K. Evan Coles's Blog, page 5
September 19, 2017
Calm in Love Bytes' Book of the Week Poll
'Calm' is up for Book of the Week over at Love Bytes -- your vote is appreciated if you're so inclined!
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/09/1...
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/09/1...
September 14, 2017
Joyfully Jay guest blog post: Scene Stealers
Brigham Vaughn and I wrote a guest post for Joyfully Jay blog in which we talked a bit about Wake, Calm, and future projects that include the Scene Stealers, a.k.a., secondary characters who won't shut up.
http://joyfullyjay.com/2017/09/giveaw...
http://joyfullyjay.com/2017/09/giveaw...
September 12, 2017
Calm is available in general release today
Calm is available in general release today, friends! My co-writer and I worked on the Tidal Series for a couple of years getting it right, and, for me, this day has a very full-circle kind of feel about it.
Teaser for you on this fine Tuesday under the cut!
Pride: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wI9DsF
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2w2S4GD
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
Jesse licked his lips, appearing to consider his words before speaking. “I know you agreed to meet me here tonight—I mean, you messaged me back, which I took as a sign that you were willing to spend some time with me.”
It was Carter’s turn to frown. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
“Are you sure?” Jesse asked gently. “Because I can’t help feeling I’m making you incredibly uncomfortable.”
Carter’s chest ached at Jesse’s earnest words. God, he was so fucked up.
“It’s not you.” He paused, then laughed with relief when Jesse grinned and broke the awkwardness between them at last. “I’m sorry. It’s a bit early to be spouting relationship clichés, especially when we hardly know each other.”
“Hey, I’m just glad you don’t look like you’re about to bolt,” Jesse told him, head cocked as sat back in his seat.
“I’m not,” Carter assured, “and you’re right. I wouldn’t have messaged you back if I didn’t want to see you again. I’m just out of practice with dating.”
“What makes you think this is a date?” Jesse’s eyes twinkled and he picked up his menu.
“Honestly, nothing. I’m a bit hopeless in social situations lately.”
Jesse dropped one corner of the menu to reach across the table and lay a hand on Carter’s.
“Relax. I asked you to dinner because I enjoyed spending time with you last week. I thought there was something between us worth exploring. But whatever happens depends on you, too. Tonight isn’t about business and I don’t want you to feel as though you’re being forced to be here.”
“I don’t.” Carter struggled to smile through his lingering guilt. “I meant what I said before—I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”
Jesse’s megawatt smile lit his face once more. “Then let me buy you dinner.”
Things between them were easier from there. Carter and Jesse fell naturally into conversation, ranging through various topics rather than focusing on any one thing. They shared oysters on the half shell and tuna tartare to start, then moved on to NY strip steaks for the main course, with another bottle of wine.
Carter relaxed as they ate and talked, even while his attraction to Jesse increased. The idea of acting on the impulse appealed, but it worried Carter too. He was out of his depth when it came to fooling around with men. He’d been dating, but hadn’t gone beyond a few kisses with any of the men he’d seen. Jesse, so confident and assertive, was on a whole other plane from any of them, even when Carter included Riley in the mix.
Then again, he didn’t really know Riley anymore, did he? When it came down to it, Riley had more in common with Jesse now than he did with Carter. Maybe that has always been the case, Carter thought, and his stomach dropped with the realization.
Teaser for you on this fine Tuesday under the cut!
Pride: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wI9DsF
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2w2S4GD
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
Jesse licked his lips, appearing to consider his words before speaking. “I know you agreed to meet me here tonight—I mean, you messaged me back, which I took as a sign that you were willing to spend some time with me.”
It was Carter’s turn to frown. “I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”
“Are you sure?” Jesse asked gently. “Because I can’t help feeling I’m making you incredibly uncomfortable.”
Carter’s chest ached at Jesse’s earnest words. God, he was so fucked up.
“It’s not you.” He paused, then laughed with relief when Jesse grinned and broke the awkwardness between them at last. “I’m sorry. It’s a bit early to be spouting relationship clichés, especially when we hardly know each other.”
“Hey, I’m just glad you don’t look like you’re about to bolt,” Jesse told him, head cocked as sat back in his seat.
“I’m not,” Carter assured, “and you’re right. I wouldn’t have messaged you back if I didn’t want to see you again. I’m just out of practice with dating.”
