Naughty Netherworld Press's Blog: Naughty Netherworld Press on Goodreads, page 42
December 5, 2024
Untethered Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Growing Up Girl, Book I
Fiction
Date Published: September 10, 2024
In Growing Up Girl: Book One, a young Bernadette Aller floats through her life - job to job, lover to lover, place to place. She is an untethered spirit trying to find her way in a world that's not been too kind.
Now, as she barrels toward her seventies, she wants to tell her story, not because it's hers alone, but because it's a surprisingly common story. It's a story much of which happens behind doors that display the word unspeakable. Bernadette hires Scully Trippe to ghost write, translating Bernadette's personal experience into the third person, in what might (or might not) be a misguided attempt to extend the story's reach.
The time frame is malleable, with the storytelling moving back and forth through several stages of Bernadette's life.
In this first book of the Growing Up Girl trilogy, BernadetteWorld is populated with Patience, her housekeeper; Maddie, a former lover and now a ghost; and Lucinda, a time traveler who drops in and out.
It's a quirky group.
Cover artist is Matt Smith. The image of the five-year-old on the cover is Matt's mother whom he never met. In his own words, "Although I have no memory of her, I treasure the stories of Lynn's strength, stubbornness, and ferocious loyalty. My hope is to bring her from the muted mysterious shadows into the light with love."
About the Author
Caroline Fairless is a writer and a ceramic sculptor. She is a retreat facilitator with a focus on the interdependence and connectedness of every being, visible or not. She served several congregations as an ordained pastor for twenty-five years, publishing several books during that time. Now in her retirement, Caroline is writing fiction and learning new art forms.
Over the past twenty years, Caroline and her partner Jim have been fortunate to stitch back together three land parcels that once were one. One of them borders on one of New Hampshire’s many small ponds. The other two border a marsh that hosts otters, beaver, herons, turtles, geese, ducks, and an occasional loon passing through.
In the New Hampshire summers, Caroline gardens and walks the dogs she and Jim have rescued. New Hampshire winters will find her at her computer, still walking dogs, and camping in front of the wood stove.
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It Takes A Village To Raise A Reader Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
A Vital and Essential Resource to Unlock a Student's Success
Education / Nonfiction
Date Published: July 1, 2024
Publisher: Lighthouse Manuscripts, LLC
Discover the ultimate resource that every educator, teacher, parent, and child mentor should possess to promote a student's success. Based on her research and dissertation work "Reading Fadeout", the experienced and respected Dr. Jacquelyn Bobien-Blanton authors this transformational and in-depth research study that formulates a strong case and need for a child's reading proficiency; and how their learning infrastructure and living ecosystem can hinder or promote it. Based on her foundational research, Dr. Bobien-Blanton shows you why and how children must be capable and competent readers by third grade.
Unlike other individual research theory books, this collective and holistic analysis is exactly what is needed to modify reading instruction and positively change the educational trajectory and future of our children. Don't miss out on this vital and essential guide to shape young minds.
About the Author
Our LHM Author: Dr. Jacquelyn Bobien-Blanton is a distinguished educator with nearly three decades of educational experience. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Early Learning for Orange Township Public Schools, and holds a doctorate degree from Walden University, as well as a master's degree from Montclair State University and an undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University. Certified in Preschool-Third Grade, Elementary Education, Supervision, and Principalship, Dr. Blanton oversees early-learning education, professional development, curriculum programming, budgeting, and coordinates governmental mandates. Recognized as an Exemplary Elementary Educator, she contributed to early childhood education protocols and revised teaching standards for the New Jersey Department of Education; and was also recognized by the Senate and General Assembly for dedication to scholastic achievement. Actively engaged in professional organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Dr. Blanton is committed to educational advancement. Among many other efforts, her dedication extends to community service, having assisted in creating the Shiloh Rainbow Academy in Newark, NJ. Beyond her professional achievements, "Jackie", a devoted wife and mother, values family closeness and believes in the transformative power of education for a fulfilling life.
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Humbug Audiobook Review #GayBookPromotions
AUDIO and BOOK BLAST
Book Title: Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts
Author: Sarah Whelan
Publisher: Mascot Books
Narrator: Charles Robert Fox
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Pairing: MM
Tense/POV: First person, past tense
Genres: Historical
Tropes: Forbidden love
Themes: Prequel to classic story, redemption, recovery from loss
Heat Rating: 2 flames
Length: 344 pages
Audiobook Length: 9 hours and 29 minutes
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
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In this retelling of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge recounts the defining moments of his life, revealing his love affair with business partner Jacob Marley, the reasons why he hates Christmas so much, and what turned him into the scowling, penny-pinching old man we think we know so well.
