabriel’s trim but sinewy, hard torso. Most of the bruises were either gone or barely visible. With a clean bed and three regular meals, Gabriel was looking much fitter. And buffer than before, Nolan observed.
“Please come in and at least look at my new curtains. It may sound silly, but I’m kind of proud of them. I haven’t made much in my life, so this is a big deal for me,” Gabriel admitted, grabbing Nolan by the elbow and pulling him around his bed towards the curtained window.
The two stood quietly, side by side, facing the window. The sexual tension in the room began to rise slowly.
“You did a good job, Gabe.”
“Nolan, you called me Gabe, again.”
“Oh, sorry,” Nolan responded, suddenly nervous.
“No, please, I like that. I feel like someone knows me,” Gabriel volunteered, squeezing Nolan’s elbow tighter. “I owe you my life, you know that, don’t you Nolan.”
“Nah,” answered a suddenly nervous Nolan. “We’ve all gone through a hell of some sort, coming to grips with our lives. It’s never easy, so why can’t we just pass along the kindness.”
“This was more than a simple kindness, Nolan. This was going out of your way and putting your own neck on the line. You and Antoine are my saviors. I feel that you pushed even harder, though. My life is yours,” Gabriel repeated quietly. “And my body is yours,” Gabriel added after a few moments of hesitation.
Purchase
Torquere Press | Amazon
Meet the Author
P.J. Nevada, a retired attorney has been a long time writer. New to the world of online publishing, he is happy to join the revolution. While happy to have found acclaim and some initial success, P.J. has always found quality erotica to be lacking and wants to share his fantasies and stories, to enhance this genre, especially in the m/m world. After all, love is love.
Giveaway
The post Book Blitz: New Orleans Hustle by P J Nevada appeared first on A.O. Chika Book Blog.
October 6, 2016
Book Blitz: Settling the Score by Eden Winters
Title: Settling the Score
Author: Eden Winters
Publisher: Rocky Ridge Books
Release Date: 10/6/2016
Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 86,000 words
Genre: Romance, Humor, Age Difference, Movie Star, Author, Small Town, Mechanic, Getting Even
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Synopsis
Outed and dumped on national television by his rising star boyfriend, Joey Nichols must face the bigotry of the locals in his small Southern town alone. His dreams of a happy ever after lie crushed at his feet.
Novelist Troy Steele has an axe to grind against Hollywood heartbreaker types. Transforming Joey into a gorgeous, unobtainable hunk would be payback worthy of Troy’s poison pen. It’s a brilliant way to get back at Joey’s image-obsessed ex-boyfriend and the movie producer who’s mutilating Troy’s novels.
What begins as simple revenge may tangle them together in something far more complicated. Living well may be the best revenge, but Troy and Joey could rewrite that to loving well.
Excerpt
The Nichols’ dining room table could easily seat six people if it weren’t covered with business records, homework, and car parts. Instead of clearing it off, the family assembled in the living room, parents on the couch, Joey and his sisters on the floor. Overloaded plates balanced on each lap.
“Hush, it’s starting,” Joey’s mom warned, mostly to thirteen-year-old Stacey.
“Oops! Gotta go!” Stacey disconnected her call and dropped her phone onto the floor.
Joey and Jackie were quiet already, Joey afraid he’d miss something important if he so much as blinked.
Ten years separated him and his twin from Stacey. Mom often joked that it had taken her that long to forget the horrors of giving birth enough to try again.
Dad blamed his cousin’s homebrew.
“Good evening, I’m Evelyn Hugh. Welcome to Hollywood Seen. Tonight’s hottie, err, I mean, hot story”—the show’s hostess began, grin unapologetic—“is a young man who’s got all of Hollywood talking. Riker Sanderson has what it takes to survive in this town: looks, talent, and a legion of screaming fans.”
On cue, the camera focused on the audience, where the legion, mostly young and female, chanted, “Riker! Riker!”
“Sorry to disappoint you girls. Rumor has it that Mr. Sanderson is taken.” Evelyn pouted for the camera. “Or is he? Joining me tonight is none other than Riker Sanderson, star of the action thriller, Something to Die For.”
Taken? Joey swallowed hard. Surely she couldn’t mean…
The camera zoomed out, showing the beautiful man who’d stolen his heart and who’d shared his apartment up until a few months ago. Riker, more muscled thanks to a heavy training routine for the movie, sported gold highlights in his now much shorter hair. He looked downright sinful in tight-fitting T-shirt and jeans.
Joey idly toyed with the silver band on his middle finger, a nervous habit, before noticing its mate missing from Riker’s hand. Maybe he’d taken it off for the movie. It didn’t mean anything. No, nothing at all.
All worries disappeared when Riker slowly raised a simmering gaze to the camera. Something clenched deep in Joey’s insides. Those dark eyes hypnotized him, even if they were on a TV screen and not actually in the room. Bedroom eyes intense enough to cause instant paralysis. How many times had Joey lost himself in them, lying in a sweaty, satisfied tangle with Riker?
“Thank you for joining us,” the bleached-blonde hostess gushed, a woman Big Joe said gave him gout.
“Why does she do that to her hair?” Mom asked. “She’s ruined it.” She added the tried and true statement guaranteed to grant forgiveness for any unkindness spoken by a Southerner: “Bless her heart.”