“What makes you think this is a date?” Jesse’s eyes twinkled and he picked up his menu.
“Honestly, nothing. I’m a bit hopeless in social situations lately.”
Jesse dropped one corner of the menu to reach across the table and lay a hand on Carter’s.
“Relax. I asked you to dinner because I enjoyed spending time with you last week. I thought there was something between us worth exploring. But whatever happens depends on you, too. Tonight isn’t about business and I don’t want you to feel as though you’re being forced to be here.”
“I don’t.” Carter struggled to smile through his lingering guilt. “I meant what I said before—I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”
Jesse’s megawatt smile lit his face once more. “Then let me buy you dinner.”
Things between them were easier from there. Carter and Jesse fell naturally into conversation, ranging through various topics rather than focusing on any one thing. They shared oysters on the half shell and tuna tartare to start, then moved on to NY strip steaks for the main course, with another bottle of wine.
Carter relaxed as they ate and talked, even while his attraction to Jesse increased. The idea of acting on the impulse appealed, but it worried Carter too. He was out of his depth when it came to fooling around with men. He’d been dating, but hadn’t gone beyond a few kisses with any of the men he’d seen. Jesse, so confident and assertive, was on a whole other plane from any of them, even when Carter included Riley in the mix.
Then again, he didn’t really know Riley anymore, did he? When it came down to it, Riley had more in common with Jesse now than he did with Carter. Maybe that has always been the case, Carter thought, and his stomach dropped with the realization.
September 7, 2017
Author Chat Live - Saturday, 9/9/2017, 2:00 PM ET
Brigham Vaughn and I will be talking with Bike Book Reviews and Beaten Track Radio this Saturday, September 9. Join us while we discuss any manner of things, including Calm, book two in the Tidal Series.
**ETA: We'll be holding some book giveaways for those submitting questions, so please feel free to drop a line for a chance to win one of two copies of Calm and a book from Brigham's backlog**
Questions can be emailed to studio@beatentrackradio.com and also posted in the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/20063....
You can listen via:
The Web Site:http://www.beatentrackradio.com/
Via Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/beatentrackradio
Windows Media Player: http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hn...
Via iTunes: http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hn...
Via mp3 player : http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hnwtv
iOS app : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id117...
Android app : https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...…
We're also in the iTunes radio directory and the TuneIn Radio app
**ETA: We'll be holding some book giveaways for those submitting questions, so please feel free to drop a line for a chance to win one of two copies of Calm and a book from Brigham's backlog**
Questions can be emailed to studio@beatentrackradio.com and also posted in the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/20063....
You can listen via:
The Web Site:http://www.beatentrackradio.com/
Via Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/beatentrackradio
Windows Media Player: http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hn...
Via iTunes: http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hn...
Via mp3 player : http://stream.radiojar.com/k98ef2r2hnwtv
iOS app : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id117...
Android app : https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...…
We're also in the iTunes radio directory and the TuneIn Radio app
August 15, 2017
Calm is available for early download at Pride Publishing!
Calm is available for early download at Pride Publishing! https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, early download August 15, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
I’ve got another teaser on this fine Tuesday, just under the cut:
The restaurant door flew open. Startled, he straightened and turned to see a scowling Will Martin.
“What the hell, Riley?” his date snarled. “I thought you were going to be right back. You missed my best man speech, cutting the cake and their first dance. I had planned to ask you to dance, but you’ve been out here talking to Carter. Or ignoring me, I’m not sure which.”
“Shit. I feel terrible, Will, I didn’t mean to take so long…”
“This is getting ridiculous. I’ve done my best to be understanding about your relationship with him. You’re good friends and I respect that. Hell, I respect that you still have some lingering romantic feelings for him. But this has got to stop.”
“Will…” Riley said weakly, hating that he’d hurt someone who had been so good to him, but unable to deny that he didn’t really know where things stood with Carter. “I never meant…”
“I know you didn’t, but it doesn’t change the fact that I feel like I have to compete with your best friend for your affection. Not to mention your attention.”
“I told Carter that I know I need to focus more on my relationship with you. That I need to make it more of a priority.”
