Eden Winters's Blog, page 59

Another episode of Saturday Snark!

Like last week, this snark comes from my Amber Quill Press novel, Diversion, because nearly everything out of Lucky's mouth, even his every thought, is snarky. He doesn't idle well, and while in a board room with a bunch of pharamceutical execs, his mind begins to wonder to his soon-to-be-new-partner, Bo.

With Ol’ Windbag up at the head of the table in full steam about legalities, causing Lucky’s eyes to glaze over, he thought, What the hell? and let his imagination out to play. In a brief mental vacation he fisted those highlighted brown locks in his callused hands, as Bo’s enticingly sinful lips got down to business. Oh, baby, I bet you could suck the sheets straight up my ass, city boy.

 Be sure to follow the links and enjoy more Saturday Snark!

Enter to win a copy of The Wish

Today Reviews by Jessewave is hosting a giveaway contest for a copy of my latest release, The Wish. It's a re-lease, polished a bit more, the names of a few minor characters changed to avoid confusion, and the novel has a lovely new cover, but the story is the same.

Leave a comment on the thread at Jessewave's to enter the drawing.



At his death, Byron Sinclair left behind more than just his much older partner Alfred Anderson. The couple helped raise their respective nephews, and while Paul Sinclair and Alex Martin are now adults, they still have some growing up to do, particularly when it comes to getting along with each other. 

If they refuse to be in the house at the same time, how can Alex be so sure Paul is an opportunistic suck-up with the morals of an alley cat? Paul isn’t impressed with aloof and arrogant playboy Alex, either. Both swear they know all they need to about the other--and about themselves. Byron’s dying wish is for Alfred to help Paul and Alex see how perfect they are for each other. But when the boys stubbornly refuse to acknowledge what's right in front of them, Byron must get creative – though it’ll be difficult without hands, or a voice, or a body….

Coming Soon...

It's no secret that I enjoy interacting with readers. I've long made it a habit of replying to reviews, whether the reader liked the story or not, to show my appreciation for someone who took the time to read my work. That I know of, I've not made anyone uncomfortable. However, more and more I'm hearing that reviews, especially at places like Goodreads, are for readers and reviewers, not authors, and that I should under no circumstances reply. This saddens me, because I sincerly hope that no reviewer that I've responded to feels that I'm "invading their space". (And if they do I'd sincerely like to apologize!) I've made several good friends that I met in this manner. But because I don't want anyone to fear the "crazy stalker author" I've since stopped this practice, but still eagerly respond to email, inquiries, and private messages. There's no author rule book, so how exactly can a writer reach out without the contact being unwelcome?

I've discussed the issue with some of my fellow writers, and we believe we've found a solution. On August 27, we're launching a collaborative effort blog. Via Facebook and our own Goodreads Group, we'll gather questions from readers. We'll post the questions on the blog to be answered by members of the author group, and open up the channels of communication. We hope to create a safe and fun environment for authors and readers to hang out together.

As the time draws near, I'll post additional details, such as the profiles of the other authors taking part in this effort. Until then... stay tuned!

A Nice Little Review for The Wish

A lovely little review posted today for The Wish at MM Good Book Reviews. Here's some of what reveiwer Pixie had to say:

I will recommend this to those who adore true love stories, interfering spirits, two determined young men, a new love that develops from unmitigated grief and the beginning of a new true love story, oh yeah there’s some really hot lovemaking involved as well.

Many thanks to Pixie and MM Good Book Reviews.

Read entire review here.

A Guest Post by M.A. Church

Good morning, y'all! Today I'm turning over my blog to M.A. Church, who has a lesson for us on what really matters in life. Take it away, M.A.!
***

* Airfare from Memphis to Las Vegas: $500* Meals, Room, Entertainment: $2000* Falling in love: Priceless


Money makes the world go round, and can buy the best things life has to offer. Pricey clothes, expensive cars, luxury toys, insanely high priced meals, the best rooms in hotels… and people who’ll jump to do your bidding. Money speaks—wealth and power go hand in hand. And when you have money, hey, why not throw it around like it grows on trees? There’s more of where that came from. Right?
So what if the men you date are more interested in your money than your private thoughts? Does it really matter if all they see you as is a bag of money? It’s certainly safer. After all, they’ll tell you what you want to hear. They wouldn’t dare tell you the truth. If you have money, you don’t need anything else.Right? But… what if that’s not right? What then? Wealth can buy you security, provide comfort, and surround you with ‘yes’ men. Sure, money can buy a lot of things, but do those things really mean anything if there’s no one special to share them with? What about a lover’s touch, a simple smile, or the feeling of being near the one you love? Money can’t buy that—it can’t buy you a sense of completeness. As the old saying goes… ‘You can’t take it with you.’
Can you buy love?
Not the love I’m talking about. There have been all kind of shows on TV about this subject—saying yes money can and no it can’t. Frankly, I don’t think money can buy love. Not soul-touching, deep, give your life love. It can buy a warm body, but that’s not the same.
Money may be able to buy a lot of things… except true love. And true love is…


