Eden Winters's Blog, page 44
July 16, 2013
Insult to Injury
In case you haven't seen, here is a screen shot of what ripped my heart out this week. The blurb is word for word the same as mine for the first edition of The Telling. This person did not change the book title, blurb, or anything else but author's name.
To add insult to injury, when readers left reviews stating that the book was mine, this rebuttal was posted:
So you see, not only was my work stolen, I was accused of being the thief! This comment has since been deleted, either by one who wrote it or by Amazon, I can't tell which.
My personal philosophy does not allow anger, and to be honest, I feel sorry for this person who lacked faith in himself so badly that he took others' work instead of creating his own. He's in a ton of trouble, and what did he gain from his efforts?
I have several more screenshots, how he used my copyright page and paraphrased my dedication, as he did J.P Barnaby's, taking her Aaron and calling it Shane.
People can be awful at times, but the love and support I've received has shown me that folks can be amazing, too. Thank y'all.
And yes, this book was written about an actual person--me. That's why it was too personal to sell and I gave it away. I poured my soul out in The Telling, and through the writing found my way back from a lost path. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. No one can take that from me.
To add insult to injury, when readers left reviews stating that the book was mine, this rebuttal was posted:
So you see, not only was my work stolen, I was accused of being the thief! This comment has since been deleted, either by one who wrote it or by Amazon, I can't tell which.
My personal philosophy does not allow anger, and to be honest, I feel sorry for this person who lacked faith in himself so badly that he took others' work instead of creating his own. He's in a ton of trouble, and what did he gain from his efforts?
I have several more screenshots, how he used my copyright page and paraphrased my dedication, as he did J.P Barnaby's, taking her Aaron and calling it Shane.
People can be awful at times, but the love and support I've received has shown me that folks can be amazing, too. Thank y'all.
And yes, this book was written about an actual person--me. That's why it was too personal to sell and I gave it away. I poured my soul out in The Telling, and through the writing found my way back from a lost path. It will forever hold a special place in my heart. No one can take that from me.
July 15, 2013
My Heart is Broken
Today friends alerted me to a book called
The Telling
, published at Amazon on June 10, 2013. Here's the blurb:
Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, but now, four years later, he's returning, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Engineering student Jay Ortiz attends college in a place where his heritage and orientation aren't widely accepted. While adjusting to new surroundings he found a soldier's picture. During lonely times he confided in the image of the somber young man, giving his heart away to a stranger. Now that stranger is coming home.
****
Does this sound familiar? It sure did to me. It's the blurb for my first edition of The Telling, a free gift to readers published in 2009. Even the copyright page looks like mine, down to the paraphrased dedication.
I'm not sure why someone would want take my book. To be honest, I'm not a well-known author, and this particular version is loaded with errors. He's offering the story only in paperback, which I've found to not be good sellers, so I'm sure a fortune isn't being made.
Readers left comments on the book, saying I actually wrote it, to which someone who described himself as Mr. Wagner's editor replied that the book had been written in 2005. He proceeded to imply that I'd stolen the book from Mr. Wagner, and claimed to have an attorney handling the matter.
I'm heartsick. This book was a gift of love to readers, and a healing process for me during a difficult time. The 2nd Edition is accidentally earning a small amount of money at Amazon, all ear-marked for charity. Why would someone do this?
From what I understand, he also appropriated J.P. Barnaby's book Aaron, changing the title to Shane, and even appropriated the work of Fern Michaels.
I'd like to thank everyone who rallied around me during this difficult time. I don't know what I'd have done without your support.
Although I deactivated the first edition, here's the link to the second:
At ARe:
At Amazon:
Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, but now, four years later, he's returning, lugging a duffle full of personal demons. Engineering student Jay Ortiz attends college in a place where his heritage and orientation aren't widely accepted. While adjusting to new surroundings he found a soldier's picture. During lonely times he confided in the image of the somber young man, giving his heart away to a stranger. Now that stranger is coming home.
****
Does this sound familiar? It sure did to me. It's the blurb for my first edition of The Telling, a free gift to readers published in 2009. Even the copyright page looks like mine, down to the paraphrased dedication.