“It shouldn’t be so damn hard to want to spend time with me.” Will smiled sadly. “You left me, at one of my closest friend’s weddings, to talk to him. I need you to make a decision about your priorities. Because right now, I feel like I rate pretty low.”
“I am honestly, sincerely sorry. I made a mistake and I want to fix it.” Riley stepped closer. “Please, let me make it up to you.”
But Will shook his head and stepped back. “I need some space. Spend a couple of days figuring your shit out with Carter. Then we’ll talk.” He reached for the door to the restaurant and Riley went to stop him, then hesitated. Although he wanted to chase after Will and apologize again, Will had a point. Riley wasn’t sure about his feelings for Carter and maybe he needed to make that decision before he did anything else.
Long after Will had disappeared, Riley stood and stared at the door of the restaurant, deep in thought.
Peace and love to you all, friends. #LLAP
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, early download August 15, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
I’ve got another teaser on this fine Tuesday, just under the cut:
The restaurant door flew open. Startled, he straightened and turned to see a scowling Will Martin.
“What the hell, Riley?” his date snarled. “I thought you were going to be right back. You missed my best man speech, cutting the cake and their first dance. I had planned to ask you to dance, but you’ve been out here talking to Carter. Or ignoring me, I’m not sure which.”
“Shit. I feel terrible, Will, I didn’t mean to take so long…”
“This is getting ridiculous. I’ve done my best to be understanding about your relationship with him. You’re good friends and I respect that. Hell, I respect that you still have some lingering romantic feelings for him. But this has got to stop.”
“Will…” Riley said weakly, hating that he’d hurt someone who had been so good to him, but unable to deny that he didn’t really know where things stood with Carter. “I never meant…”
“I know you didn’t, but it doesn’t change the fact that I feel like I have to compete with your best friend for your affection. Not to mention your attention.”
“I told Carter that I know I need to focus more on my relationship with you. That I need to make it more of a priority.”
“It shouldn’t be so damn hard to want to spend time with me.” Will smiled sadly. “You left me, at one of my closest friend’s weddings, to talk to him. I need you to make a decision about your priorities. Because right now, I feel like I rate pretty low.”
“I am honestly, sincerely sorry. I made a mistake and I want to fix it.” Riley stepped closer. “Please, let me make it up to you.”
But Will shook his head and stepped back. “I need some space. Spend a couple of days figuring your shit out with Carter. Then we’ll talk.” He reached for the door to the restaurant and Riley went to stop him, then hesitated. Although he wanted to chase after Will and apologize again, Will had a point. Riley wasn’t sure about his feelings for Carter and maybe he needed to make that decision before he did anything else.
Long after Will had disappeared, Riley stood and stared at the door of the restaurant, deep in thought.
Peace and love to you all, friends. #LLAP
August 1, 2017
Calm is available for pre-order today at Pride
Calm is available for pre-order at Pride! https://www.pride-publishing.com/book...
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, early download August 15, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
“I’m really sorry, Ri,” Carter blurted. Riley pressed his lips tightly together. “I’m sorrier than you can imagine for the way I disappeared after you came out. I didn’t know what else to do…how else to keep everything together. But I should have been a better friend to you.”
The tips of Riley’s ears turned red as he stared at Carter. A server approached then and Riley changed gears instantly, smiling as he ordered a large macchiato.
Carter ordered the same, aware of Riley’s gaze, and cursed himself for becoming so flustered.
“I’ve never been here before,” he began when they were alone again, striving to keep his voice light. “Come here often?”
Riley nodded. “Often enough to know what’s good without really needing to think about it. I have friends in the neighborhood and this is one place everyone agrees on when we’re craving different kinds of food.”
Carter dropped his gaze to the tabletop while Riley spoke. He imagined the man from the photographs to be one of the friends Riley had mentioned. Riley looked relaxed tonight, impossibly handsome and put together in his beautiful blue suit. Whatever difficulties he’d experienced since coming out, he was clearly flourishing now. And wasn’t Carter a god-awful mess in comparison?
“Carter?” Riley’s gaze had thawed slightly when Carter looked up. “I was asking how you’ve been.”
“I’m…still trying to figure stuff out.” Carter gave him a weak smile. “I wasn’t lying earlier when I said that I was coping. I still have my job, though, see the kids and sometimes get together with friends. I do okay.”
