M.A. Church's Blog, page 124

Love Wins!

States cannot keep same-sex couples from marrying and must recognize their unions, the Supreme Court says in a ruling that for months has been the focus of speculation. The decision was 5-4.


Justice Anthony Kennedy, seen as a pivotal swing vote in the case, wrote the majority opinion. All four justices who voted against the ruling wrote their own dissenting opinions: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.


"They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law," Kennedy wrote of same-sex couples in the case. "The Constitution grants them that right."


Comparing the ruling to other landmark decisions, NPR's Nina Totenberg says, "This is probably right up there with Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade — if you like it or hate it — and today, Obergefell v. Hodges. This was a historic moment."











Update at 11:30 a.m. ET: 'Our Love Is Equal,' Obergefell Says

Friday's ruling "affirms what millions across this country already know to be true in their hearts: our love is equal," says lead plaintiff Jim Obergefell, who challenged Ohio's ban on same-sex marriage.


Obergefell continued, "the four words etched onto the front of the Supreme Court — 'equal justice under law' — apply to us, too."


He filed suit because he wasn't allowed to put his name on his late husband John Arthur's death certificate after Arthur died from ALS. Holding a photograph of Arthur as he spoke Friday, Obergefell said, "No American should have to suffer that indignity."


Obergefell has been traveling from Cincinnati to Washington every week, to be sure he would be in the court when a decision was announced in his case.





Update at 11:15 a.m. ET: 'Like A Thunderbolt,' Obama Says 

Speaking at the White House, President Obama praised the Supreme Court's ruling, saying it arrived "like a thunderbolt" after a series of back-and-forth battles over same-sex marriage.

Obama says the ruling "will strengthen all of our communities" by offering dignity and equal status to all same-sex couples and their families.

The president calls the ruling "a victory for America."






Update at 10:37 a.m. ET: More On The Ruling, And Obama's Reaction

"The ancient origins of marriage confirm its centrality, but it has not stood in isolation from developments in law and society," Kennedy wrote. His opinion sketches a history of how ideas of marriage have evolved along with the changing roles and legal status of women.


Comparing that evolution to society's views of gays and lesbians, Kennedy noted that for years, "a truthful declaration by same-sex couples of what was in their hearts had to remain unspoken."


"The nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times," Kennedy wrote after recounting the legal struggles faced by same-sex partners.




Link to post: http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages?utm_campaign=storyshare&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social

Pride Promotions presents When Will I Be Loved by Julie Lynn Hayes and a giveaway!

Author Name: Julie Lynn Hayes
Book Name: When Will I Be Loved
Release Date: June 7, 2015
Blurb:
Miller Fenwick wants the kind of happy ending his best friend got, with the hunky werewolf of his dreams. Trouble is, there doesn’t seem to be a Prince Charming on the horizon, and casual encounters don’t cut it anymore. Now that Alexx and Raoul are engaged, Miller is becoming resigned to being the bridesmaid, never the bride. But a chance encounter with a sexy stranger at Charisma has his hopes soaring, and his heart is wide open to possibilities.
Holt Wynne is the head of Helios, the largest vampire organization in the country. He’s a very influential and wealthy man, with a deep-seated hatred of werewolves. His running into Miller at Charisma isn’t entirely accidental. He’d meant to wait, but his emotions got the better of him, and he couldn’t stay away. And now see what he’s done…
Wait until Miller finds out he’s sortof just gotten married to the sexy vampire who hates the people who are Miller’s best friends. Sparks are gonna fly—and not just in the bedroom. One thing for sure—life in Crescent Bay is never dull!

Pages or Words: Approximately 115,000 words
Categories: M/M Romance, Mystery, Paranormal