With her whiney voice and constant fawning, Evelyn Hugh reminded Joey of one of the teenaged fans. “I can call you Riker, can’t I?”
“Sure, if I can call you Evelyn.” Her ordinary name sounded exotic when spoken in Riker’s deep tones. That was his gift. He could make anyone feel like the most important person on the planet just by talking to them. Joey had warmed himself by Riker’s fire on many a cold winter’s night.
“I loved you in the romantic comedy, Trying the Knot, filmed in your home state of Georgia. Although only a minor supporting role, your portrayal of the obnoxious cousin at the wedding turned out to be a real scene-stealer and resulted in your big break, didn’t it?”
Riker hadn’t really wanted the cousin role that required him to wear a fat suit and play a backwoods redneck, even if he’d had to beat out a lot of other hopefuls for the part.
“Well, Evelyn,”—Riker turned puppy dog eyes on the hostess—“I’d originally auditioned for the role of Chuck.”
“The pain-in-the-ass playboy who seduced several bridesmaids? Oh, you’re too sweet to play such a cad.”
“You’re too kind.”
A better-known actor had won the honors of playing asshole Chuck. Riker had stormed around the apartment for days.
Riker smiled like he’d hit the jackpot by missing the role. “Actually, I found the cousin part more intriguing. I mean, it stretched my acting skills to play someone so unlike myself.”
“Oh, please, I’m trying to eat here,” Jackie spat.
Joey flashed her a quick evil eye and went back to watching TV.
What a tantrum Riker had thrown about “playing a hick nobody.” In the end he took the money, and assurances from his agent of appearing with a few big stars being a good career move and a way to get noticed.
But he’d done the part enough justice to bring Hollywood knocking.
“What an amazing experience,” the man of Joey’s dreams replied, though that’s not what he’d called it to friends. “It really helped me grow as an actor.” He’d privately referred to the part as beneath someone of his talent and his own personal hell.
“What’s it like working with powerhouse actress Clair Clancy?”
Joey lost the battle to keep a straight face. He’d gotten more earfuls about “Clair, the air-headed bitch.” She’d only spoken to Riker twice during filming when their roles overlapped.
Onscreen, Riker described her as, “An amazing actress. A true professional.” He waved at the camera. “Congrats on the birth of your little girl, Clair. You’ll be an amazing mother.” This from the man who’d wanted to pass a law making it illegal for the woman to breed. Wow, what a good actor. For a moment even Joey believed him.
“In a real-life Cinderella story, a relatively unknown actor is chosen for the lead role of Mitchell Keller in the biggest film of the year. How’s that working out for you?” Evelyn leaned her head on Riker’s shoulder, eyeing him through batting lashes. How dare she? She needed to back off.
A punch to the shoulder brought Joey back to reality, breathing hard and fingernails digging into the palms of his clenched fists.
“She does that with everybody,” Jackie murmured. “What’s your problem, anyway?”
Joey took a deep breath and let it out slowly, a flush creeping up his cheeks.
After what could have been two years, or more probably, two seconds, Riker answered, “It’s really amazing.”
“Doesn’t he know any adjectives besides amazing?” Stacey cut in. “I mean, really! He’s an actor, he’s supposed to be good with words.” Oops, the last holdout in the family swayed to the “We don’t like Riker” side.
Joey ignored her. He’d show them. Soon he’d be living the good life, basking in the California sun. He and Riker had even talked about getting married.
“…and my producer, Ian Hagan, is amazing,” Riker was saying.
Stacey made an “I told you so” face.
Their mother swatted her arm, nipping in the bud whatever sarcastic remark she’d been about to sling.
Riker plowed on. “He took a huge chance in hiring an unknown for such a major role, and I’m grateful he believes in me. I’ve done everything I can to make sure he doesn’t regret taking a risk. We’ve wrapped up the final scenes. Now it’s in post-production, where they’ll add the Hollywood magic.”
What? Riker said a few hours ago that they were still shooting. Well, maybe they had to reshoot some parts.
“Oh, that’s fabulous.” Evelyn’s fake smile lost its battle to look sincere.
Joey knew how she felt. The standing local rule: Never mention acting around Riker unless you had a least an hour and didn’t mind listening. Folks in town phrased their words very carefully.
“Now, Riker, I know you’ve heard the rumors and seen the pictures posted on the Internet of yourself with someone who is apparently very close to you.”
Joey’s heart pounded and his ears rang. Rumors? Pictures? He peeped over at Jackie, who sat up straighter and put her plate down on the floor.
The smile fled Riker’s face, and he wore the same pleading expression he’d used to get out of cooking. “Yes, I have. For the record, I’d like to state that my personal life isn’t anyone else’s business.”
Oh, shit! What had they found out?
“Breathe, Joey,” Jackie urged.
No matter how he tried, Joey couldn’t, because Evelyn dropped a bomb. “Are you gay?”
Oh, my God! They’d been careful since Riker signed the movie deal. How had anyone suspected? Sure, in a few months maybe, when they were ready. Not now!
Jackie stiffened and Joey held his breath.
“Yes, Evelyn, I am.” Riker sighed, his anguished eyes filling with tears. Joey had never seen anyone who could cry on demand quite so convincingly, not even Stacey. “I’m not ashamed of being a gay American, and I don’t see how my orientation has any bearing on my acting ability.”