Blurb:Sparks ignite when Cupid takes aim at two mortals in Las Vegas: Randy Jones, an average guy on a company vacation, looks into Garrett’s eyes at a craps table and time stands still. Throwing aside everything he believes, Randy engages in a torrid two-night affair with Garrett—only to panic when he realizes he’s fallen in love.
Cynical billionaire Garrett Shiffler has everything money can buy, and most of his dates can’t see past the dollar signs. Life has taught him that innocence and love are figments of the imagination. But when Randy disappears, taking with him feelings Garrett thought he’d never know, Garrett wages the most important battle of his life to win Randy's love—but this time he fights with his heart, not his bank account. Meanwhile, Cupid wonders what happened. His golden arrows never fail unless the Fates interfere. If Garrett wants to win Randy back, he’s going to have to do it on his own, because the Fates have other plans for Cupid.
Excerpt:They stepped closer and Randy’s body was as tense as a drawn bow. What would a suave, sophisticated guy do in this situation? Suave, right. Randy just hoped he didn’t make an idiot out of himself.Randy’s breathing increased as he chewed his lip. His heart sped up as Garrett leaned into him. Would the kiss be hard and brutal, his mouth claimed by an onslaught of passion that would leave him breathless and bruised? He moaned in surprise as Garrett’s mouth sweetly moved on his.
From one heartbeat to the next, pleasure exploded in Randy’s mind. He hadn’t expected such gentleness. Throwing caution to the wind, he grasped Garrett’s hips and pulled him closer. Garrett’s tongue explored his mouth, that sinful goatee tickling his chin. When Garrett nudged his head to the side and nibbled a path down Randy’s neck, he willingly bared his throat. And moaned again when Garrett sucked hard on the tender skin near his collarbone.
Randy, squirming from the sensations, rubbed his leg up and down Garrett’s thigh. One of Garrett’s hands drifted down and lifted Randy’s leg higher, palming his ass as he kneaded the firm flesh. The electricity that jumped between them had Randy shaking.
“Garrett,” Randy gasped as Garrett found a particularly good spot, “there’s gotta be cameras in here.”Garrett held Randy tightly for a moment, their bodies crushed together, before he released him and moved away. He mumbled under his breath about how could Randy think, much less clearly, at that moment. Randy leaned against the elevator wall, eyes closed, and tried to bring his rampaging body under control. The elevator dinged and lurched to a stop, causing Randy to stumble into Garrett.
He slid his arm around Randy to steady him and didn’t let go when the doors parted. Garrett pulled Randy toward his suite, throwing the door open. Once inside he slammed the door shut, spun Randy around, and trapped him against the back of the door. He slammed his mouth over Randy’s, picking up where he left off in the elevator until Randy was gasping for air.
“Let me be very clear,” Garrett panted into his mouth. “I want you in my bed. I want you desperate, wild, and begging.”
“I’m to the desperate phase now.” Randy trembled, trapped between him and the door. “Wild is right around the corner, and begging isn’t far behind.”
Garrett’s thumb traced over Randy’s swollen bottom lip. “That’s what I like about you, Randy, you speak your mind and don’t play games. I can’t tell you what a turn on that is for me.”
“I don’t have the first clue how to play games like you’re talking about, nor do I want to.”
“And thank God for it.” That jaded little devil on Garrett’s shoulder rolled his eyes. This guy either was very good, or very innocent. “Now, let me show you my bedroom. I can’t wait much longer to have you in my bed.”
Garrett ushered him through the living area, not giving him time to admire the softly lit main area. He opened a door to a large room that held a beautifully made bed with a sinfully black silk bedspread. The room was done in dark woods and masculine tones with paintings and photography from some extremely well-known artists. It shrieked authority, money, and power. The curtains were open, letting in the light from the city.Garrett stepped behind Randy and turned him toward the mirrored closet. Garrett unbuttoned his shirt, parted the fabric, and placed his hands on Randy’s stomach. Taking his time, he ran his hands up Randy’s chest, dragging the pleasure out until he reached those perky nipples that begged for attention. Garrett flicked both hard peaks, making Randy arch in his arms. Then he rolled them between his thumb and forefinger as they both watched their reflection.
“So very hot,” Garrett whispered in Randy’s ear as his fingers teased the nubs until Randy moaned.Randy reached behind him and wrapped his arm around Garrett’s neck, dragging him closer. That bulge that pressed against Randy’s ass was huge and had his imagination sitting up, tail thumping. It had been a long time since a lover affected him this way. Randy leaned his head back against Garrett’s shoulder and watched, heavy-eyed, as Garrett’s hands drifted down and undid his belt.