I'm not sure why someone would want take my book. To be honest, I'm not a well-known author, and this particular version is loaded with errors. He's offering the story only in paperback, which I've found to not be good sellers, so I'm sure a fortune isn't being made.
Readers left comments on the book, saying I actually wrote it, to which someone who described himself as Mr. Wagner's editor replied that the book had been written in 2005. He proceeded to imply that I'd stolen the book from Mr. Wagner, and claimed to have an attorney handling the matter.
I'm heartsick. This book was a gift of love to readers, and a healing process for me during a difficult time. The 2nd Edition is accidentally earning a small amount of money at Amazon, all ear-marked for charity. Why would someone do this?
From what I understand, he also appropriated J.P. Barnaby's book Aaron, changing the title to Shane, and even appropriated the work of Fern Michaels.
I'd like to thank everyone who rallied around me during this difficult time. I don't know what I'd have done without your support.
Although I deactivated the first edition, here's the link to the second:
At ARe:
At Amazon:
July 12, 2013
How Eden Winters Accidentally Sold a Free Book, and What She Plans to Do About It
Yes, folks, I accidentally sold a free book. Sigh. How could such a thing happen, you ask? Well... as you might guess--it's complicated.
Four years ago I wrote my very first novel, a story of a wounded soldier returning home to deal with PTSD, hearing loss, the death of a good friend (and the resulting guilt) and the dawning realization that he is gay. I poured a lot of myself into that book and, considering it too personal to sell, I gave it away. The novel is The Telling, available in ebook form for free at All Romance eBooks.
How does that equal selling a free book? There's more to the story.
Not only is the book offered at ARe, but ReviewsbyJessewave allowed me to post it there, it's on Nifty Archive, on the GLBT Bookshelf, and at CRVBoy. An amazing thing happened shortly thereafter. I received emails, lots and lots of emails from readers, some who were military or former military personnel and identified with the main character's struggles. I made friends, and I don't simply mean a name on a Facebook or Twitter list, but honest to goodness, "something great (or awful) happened, I simply must tell ____" kinds of friends.
Through this book I met Farmer John. Those who met me at GRL know how dear that man is to me. I also met a man with his own stories to tell who needed a bit of encouragement to bring his great characters to life, new author, Parker Williams. And I met Bruce, a dear, sweet friend. I also met Mrs. Condit, of Mrs. Condit and Friends Read Books, and many, many more wonderful people whom I'd probably never have known without this story.
And let's not forget Jared Rackler, P.D. Singer, Tinnean, and all the others who gave me encouragement, their wisdom, their beta skills, and the covers.
Recently an email arrived from a man who wanted a print copy. I'd kinda like one too. That said, my support team and I revamped the story, changed to a cover that is print-friendly, and republished the book as a second edition through Rocky Ridge Books (thank you, P.D. Singer, and your mad books skillz!). In a few days The Telling will be available in print for those who'd like a copy.
I know, I know, "selling a free book". I'm getting there.
In order to reach a new audience, I wanted to post the story to Amazon, but Amazon doesn't allow anyone to post a story for less than 99 cents. What to do? Well, I published the book for 99 cents, hoping folks would click that "Tell us about a lower price" link, and point Amazon to ARe. I figured within a few hours the price would be matched. Well, it wasn't, and as of this writing, it still isn't. And I don’t know when that will change.
To be honest, I'm quite embarrassed, for the book is a gift to readers, and now it's earning money, albeit a modest amount. What to do? What to do?
I'm hoping my solution to the dilemma will make everyone happy. All proceeds for these sales of The Telling will be donated to my local chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), of which I'm a proud participant.
And you know what? When I first announced my decision, folks contacted me and told me that even though they knew they could download the book for free, they bought it at Amazon anyway to support PFLAG. Some people who already had a copy of the first edition bought the second edition, too, to show support. Dang, I love the M/M romance community.
So that's how I, Eden Winters, accidentally sold a free book. And like all my other stories, this one will have a happy ending.