“I knew it!” Stacey shrieked. Jackie shushed her. Joey ignored her again.
Evelyn scented blood and went for the throat—her trademark. “The man shown with you in the pictures, is he your boyfriend?”
Man in the pictures? Boyfriend? Surely it couldn’t be… Who the hell were they talking about? If it wouldn’t have given too much away, Joey would have made a mad dash to his parent’s aging computer to find out. Evelyn Hugh moved much too slowly. Stomach too queasy to eat, Joey plopped his uneaten meal down on the coffee table.
Riker sat quietly gazing into the camera and Joey almost heard the wheels turning under that mop of highlighted hair. Finally, his lover became his ex-lover with the casually spoken, “I guess you could say we were in a relationship at the time. Nothing serious. We’ve decided to cool things down while I focus on my career.”
What!? Nothing really serious?! Joey gaped at the screen, a flash fire creeping up his cheeks all the way to his ears. Did Riker mean him? A boulder formed in his throat.
They’d talked about forever. He gasped for breath, unable to turn away from the train wreck of his life unfolding on national television.
“Yes, it’s true.” Riker used the same sorrowful tone the hick cousin had during a big scene in Trying the Knot. “I mean, he’s back home, I’m here. It wouldn’t work out.”
Jackie might have snapped, “Oh, cry me a river!” Joey was too caught up in his own personal drama to know for sure.
He knows I’m watching! He knows I’m seeing this! Why is he coming out now? Why couldn’t he tell the nosy woman it’s none of her damned business?
Riker focused directly on the camera, as if seeking Joey out. “Yeah, we kind of grew out of each other. It’s time to move on.”
“I certainly appreciate your candor, and I’m sure there’s plenty of people around town willing to keep you company.” Evelyn sat up, patting at her hair. “We all look forward to your upcoming movie. It’s sure to be a blockbuster. Thank you for joining us.”
Joey dared not dart out of the room like he wanted to and give too much away. At the moment the family only knew that he’d had a gay roommate. Should he act surprised?
The camera left Riker and zoomed in on the hostess. Joey saw her through a glaze of tears and fears. “Remember that you heard it first on Hollywood Seen.” Her goofy grin dimmed a few watts. “Now, here’s another Hollywood Seen exclusive, the photographs that started it all. Last month they began circling the Internet. Until tonight, spokesmen for Mr. Sanderson firmly denied their authenticity. A pity, really. They made such a handsome couple, don’t you agree?”
Joey’s reality crumbled, replaced by a nightmare. The TV screen filled completely with an image of Riker and himself dancing at the club in Atlanta, Riker’s leg wedged between Joey’s, Joey’s mouth locked to his lover’s neck and his crotch pressed against Riker’s denim-covered thigh.
Oh dear God! He looked like a humping vampire!
The image lasted forever. Enough already, take it down! He’d been stripped naked. Laid bare, all his deepest, darkest secrets exposed.
Calm down, no one can tell it’s you. Maybe they’ll think it’s someone out in Hollywood. That hope dashed to pieces with another picture, probably taken shortly after the first. In it, Joey and Riker both faced the camera. The hostess delivered the killing blow. “Our sources tell us that the man in the picture with Riker Sanderson is Joseph Nichols, Jr., with whom Riker lived in Georgia before moving to California.”
Joey fumbled his cell phone out of his pocket and barely managed to hit the right number. Instead of one of the ever-changing heavy-metal ringtones Riker used, a recorded message stated flatly, “The number you have dialed has been disconnected…”
Purchase
Rocky Ridge Books | Amazon | Allromance eBooks
Meet the Author
You will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!
Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.
She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures she has written sixteen m/m romance novels, has won several Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.
When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s a mild-mannered business executive, mother, grandmother, vegetarian, and PFLAG activist.
Her natural habitats are airports, coffee shops, and on the backs of motorcycles.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail
Giveaway
One lucky winner will win an ebook copy of Settling the Score and an ebook copy of Diversion.
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The post Book Blitz: Settling the Score by Eden Winters appeared first on A.O. Chika Book Blog.
October 5, 2016
Book Blitz: Blood Bathory- Be Not Proud by Ari McKay
Title: Blood Bathory: Be Not Proud
Series: Blood Bathory #3
Author: Ari McKay
Publisher: Torquere Press
Release Date: August 30, 2016
Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 101000 words
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Werewolves
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Synopsis
The exciting conclusion of the war between Elizabeth Bathory and Gaia’s Children has arrived!
It has been five centuries since Antonio de Barajas, one of the oldest surviving Theriomorphs, lost his mate Raphael at the hands of his worst enemy, and Thrace has mocked his pain; but at long last, he has a chance to find love again. As two ardent suitors vie to win his heart, Gaia’s Children face the united force of Elizabeth Bathory and her sire, Thrace.
Thrace will stop at nothing to get revenge against Gaia and her children for the loss of his wife, even allying himself with terrorists who possess a weapon of mass destruction. Now the Theriomorphs and the Dark Guardians must race against time to discover Thrace’s plan and stop him before he succeeds. Antonio risks losing far more than his heart this time, for if he and his team fail in their mission, it will mean the deaths of millions of people and perhaps the destruction of Gaia herself.