Find Priceless here at Dreamspinner Press:
M.A. ChurchM.A. Church lives in the southern United States and spent many years in the elementary education sector. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two children. Her hobbies are gardening, walking, attending flea markets, watching professional football, racing, and spending time with her family on the lake.
But her most beloved hobby is reading. From an early age, she can remember hunting for books at the library. Later nonhuman and science fiction genres captured her attention and drew her into the worlds the authors had created. But always at the back of her mind was the thought that one day, when the kids were older and she had more time, she would write a book.
By sheer chance she stumbled across a gay male romance story on the web and was hooked. A new world opened up and she fell in love. Thus the journey started. When not writing or researching, she enjoys reading the latest erotic and mainstream romance novels.
Visit M.A. at her blog Twitter @nomoretears00Facebook: M.A. Church http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5141393.M_A_ChurchDSP author page: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_650

Lovely new banner!

My dear friend Jared Rackler designed a new banner for my blog. I'm posting it here for those who might be seeing it at places other than Blogger. Isn't it awesome? Thanks, Jared!

Whoo-hoo! Saturday Snark is Back!

I so missed Marie Sexton's Saturday Snark posts, and am delighted that she's started them back up again!

Here's a touch of snark from Diversion, with snarky narcotics agent Lucky Lucklighter:

Either Newbie had stupid moments, or a death wish, for he insisted on talking—to Lucky.  "Pretty lady. Is she your sister?”

Bo stared over Lucky’s shoulder at a picture of Charlotte holding her oldest son. She’d been pregnant with the second at the time. What was he now? Eleven? Twelve? The woman desperately needed to send a new picture.

Lucky offered a challenging glare. “What if she’s my wife or girlfriend?”

Bo’s jaw dropped open before he snapped his mouth closed and attempted to hide blatant disbelief. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“She’s my sister,” Lucky growled, flipping the picture face down. “Now, did you leave something on my desk?”

“No.”

“Then would you mind getting the hell back to your own?”

For more stark, click here!

Diversion--Now on Sale at Amber Allure!

I just noticed that Amber Allure is having a sale, and Diversion is discounted 25%! 


Drug dealers aren’t always on the streets; sometimes they sit in offices and boardrooms, selling merchandise in official-looking bottles instead of little cellophane bags...
When given a choice between eight more years in prison or using his “expertise” to assist the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau's Department of Diversion Prevention and Control, convicted drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter takes the sentence with the illusion of freedom. Cynical and unwilling to admit he’s begun to care about his job, he counts the days until his debt is paid. His sole obstacle to getting his life back is the rookie he’s assigned to train before he leaves—a rookie who quotes pharmacy texts, hasn’t paid his dues, and has the obnoxious tendency of seeing the good in everyone, including the target of their investigation.
Former Marine Bo Schollenberger dreamed of becoming a pharmacist, but watched the dream turn into a nightmare of PTSD-fueled prescription drug abuse. Battling his demons daily, he wakes up every morning, wondering, “Will this be the day I give in?” To keep his license, he must now put his skills to use for a diversion control task force, deal with a crude partner with too much attitude and no brain-to-mouth filter, and take down a drug lord who reminds him of his favorite cooking show hostess.
The bad guys don’t stand a chance—if Lucky and Bo don’t strangle each other first... 

"Eden Winters Friday" and The Novel Approach

I just discovered that Lisa at The Novel Approach held an "Eden Winters Friday" today, reviewing both the 2nd edition of The Wish, and the newly re-leased short story, Tinsel and Frost.



Here's a little of what Lisa had to say about The Wish:

So see, where most other books offer only one love story, in The Wish I got two, and while one of those romances got off to a shaky start, it’s how it withstood the journey that counted. I can say with complete honesty that it unfolded beautifully and now that I’ve had a second chance to visit these characters, I’m reminded why they remain among my all time favorites; because their stories touched the sometimes cynical part of me that needs reminding true and forever love does exist.

A now some comments from her review of Tinself and Frost:


 Before a car accident rerouted the direction of his life, before Tony became Tony and he was still Anthony, he was an accomplished ballet dancer and the stage was his world. But as the musical score of his life changed from Tchaikovsky to the pounding rhythms of the strip club where he now dances for tips, Tony learns a valuable lesson: if you give a man a tip, he dances for a day; if you give a man love, he dances for a lifetime.

Read the reviews in their entirety, at The Novel Approach. 

Reviews, a Character Interview and a Giveaway--Oh My!

Today at the good folks at Mrs. Condit and Friends Read Books are helping me to celebrate the re-release of The Wish, by posting a lovely Five Sweet Peas review and offering an ebook giveaway.

Here's some of what she had to say:

I loved this book and recommend it for anyone who likes a romance that has to overcome barriers, ghosts with good intentions that go badly, and sorrow blended with laughter. This is a re-edited edition of the book but it is the same sweet story.

Comment on her post for a chance to win.

Also, she's posted a review of Valentine Wish (four Sweet Peas), a free short story starring minor characters from The Wish.

This is a sweet short story with some spicy bedroom sex between the two men and an HEA for both of them. I enjoyed it very much and if you read The Wish I know you will enjoy this free treat from Eden Winters and Dreamspinner Press.

Click to read entire review.

As an added bonus, there's also a character interview with Byron the Ghost.

So hurry over to Mrs. Condit's and get in on the drawing!

The Wish at Dreamspinner Press:

Valentine Wish at Dreamspinner Press: