Mickie B. Ashling's Blog, page 157

Book Vid

Presenting the book video for Taste which was created by my talented and very generous friend, Marita, aka qafmaniac . I think she's outdone herself this time. Anyone who comments on this post will be thrown into the raffle for the free e-book. Winners will be chosen on April 4.

News!

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What should have been a brief interlude turns into something deeper when Lil Lampert meets Grier Dilorio at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is in town visiting good friends Jody Williams and Clark Stevens, and he didn't plan to hook up with a younger man and discover a mutual love for architecture, interior design, and a unique sexual kink that keeps Lil coming back for more.

By all appearances, Grier is the quintessential bad boy who loves speed, tattoos, and leather, but Lil slowly uncovers another side: selfless, responsible, and tender, especially for Luca, the son he's had to deny. With Lil's love and support, Grier will make a decision key to opening the door to a possible future together, one that includes fatherhood, something Lil has dreamed of but has never dared to explore.


I've been awol for a few weeks working on my galley edits for Taste which is now up on the Coming Soon page at Dreamspinner Press. This spin-off to my first novel Horizons will be available on Monday, April 4 in paperback and e-book format. To celebrate my second year anniversary at DSP I'll be posting excerpts on Sunday, April 3, and anyone who comments will be thrown in the drawing for a signed paperback and bookmark. Second prize winner gets an e-book.

On another note-a lovely review for Tono here:

http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=5512

Book Rec

Gobsmacked by L.B. Gregg

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



No more Mr. Nice Guy.

Mild mannered Mark Meehan's good judgment flies out the window when he finds his lover banging another man. Things go from bad to worse as Mark's crazy revenge scheme uncovers shocking secrets—sending him straight into the arms of hunky lawman and old friend, Tony Gervase, a man of limited patience and secrets of his own.

I was introduced to L.B.Gregg after reading her short in His for the Holidays. I'm now gobbling up her backlist as fast as I can. Her sense of humor is great and her characters are so real I feel like I'm reading stories about my own friends and wacky family members.

Gobsmacked is the first in the Men of Smithfield series and a very enjoyable read. I loved Mark but have a soft spot for Tony who's more my type of guy--tough but oh so gentle. The first scene in the church had me laughing out loud and I knew I held a winner in my hands. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Book Rec

The Salisbury Key by Harper Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Can love repair a shattered life in time to save the world?

Daniel Logan is on a lonely quest to find out what drove his lover, a wealthy, respected archaeologist, to take his own life. The answer—the elusive "key" for which Jason was desperately searching—lies somewhere on a dangerous and deadly section of Salisbury Plain.

The only way to gain access, though, is to allow an army explosives expert to help him navigate the bomb-riddled military zone. A man he met once more than three years ago, who is even more serious and enigmatic than before.

Lieutenant Rayne has better things to do than risk his life protecting a scientist on an apparent suicide mission. Like get back to Iraq and prove he will never again miss another roadside bomb. Yet as he helps Dan uncover the truth, an attraction neither man is in the mood for springs up against their will. And stirs up the nervous attention of powerfully placed people—military and academic alike.

First in conflict, then in passion, Rayne and Dan are drawn together in a relationship as rocky and complicated as the ancient land they search. Where every step leads them closer to a terrible legacy written in death…

Warning: Contains bombs, archaeology and explicit M/M sex, not necessarily in that order.

Another great read by Harper Fox. The Salisbury Key is probably her best work so far. Every range of emotion is explored in this book starting with an achingly sweet anniversary dinner which ends up in an extremely moving and erotic sex scene. The story takes off from there and you bounce between shock, sorrow, and excitement as Ms. Fox takes you on her usual roller coaster ride with unique and compelling characters that grab hold and don't let go. Harper Fox fans will not be disappointed and those who don't know her work should run and buy this book. Highly recommended.

Book Rec

The Trap by Indigo Wren

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



There's no escaping the man at the heart of his memories.

Three years ago, David and his college roommate, Ethan, were on the brink of unimaginable success, ready to revolutionize an industry and reap billions. Then David accidentally revealed the attraction he'd never wanted to feel, and certainly never meant Ethan to see. Mortified, he ran from everything that mattered—the fledgling company he'd helped to build, the bright future he'd worked to secure, and the man he couldn't let himself want.

Now he's built a new life for himself. So what if it's not the one he hoped for? He's learned to look only forward, and not to envy the success Ethan achieved without him. He's even learned to cope with the nightmares. The panic attacks. The failed relationships with women.

When an opportunity arises to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime getaway to a private island resort, David never suspects a trap is about to be sprung. One where he'll be forced to face the truths from which he's been hiding—and the man from whom he's never stopped running.

Warning: This book contains erotic waffles, sexual math, blatant ABBA worship, kidnapping, nude napping, dog-napping, journal hijacking, betrayal, redemption, and red-hot man love so poignant and passionate, you won't know whether to say "awwwwwww" or "oooooohhh!"

The Trap is one of those stories that you can't stop reading once you start. David and Ethan were best friends and potential business partners who were on the brink of success when they parted ways due to a terrible misunderstanding. Through the hands of this very talented writer you get to go along on a journey of self discovery and redemption as these two men attempt to find their way back to each other. The book is filled with wonderful scenes of sharp dialogue, tenderness, humor, and some of the hottest sex scenes I've read in a long time. I loved this book! A definite 5 star read and highly recommended.

Book Rec

Out of My Mind by M.L. Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



For four years Rafferty Jones and Nick Tucker have worked side-by-side as police detectives in their small Maine town. But lately, Rafferty's imagination has been creating fantasies about Nick—more specifically, about Nick and him together—that have shocked Rafferty. Detailed erotic scenarios a thirty-something, set-in-his-ways straight man shouldn't be imagining. He's been struggling to keep them secret, afraid that if Nick discovers the truth it will end their friendship. But with each passing day it's getting harder and harder to pretend Nick is "just" a friend. And harder and harder for Rafferty to come to terms with the possibility he might not be as straight as he's always believed.

Nick's always known he's gay and he's had deep feelings for Rafferty for years. But after a difficult experience at his former police precinct in Boston, he decided when he moved to Maine to keep his sexual orientation under wraps on the job. He wants to be acknowledged at work for what he can do, not who he's doing. And with Rafferty being straight, there's always been a clear-cut line that Nick's known he can't cross with his unsuspecting partner and best friend. And yet...for the past few months it's become difficult to remember that line. He's not sure why, he just knows that for the first time in four years his heart and his body are urging him to go for what he really wants...Rafferty.

When a stormy weekend trip on Rafferty's boat gives birth to an unexpected night of passion, will it be the spark they need to forge a new and deeper relationship? Or will Nick's past and Rafferty's fear drive a wedge between them that will destroy not only their barely-begun love affair, but their partnership and friendship as well?

Another good read by M.L. Rhodes. Best friend/straight guy turns gay after his divorce is an old theme but reads fresh and erotically charged in the hands of this talented writer. She's consistently good and I've never been disappointed with any of her books. I always turn the last page with a satisfied sigh. See for yourselves. Recommended.

Coming Soon

What should have been a brief interlude turns into something deeper when Lil Lampert meets Grier Dilorio at the Taste of Chicago. Lil is in town visiting good friends Jody Williams and Clark Stevens, and he didn't plan to hook up with a younger man and discover a mutual love for architecture, interior design, and a unique sexual kink that keeps Lil coming back for more.

By all appearances, Grier is the quintessential bad boy who loves speed, tattoos, and leather, but Lil slowly uncovers another side: selfless, responsible, and tender, especially for Luca, the son he's had to deny. With Lil's love and support, Grier will make a decision key to opening the door to a possible future together, one that includes fatherhood, something Lil has dreamed of but has never dared to explore.

I'd like to share the cover and blurb for my latest novel which will be releasing in early April. This is a spin-off from my first novel Horizons. Artwork is by the amazing Reese Dante. She's captured my characters perfectly and I couldn't be more pleased. More news as we get closer to the release.

Book Rec

Tricks by Rick R. Reed

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Tricks can mean many things: sex partners, deceptions, even magic. In Rick R. Reed searing love story, it means all three. Arliss is a gorgeous young dancer at Tricks, the hottest club in Chicago's Boystown. Sean is the classic nerd, out of place in Tricks, but nursing his wounds from a recent break-up. When the two spy each other, magic blooms. But this opposites-attract tale does not run smooth. What happens when Arliss is approached by one of the biggest porn producers in the business? Can he make his dreams of stardom come true without throwing away the only real love he's ever known? And will this question even matter if the mysterious producers realize their dark intentions?

This is the first book I've read by this author (I know, I'm sooo late to the party) and I was prepared to be scared out of my wits. I was not. Instead, I was engaged from the first page, and completely invested in the characters by the end of the first chapter. Although Arliss and Sean are poles apart they are looking for the same thing--love, commitment, validation...The author takes us on a journey, exploring the darker side of the porn industry. Be careful what you wish for because it might come true is never more apparent as Arliss holds his dream in one hand even as that same dream almost destroys him. I enjoyed this novel very much and the best part is the fact that Rick R. Reed has a huge back list I can now explore.

Book Rec

A Midwinter Prince by Harper Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Laurie Fitzroy is one of London's privileged young. The son of wealthy baronet Sir William, he has everything – the house in Mayfair, the chauffeur-driven limo, a career mapped out for him in politics once he gets his degree.

If he ever does. Because Laurie is adrift. A brilliant untaught actor, all his talents lie in theatre, and Sir William won't tolerate the idea of a stage career for his son. Laurie is home for Christmas and some serious extra tuition, having failed one exam too many. He's bored, lonely and lost. Then, one freezing London midnight, he stops to talk to a homeless boy called Sasha, and a new world opens up to him. Sasha is a Romanian immigrant, hanging by a thread to his marginal existence on the streets. Despite their wildly different worlds, the two young men form a bond. Laurie offers Sasha shelter, and Sasha, in his turn, shows Laurie a path to adulthood and freedom.

But Sir William is brutal and dangerous, and Sasha's mysterious Romanian past is casting lethal shadows. The battle for freedom seems a hopeless one. Friendship has turned to first love, though – too precious for Sasha and Laurie to let go. Eastern European gangsters and Sir William's wrath are just a couple of the hazards they will have to face in their fight for a future together.

Another memorable read by Harper Fox. Laurie is an extremely engaging character as is the dark and mysterious, Sasha. This story is part fairy tale, part mystery, with a healthy dose of Harper Fox angst. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it without hesitation.

My turn...

A lovely surprise today from Jenre over at Jessewave. A four star review for Tono which released last Friday and is now available in e-book and paperback format. This was the perfect way to warm my day which started out at -6. Much better than hot chocolate and cookies...

Look see...

http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/?p=40991#more-40991