Excerpt
Beneath the full, blood-red moon cresting over the roof of the ramshackle farmhouse, a patch of mist drifted along the ground. Had anyone been paying attention, they might have noticed it moved with purpose towards the barn, but the two guards standing watch outside the house were more interested in what was going in inside, and mist was hardly an unusual phenomenon.
The mist seeped into the barn while the guards stood on the porch and listened, fangs gleaming in the moonlight as they grinned at the sound of screams. They had chosen their hiding place well. The little farm was tucked away in a remote part of Lippe and surrounded by woodlands. The chances of someone accidentally stumbling across the location were slim, but if they did, the chances of them being seen again alive were even slimmer.
The mist emerged from the barn, hanging low as it moved toward the house. Absorbed in his enjoyment of the sounds of suffering, the guard on the right never sensed the form materializing behind him, and he met the true death without ever feeling the knife that separated his head from his shoulders in utter silence.
The second guard heard the thud of his companion’s head landing on the splintered boards, but in the split second it took him to identify the sound, his own fate was sealed. The dark killer dissolved into mist once more, then slipped through a small crack where the weathered wood of the door left a gap in its frame.
The inside of the farmhouse was in no better condition than the outside, the only light coming from a fire burning low in a soot-blackened hearth. Yet the tang of wood-smoke was overpowered by two more powerful scents: blood and fear. A young man and a young woman were being bounced like playthings around a circle of eight nosferatu. One of the Blood Cursed held its victim in a vice-like grip, its head swooping down as it sank sharp fangs into its victim’s throat or shoulder, sometimes tearing away chunks of flesh. Then it thrust its victim at another tormenter, who fed as the onlookers laughed and jeered, drunk on the fear of their victims.
Lost in their sadistic blood sport, the nosferatu never noticed the arrival of something far more lethal than they. The firelight caught the coalescing mist as it grew denser, darkening and elongating into a human form. The figure moved before it was completely solid, wickedly curved knives of gleaming steel in its hands.
The head of the first nosferatu landed in the middle of the circle. Caught by surprise, the Blood Cursed gaped at the sight, seeing it without understanding what had happened. But the figure never hesitated as it continued the slaughter, intent on its lethal purpose.
Before the body of the first nosferatu crumpled to the ground, a second head flew. One of the vampires finally recovered from its shocked paralysis and turned in the direction of the attacker. But for all the vampire’s preternatural speed, the attacker was faster, a blur of dark motion no human eye could have hoped to capture, and the vampire’s shout became a gurgle as razor-sharp metal slid across its neck, opening a gaping wound from ear to ear.
The next vampire in the circle suffered the same fate, then another head bounced to the floor. In the space of a few seconds, the nosferatu were dead, and only the two whimpering, trembling humans remained.
The tall, black-clad figure pulled out a cloth and cleaned his knives with meticulous care before sheathing one of them, and then he used the other to cut strips of cloth from the nearest vampire’s clothes. He bound the humans’ wounds as best he could with a surprisingly gentle touch for one who dealt death so easily.
“Can you walk?” he asked in oddly accented German.
The young man slid his arm around his companion, supporting her, and nodded.
“Follow the road. Someone will be sent to find you.”
“Thank you.” The young woman’s voice was weak, but she rallied her strength admirably.
The man caught and held their gazes, and when he spoke again, his voice was low and mesmerizing. “It was an animal attack. You never saw a house or any people.”
Both young people nodded, their eyes glazed. “An animal attack,” the young man murmured.
“Good. Now go and keep to the path.” The man steered them toward the door, pausing to watch as they made their way out of the house. He kept a close eye on them until they were out of sight, and then he went back inside.
He sheathed his other knife and began rifling through the vampires’ clothes, checking their wallets and taking the cash. He stuffed the bills into his pockets, then searched for weapons and ammunition that might be useful. He ended up needing a bag to carry his pilfered treasures; fortunately, he found a backpack tossed in the corner. There was blood on it, but dried, not fresh. Likely it had belonged to a previous victim.
He hefted the heavy pack on his shoulder and left the house. Once outside, he considered torching the place. There might be others who knew of it, and burning it would give them one less place to hide. He went back to the barn to retrieve one of the cans of gasoline he’d seen stored in there, and it wasn’t long before he was watching the vampires’ nest burn.
Well done, my son. I will see to it that the blaze does not spread.
Gaia’s voice flowed through him, filling him with warmth, although his somber expression didn’t change. With their sire gone, Tepes’ children were dwindling in number already; he was happy to hurry their extinction along.
Tepes’ line has lingered this long. It will linger a while longer out of necessity, Gaia continued. We have a much greater problem facing us. Thrace has emerged from hiding, and your kin need your help to vanquish him once and for all. It is time for you to return home at last.
Purchase
Torquere Press | Amazon
Meet the AuthorAri McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
Website | Goodreads
Giveaway
The post Book Blitz: Blood Bathory- Be Not Proud by Ari McKay appeared first on A.O. Chika Book Blog.
October 3, 2016
5 Must Read Free Lesbian Romance Books
Yesterday I made a list of top 5 Free Gay Romance books for MMRomance readers. Today’s list is for Free Lesbian Romance books.
Interestingly, there are fewer Lesbian books as compared to Gay romance books, and even fewer are free.
And now to the list…
Time of Grace by Gabriella West
Blurb:
Shy young Caroline has come from England to Ireland in 1916 to work as a governess. But beautiful Grace, with her mysterious past and her fierce dedication to Ireland’s freedom, opens Caroline’s eyes to worlds she has never imagined.
As their friendship blossoms into romance, Caroline finds the greatest happiness she has ever known. But can their love survive the condemnation of a repressive society and Grace’s involvement in the approaching Easter Rising?
A passionate story of personal, sexual, and national liberation, set against the backdrop of an unforgettable moment in Irish history.
Tags: Historical Romance, Culture, F/F Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.3 stars
Goodreads Rating: 3.97 stars
Average Rating: 4.135 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
Caroline Singleton is a shy and reserved young woman. After the death of her beloved brother Ralph, she moves from her home in London to take up a post as a governess in Lady Wilcox’s household in Ireland, leaving behind her ailing mother. This type of post is one of the very few opportunities open to a woman in 1916.
It’s in the house of Lady Wilcox that Caroline meets the beautiful and alluring maid-servant, Grace Sheridan. Grace isn’t all she seems at face value. She’s hiding a secret. She’s caught up in Ireland’s fight for freedom.
When Caroline and Grace begin an illicit relationship, Grace trusts Caroline with her secrets. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond the control of both Caroline and Grace separates them. Will they find one another again? Will their love be strong enough to survive the condemnation and rumors that follow Caroline back to England and forwards again to Ireland? What of Grace’s involvement in the Easter Uprising? Will Grace even survive?
A wonderful historical romance set against a backdrop of the Irish Easter Uprising of 1916 during WW1.
Caroline had never expected to find the love of her life in Ireland, nor did she expect that love to be another woman, let alone a woman from a lower class than her own. Even in a conventional relationship, the class war created a big divide in those days.
It’s a very difficult time for Caroline and Grace. The emotional turmoil both women feel is so well described, I could feel their anguish. There are lots of ups and downs in their tumultuous relationship. So many, that as much as Caroline loves Grace, she does begin to have doubts and lose trust in her. As much as Caroline wants Grace, Grace appears to be pushing her away and Caroline wonders if it is all worthwhile.
I’m not well versed in Irish history, although I have heard of the Irish Easter Uprising. Gabriella West has described the events very well. As I always do when I’m interested in a particular storyline, I use Google and Google images to find out more. The historical facts appear to be accurate. The images I saw, were in fact as I’d visualized them whilst reading the story. The people mentioned in the book as leaders of the rebellion are real people. All in all, I feel Gabriella West has written a terrific and true to history account in her book. Her research is very well done. Her scenic descriptions were excellent.
The history and facts are carefully integrated and neither overshadows the other. In my honest opinion, there is a perfect balance between the facts, fiction, and romance.
Read original review on Amazon by Telstar
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
French Kissing: Pilot Episode by Harper Bliss
Blurb:
Claire and Juliette have been best friends for twenty years. Together they own a successful PR agency in Paris, but their journey to success has come at a price. Juliette and her partner Nadia have drifted apart after ten years together while Claire hasn’t been on a real date for as long as she can remember. Meanwhile, their happily single employee Steph is getting a bit too close to a new, high-profile client.
Tags: Contemporary Romance, F/F Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.2 stars
Goodreads Rating: 3.8 stars
Average Rating: 4 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
Juliette Barbier and Claire Cyr run the successful PR firm, Barbier & Cyr, with no difficulties but suffer from overworking in their love lives. Juliette’s partner of ten years, Nadia, has decided enough is enough and comes close to leaving for good. Claire, however, hasn’t had anything serious in some time until she meets Margot, the tight-lipped, leather-clad doctor. Steph, the intern-turned-professional scores her first big client but can she resist the temptation presented to her? All of the ladies have something to gain and something to lose- who will come out on top and who will fall down along the way?
After reading (and loving) The High-Rise Series I was so excited to learn the author was writing a new contemporary series! Luckily I am just as intrigued in this series as I was The High-Rise Series. This series takes place in France- a place where all words are horribly slaughtered in my head and I’m sure any French person would cringe at my pronunciation. From the Eiffel tower to small cafes the author takes us on many meetings and adventures in this new setting.
We are also introduced to a new cast of lovable characters: Juliette, the work-a-holic and emotionally avoidant type; Claire, the perpetually single and level-headed one; Steph, the rising businesswoman and serial heartbreaker; Margot, the bad-ass biker slash devoted doctor; and Nadia, the one on her own path of self-discovery.
Even though the author warns us of cliffhangers I can’t help but feel impatient for the next episode! Episode One was a fast-paced, intricate, and exciting start to this wonderful series. If you haven’t already one-clicked it I HIGHLY recommend you waste no more time!
“If there’s one thing politics teaches you, it’s to give as good as you get.”
Read original review on Amazon by R Nicole
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Chrome and Hot Women: Wayward Angels by Melanie Vance
Blurb:
Cece Myers, president of the Wayward Angels Motorcycle Club never thought she could be a one woman, woman. That is until she laid eyes on the sultry Shannon Storm. She found herself drawn in by Shannon. Could she be falling in love? In the past, love had always been the furthest thing from Cece’s mind. Will Shannon convince her to give love a chance?
Trouble ensues as one of the members of the club becomes immersed in a fringe fundamentalist group that is obsessed with ending the scourge of same-sex relationships.
Get ready to head out on the highway with Cece and Shannon, in this first installment of the Wayward Angels series. Oh, and a lot of steamy romance that will get your motor runnin’!
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Bikers, Motorcycle, F/F Romance
Amazon Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.23 stars
Average Rating: 4.615 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
N/A
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Because Your Eyes Said So by S.B. Sheeran
Blurb:
Jane is new in town and adjusting to the elite lifestyle that her parents are used to. At a gala one night, Jane makes eye contact with a gorgeous blue-eyed girl and is almost immediately smitten. After run-ins with the girl at other parties and around their neighborhood, Jane develops more and more attraction for her. One night at an important dinner for their parents, the two sneak away for a passionate night together.
Tags: Contemporary Romance, F/F Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars
Goodreads Rating: 3.55 stars
Average Rating: 4.175 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
Interesting and unique. Jane is very a likable character, and her love story is unusual, especially for somebody who comes across as old-fashioned and somewhat conservative at first. Her parents’ attitudes to her new love pleasantly surprised me. A fun book!
Read original review on Amazon by Warrior Princess
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
A Petal And A Thorn by Bella Donnis
Blurb:
“I’ve always been a few dykes short of a feminist movement, but playing host to my own fictional characters after they called round for afternoon tea really was taking things to a whole new level.”
Erica is a best-selling author and self-confessed eccentric who, after a solitary life and a string of failures with women, decides she’s had enough.
However, after a failed suicide attempt, events take a strange turn when she receives a visitor – A very strange visitor, with unknown motivations.
This beautiful, intelligent and worldly lady caller couldn’t possibly be the fictional character who Erica had always placed on a pedestal, who was created out of her own image of perfection – Could she?
Erica’s life quickly transforms when she falls in love – But what happens next when she receives a second mystery caller?
Tags: Contemporary Romance, F/F Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.8 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.27 stars
Average Rating: 4.535 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
Very different! Let’s just say, that if you read a hundred books this year, this one will take the prize for originality. In fact, I’m not even sure where to begin, or even if I should say much about the plot. But I will say the story is filled with twists, which is very rare in this genre and that this story is less a lesbian romance and more a historical, even supernatural to some degree romance with lesbian characters.
Don’t be put off by that because this book was extremely enjoyable and seriously laugh out loud funny in places. If I could make one improvement, I’d have liked to have seen more of Tilly and Elspeth as a couple, but you can’t have everything.
Read original review on Goodreads by K. Bartholomew
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
The Next List will be for Top 5 Free Bisexual Romance Books
The post 5 Must Read Free Lesbian Romance Books appeared first on A.O. Chika Book Blog.
October 2, 2016
5 Must Read Free Gay Romance Books
I decided to create a list of free LGBT books ranging from romance to erotica, fantasy, and Sci-fi. I plan to cover as much as I can in the LGBT spectrum.
One more thing. The books featured in these lists are not chosen by preference or bias but from analyzing the book reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and in some cases Smashwords and All Romance Books. Each featured books will include it’s Amazon rating, Goodreads rating, an average rating ie (Amazon rating + Goodreads rating)/2 and a featured review.
A featured review is an in-depth review of the book posted on Amazon or Goodreads that explains the book without giving much away but still gives us enough to decide whether or not you’d like the book. The reviews are not mine and as such the reviewer will be credited with a link to the original review.
And now to the list…
New Armour by Noah Harris
Blurb:
After learning that his husband Mike is a ruthless assassin, mild-mannered Kevin is forced to go on the run. But after finding out that Mike’s next target is a high-profile Metahuman rights activist, Kevin teams up with Lt. Ted Fridolf, a military security expert with a secret of his own. Will this team be able to thwart a hit man who’ll stop at nothing to take out his mark?
Tags: Paranormal Romance, Shifters, Assasins, Drama, Suspense, M/M Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.21 stars
Average Rating: 4.405 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
New Amour by Noah Harris is a short hot read. There is no sex in this book, but there was plenty of sexual chemistry between Kevin and his husband Mike and Kevin and Ted. Kevin thinks he has a perfect marriage with a wonderful husband until the day he discovers a secret hideaway in the wall.
All that is inside is a flip phone. When it rings, he makes the mistake of answering it and learns that his husband is really an assassin. Before he can put the phone back, his husband comes home and finds him with it. His husband is pissed but instead of outright killing him he gives him 24 hours to disappear. If he still hasn’t left by the time he gets back home, then he will kill him. Kevin isn’t sure what to do.
He could just disappear but what about the person who his husband is supposed to kill. It turns out the person he is to kill is a senator and after some liquid courage in the form of red wine. He decides to go find the security detail and let them know about his husband and the threat to the senator’s life. When he meets Lieutenant Ted Fridolf, he is surprised at how attracted he is to him.
Ted believes Kevin and they go to find the senator. Lots of twists and turns and secrets yet to come. Did I mention that a couple of the characters are shifters also? Read the book to find out all of its secrets. I am hoping that Noah Harris does a sequel to this book. I would like to see what happens to Mike, Ted, and Kevin next. Thank you, Noah Harris, for another great short story. I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Read original review on Amazon by Carrie Krogh
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Sixty Five Hours by N.R. Walker
Blurb:
Cameron Fletcher and Lucas Hensley are advertising executives who have Sixty Five Hours to pull together the campaign of their careers.