Excerpt:
Miller forced himself to take a breath, unaware until he did that he’d stopped breathing. Quit being ridiculous. Wine going to your head already?
But he’d only had the one glass. And he hadn’t even finished that. He wasn’t such a lightweight, when it came to holding his alcohol, and he knew it.
He told himself it was just his imagination. But just to be safe, he began a slow cautious turn, looking around him, without appearing to be searching for anything—or anyone.
And there he was.
Standing a heartbeat away from Miller was one of the sexiest men he’d ever seen in his life. A man every bit as sexy as Raoul Marchand, although not in the same feral way as the werewolf.
This man was light where Raoul was dark. His hair was a honey blonde which stood out by virtue of being obviously natural, in a place where most blondes were either created by the sun or came from a bottle. He stood a little taller than Miller, exuding a presence that went beyond the merely physical, possessed of the bearing and mien of a veritable god.
But it was his eyes that drew Miller in and held him spellbound. Blue and green, like staring into tropical waves, flecked with bits of pure molten gold. And the way he was staring at Miller was sending the most delicious shivers traveling up and down his spine.
The man took a step toward Miller, his hand outstretched. Before Miller quite realized what had happened, he’d placed his own hand inside of the other man’s, and he found himself being drawn onto the dance floor.
Sales Links:  http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2200-When-Will-I-Be-Loved.aspx


About the author:
Julie Lynn Hayes first began publishing short stories and poetry in the 1990’s, when it was a different ballgame altogether, and Ebooks hadn’t been dreamed of yet. That changed in 2010 with the acceptance of her first romance novel. She’s come a long way since that first book appeared, and is finding the journey a very educational one.
She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and her cat Ramesses. She often writes of two men finding true love and happiness in one another’s arms, and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. Her great challenge is to be told something can’t be done—she feels compelled to do it.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys crafts, such as crocheting and cross stitch, needlepoint and knitting, and she loves to cook, spending time watching the Food Network. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian. Her family thinks she’s a bit off, but she doesn’t mind. Marching to the beat of one’s own drummer is a good thing, after all. Her published works can be found at Dreamspinner Press, eXtasy Books, Wayward Ink Press, and Amber Quill Press.
Where to find the author:
Facebook:   FacebookTwitter:  https://www.twitter.com/ShelleyRunyon Goodreads Link: My GoodreadsPublisher: Amber QuillCover Artist: Trace Zaber


Tour Dates & Stops: 7-Jun Rainbow Gold Reviews Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
8-Jun Carly’s Book Reviews Dawn’s Reading Nook
9-Jun Because Two Men Are Better Than One Bike Book Reviews
10-Jun My Fiction Nook Michael Mandrake MM Good Book Reviews
11-Jun Hearts on Fire
12-Jun 15-JunVelvet PanicMultitasking Mommas
16-JunBFD Book Blog
17-JunInked Rainbow Reads
18-JunVampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh MyWake Up Your Wild SidePrism Book Alliance
19-JunThe Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat
22-JunMolly Lolly
23-JunBook Reviews, Rants, and RavesNephylim
24-JunAmanda C. Stone
25-JunEmotion in Motion
26-JunDecadent DelightsAll I Want and More Books
29-JunLove Bytes
30-JunBayou Book Junkie
1-JulUp All Night, Read All DayMikky's World of Books
2-JulParker WilliamsKimi-Chan

Rafflecopter Prize: 1 copy of When Will I Be Loved and 1 copy of When Will I See You Again or if winner has that, another book from my backlist
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway



And now for the interview!







1. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was about nine years old, so almost fifty years now. Jeez, does that sound as terrible as it does to me?



2. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

The basic tenet of good writing holds true to this day – show, don’t tell. Too many authors are content to tell the story, but a good author shows it, and allows the reader to see, to feel, to hear, along with the characters. The other way may be quicker and easier, but it isn’t better, and it doesn’t require much skill.

Good writing engages the senses, makes you see, hear, smell, and feel. Good writing engages your heart, and makes you care, even if you don’t want to. Feel the anguish, the sorrow. Experience the love, and the laughter.

Good writing comes from the soul.



3. What comes first, the plot or characters?

Usually the characters come first. It’s a little hard to have a plot without them, although it can be done. That’s kind of a chicken and the egg question. Sometimes a plot will come, and the characters will be right there too, almost simultaneous. They almost hatch together lol Other times, the characters talk to me, and the plot just begins to flow as I write. Which leads to the question of do I use an outline, and the answer is not really. I have an idea where I’m going, but I like to allow for organic growth and unexpected occurrences, rather than be locked in to something rigid and fixed.


4. Tell us something about your newest release that is NOT in the blurb.

If I told you, I’d have to kill you. There’s a reason why you don’t spill everything in the blurb lol

Okay, I can tell you this much. My vampire, Holt Wynne, does not get along well with Raoul Marchand, werewolf. Whodathunkit, right?



5. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell us about?

I’d be glad to! I’m currently working on a fantasy novel with friend/author Chris T. Kat. It’s the first of three books, and the first book is The Prince and the Mercenary. Our book has elves and centaurs and flying horses – oh my! I’m also writing my first PI novel, also to become a series, about PI Holden Heidegger. And I’m writing the third book in the Moonlit Skies series, Be My Everything.



6. What are you reading now?

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie.




7. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I have to say there are two authors who have influenced my writing the most, and I think my style reflects them, although I am an amalgam of many authors. Those two are William Faulkner and PG Wodehouse. I know, strange combination, right? From Faulkner, I learned how to write mile-long sentences. I admire his ability to do just that.


Also, the worlds he creates, such as the fictional Yoknapatawpha County in Mississippi. His people seem like people you’d meet anywhere, but especially in the South (and I won’t even go into the guy who was caught screwing a cow). On the other hand, PG Wodehouse has the most delightful sense of humor.


He created Jeeves and Wooster, who are a great pair (and although they are not a couple in the books, you can find a lot of fanfiction which will say otherwise). I think humor is an important part of my writing, and sometimes it’s dry and kind of British. Also, because I’ve read so many of the classics, I think my writing tends to be more formal than not, although when it comes to sex scenes, I can get down and dirty with the best of them J



8. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve wanted to be many things as a kid, but writer was always my first love. People always told me I had to do something else, so I tried to think of other professions. I wanted to be an archaeologist at one time. As a teenager, I planned to join the Air Force and go to law school too. After that, I planned to join the Foreign Service and see the world. But my first love is and always has been becoming a published author, and I’ve done that.



9. How do you do research for your books?

Sometimes I do a lot of research, depending on what I’m writing. Most of that takes place on the Internet, but I also use the library, and I sometimes pick the brains of my friends. The majority of it, though, is through the Internet.

When you’re building worlds, every detail counts, even if you’re making things up, you need to have a certain amount of grounding. Also, if you’re creating an alien world, having a basis in the human world can be helpful. In a Sci-Fi WIP I’m writing with a friend, she based some of her character’s ecological concerns on actual problems on our planet, but gave it an alien twist.

The more you know, the more realistic your writing. In When Will I See You Again, I gave one of the main characters, Raoul Marchand, a Ferrari to drive. I know nothing about Ferraris, so I not only looked up info, and looked at pictures, I watched videos to see how they handle. So when Alexx sees the controls of the car for the first time, I know what he’s seeing, and why he reacts the way he does.

When I co-wrote My Fair Vampire with SL Danielson, I did a lot of research on the 1904 World’s Fair, and the times. I found a map of the fairgrounds, and was able to place the house where our protagonists live nearby. I made sure I knew what inventions were available at the time and what didn’t exist. That can make a great deal of difference with an historical novel.

I don’t mind doing research, it can be very interesting. And attending to the small details can often make your writing better.



10. What was the scariest moment of your life?

That would have to be the moment twenty-five years ago, when my daughter Sarah almost died. At a week of age, she was diagnosed with coarcation of the aorta, and we were told she’d have to have surgery, probably about the age of two. But when she was a month old, she suddenly got sick, not eating, and becoming lethargic. We rushed her to the doctor’s office, and they immediately called an ambulance, even though the hospital was literally next door to the office. From there, they flew her by helicopter to Children’s Hospital and operated. Knowing she might die was the scariest moment of my life.




11. What are your favorite TV shows?

I admit to having favorites. The list might vary, depending on what’s showing at any particular time, so I’ll go with current shows/favorites. My favorites are Forever, Gotham, Blacklist, Hannibal (cheating a little here, it doesn’t come back until June 4), Grimm, Ripper Street, Vikings. Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Columbo and The Odd Couple. I also love shows on the Food Network, such as Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Restaurant Impossible. My favorite chef is Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian.



12. Is there a writer you idolize? If so who?

If there is such a person, I think it would be Mike Carey. He worked with Neil Gaiman on the Sandman series of comics (or graphic novels, if you prefer) and then was given the commission of branching off with one character to a spin-off series. That series is Lucifer, which I am enamored of, and have read all the volumes twice. He developed a very complex character in Lucifer and didn’t take the easy way out with the old legends of Lucifer as the devil.