Thanks, y'all, for your support. You’ve propelled The Telling into the top ten of Amazon’s Gay Romance category, and raised money for a worthy cause.
Hugs, Eden
Release Announcement - Mickie B. Ashling - Horizons
Good morning, y'all (evening, afternoon, whatever it is in your neck of the woods).
Please welcome Mickie B Ashling to the site today, and help her celebrate the re-release of her novel Horizons.
About Mickie B AshlingMickie B. Ashling is the alter-ego of a multifaceted woman raised by a single mother who preferred reading over other forms of entertainment. She found a kindred spirit in her oldest child and encouraged her with a steady supply of dog-eared paperbacks. Romance was the preferred genre, and historical romances topped her favorites list.
By the time Mickie discovered her own talent for writing, real life had intruded, and the business of earning a living and raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing and the inevitable emptying nest, dreams were resurrected, and the storyteller was reborn.
She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world.
Her novels have been called "gut wrenching, daring, and thought provoking." She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.
Mickie loves to travel and has lived in the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East but currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.
http://mickieashling.com/
Links to Buy: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3982http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3983
Horizons-Book One in the Horizons SeriesTwenty-three-year-old Clark Stevens, a popular wide receiver with a potential NFL contract, has a few problems. He's got a jealous girlfriend, a narrow-minded and controlling father, an attention problem, and an unexpected and powerful attraction to the trauma doctor—the male trauma doctor—who treats him for a broken bone.
Dr. Jody Williams is getting some really mixed signals. He can't ignore how much he wants Clark, because it's obvious Clark feels the same way. For the out and proud doctor, the solution seems very simple. For Clark, it's not! His world is not gay-friendly, and the obstacles he's faced have led him to deny his sexuality for years.
It's the Super Bowl of disasters, no matter how you look at it. In the end, Clark has to decide if he's going to stick with the only life he's ever known or take a chance on a new one with Jody. Excerpt
JODY and Lil sat on the patio of the Yank Sing restaurant at the Rincon Center in San Francisco. The empty plates, piled high on their table, created a testament to the mountains of dim sum they had consumed. They finished their meal with the delectable buns stuffed with a sticky,sweet yam concoction.
Jody sipped his cup of black tea, sighing with satisfaction. “That was amazing. Thanks for talking me into this.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. We need to do this more often.”
“I don’t think my stomach can handle this on a regular basis.”
“Oh, you know we’ll be hungry again in an hour.”
“This will have to hold me for a while. I’m meeting Clark at five for another session.”
“Of what?” Lil asked pointedly.
“Of tutoring,” Jody answered, doing his best to keep his face from revealing anything.
“Honey, I’ve known you for a long time, and that look can only mean one thing. When did he cave?”
Jody rolled his eyes, annoyed at being found out so soon.
“Tell me!” Lil squealed, jumping up from his seat. “Was it bliss? Who made the first move?” Lil bent forward and whispered, “Is he hung like a horse? I want details!"
“Lil,” Jody barked, looking around to see if anyone was observing them. “Keep your voice down.”
“Come on! Stop acting like a prude and talk to me.”
Jody fidgeted, uncomfortable under Lil’s gaze. They’d always shared information in the past, but somehow, this was different.
“This is more than just sex, isn’t it?” Lil asked.
“I don’t want to discuss it.”
“You’ve really fallen for him,” Lil exclaimed. “I can’t believe it.”
Jody sipped his tea in silence.
“Sweetie,” Lil said, switching persona instantly from raging queen to serious architect and friend. “You need to forget about him.”
“Why?”
“You’re doing this to yourself again.”
“What?” Jody sighed, knowing exactly where the conversation was headed.
“It’s Rick, all over again.”
“Don’t compare this relationship with the other one.”
“Why shouldn’t I? You’re going into this with your eyes wide open, knowing he’s a closet case with major issues.” Lil’s normally cheerful face looked troubled. “Jody, this will not have a happyending.”
“It’s not the same at all, Lil. Clark’s not going to die on me.”
“But he’ll deny you and walk away, eventually. Once he’s gotten the itch out of his system, he’ll go back to being Berkeley’s number one het stud.”
“He’s not like that. He’s really struggling with his sexuality.”
“And you want to be his first experiment? You’re fucking nuts!”
Jody bit his lip and squeezed his eyes shut, determined to stay cool.
“You need to walk away!” Lil implored. “Now, before you’re in too deep.”
“Too late,” Jody answered.
“No.”
“I’m in love with him.”
“Fuck!”
“I know,” Jody whispered, shaking his head. “I’m fucking crazy about him.”
Lil sat back in his chair and gaped at his best friend.
“What? Don’t tell me you’re all out of advice.”
“I’m astonished at your eagerness to get your heart broken again,” Lil remarked. “You’ve always had a penchant for lost causes, but this is too much."
“You’re overreacting, Lil.”
“Sweetie, you really need to think this through. He’s not only in the closet; he’s got a father who’s demented, according to the rags.”
“I know he’s sort of an ass, but demented?”
“You know how I love football.”
“Yeah, yeah, you jerk off to the pictures.”
“Really, Jodes, give me some credit. I actually watch the games and read all the commentaries. Then I jerk off.” His queen-voice returned.
Jody grinned. “And the point of this is?”
“Many articles about Clark have mentioned his father. They say he’s controlling and rules his son’s life. A lot of teams who would normally be interested in signing him up are shying away from him.”
“That sucks.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. There are still a lot of people interested and willing to overlook his dad. However, I don’t think they’ll overlook daddy and the gay factor—that would be a lethal combination.”
“Lil, this is 2003, not the eighteenth century. Gay is very fashionable right now.”
“Not in football, and not in his dad’s world. You’re opening yourself up for a massive dose of heartache.”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
“Oh my God! Has he even talked about coming out? Did he say he loves you?”
“No!” Jody snarled. “It’s way too soon. I haven’t even told him how I feel.”
Lil shook his head. “Jody, get away from him while your heart is still in one piece. It’s taken you years to get over Rick. I don’t think I have the strength to do that again.”
“It won’t be like that. Now, stop being a drama queen and ask for the check. I need to go.”
“Wait,” Lil reached out and stopped Jody from leaving. “Throw me a bone at least?”
“What?”
“You know…. How was it? Is he hung?”
Jody paused for several minutes, knowing the suspense was killing Lil.
“Let’s just say that he’s… magnificent.”
“That good?” Lil asked almost reverently.
“Better.”
***
Thank you, Mickie, for joining us today, and congratulations on your new release!
July 9, 2013
Enter to Win a Copy of Fanning the Flames
Chris, Chaos and Mayhem of Stumbling Over Chaos are now settled into their new home (YAY!) and offering up a copy of my recently re-released Valentine's Day novella,
Fanning the Flames
, sequel to The Match Before Christmas. Hurry over there and get your name in the hat.
(Lovely new cover by Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs.
The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom aren't the easiest things in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends.Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo " at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for Fanning the Flames?
Fanning the Flames, now available at All Romance eBooks, Amazon, and other ebook sellers.
(Lovely new cover by Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs.
The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom aren't the easiest things in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends.Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo " at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for Fanning the Flames?
Fanning the Flames, now available at All Romance eBooks, Amazon, and other ebook sellers.
July 5, 2013
Fanning the Flames 2nd Edition, Now Available at All Romance eBooks
Fanning the Flames 2nd Edition , the sequel to The Match Before Christmas, is now available at All Romance eBooks. The title should be available at Amazon tomorrow.
Same comedy of errors Valentine's Day story featuring Barry and Adam of The Match Before Christmas, with a lovely new cover, courtesy of Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs.
The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom isn't the easiest thing in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends.Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo " at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for Fanning the Flames?
June 29, 2013
The Telling 2nd Edition - Now Available at All Romance eBooks
Has it really been four years since
The Telling
made its way from my laptop and into ereaders? My, how time flies. Back then I would have loved to have had a print copy of my very first published book, but even my publisher at the time was doing limited print versions. Wow, what a difference the years have made. Now, books are available in multi-format, and print on demand has changed publishing.
Along with industry changes, I've grown as a writer, and hopefully, a recent editing class left me better able to do justice to Michael and Jay's story. The Telling 2nd Edition is now available at All Romance eBooks, in MOBI and EPUB formats, and will soon be joined by PDF and print. So many readers have asked for print copies, and soom they'll be available.
The story is the same, with a lot of tightening and editing, the cover has changed, but the price has remained the same. Ebook versions are still $0.00. If you haven't read the story, or read it a long time ago, stop by ARe and help yourself to a shiny new copy.
Cover art courtesy of the talented P.D. Singer.
Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, only to return four years later, lugging a duffle full of personal demons.
Cookesville, Alabama isn’t the most welcoming place on earth, particularly for a gay, Hispanic student wanting nothing more than to earn his degree and get back home to Texas. An image of a somber young man that he knows only by name and the stories told by an adoring sister comes to life when Michael returns home, just as Jay is already half-way to losing his heart.
Michael’s biggest battle lies ahead, and he’ll need all the help he can get to find his way in a world where he no longer fits in. Jay’s not sure where he fits either, but it could be next to the war-torn soldier who needs his strength.
Excerpt:
“There,” Jay said, releasing his death grip on Michael’s wrist. “Now we can talk.” Glaring lights flooded the bathroom and Michael blinked hard, adjusting to the sudden brightness. He heard, rather than saw, the door close and the lock engage. “Look, dude, are you playing me?”
“Playing? What the hell are you talking about, Jay?” What had he done? Surely he hadn’t misread Jay’s interest? The kitchen confession had taken every bit of Michael’s nerve. Jay was supposed to be happy, damn it, and kissing him into oblivion, not questioning his motives.
Arm braced against the wall by Michael’s head, Jay growled, “Wanna know what it’s like with another man? Are you just satisfying your curiosity before you run back, safe and sound, to your little straight world? I know I promised whatever you needed, but if you’re hunting someone to experiment with and aren’t really particular about the who, then you’ve come to the wrong place.”
“No, it’s not like that.” Michael hadn’t fully recovered from his earlier adrenaline overload and, though he knew deep down that Jay wouldn’t hurt him, a tendril of fear crept up his spine.
Jay’s expression became less frightening, although an undercurrent of anger remained. Voice somewhat calmer, he asked, “Well then tell me, Michael. What is it like?”
Seeking the right words to redeem himself, all that came out was, “I’m gay.”If eyes were the windows to the soul, his were a pair of sliding glass doors, no curtain in sight. His deepest, darkest thoughts had nowhere to hide as Jay’s gaze bored into his, exposing every secret.
Without warning Jay swooped in and delivered a brutal kiss. Michael’s cock grew instantly hard.Jay pulled away, reaching down and squeezing the engorged flesh. Michael moaned, welcoming the unexpected contact.
Jay jumped back as if burned. “You really aren’t playing, are you?”
Michael shook his head. Jay’s expression grew unreadable, but at least it wasn’t angry. “Sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
Michael closed his eyes and let out a held breath. If he looked at Jay now he’d be too unnerved to speak, and there were things that desperately needed to be said. “It’s okay,” he said, willing Jay’s hand to return and finish what it started. Maybe it was time for a little blunt honesty. “It’s not like I haven’t been leading you on.”
Jay no longer accused Michael but defended him. “No, it’s not okay. I knew how things were for you, how they are. I pushed. When you caught me off guard like that out on the porch, I dared to get my hopes up. Why didn’t you tell me you were gay?”
Michael opened his eyes to stare at their reflections in the mirror hanging over the sink, heart beating so loudly Jay had to hear the steady thudding. “I’m not out and planned on leaving this God-forsaken place before that ever happened.”
Jay opened and closed his mouth a few times, but nothing emerged. Finally he asked, “You’re not out to anyone? Not even your family?”
Michael shrugged. “Mom knows.”
“But not Angie?”
“I plan on telling her, I just haven’t had the chance. Besides, she’s too busy with school right now and would only make a big fuss over me.” Not to mention meddle in his life, fixing him up with every eligible gay male she’d even remotely heard of and badgering him incessantly about his love life.