Riley gave him a knowing glance. “But nothing’s the same. Everything in your life—”
“Is different,” Carter finished. “Pretty much everything outside of my job is radically different. And figuring it all out is fucking tiring.”
“I understand,” Riley replied.
“I know you do.” Carter clasped his hands together in his lap. “Dan’s been pushing me to talk to you…told me if anyone would understand how I’m feeling, it would be you.”
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, early download August 15, general release September 12
Here’s a teaser for you on this fine Tuesday:
“I’m really sorry, Ri,” Carter blurted. Riley pressed his lips tightly together. “I’m sorrier than you can imagine for the way I disappeared after you came out. I didn’t know what else to do…how else to keep everything together. But I should have been a better friend to you.”
The tips of Riley’s ears turned red as he stared at Carter. A server approached then and Riley changed gears instantly, smiling as he ordered a large macchiato.
Carter ordered the same, aware of Riley’s gaze, and cursed himself for becoming so flustered.
“I’ve never been here before,” he began when they were alone again, striving to keep his voice light. “Come here often?”
Riley nodded. “Often enough to know what’s good without really needing to think about it. I have friends in the neighborhood and this is one place everyone agrees on when we’re craving different kinds of food.”
Carter dropped his gaze to the tabletop while Riley spoke. He imagined the man from the photographs to be one of the friends Riley had mentioned. Riley looked relaxed tonight, impossibly handsome and put together in his beautiful blue suit. Whatever difficulties he’d experienced since coming out, he was clearly flourishing now. And wasn’t Carter a god-awful mess in comparison?
“Carter?” Riley’s gaze had thawed slightly when Carter looked up. “I was asking how you’ve been.”
“I’m…still trying to figure stuff out.” Carter gave him a weak smile. “I wasn’t lying earlier when I said that I was coping. I still have my job, though, see the kids and sometimes get together with friends. I do okay.”
Riley gave him a knowing glance. “But nothing’s the same. Everything in your life—”
“Is different,” Carter finished. “Pretty much everything outside of my job is radically different. And figuring it all out is fucking tiring.”
“I understand,” Riley replied.
“I know you do.” Carter clasped his hands together in his lap. “Dan’s been pushing me to talk to you…told me if anyone would understand how I’m feeling, it would be you.”
July 31, 2017
Calm Cover Reveal
Hello! The second book in my Tidal series with Brigham Vaughn will be available this month for early download from Pride Publishing – eee!
The Tidal series is Contemporary M/M Romance, and Calm, will be available for pre-order August 1, 2017, early download August 15, 2017, and general release September 12, 2017.
Calm’s cover reveal is today and we are very excited to share Emmy Ellis’ design.
Calm by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Pride Publishing, early download August 15, general release September 12
When Riley Porter-Wright comes out as bisexual and confesses his feelings for Carter Hamilton, it severs their friendship. Carter’s rejection forces Riley to move on and he’s shocked to learn Carter’s marriage has fallen apart.
Overwhelmed by his failure as a husband and father, Carter misses Riley, but feels guilty for disappearing after Riley’s coming out. After Riley extends an olive branch, the former friends agree to repair their relationship. Slowly, Carter pieces together a new life, admits his attraction to men and confesses his feelings for Riley.
Leery of Carter’s initial rejection, Riley turns his focus to a new man, Will Martin.
Disappointed, Carter fosters new friendships with men like Jesse Murtagh and Kyle McKee, while also navigating new waters with his ex-wife, Kate, as their children learn their parents are dating other people.
As they rebuild their friendship, both Carter and Riley draw strength from each other, hoping the choices they’ve made are for the best.
Brigham and I will be putting out some teasers as we get closer to the release dates, so stay tuned ;)
Look me up on the Pride website!
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May 30, 2017
Tidal #1, Wake, is available in general release!
Hello, all –
I can hardly believe it but Wake is out in general release–grab a copy at Amazon!
Wake’s sequel, Calm, will be out in August, by the way–not long now!
I’m sharing another teaser on this fine Tuesday:
“’m I doin’ the right thing?” Carter slurred, while Riley lowered him onto the bed. Riley froze with Carter’s arm locked around his neck and their faces inches apart. God, how many times have we been in this position? Riley wondered. He reached up, unwound his friend’s arm and sat back, but left his hand pressed against the front of Carter’s shirt for a moment, enjoying the heat of his body underneath.