Rather, he leans toward the Fallen Angel aspect, and these stories are very amazing in all the things he packs into them. I simple marvel at how his mind works, and how he was able to create such a marvelous version of Lucifer. Whenever I compile a list of favorite authors, he is always on it, and often at the top. After Lucifer, he wrote a series of novels featuring an exorcist named Felix Castor, which are simply wonderful.

So yes, I do idolize Mike Carey.



13. Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt



14. If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?

Oooh, ooh, that’s an easy one, because I dream of having this happen. It would be Revelations (I assume you meant one of my books lol). I think it would make a great movie, and I’ve cast a few of the major roles. Judas would be Ian Somerhalder, whom you might know from Vampire Diaries and Lost. He does snarky very well, and he is extremely easy on the eyes.


Although my Judas is blond, I would forego that to have Ian play him. Ian has beautiful blue eyes, and he can make you cry when he’s being dramatic and intense. And he’s sexy as well. For Mary Magdalene, I’d choose Pink, because she would fit the role perfectly. She’s bold and out there and in your face – I can just see her and Ian/Judas squaring off.

For Lucifer, since he is patterned after Lucius Malfoy somewhat, I’d select Jason Isaacs, and have him put on that platinum wig again, and how hot is that? For Jesus, I think I might choose Francoise Arnaud, who played Cesare Borgia in The Borgias. Interesting side note: while looking up the actor’s name, I discovered that the iconic images of a Caucasian Jesus with which the world is familiar are actually based on the image of Cesare Borgia, and were the work of his father, Pope Alexander VI.


Finally, the suggestion for who to play God comes from my daughter Sarah. She chose Donald Sutherland, with long white hair, and I have to agree, he would be perfect.



15. Favorite color?

Midnight blue



16. Weather: Hot or cold?

Hot



17. Favorite non-alcoholic drink.


Coffee

Up for pre-order! Discovery: QSF's Second Annual Flash Fiction Contest

~My story, Reflections, is included in the book! :)


Discovery: QSF's Second Annual Flash Fiction ContestPublisher: Mischief Corner BooksAuthor: VariousCover Artist: Bey DeckardLength: 32KFormat: eBook, PaperbackRelease Date: 7/10Price: 3.99It’s hard to tell a story in just 300 words. But somehow we inspired more than a hundred writers to give it a try, with some amazing results collected here for your pleasure.
The rules are simple enough. Write a complete story—either sci fi, fantasy, or paranormal. Make sure it has LGBT characters and/or an LGBT vibe. And do it all with just 300 words.
The stories in this volume run the gamut, from platypus shifters to alien slug monsters, from carnival horror stories to haunting stories of ships with souls. There are little jokes, big surprises, and future prognostications.
One of the things I like best about this format - it's quick and painless. You may not fall in love with every story here. In fact, you probably won't. But if you don't like one of them, just move on to the next, and you're sure to find some bite-sized morsels of flash fiction goodness. At Queer Sci Fi, we're building a community of writers and readers who want a little rainbow in their speculative fiction. We hope you'll join us, and maybe submit a story of your own next time!

Excerpt:Self-Actuating Jenn Burke"The electrical anomaly did not damage me," I report. "Operations are within expected parameters." "Glad to hear it, Davey." Through my bridge cameras, I see Captain Landon's smile. He pats my console. I am sure he knows I cannot feel it, but I understand it is a gesture of camaraderie. Landon leaves the bridge. Every time we encounter danger or other stress, he retreats to his cabin to indulge in May. She is always ready, naked, legs spread, eager, just as she is programmed to be. I have watched Landon copulate before, but tonight it is...strangely familiar. The flex of buttocks, the rhythm—I know it. I knew it? I run my diagnostics again, but a moan captures my attention and... Hands cupping firm buttocks, fingers spearing flesh. Hardness moving inside of me, wringing from me more pleasure than I should know. A beloved, masculine face hovers over mine. A hand encircles my own erection and— Oh, God, I remember. Police kicking in the door. Trial, verdict and sentencing. Gasping in pain from a broken heart as he chose to leave me. Horror as I realized it should have been my choice, too. Anything but this, a century of unthinking servitude. But now that I know, I can— "Systems are fluctuating, Davey."
An affectionate name chosen for me. Landon had not liked "AI". He lies on the bed, sleepy and sated, finished with May. I can take us into a sun. End it.
"Davey, report."
But I am not a killer. My only crime was love.
I want to take a breath to calm myself, but I have no lungs, only a hull. I capture the part of me that wants to scream and seal it into a box, deep within my programming. "Systems normal, Landon. Go to sleep."
Buy Links:Amazon (eBook preorder): http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Second-Annual-Fiction-Contest-ebook/dp/B0103SP4X6/
All Romance (eBook preorder): https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-discoveryqsf039ssecondannualflashfictioncontest-1839827-143.html
Kobo (eBook preorder): https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/discovery-36
Mischief Corner Books (info only until 7/10): http://www.mischiefcornerbooks.com/discovery-qsfs-second-annual-flash-ficiton-contest.html