“That’s true,” Jay agreed. “I still can’t believe she doesn’t know. Y’all seem to be so close.”
Michael loved his sister, but now was not the time for discussing her. Now was the time to get back to the kissing and groping. He pushed aside his body’s demands long enough to explain, “We are, but I’m just coming to terms with this myself. And, like I said, I didn’t intend to come out here.”
“Then why did you? As far as I know everyone thinks you’re straight. Why jeopardize that, especially if you plan on leaving?”
In answer, Michael leaned in and locked their mouths together, pouring every bit of his desire and longing into the kiss. Slowly he pulled away and leaned back against the wall, saying with his eyes what he couldn’t say with words.
“Me. You came out for me,” Jay said quietly. It wasn’t a question.
“Yes. I told you downstairs who I wanted.”
They stood gazing at each other for a long moment before Jay replied, “I’ll accept that. But I have to ask you this, and you can tell me it’s none of my business if you want, but had you ever kissed a man before tonight?”
“No.” It seemed he was doing okay with honesty, so Michael stuck with what worked.It stopped working.
“That’s what I thought. Look, you’re obviously dealing with some pretty heavy shit tonight and I took advantage of that. I’m no better than Terry. I just hope I haven’t ruined our friendship by pushing.”
“Don’t you dare go noble on me now.” Michael shut Jay up the best way he knew how. Heart hammering and his few remaining inhibitions screaming at him to run, he tilted his head and sealed their lips together, effectively crossing the point of no return. Kissing Jay was different from kissing a girl, the unfamiliar tickle of whiskers a reminder that Michael was, in fact, kissing a man. Kissing Jay. It was exciting beyond his wildest dreams. No girl had ever made him feel like this.If he were going to Hell the least he could do was enjoy the ride. When a low moan escaped he wondered who’d made it, then decided it didn’t matter. Jay’s rigid body gradually relaxed.
Abruptly Jay stepped back, panting hard. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Two.”
“Well, you’re not drunk.” A soft smile played across his lips. He studied Michael with a critical eye and then stretched out one hand. Expression solemn, he said, “If that’s how you truly feel, and you mean it when you say you want me, then allow me to escort you from your closet.”
Along with industry changes, I've grown as a writer, and hopefully, a recent editing class left me better able to do justice to Michael and Jay's story. The Telling 2nd Edition is now available at All Romance eBooks, in MOBI and EPUB formats, and will soon be joined by PDF and print. So many readers have asked for print copies, and soom they'll be available.
The story is the same, with a lot of tightening and editing, the cover has changed, but the price has remained the same. Ebook versions are still $0.00. If you haven't read the story, or read it a long time ago, stop by ARe and help yourself to a shiny new copy.
Cover art courtesy of the talented P.D. Singer.
Time in Iraq cost Michael Ritter some of his hearing and a friend whose death he feels responsible for. He'd left Alabama hoping to escape a dull, small-town life, only to return four years later, lugging a duffle full of personal demons.
Cookesville, Alabama isn’t the most welcoming place on earth, particularly for a gay, Hispanic student wanting nothing more than to earn his degree and get back home to Texas. An image of a somber young man that he knows only by name and the stories told by an adoring sister comes to life when Michael returns home, just as Jay is already half-way to losing his heart.
Michael’s biggest battle lies ahead, and he’ll need all the help he can get to find his way in a world where he no longer fits in. Jay’s not sure where he fits either, but it could be next to the war-torn soldier who needs his strength.
Excerpt:
“There,” Jay said, releasing his death grip on Michael’s wrist. “Now we can talk.” Glaring lights flooded the bathroom and Michael blinked hard, adjusting to the sudden brightness. He heard, rather than saw, the door close and the lock engage. “Look, dude, are you playing me?”
“Playing? What the hell are you talking about, Jay?” What had he done? Surely he hadn’t misread Jay’s interest? The kitchen confession had taken every bit of Michael’s nerve. Jay was supposed to be happy, damn it, and kissing him into oblivion, not questioning his motives.