“What do you mean?” he asked hoarsely.
He started to pull away, but Carter reached up and covered Riley’s hand with his own, his long fingers holding it in place.
“Mar-marrying Kate,” Carter said thickly, hazel eyes dazed and glassy. They appeared especially dark right then, more brown than their usual greenish hue. Riley breathed shallowly, the words heavy on his tongue. He wanted so badly to tell him no, make him doubt what he was doing. The sight of Carter sprawled on his bed and the feel of their clasped hands made a spot in Riley’s chest ache. All night he’d been fighting his feelings for Carter, struggling to be happy for his friend, trying not to let anyone see his secret.
Here in private, Carter was giving him the chance to speak up. Perhaps Carter was ambivalent on some level about marrying Kate. He knew Carter loved her, but maybe some part of him was as conflicted as Riley. Riley could feel the words on his tongue and knew his friend well enough to suspect that if Riley told him he shouldn’t marry Kate, he wouldn’t go through with it the following day. But wasn’t that delaying the inevitable? Because Carter would marry. Eventually he’d give in to the pressure of his family’s expectations and marry someone.
Why not Kate? His toast to the couple at the rehearsal dinner earlier had been true. There was no woman in the world better for Carter than Kate. As much as Riley wanted to return to the times when they’d been in college—when they’d been friends who lived together and shared a woman between them—they could never go back. The vague, nebulous want inside Riley never seemed to coalesce into something concrete. He wanted Carter, but what did that mean? And what did he have to offer him?
Riley stared at his friend, watching Carter’s unfocused, almost hopeful gaze. Riley felt the beat of Carter’s heart through the soft, polished cotton shirt under his palm and he ached, wanting to tell his friend to call off the wedding.
But the answer to his earlier question was nothing. Riley had nothing to offer Carter. He couldn’t give him the life and family he wanted, couldn’t give Carter the chance to make his family proud. Hell, Riley didn’t even know what he wanted or if he could ever give Carter what he deserved. With his fucked-up family, maybe he wasn’t even capable of caring about Carter like Kate would.
Carter would be happier married to Kate and Riley knew it was the right choice for his friend. For both of them. With Carter married, Riley could make his parents happy by finally settling down with a woman. He could stop wasting his life wishing for something that would never happen.
“Yeah, buddy, it’s the right thing,” he lied, feeling the weight of the words close over him, like the thud of a door slamming shut. He could never take them back.
I can hardly believe it but Wake is out in general release–grab a copy at Amazon!
Wake’s sequel, Calm, will be out in August, by the way–not long now!
I’m sharing another teaser on this fine Tuesday:
“’m I doin’ the right thing?” Carter slurred, while Riley lowered him onto the bed. Riley froze with Carter’s arm locked around his neck and their faces inches apart. God, how many times have we been in this position? Riley wondered. He reached up, unwound his friend’s arm and sat back, but left his hand pressed against the front of Carter’s shirt for a moment, enjoying the heat of his body underneath.
“What do you mean?” he asked hoarsely.
He started to pull away, but Carter reached up and covered Riley’s hand with his own, his long fingers holding it in place.
“Mar-marrying Kate,” Carter said thickly, hazel eyes dazed and glassy. They appeared especially dark right then, more brown than their usual greenish hue. Riley breathed shallowly, the words heavy on his tongue. He wanted so badly to tell him no, make him doubt what he was doing. The sight of Carter sprawled on his bed and the feel of their clasped hands made a spot in Riley’s chest ache. All night he’d been fighting his feelings for Carter, struggling to be happy for his friend, trying not to let anyone see his secret.
Here in private, Carter was giving him the chance to speak up. Perhaps Carter was ambivalent on some level about marrying Kate. He knew Carter loved her, but maybe some part of him was as conflicted as Riley. Riley could feel the words on his tongue and knew his friend well enough to suspect that if Riley told him he shouldn’t marry Kate, he wouldn’t go through with it the following day. But wasn’t that delaying the inevitable? Because Carter would marry. Eventually he’d give in to the pressure of his family’s expectations and marry someone.