Sixty Five Hours to get along. Sixty Five Hours to not kill each other. Sixty Five Hours to fall in love.
PS: In the spirit of full discloser, I admit to reading this book and giggling like a schoolgirl. God, I loved this book so much!
Tags: Contemporary Romance, Fluff, Drama, Advertising, M/M Romance
Amazon Rating: 4.5 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.23 stars
Average Rating: 4.365 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
What would you do if you were CEO of a company and your two best advertising geniuses don’t get along? The solution in ‘Sixty Five Hours’ by N.R. Walker, is to entice them into an opportunity to win a gigantic account. The catch is, they only have sixty-five hours to develop an advertising campaign. Having such a short time to prepare, forces the men to put aside their differences and act as a team. Their boss is hoping that this will break the ice between them and that they will end up working well together when the project is over.
Cameron Fletcher is brilliant, tall, dark, handsome, and miserable. He’s the younger son of his boss which puts him under a lot of pressure. He’s gay, but presents himself as straight believing that that’s what everyone expects. Putting on this mask every day is taking its toll, but he doesn’t see any other way. Cameron is terrified to come out for fear of disappointing his parents, so he stays in the closet feeling wretched and lonely.
He resents Lucas because he sees him as everything he wants to be, an out and proud gay man who is successful and happy. He’s also jealous of his father’s interest in Lucas. Being forced to work with Lucas for this project incenses him, but the carrot being dangled in front of him is far too important to resist. He digs in and perseveres, at first not liking it one bit, but familiarity has a tendency to bring out true feelings and he soon can’t avoid hiding them anymore.
Lucas Hensley is proud, cocky, and smart. He loves advertising. Lucas makes it clear from the start that he is gay and won’t tolerate any discrimination. Lucas can’t understand why Cameron has always been hostile with him since he’s never done anything to provoke it. He reacts to this unfriendliness by being as indifferent as possible, while secretly bemoaning the fact that he’s physically attracted to Cameron.
As the resentment builds, they become rivals and are even more uncooperative. When assigned the task of preparing a marketing presentation with him, Lucas is uneasy but tries to approach it as professionally as possible. Being together for such a short amount of time necessitates that Lucas spends far more time with him than he ever intended. The bickering and picking on each other ensue as they try to continue their feud, but it fades into being more objective and truly seeing each other for the first time.
In spite of himself, Lucas begins to admire and appreciate Cameron, even to the point of rejecting his physical advances under inappropriate conditions. He realizes at this point that he wants more than a quickie with Cameron; he wants to do it right.
I loved this story. Cameron and Lucas are marvelous characters and play against and with each other spectacularly. The details on marketing were informative and enlightening; I was overwhelmed by the amount of work that goes into a marketing presentation. Being yourself was also an important theme in this wonderful story as Cameron wrestled with coming out and was delighted when he faces his fears and makes his announcement in such a spectacular fashion.
I was easily enticed to become emotionally involved with the men and was cheering them on at every step. I recommend this romantic comedy to everyone who enjoys marketing, humor, wit, and spicy sexual encounters involving handsome men. Thanks so much, N.R., for allowing me to follow Lucas and Cameron on their journey to happiness.
Read original review on Amazon by Lena Grey
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
The Slave by Kate Aaron
Blurb:
Freedom is only an illusion.
At twenty-seven, Tamelik has been a slave more than half his life. Submissive by nature, he can’t help but fall in love with the master who treats him kindly.
When the mistress walks out, Tam dares to hope his love will be enough.
Then he’s ordered to purchase another slave.
He wants to hate Kai for being unruly and ungrateful. For being of the same race as the men who murdered his family. For being his eventual replacement in their master’s bed. But it’s hard to hate a man who cries himself to sleep, flinches at the slightest touch, and blushes beautifully when he’s kissed.
Tags: Slavery, Erotica, M/M Romance, M/M/M, Threesome, Cliffhanger
Amazon Rating: 4.3 stars
Goodreads Rating: 3.95 stars
Average Rating: 4.125 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
There are stories that just suck you right into their world, and this was definitely one of them.
Sweet Tam is in love with his Master and longs for that love in return. He has a pretty good life, as slaves go, and his Master is caring and fair. He has chosen Tam exclusively over the years, even over his wife who left with most of the staff to their other home. Not wanting Tam to be alone as his duties call him away more and more, Master sends Tam to the slave markets to purchase another pleasure slave. Tam is rather conflicted over his Master’s wishes, fearing his is going to be purchasing his replacement but does as he is told.
Kai is a captured soldier new to slavery. He is a fighter and rather unruly as slaves go. Knowing what could happen if he gets bought by any of the other bidders, Tam makes the purchase, hoping to save Kai in the process. It takes quite some doing to win Kai over, not only to himself but to his new position as well. Tam has been a slave since he was a young boy. He barely remembers life before living with the Master and feels he has all he could ever want where he is now. Kai struggled a lot with understanding this. How could being a slave be better on any level than being a free man? Well, over time, he learns, just as he learns to love Tam and eventually the Master as well. Kai has also never been with another man. He was in love with his best friend who was killed on the battlefield, but his feelings were never made known. There is a lot at play between these guys, but it was fabulous to see Kai open up and accept Tam as his lover.
On the other side of things, Tam and the Master were sweet and sexy but also rather heartbreaking at times. Master is a bit of a big mystery. He obviously cares for Tam, but the bottom line is that they can’t be more than what they are, Master and Slave. But when they are together, there is not much doubt about how everyone feels. He continually pushes Tam and Kai together which confuses Tam. At the same time, Master is extremely patient with regards to Kai, waiting for Kai to warm up to him, showing trust by allowing him freedoms within the walls, etc. It was really enjoyable to watch them all together leading to some pretty steamy scenes. I loved watching the trust and love grow with these two and eventually three.
I was a bit captivated by this story and was extremely thankful that the next one was all lined up and ready to go. It ends on a cliffy, and I couldn’t get the next one opened fast enough. I just had to see how things played out for these guys. This story reads really fast and the world is vividly detailed. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories, slave or not, I definitely recommend you give this gem a try.
Read original review on Amazon by JustJen
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Nor Iron Bars a Cage by Kaje Harper
Blurb:
First I was a sorcerer. Then I was a hermit. For so long—for years that seemed to go on forever—I couldn’t bear to be touched. I put up not just walls but whole stone bunkers to keep everyone out, emotionally, and physically as well. I was protected from people, from ghosts, from specters real and imagined. Sure, I was alone. But I felt safe. Only, after a while, I wasn’t sure any longer whether a totally “safe” empty life was really worth living.
Then Tobin came along. Out of the blue, out of my past, with a summons from the king that he wouldn’t let me ignore. I tried to cling to my isolation, but he wouldn’t give up on me. Tobin never believed in walls.
Tags: Paranormal, Abuse, Ghosts, Disability, Fantasy, Medieval
Amazon Rating: 4.6 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.13 stars
Average Rating: 4.365 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
Lyon, a “hermit” sorcerer ” lives by himself due to a past that leaves him both emotionally and physically scarred, although the focus is more on the former than the latter.
He trained under Meldov, who later was possessed by a wraith which imposed both physical(sexual) abuse on the character and psychological abuse because of it. Lyon is a man who is still haunted and has to prepare himself for conversations before talking to the few people he is in contact with, that help gain his profit and allow him to live put this isolated life.
This is lifestyle is blown to bits when his childhood best friend Tobin comes to his home on orders from the King. Lyon is wanted for his expertise in the translation of old/dead languages needed to prevent a war with oathbreakers on the bordering land. Tobin clearly realizes Lyon is a damaged soul and his firm, gentle and patient nature propel the story and Lyon’s reemergence info the real world.
Throughout the story, Lyon struggles with his memories and how they play a huge role in his interactions with Tobin. The romance between him and Tobin grew at a slow pace, which worked well with Lyon’s trauma of people getting too close or touching him. I also loved how Tobin viewed Lyons damaged hand as a treasure and not as an interference. This spoke volumes of Tobin’s maturity and his love for Lyon.
Although, this story was incredibly long, I felt it worked well with the story and I love how the ghost Lyon took into himself, made him realize how strong he actually was and how he would put himself at risk for the safety of others; which came as a huge surprise to our extremely isolated and damaged Lyon.
Read original review on Amazon by lleana
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
When Skies Have Fallen by Debbie McGowan
Blurb:
For many in war-torn 1944, love blossoms in the dance hall, and airman Arty Clarke is no exception. He’s a thinker and a dreamer; however, it’s not the beautiful, talented dancer in his arms—his best friend Jean—who inspires his dreams. For when his gaze meets that of Technical Sergeant Jim Johnson, Arty dares to imagine a different dance.
Their love is forbidden, by both the armed forces and the law, but with Jean’s cunning and support, Arty and Jim try to bridge the distance between them and find true love despite the danger and a life-threatening disaster that could destroy Arty’s dreams for good.
Can the pair stand strong together, no matter how many skies have fallen?
Tags: Historical Romance, Military, War
Amazon Rating: 4.7 stars
Goodreads Rating: 4.04 stars
Average Rating: 4.37 stars
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK |
Featured Review:
This is the sweeping story of Artie and Jim, two gay men trying, like everyone else, to survive during WW2. It is obvious right from the start that the author has taken great pains to be historically accurate, giving this epic story validity as a gay historical romance so realistic it will take your breath away.
Have you ever made a snowball, then rolled it around until it gets bigger and bigger, taking away all the snow and leaving behind only freezing, ruined grass? This story, that is what it does. It starts off sweet and gentle, then gains momentum and grabs every molecule of snow, like an enormous avalanche encapsulating history, morality, friendship, loyalty, and love.
It is a story that is indeed about the sky falling, and the world going mad, but in the middle of that maelstrom there are two people and a light that never goes out. To me, that quiet and clever gentleness is Debbie McGowan.
I read this story in parts as it was written, then again last night. Each time I noticed something else, another aspect to this intricate world that the author depicts so starkly. Although it is set almost eighty years ago, too many of the issues in this story are still shouting their nasty voice loudly today. LBGT people around the world are still dictated to by political, economic, religious institutions. Who is the enemy and who is the friend?
I cried a few times when I read this, and so will you. It is a very beautiful story about ordinary people trying to do ordinary things. Does anyone ever win a war? Maybe not, but sometimes, love can triumph 
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