Blurb
A Christmas Carol shows us one terrible day in Ebenezer Scrooge’s life, but have you ever wondered what came before his fateful encounter with the ghosts of Christmas time? What happened to turn him into the scowling, penny-pinching old man we think we know so well?
There is so much more to this character—possibly more than Charles Dickens himself could ever have imagined.
Scrooge has compelling reasons for hating Christmas, for rejecting his fiancée and his precious nephew, and for employing Tiny Tim’s father, despite his obvious incompetence. He is a doting uncle, beloved brother, successful businessman, and passionate lover, but a dark secret puts both him and his loved ones at risk. Scrooge struggles to embrace his true self and live in defiance of the Victorian era’s repressive moral standards. Soul-crushing losses and his own destructive choices shape his fate into a twisted path of sorrow, frustration, and uncertainty—but also happiness, fulfillment, and love.
Scrooge’s own words sum it up best: “How delightfully queer life is.”
Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE
MERCY
1850
The phantom looms over my deathbed, his skeletal form shrouded in the same hooded cloak as the first time he appeared to me, on Christmas Eve some seven years ago. He is silent, as before, but his mission is a different one. Instead of the redemption he and his fellow spec- ters offered on their previous visit, he has come to collect and deliver me to the spirit world.
“Do not take me yet, Phantom.” My voice is as shaky as my resolve.
A tear trickles down my cheek, but I lack the strength to wipe it away. It lingers there, stalled halfway through its journey, just as I remain teetering at the edge of a desolate chasm between life and death.
It is not the fear of dying that keeps me here, for I know what awaits me in the afterlife. I redeemed myself after Jacob Marley and his ghosts left me with a soul churning in regret. I embraced my penchant for com- passion, loved and was loved in return, and undid some of the damage I had inflicted on the souls of others, as well as my own. It took the better part of my life to amass the courage needed to reject the moral constraints society imposed and overcome the obstacles I had embedded in my own path. True happiness came only when I gave myself completely to the person I loved most.
I earned my rightful place in eternity, and my heavenly sanctuary awaits just beyond the mortal realm. But I choose to endure, despite the agony, as spasms tear through my body and I shiver with cold, though the blankets weigh heavily upon me. I offer this suffering willingly in ex- change for the opportunity to revel in the memories of my seven decades on this blessed earth.
In my final moments, I wish to honor those who walked beside me through a lifetime comprised, in turns, of misery and happiness, selfish- ness and altruism, isolation and kinship, bitterness and love.
On my knees, hands clasped against my chest and head bowed to the towering shadow figure, I beg, “Grant me time enough to remember. Then I will surrender my soul. I will offer no resistance. Will you have mercy on your old friend Scrooge?”
A single nod is the phantom’s response.
Grateful for his gift of a temporary reprieve, I grip his bony hand.
“Lead on, generous spirit. Let us journey to the past.”
Free use image from Open Clipart Vectors
Ornery Owl's Review
Five out of Five Stars
I enjoyed listening to this audiobook while making my long drive from the small rural town where I live into the city to pick up the Thanksgiving turkey.
The narrator does an excellent job. The story has an authentic feel, as though it could have been written at the time in which it was set. It avoids straying into modern vernacular.
The author plausibly explains Scrooge's descent into bitterness during his later years. The listener can't help but feel sympathy for a man at the end of a long and troubled life. Although he has received the gift of redemption, there are still things he needs the world to know before he passes into the next world.
I enjoyed my journey into Ebenezer Scrooge's history. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started listening, but I was pleased with what I discovered.
About the Author
Unlike Scrooge, SARAH WHELAN loves Christmas: the decorations, the music, the traditions—everything. She is excited to make her own contribution to the holiday with a new twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Sarah is a full-time professional writer, and her nonfiction has appeared in a variety of magazines. Her first novel, The Struggle Within, was published in 2018. She lives in Connecticut and loves spending time in her favorite city of Boston.
Social Media Links
Audible Profile | Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram
About the Narrator
Charles Robert Fox is an experienced professional narrator, performer and general storytelling wizard. He has over 100 titles listed on Audible. Location: England, United Kingdom.
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Aviation Girls Release Blitz #rabtbooktours
YA Adventure
Date Published: 12-05-2024
Publisher: Empire Studies Press
Fly along with Ruby, Sarra, Isoke and other young heroines as they take to the skies to save their families.
Nine scenarios, nine heroines, nine lessons in flight.
Gia travels from Manhattan's Lower East Side to the Aleutian Islands to capture one of the most mysterious warplanes of all time - the Mitsubishi A6M Zero.
Young Yi-Tai Jo falls in love with the homely, misunderstood X-1 rocket jet. Heartbroken at X's failure to break the speed of sound, she may have a solution.
One morning, bratty Anke has a bitter spat with her sister, Romy. Yet when Romy is kidnapped, Anke is the one who can save her - using an old war-kite to glide to the villain's tower. Can she navigate gliding through the Black Forest and save Romy?
Ship-salvager's daughter Sarra defies a garrison to save Father from Rome's wrath. Can her home-made balloon win the day?
"Tom's delightful stories in The Aviation Girls span ancient ideas about flight through the Golden Age of aviation to the Age of Rocketry."
-- Anne Millbrooke, author of the award-winning “Aviation History
About the Author
Tom Durwood is a teacher, writer and editor with an interest in history. Tom most recently taught English Composition and Empire and Literature at Valley Forge Military College, where he won the Teacher of the Year Award five times.
Tom’s historical fiction adventures has been promising. The stories have won nine literary awards to date. “A true pleasure … the richness of the layers of Tom’s novel is compelling,” writes Fatima Sharrafedine in her foreword to “The Illustrated Boatman’s Daughter.” The Midwest Book Review calls that same adventure “uniformly gripping and educational … pairing action and adventure with social issues.” Adds Prairie Review, “A deeply intriguing, ambitious historical fiction series.”
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The Big C2 Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Stories from the Chronic Side of Cancer
Nonfiction / Health / Cancer
Date Published: November 15, 2024
As medical advancements accelerate, more people are living long lives with cancer. The Big C2 delves into how survivors can become thrivers, despite the challenges of a chronic cancer fluctuating between the need for immediate attention and the patience for watchful waiting. Through a collection of essays and interviews, it aims to enlighten the conversation around chronic cancer among patients, their loved ones and healthcare professionals. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone feeling alone or misunderstood while navigating this complex landscape. It offers transformative personal insights, tools and experience-based hope, emphasizing the importance of open, honest conversations to empower and support those affected.
About the Author
Ruth Fein Revell is a health and life science writer with a distinguished 40-year career of published work, including for The New York Times. She has also lived with a rare chronic blood cancer for three decades. Today, she is a patient advocate, hosts global patient webinars, interviews world-renowned cancer specialists, and is the patient representative on a clinical guidelines panel of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). She lives with her husband and curly pup Ruby in a picturesque “city in the country” in Upstate New York.
Contact Links
Instagram: @ruthfeinr
X: @rfeinw
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December 3, 2024
The Landmark Achilles Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
In Search of His Palace, His Family, Homer, the War, and the Bronze Age Mediterranean
Nonfiction
Date Published: October 30, 2024
Publisher: Mindstir Media
The Bronze Age Mediterranean, 3200 1200 BC, was a period of high movement, intrigue, and warfare. In this book, the author, through extensive research with "Boots on the Ground," provides a new, cohesive, and comprehensive view of that age, the evolution of the Greeks into the Mediterranean, the kings and commander with their fortresses and palaces, and capped in the final years with Homer's war, "The Greatest War Story Ever Told." He describes not only how the Greek hero Achilles and events of that war leave a lasting legacy but also weaves in five generations of the family of Achilles, the truth about Homer and his war, and solves the mystery of the palace site of Achilles and his father Peleus. Excavations of Troy from 1871 to the present are revealed as are the discovered clay tablets of the Hittites identifying numerous wars at Troy and along the Aegean Sea in western Anatolia. The ultimate collapse of the Bronze Age and its kingdoms brings this author's epic saga to its final conclusion, the devastation of that end period harboring ominous signs for our own world today.
Early Reviews
A general reader, Jason Breyer, Palm Harbor, FL, working with the UPS, said of the book, "I couldn't put the book down. I was absorbed in fact versus myth and I had to keep on reading."
A Publishing Director, Danielle Allan, Boston, MA, with Mindstir Media, stated, "Your manuscript is fascinating. The book captures powerful storytelling while leading the reader through your adventures and combining them with legendary stories."
Another reader, Alexander Lardis, Annapolis, MD, a Senior Scientist (retired) with the U. S. Government, said, "The research is phenomenal, well-documented, and with a wealth of information. It was fascinating. I left feeling I had read a great story."
About the Author
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The Dream of Glory Book Blitz #rabtbooktours
Children's Book
Date Published: September 11, 2024
Discover an unforgettable journey of faith, adventure, and life lessons with The Dream of Glory, a heartwarming Christian story that the whole family will cherish. George, a devoted father, along with his wife, guides their two lively children, Emily and Emmanuel, through the excitement and challenges of life, teaching them about safety and instilling a strong foundation of faith in Jesus.
Set against the backdrop of thrilling adventures and moments of suspense, this story introduces readers to the family's courageous encounters with danger-including fierce wolves-and the power of unity and faith that sees them through. As George shares essential lessons about being aware of their surroundings, young readers will not only be entertained but also educated on important safety principles.
Written by J.J. Luna, a nurse and loving father from Yucaipa, California, The Dream of Glory is his first published book, inspired by personal challenges and his passion for guiding children through both excitement and learning. Perfect for children aged 3 to 12, this book is crafted to captivate young minds, enrich their faith in Jesus, and teach them invaluable lessons about awareness and resilience.
Give your child an inspiring tale filled with family values, the teachings of Jesus, and adventures that will keep them turning the pages. The Dream of Glory is a perfect addition to any Christian family's library.
About the Author
J.J. Luna is an author, devoted father, and seasoned healthcare professional living in the picturesque town of Yucaipa, California. With over 12 years of experience as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), J.J. has dedicated his life to caring for others and spreading joy through laughter and compassion. Beyond his career, he is actively involved in his community, coaching his son’s coed U10 soccer team and fostering a spirit of teamwork and fun.
Driven by his passion for family, faith, and storytelling, J.J. Luna embarked on his first literary journey with The Dream of Glory, a Christian children’s book that intertwines adventure, life lessons, and spiritual teachings. Inspired by personal challenges and a deep desire to guide young readers, J.J. created this tale to encourage safety awareness and strengthen children’s faith in Jesus.
When he’s not writing or working, J.J. enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and making meaningful connections with those around him.
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Best Man Pre-Order Blitz #rabtbooktours
Gay Romance Novella
Date Published: December 6, 2024
Taking chances is what Alexander lives for – especially when it comes to love.
Alexander’s a man of uncommonly happy disposition. His luck always holds true, and he takes chances with cheerful abandon. When he sees a Christmas Eve wedding running amok and a hot best man in need of help before Bridezilla goes boom, it’s second nature for him to step in and lend a hand -- especially with regard to the delectable best man, Noah. He’ll offer that one anything he needs -- a hand, a mouth, an… ahem.
And why not? The way Alexander sees it, he’s having fun and earning good karma -- and he might just already be falling in love.
Excerpt
Copyright ©2024 Will Okati
If a man acted as if he belonged in any given place, people usually didn’t ask questions. Alexander took the steps at an easygoing pace and casually strolled to the lovely man’s side. “Need a hand?”
“I could use three, to be honest.” Pretty eased a double stack of linen napery on a bare table and stretched his arms, pulling each at the wrists to release the cramped muscles. Alexander could massage those for him, but… later. “Do I know you?”
Beauty and brains. “Not in the least,” Alexander replied, twinkling at him. “I was passing by and thought I’d see if Good Samaritans were still in style.”
Pretty rubbed his arms as he gave Alexander a once-over of bemusement and perhaps a bit of appreciation. “At least you’re honest. If you promise not to take off with a box of table favors or hit on one of the bridesmaids, then be my guest. I’m serious about the bridesmaids. I love my sister -- the bride -- but if one more thing sends her off the deep end --”
Alexander laughed. “Don’t worry. About the bride or the bridesmaids.” He winked. “They aren’t what caught my eye.”
“Is that a fact?” Pretty’s cheeks turning faintly pink, and the appearance of a small smile gave him away. “That makes two of us.”
“You’re honest, too. And beautiful.”
The pink darkened to crimson. “And you’re a flatterer.” That would have been worrisome if he hadn’t grinned at him and pushed one-half of the napery Alexander’s way. “If you’re sure you want to get involved in the madness… then you can be my guest.”
“You can trust me,” Alexander said, ripe with confidence. “Watch.” He took the top cloth off the stack and gave it a good snap, meant to send a long cloth billowing out.
It would have been more impressive if said cloth hadn’t turned out to be a dinner napkin.
Pretty burst into laughter. “I have to keep you now. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I turned you out to wreak havoc on general society.” His cheeks remained pink and his blue eyes lambent. He offered his hand. “Noah McMasters. Call me Noah.”
Alexander took Noah’s hand. A very nice hand it was, too, slim and smooth but firm. “Alexander.”
A hint of dimples enriched Noah’s smile. “Just Alexander?”
“I have a surname, but I’ll make you work for that one.” Alexander winked at Noah -- the name fit him as well as a tailored glove, small and lovely -- and draped the napkin over his arm. He clicked his heels together and bowed from the waist. “Right now, I await your command. Tell me what you want from me and I’m yours.”
Noah ran him over with an assessing gaze, and no, “ran him over” wasn’t hyperbole. Technically, yes, but the sense of his taking Alexander’s measure left Alexander feeling as if he’d been subjected to the tender mercies of a steamroller with amorous intentions.
Amorous, though, that was good. And clever. That was better.
“What would you have done if I’d told you that I didn’t need help?”
Alexander gave that the consideration it was due; precisely half a second. “I’d have tried my luck down a different road that led to the same place, because if all this has to get laid out before the wedding, which I’m guesstimating is less than an hour or two away --” he waited for Noah’s nod --”you need the help. So why not? And if you want me to hit the road instead, all you have to do is say. I’ll wish you well and be on my way.”
Noah snorted delicately. “I actually believe you, and that makes you different from at least seventy-five percent of the guys I’ve known.”
“Wait.” Alexander dropped his handful of cutlery with a clatter. “How many of those guys --?”
“One ‘no really means yes, doesn’t it?’ was all it took,” Noah said. “I push the rest out at arm’s length as soon as I know what I’m dealing with. I’m pretty and I’m small, but I learn quickly, I’m sneaky and I’m fast and I don’t fight by the Marquis of Queensbury rules.” He laughed. “Look at you. I can tell what’s going through your head right now, you know. Where do I find them and how do I hurt them?”
“If you’d ever let me finish a sentence, I might confirm that.”
“I find preempting the obvious saves time and I take it as a personal challenge.”
Noah hefted the crate that looked far too heavy for him onto his hip and nodded toward the tables. “I’ll say leave the linens alone, but if you’re determined to lend a hand, then get lending. Follow behind me and lay out the candles and other claptrap. Deal?”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
“Sir. I could get used to that. Come on, this way. We’ll start at the end and work our way up. I like to take my time and do it right.”
“No sense in not bringing your A-game if the situation calls for it.”
Noah chuckled. “You’re adorable when you try to flirt.” He separated the napkins from the tablecloths and handed Alexander half. “Are you coming?”
Yes, and probably very soon.
About the Author
Willa Okati (AKA Will) is made of many things: imagination, coffee, stray cat hairs, daydreams, more coffee, kitchen experimentation, a passion for winter weather, a little more coffee, a whole lot of flowering plants and a lifelong love of storytelling. Will's definitely one of the quiet ones you have to watch out for, though he -- not she anymore -- is a lot less quiet these days.
Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress
Insecure Writers Support Group 4 December 2024
Image by nightowl from PixabayDecember 4 question - Do you write cliffhangers at the end of your stories? Are they a turn-off to you as a writer and/or a reader?
Who, me, write cliffhangers?
Guilty as charged!
With the way my brain works, it would be hard not to write cliffhangers.
Are cliffhangers a turnoff to me as a reader?
No. I'm fine with them, although I hope there's another story to follow.
Ornery OwlFree use image from Open Clipart Vectors
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.htmlnaughtynetherworldpress.start.page
Christmas Beau Review #GayBookPromotions
NEW RELEASE
Book Title: Christmas Beau
Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin
Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley Designs
Photography by: Wander Aguiar
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Tense/POV: third person/past tense
Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Single dad, small town, dog dads, crafty guys, Christmas
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 50 500 words / 220 pages
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
Hank Beaufort's life is a mess.
Oh, he looks like he has it all together, but the reality is that he's freshly retired from an unimpressive minor hockey career, and the ink is barely dry on his equally unimpressive second divorce. Now he's the hockey director at the community center in a small town that treats Christmas like Santa Claus is real, and he's not sure his new career is any more impressive than the last. As the new guy in town, he'd be lonely as hell if it weren't for his dogs.
The one spot of brightness?
Scott Jersey, the adorably awkward single dad who brings his son to practice every week.
Hank's not interested in a new relationship so soon after the disaster of the last one, but when doggy play dates lead to real dates, will he be able to set aside his reservations to be someone's Christmas beau after all?
Christmas Falls, Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It's a multi-author M/M romance series.
Excerpt
Hank joined the back of the line for the pet pics, and because his dogs were well-behaved, they sat when he told them to. The man ahead of him was trying to put a headband of felt reindeer antlers onto his Shetland sheepdog, but the dog kept ducking out of the way. It wasn’t until the man stepped into his dog’s space again and grumbled an annoyed “Fallon, will you just hold still for five seconds?” that Hank realized the man was Scott.
Hank’s heart jolted against his ribs.
Teddy, who’d been standing in front of Scott and thus hidden from Hank until Scott moved, spotted Hank and waved a mittened hand. “Hi, Hank.”
Scott whirled, tangling himself up in his dog’s leash. The dog scrambled out of Scott’s way, but in the process of doing so, somehow managed to bump into Scott’s legs.
Scott dropped the reindeer ears. His arms pinwheeled, and his eyes went wide as his body weight went backward. “Whoa!”
Leaping forward, Hank grabbed a fistful of his coat and righted him before he could fall into the couple ahead of him.
“Such a disaster,” Teddy whispered with no small amount of awe, seemingly to himself.
“Are you okay?” Hank asked.
“Talk about a comedy of errors,” Scott said with a laugh, stooping to pick up the reindeer ears. “This definitely isn’t how I imagined you getting your hands on me for the first time.”
Teddy’s jaw dropped.
Hank rolled his lips inward to hide a smile.
Scott went as red as the Santa suit the corgi in line ahead of him was wearing.
“Wow,” Scott said, passing a hand down his face. “And I thought the dog had no game.”
His dog was currently sniffing the butt of Hank’s shy Australian cattle dog. Kinsey looked up at Hank forlornly, his expression a clear why are you letting this happen?
“The dog is Prince Charming by comparison,” Teddy said.
“Hey. Be nice,” Scott chided gently. “Yuri’s up ahead with his mom. Why don’t you go say hi?”
“But I don’t want to miss the next disaster.”
Obviously struggling not to laugh, Scott jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “Beat it.”
“Fine.” Teddy’s sigh was long-suffering, but he picked up the backpack at his feet and went.
Hank had wondered about Scott this morning because he hadn’t been at the fair. Instead his quilts had been looked after by a short older lady with white hair cut into a chin-length bob. Hank had noticed Scott greet her warmly yesterday, so Hank could only assume she was his mother.
His presence here explained his absence at the fair, and he looked adorably rumpled with his hair curling out the bottom of his ball cap and the laces of one of his boots halfway untied.
“Yuri is Teddy’s best friend,” Scott told Hank, even though Hank hadn’t asked. “They’ve been thick as thieves for years.” He shoved the reindeer ears in his pocket. “So? What brings you here?”
Amusement tickling the back of his throat, Hank looked down at his dogs. “Pet pics with Santa?”
“Right.” Scott’s laugh was self-deprecating. “Obviously. Us too."
Free use image from Pixabay
Ornery Owl's Review
Four out of Five Stars
This well-written contemporary m/m Christmas romance is a quick and easy read. It has plenty of angst and family drama, a lot of sweet hopefulness, and a very steamy scene. The four-star rating is subjective rather than objective. Certain content and style choices didn't work for me, but the writing and editing are impeccable. Fans of steamy m/m romance with a few obstacles to overcome but no cheating will love this heartwarming tale about two guys with broken hearts finding a second chance at love.
About the Author
Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.
An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter.
Social Media Links
Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram
Newsletter Sign-up | Facebook Group
Giveaway
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a signed paperback of Christmas Beau
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