Why not Kate? His toast to the couple at the rehearsal dinner earlier had been true. There was no woman in the world better for Carter than Kate. As much as Riley wanted to return to the times when they’d been in college—when they’d been friends who lived together and shared a woman between them—they could never go back. The vague, nebulous want inside Riley never seemed to coalesce into something concrete. He wanted Carter, but what did that mean? And what did he have to offer him?
Riley stared at his friend, watching Carter’s unfocused, almost hopeful gaze. Riley felt the beat of Carter’s heart through the soft, polished cotton shirt under his palm and he ached, wanting to tell his friend to call off the wedding.
But the answer to his earlier question was nothing. Riley had nothing to offer Carter. He couldn’t give him the life and family he wanted, couldn’t give Carter the chance to make his family proud. Hell, Riley didn’t even know what he wanted or if he could ever give Carter what he deserved. With his fucked-up family, maybe he wasn’t even capable of caring about Carter like Kate would.
Carter would be happier married to Kate and Riley knew it was the right choice for his friend. For both of them. With Carter married, Riley could make his parents happy by finally settling down with a woman. He could stop wasting his life wishing for something that would never happen.
“Yeah, buddy, it’s the right thing,” he lied, feeling the weight of the words close over him, like the thud of a door slamming shut. He could never take them back.
May 2, 2017
Wake is available for early download at Pride Publishing -- woohoo!
I’m excited, in case you couldn’t tell. :D
Wake is book one in the Tidal series
Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright room together as Harvard undergraduates. An immediate friendship forms, but as the years pass it deepens into something neither man understands. As attraction simmers under the surface, lines begin to blur. When they move back to Manhattan, they gradually slip into the lives their families have envisioned for them.
Both men marry, but in time, Riley realizes he’s ended up in a passionless relationship like his parents’ while his career takes center stage. Although he loves his wife, Carter misses the emotional and physical connection he shared with Riley.
The weight of Riley’s feelings and his growing discontentment with his life eventually push him to tell Carter the truth about how he feels. Shocked and unable to face his own feelings, Carter rejects Riley.
As each man comes to terms with the lies they’ve told themselves, each other and the people around them, they find their lives changing in ways they never imagined. They soon discover that the truths they’ve been longing to tell shake the foundations of their friendship.
Pride Publishing (Early Download) | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Calm, the sequel to Wake, will be available to pre-order in August 2017
Please enjoy this teaser under the cut:
Carter sighed. “What about the lecture?”
“We can get the notes from someone else.” Riley grabbed Carter’s bag and waved at him to stand. “Get your ass up, Carter,” he muttered. “I’m not in the mood to carry you. You’re all tall and gangly and I’m not awake enough to deal with it.”
A couple of hours later, Riley’s bossy attitude had ceased to bother Carter. He was floating on a haze of muscle relaxant and sitting on the edge of his bed while his friend clattered around the bathroom.
“How do you feel?” Riley asked when he emerged, holding towels and a bottle of what appeared to be hand lotion.
“I don’t feel much,” Carter replied, smiling slowly while Riley scoffed. “No, really, I don’t feel anything. I’m kind of… I don’t know, wobbly.”
“Wobbly, huh?” Riley shook his head and grinned. “You’re so stoned, dude.” Putting everything down on the bed, Riley helped Carter take off his jacket, then knelt to pull off his sneakers.
Carter closed his eyes and the world spun slightly. “Oh. Yep.” He hummed and opened one eye to peer at his friend after a touch on the buttons of his shirt. “What’s going on?”
“The doc said some light massage would help with the muscle spasms,” Riley told him. He unbuttoned Carter’s shirt, then waited for him to lift his arms so he could ease it off Carter’s shoulders. “I can do that for you.”
Carter said nothing and let Riley help him out of his sweatpants. His drug-fuzzed brain was still processing the words ‘massage’ and ‘do that for you’ as Riley covered the mattress with a towel.
“Lie down, Car.”
Easing himself clumsily onto the bed, Carter lay with his head pillowed on his forearms. Two big, slick hands began moving over his neck and upper back, flooding his body with warmth, rubbing soothing circles into his skin, turning his already loosened muscles to mush.
“Jesus.” His voice was a low rumble in his chest and he struggled to open his eyes.
“Hold still, Car—I won’t hurt you, I promise.”
“I know,” Carter murmured. He lay boneless while Riley set his muscles ablaze. His body responded and he groaned, his cock growing hard.
Those capable hands moved steadily lower over Carter’s muscles, soothing knots that he hadn’t known were there. He grunted when Riley’s palms slid underneath the waistband of his boxer briefs. Talented fingers trailed fire across the base of his spine, making him shiver, and he sighed as lips pressed gently over his shoulders and neck. He’d nearly fallen asleep when a weight settled beside him at last, slipping one arm around his waist.
Wake is book one in the Tidal series
Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright room together as Harvard undergraduates. An immediate friendship forms, but as the years pass it deepens into something neither man understands. As attraction simmers under the surface, lines begin to blur. When they move back to Manhattan, they gradually slip into the lives their families have envisioned for them.
Both men marry, but in time, Riley realizes he’s ended up in a passionless relationship like his parents’ while his career takes center stage. Although he loves his wife, Carter misses the emotional and physical connection he shared with Riley.
The weight of Riley’s feelings and his growing discontentment with his life eventually push him to tell Carter the truth about how he feels. Shocked and unable to face his own feelings, Carter rejects Riley.
As each man comes to terms with the lies they’ve told themselves, each other and the people around them, they find their lives changing in ways they never imagined. They soon discover that the truths they’ve been longing to tell shake the foundations of their friendship.
Pride Publishing (Early Download) | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Calm, the sequel to Wake, will be available to pre-order in August 2017
Please enjoy this teaser under the cut:
Carter sighed. “What about the lecture?”
“We can get the notes from someone else.” Riley grabbed Carter’s bag and waved at him to stand. “Get your ass up, Carter,” he muttered. “I’m not in the mood to carry you. You’re all tall and gangly and I’m not awake enough to deal with it.”
A couple of hours later, Riley’s bossy attitude had ceased to bother Carter. He was floating on a haze of muscle relaxant and sitting on the edge of his bed while his friend clattered around the bathroom.
“How do you feel?” Riley asked when he emerged, holding towels and a bottle of what appeared to be hand lotion.
“I don’t feel much,” Carter replied, smiling slowly while Riley scoffed. “No, really, I don’t feel anything. I’m kind of… I don’t know, wobbly.”
“Wobbly, huh?” Riley shook his head and grinned. “You’re so stoned, dude.” Putting everything down on the bed, Riley helped Carter take off his jacket, then knelt to pull off his sneakers.
Carter closed his eyes and the world spun slightly. “Oh. Yep.” He hummed and opened one eye to peer at his friend after a touch on the buttons of his shirt. “What’s going on?”
“The doc said some light massage would help with the muscle spasms,” Riley told him. He unbuttoned Carter’s shirt, then waited for him to lift his arms so he could ease it off Carter’s shoulders. “I can do that for you.”
Carter said nothing and let Riley help him out of his sweatpants. His drug-fuzzed brain was still processing the words ‘massage’ and ‘do that for you’ as Riley covered the mattress with a towel.
“Lie down, Car.”
Easing himself clumsily onto the bed, Carter lay with his head pillowed on his forearms. Two big, slick hands began moving over his neck and upper back, flooding his body with warmth, rubbing soothing circles into his skin, turning his already loosened muscles to mush.
“Jesus.” His voice was a low rumble in his chest and he struggled to open his eyes.
“Hold still, Car—I won’t hurt you, I promise.”
“I know,” Carter murmured. He lay boneless while Riley set his muscles ablaze. His body responded and he groaned, his cock growing hard.
Those capable hands moved steadily lower over Carter’s muscles, soothing knots that he hadn’t known were there. He grunted when Riley’s palms slid underneath the waistband of his boxer briefs. Talented fingers trailed fire across the base of his spine, making him shiver, and he sighed as lips pressed gently over his shoulders and neck. He’d nearly fallen asleep when a weight settled beside him at last, slipping one arm around his waist.
April 18, 2017
Wake is available to pre-order
Hello, all – Wake is available to pre-order at https://www.pride-publishing.com/book... – yay!
Brigham Vaughn and I excited to share the following teaser with you:
Riley gave the driver of the cab that they eventually found the address—296 West 10th Street in the West Village—and settled in his seat with a sigh. Neither man spoke much, although Riley was aware of the heat of Carter’s thigh against his own, through the layers of their tux pants. Carter’s knee seemed to rub against his every so often. Carter’s height and long legs made him sprawl when he sat, but somehow Riley suspected the touch wasn’t accidental. Or maybe he simply hoped so.