Arm braced against the wall by Michael’s head, Jay growled, “Wanna know what it’s like with another man? Are you just satisfying your curiosity before you run back, safe and sound, to your little straight world? I know I promised whatever you needed, but if you’re hunting someone to experiment with and aren’t really particular about the who, then you’ve come to the wrong place.”
“No, it’s not like that.” Michael hadn’t fully recovered from his earlier adrenaline overload and, though he knew deep down that Jay wouldn’t hurt him, a tendril of fear crept up his spine.
Jay’s expression became less frightening, although an undercurrent of anger remained. Voice somewhat calmer, he asked, “Well then tell me, Michael. What is it like?”
Seeking the right words to redeem himself, all that came out was, “I’m gay.”If eyes were the windows to the soul, his were a pair of sliding glass doors, no curtain in sight. His deepest, darkest thoughts had nowhere to hide as Jay’s gaze bored into his, exposing every secret.
Without warning Jay swooped in and delivered a brutal kiss. Michael’s cock grew instantly hard.Jay pulled away, reaching down and squeezing the engorged flesh. Michael moaned, welcoming the unexpected contact.
Jay jumped back as if burned. “You really aren’t playing, are you?”
Michael shook his head. Jay’s expression grew unreadable, but at least it wasn’t angry. “Sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean to do that.”
Michael closed his eyes and let out a held breath. If he looked at Jay now he’d be too unnerved to speak, and there were things that desperately needed to be said. “It’s okay,” he said, willing Jay’s hand to return and finish what it started. Maybe it was time for a little blunt honesty. “It’s not like I haven’t been leading you on.”
Jay no longer accused Michael but defended him. “No, it’s not okay. I knew how things were for you, how they are. I pushed. When you caught me off guard like that out on the porch, I dared to get my hopes up. Why didn’t you tell me you were gay?”
Michael opened his eyes to stare at their reflections in the mirror hanging over the sink, heart beating so loudly Jay had to hear the steady thudding. “I’m not out and planned on leaving this God-forsaken place before that ever happened.”
Jay opened and closed his mouth a few times, but nothing emerged. Finally he asked, “You’re not out to anyone? Not even your family?”
Michael shrugged. “Mom knows.”
“But not Angie?”
“I plan on telling her, I just haven’t had the chance. Besides, she’s too busy with school right now and would only make a big fuss over me.” Not to mention meddle in his life, fixing him up with every eligible gay male she’d even remotely heard of and badgering him incessantly about his love life.
“That’s true,” Jay agreed. “I still can’t believe she doesn’t know. Y’all seem to be so close.”
Michael loved his sister, but now was not the time for discussing her. Now was the time to get back to the kissing and groping. He pushed aside his body’s demands long enough to explain, “We are, but I’m just coming to terms with this myself. And, like I said, I didn’t intend to come out here.”
“Then why did you? As far as I know everyone thinks you’re straight. Why jeopardize that, especially if you plan on leaving?”
In answer, Michael leaned in and locked their mouths together, pouring every bit of his desire and longing into the kiss. Slowly he pulled away and leaned back against the wall, saying with his eyes what he couldn’t say with words.
“Me. You came out for me,” Jay said quietly. It wasn’t a question.
“Yes. I told you downstairs who I wanted.”
They stood gazing at each other for a long moment before Jay replied, “I’ll accept that. But I have to ask you this, and you can tell me it’s none of my business if you want, but had you ever kissed a man before tonight?”
“No.” It seemed he was doing okay with honesty, so Michael stuck with what worked.It stopped working.
“That’s what I thought. Look, you’re obviously dealing with some pretty heavy shit tonight and I took advantage of that. I’m no better than Terry. I just hope I haven’t ruined our friendship by pushing.”
“Don’t you dare go noble on me now.” Michael shut Jay up the best way he knew how. Heart hammering and his few remaining inhibitions screaming at him to run, he tilted his head and sealed their lips together, effectively crossing the point of no return. Kissing Jay was different from kissing a girl, the unfamiliar tickle of whiskers a reminder that Michael was, in fact, kissing a man. Kissing Jay. It was exciting beyond his wildest dreams. No girl had ever made him feel like this.If he were going to Hell the least he could do was enjoy the ride. When a low moan escaped he wondered who’d made it, then decided it didn’t matter. Jay’s rigid body gradually relaxed.
Abruptly Jay stepped back, panting hard. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Two.”
“Well, you’re not drunk.” A soft smile played across his lips. He studied Michael with a critical eye and then stretched out one hand. Expression solemn, he said, “If that’s how you truly feel, and you mean it when you say you want me, then allow me to escort you from your closet.”
June 27, 2013
Enter to win a copy of The Prodigal
Right on the heels of the news that The Prodigal made All Romance eBooks' bestseller list, you can now enter to win a copy at Stumbling Over Chaos.
Be sure to check out the Linkety, Misadventures in Stock Photography, and the pictures of the lovely Mayhem and wily Chaos while you're there.
A side story to The Angel of 13th Street.
Sauntering to a john’s car is a far cry from hauling hay back on the farm, and none of the married men or rancid losers who hire him come close to the love Mark left behind. His father’s angry words still ring in his ears a year after Dad caught Mark kissing Eric. “Get out of my house and don’t come back!” doesn’t leave a guy a lot of choices.
Mark’s lost all he held dear, but the man known as The Angel believes there’s hope. More than anything, Mark wants to go home—but can a runaway rent boy ever truly go home again?
Be sure to check out the Linkety, Misadventures in Stock Photography, and the pictures of the lovely Mayhem and wily Chaos while you're there.
A side story to The Angel of 13th Street.
Sauntering to a john’s car is a far cry from hauling hay back on the farm, and none of the married men or rancid losers who hire him come close to the love Mark left behind. His father’s angry words still ring in his ears a year after Dad caught Mark kissing Eric. “Get out of my house and don’t come back!” doesn’t leave a guy a lot of choices.
Mark’s lost all he held dear, but the man known as The Angel believes there’s hope. More than anything, Mark wants to go home—but can a runaway rent boy ever truly go home again?
The Prodigal, bestseller at All Romance eBooks
I arrived home from running errands to find this lovely message from the good folks at All Romance eBooks:
Congratulations!
The Prodigal by Eden Winters has just hit the Allromance.com Bestseller List!
They also sent me a bestseller icon. Ain't it purdy?
A side story to The Angel of 13th Street.
Sauntering to a john’s car is a far cry from hauling hay back on the farm, and none of the married men or rancid losers who hire him come close to the love Mark left behind. His father’s angry words still ring in his ears a year after Dad caught Mark kissing Eric. “Get out of my house and don’t come back!” doesn’t leave a guy a lot of choices.
Mark’s lost all he held dear, but the man known as The Angel believes there’s hope. More than anything, Mark wants to go home—but can a runaway rent boy ever truly go home again?
The Prodigal continues the story of rent boy Mark, whom Noah sends home in The Angel of 13th Street.
You can find The Prodigal here at All Romance eBooks:
Congratulations!
The Prodigal by Eden Winters has just hit the Allromance.com Bestseller List!
They also sent me a bestseller icon. Ain't it purdy?
A side story to The Angel of 13th Street.
Sauntering to a john’s car is a far cry from hauling hay back on the farm, and none of the married men or rancid losers who hire him come close to the love Mark left behind. His father’s angry words still ring in his ears a year after Dad caught Mark kissing Eric. “Get out of my house and don’t come back!” doesn’t leave a guy a lot of choices.
Mark’s lost all he held dear, but the man known as The Angel believes there’s hope. More than anything, Mark wants to go home—but can a runaway rent boy ever truly go home again?
The Prodigal continues the story of rent boy Mark, whom Noah sends home in The Angel of 13th Street.
You can find The Prodigal here at All Romance eBooks:
June 23, 2013
Summer Sale at Torquere Books
Summer sale at Torquere! Just put "summer2013" in the coupon box for 20% off The Angel of 13th Street or any Torquere Books title.