By the time the performance was over, Riley’s chest was tight, his pulse raced and he felt flushed and jittery. He wondered if he was having an anxiety attack. He’d paid no more attention to the final act of the opera than he had the first two, although this time he’d rarely glanced at Carter.
He’d been too busy trying to muster up the courage to say the words he needed to say to his friend. Riley helped his wife into her coat, trying to think of what to tell her about why he wasn’t going home with her.
Once they were outside in the crisp November air, Riley found their car, waving away the driver’s help when he moved to open the doors for them. Riley snagged Alex’s elbow before she could climb in. “Carter and I are going out for a drink. I’ll probably be a few hours.”
Alex huffed and pursed her lips. “Fine. I’ll call the girls to see what they want to do. Maybe they’ll be more fun than my husband.”
“I’m sorry, Alex,” he said softly. He was sorry he wasn’t in love with her, sorry he couldn’t be who she wanted him to be. He was sorry he was abandoning her to run off to his secret apartment to spill his heart out to the man he had feelings for. Jesus, my life is way too fucking complicated, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I mean it.” He stared down at Alex for a long moment before drawing her close to him. “I’m sorry our relationship isn’t better.”
“I’m used to it by now,” she replied archly and pulled away.
With a sigh, he let go of her, knowing no apologies would excuse the way he’d disrupt her life when he came out.
He watched her drive away, then turned to find Carter. It didn’t take him long. Carter stood beside the fountain outside the Met, silhouetted against the brightly lit water. Though Carter’s face was shadowed, Riley would know his body anywhere. The broadness of his shoulders, the length of his legs—Riley imagined touching every inch of him.
Slowly he made his way toward Carter, their gazes locking as Riley drew near. “Ready to head out?”
Carter nodded. “Yeah, Kate’s on her way home.”
Brigham Vaughn and I excited to share the following teaser with you:
Riley gave the driver of the cab that they eventually found the address—296 West 10th Street in the West Village—and settled in his seat with a sigh. Neither man spoke much, although Riley was aware of the heat of Carter’s thigh against his own, through the layers of their tux pants. Carter’s knee seemed to rub against his every so often. Carter’s height and long legs made him sprawl when he sat, but somehow Riley suspected the touch wasn’t accidental. Or maybe he simply hoped so.
By the time the performance was over, Riley’s chest was tight, his pulse raced and he felt flushed and jittery. He wondered if he was having an anxiety attack. He’d paid no more attention to the final act of the opera than he had the first two, although this time he’d rarely glanced at Carter.
He’d been too busy trying to muster up the courage to say the words he needed to say to his friend. Riley helped his wife into her coat, trying to think of what to tell her about why he wasn’t going home with her.
Once they were outside in the crisp November air, Riley found their car, waving away the driver’s help when he moved to open the doors for them. Riley snagged Alex’s elbow before she could climb in. “Carter and I are going out for a drink. I’ll probably be a few hours.”
Alex huffed and pursed her lips. “Fine. I’ll call the girls to see what they want to do. Maybe they’ll be more fun than my husband.”
“I’m sorry, Alex,” he said softly. He was sorry he wasn’t in love with her, sorry he couldn’t be who she wanted him to be. He was sorry he was abandoning her to run off to his secret apartment to spill his heart out to the man he had feelings for. Jesus, my life is way too fucking complicated, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck.
“I mean it.” He stared down at Alex for a long moment before drawing her close to him. “I’m sorry our relationship isn’t better.”
“I’m used to it by now,” she replied archly and pulled away.
With a sigh, he let go of her, knowing no apologies would excuse the way he’d disrupt her life when he came out.
He watched her drive away, then turned to find Carter. It didn’t take him long. Carter stood beside the fountain outside the Met, silhouetted against the brightly lit water. Though Carter’s face was shadowed, Riley would know his body anywhere. The broadness of his shoulders, the length of his legs—Riley imagined touching every inch of him.
Slowly he made his way toward Carter, their gazes locking as Riley drew near. “Ready to head out?”
Carter nodded. “Yeah, Kate’s on her way home.”