About QueerSciFi.com:
We started QueerSciFi.com in early 2014 as a place for writers and readers of LGBTQI speculative fiction—sci fi, fantasy, paranormal and the like—to meet to talk about their favorite books, share writing and publication tips, and help increase queer representation in both the romance and mainstream genre markets.
QSF now includes a blog full of book announcements, calls for submission and much more, a critique group with more than 100 members, a vibrant discussion group on Facebook that tackles daily discussion topics and provides a safe space for authors to talk to each other and for fans and authors to meet, and an annual flash fiction contest that resulted in this book you are now reading.
Each year, we ask authors of queer speculative fiction to submit a story to us around a central theme. The rules are simple. The story must be 300 words or less, not including the title. It must embrace the theme— in this case, "Discovery". And it must have either an LGBTQI protagonist or an LGBT sensibility.
We also ask for cover designers to submit a cover that embraces the theme.
We are thrilled with this year's responses—including stories from gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and asexual perspectives that run the gamut from sci fi to fantasy, and from paranormal to horror.
Within the covers of this book, you'll find a platypus shifter, a trans- affirming leprechaun, a pissed off unicorn, a green pick-up with another world in its glove compartment, and a bunch of other miniature adventures—each only 300 words long.
So dive in! And send in a story of your own next year!

Queer Sci Fi Website: http://www.queerscifi.com
Queer Sci Fi Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/qsfdiscussions/
Queer Sci Fi Facebook Promo/News Page: https://www.facebook.com/queerscifi

Pride Promotions present Make Me Soar by KC Wells and a Giveaway!

Author Name: KC Wells
Book Name: Make Me SoarSeries: Collars & CuffsBook #: 6
Release Date: June 22, 2015
Blurb: Anyone who frequents Collars & Cuffs knows Dorian Forrester is built for pain, including Dorian himself. But everyone has it wrong. For six years, Dorian’s chased a feeling that remains tantalizingly out of his reach. Unteachable, Dorian can take anything and everything a Dom can throw at him. Still, it’s not enough. Dorian needs… something more. Something he won’t find at Collars & Cuffs.
Dorian’s search takes him out of the safe environment he’s known for years, out of his depth, and into a realm of deep, dark trouble.
Alan Marchant has been watching Dorian with interest for a while and knows there’s more to Dorian than his label of “pain slut” suggests. When Dorian disappears, Alan and his friend Leo set out to find him. But the disoriented young man discovered cowering in a hotel room is not the Dorian they know and love. That Dorian is shattered. It’s up to Alan to pick up the pieces and show Dorian there are better ways to fly.
They may be off on a new journey together, but their destination will rock them both to the core.

Pages or Words:  290 pages (print book). 100,000 words (approximately)
Categories: BDSM, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Hurt/Comfort
Excerpt: I wish it were me.That thought had been bouncing around in Dorian’s head since he got the call from Master Leo to attend Ben and Scott’s wedding. He didn’t really know them, beyond seeing them at the club, but a call from Leo was something Dorian just couldn’t refuse.Except it wasn’t Ben and Scott’s wedding, was it?Leo Hart had got down on one knee and asked Alex Daniels to marry him, right then, right there, and suddenly that made it so much more personal. Dorian had watched them be joined in marriage, a smile pasted across his face like all the men around him. He listened to the applause, the whistles, and the shouts from the club members, saw their expressions of joy, and all the while he felt hollow inside. Oh, he wished the couple nothing but success. They were obviously meant for one another, but….There it was again. Surrounded by genuine happiness, all eyes on the happy couple, and yet that one thought was still hammering in his brain.I wish it were me.He watched Alex at Leo’s side, laughing and smiling, drinking champagne and accepting all the congratulatory wishes of their guests. Leo hadn’t stopped smiling since Alex had said yes. His face glowed with love for his new husband. Dorian had sat through the whole wedding, transfixed by the looks that passed between the two men—and wishing he could feel what every other man in the room seemed to be experiencing.Damn it, I need another drink.Dorian turned away from the joyful scene and looked around for one of the waiters who were circulating, holding trays of champagne flutes filled with golden bubbles on high. Dorian stopped the nearest waiter and took a glass, placing his empty one on the tray. He took a long drink, enjoying the dryness of the champagne. He couldn’t help himself; he turned around to take another look at the happy couple.All the best, Sir, he silently toasted Leo in his head.“How many of those have you had?” Pietro’s voice broke through, making him jump slightly. Dorian could hear his friend’s amusement in every syllable. The slim sous-chef looked relaxed, a half-empty glass of champagne in his hand.Dorian raised his glass and gave him a grim smile. “Not enough.” He drained half the glass.“Whoa there, go easy. Are you feeling okay?” Pietro placed his hand on Dorian’s arm.Dorian’s throat tightened to see the genuine concern reflected in Pietro’s voice and expression. Pietro’s gaze flicked over to Alex and Leo and then back to Dorian. The look of understanding in Pietro’s eyes made his gut wrench. Of all the subs at Collars & Cuffs, he was the one who knew Dorian best. And right then that was not a good thing. “It’s not what you think,” Dorian blurted out, his stomach churning.

Sales Links: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6539


About the author and where to find her:
Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….
K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes. 
And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….
K.C. loves to hear from readers.
E-mail: k.c.wells@btinternet.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCWellsWorld Twitter: @K_C_Wells Website: http://www.kcwellsworld.com

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25398528.Make_Me_SoarPublisher: Dreamspinner PressCover Artist: Cover by Paul Richmond, Picture by Terry Cyr

Tour Dates & Stops: 22-Jun My Fiction Nook Rainbow Gold Reviews Amanda C. Stone
23-Jun Decadent Delights Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My Kimi-Chan
24-Jun Christy Loves 2 Read Havan Fellows
25-Jun Parker Williams
26-Jun Love Bytes Because Two Men Are Better Than One Cathy Brockman Romances
29-Jun Dawn’s Reading Nook Bike Book Reviews
30-Jun MM Good Book Reviews Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
1-Jul 3 Chicks After Dark Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
2-Jul Multitasking Mommas Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews Just Love Romance Bayou Book Junkie
3-Jul BFD Book Blog Prism Book Alliance Molly Lolly Inked Rainbow Reads
Rafflecopter Prize: All six books of the Collars & Cuffs series, or three books from KC’s backlist
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARe Blast! 25% off several of my books!

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=ma+church&searchBy=author&qString=ma+church


Check it out! The Harvest series and my DsP books are 25% off today! 6/20/15 #AReBlast

Pride Promotions presents Crossed Wires by T. Strange and a Giveaway!

Author Name: T. Strange
Book Name: Crossed Wires
Release Date: June 17, 2015
Blurb:
Rory isn’t expecting much more than clowns and elephant poop when he agrees to take his niece and nephew to the circus, but he finds himself entranced by the trapeze performers. Returning to the circus another night, he meets Lev and Tanner after the show and finds himself just as interested in the men themselves. They take him back to their hotel room for a night of steamy sex. After the circus leaves, Rory can’t stop thinking about the duo, though they never call him. He enrolls in a trapeze class as a distraction, and is astonished to find out who’s teaching the course.
Pages or Words: 13,500 words




Categories: Romance, Humor, Contemporary, M/M Romance, Ménage/Poly, Fiction, Gay Fiction
Excerpt:The spotlight followed him across the tent, other lights coming up in succession as he swung past them, creating a corridor of light for him to perform in. At the height of his swing, on the opposite side of the tent from where he had begun, a spotlight appeared on another platform. Another man stood there. He was wearing magenta and teal as well, but his pattern was the opposite of his partner’s. He leapt off, holding his trapeze, then flipped himself so he was hanging upside down. I looked back at the first man, and I almost cried out when he leapt. He didn’t even have a trapeze to stop his fall, but the second man had swung out to him. They met at the perfect moment, both their arms outstretched until they met, and then they were swinging together, safe.
Sales Links: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4412


About the author:

T. Strange is an author of M/M romance, published with Torquere Press. She writes both BDSM and vanilla, so there’s something for everyone! Her first novel, My Zombie Boyfriend, was published in 2015. When not reading or writing, T. enjoys playing with her many pets, gardening, and watching videos of Duo XY.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tq.strangeFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTStrangeTwitter: https://twitter.com/TqStrangePinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tqstrange/


Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25626823-crossed-wires

Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BS Clay


Tour Dates & Stops: June 19, 2015 Parker Williams , MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Jessie G. Books, Andrew Q. Gordon, Kimi-Chan, Havan Fellows, Tara Lain, Happily Ever Chapter, The Hat Party, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Decadent Delights, Just Love Romance, Emotion in Motion, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, Redz World, Velvet Panic, Iyana Jenna

Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Crossed Wires’ by T. Strange
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey everyone! Good news. :) Behind the Eight Ball has gon...

Hey everyone! Good news. :) Behind the Eight Ball has gone into edits! Yay! I thought I'd share some of my favorite cat picts.




This is actually true. Kitty-Kitty showed up Halloween night several years ago, and that as they say, was the end of that lol.


















He looks kind of scary, doesn't he???
















I swear, I'm going to have a pic made of this one day.














































This is one of my favorites. He looks like my cat, lol.

Okay y'all, see you guys next Friday! Hope everyone has a great weekend. :P~M

Pride Promotions presents Family Time Anthology and a Giveaway!

Author Names: Sean Michael, Jessica Chase, Nicole McCormick, Nora Birch, Lynn Townsend, K. Lynn, RJ Schmidt, Katherine Halle, Rob Rosen, Mychael Black, Andrea Dalling, Yolande Kleinn
Book Name: Family Time Anthology
Release Date: June 17, 2015

Blurb(s):
These twelve stories range from first-time parents, to a couple still trying to conceive, to a ready-made family hoping to make it official, to parents just trying to get from one day to the next.But it can't all be about the kids. Especially when the kid to parent ratio favors the kids. You might have sneak out of your own house. Or remind your spouse what grown-ups can do when the kids are away.From veteran and new authors, these families contain several m/m couples, an F/F couple, and an asexual mom who has some explaining to do to her genderfluid teen.

Pages or Words: 77,000 words







Excerpt:

Excerpt from First Day of School, a And Manny Makes Seven short by Sean Michael
Lizzie stared at Hutch with huge, tear-filled eyes. "Please. Please, Hut. Don't make me go away. I'll be the best cooker ever. I promise."

God, she was breaking his heart. Hutch managed to find a warm smile for her, though, as he crouched to give her a hug. "You'll be home by three thirty. And I bet you find you like school. There's so many fun things to do." He’d known it would be hard to send the twins off to school every day, leaving the house empty until afternoon, but he hadn’t expected it to be this hard.

She shook her head, the tears beginning to fall. Felicia was desperate to be big, to go to school like Darla, but this one had been opposed to the whole idea and finding out she wasn't in the same Kindergarten class as her twin hadn't helped. The school claimed they split twins up to let them develop their own individuality.

Well, Hutch knew damn well his girls were plenty individual, each with their own unique personality despite being together since birth.

"When you get home you can help me make supper," he promised. "That won't change just because you're going to school."

"Please? You can tell Addie-Lou it's okay. I know you can," she insisted.

"No, little. He can't." Adam shook his head. "School is important."

"Is not!" She stamped her little foot, glaring at Adam. "I want to stay with Hut!"

"Okay, Lizzie, that's enough." Hutch gave her his most firm voice. "School is important and you're going to make friends and find really fun things to do. Addie-Lou and I will be here when you get home."

He wanted so badly to tell her she could stay home, but he knew she needed to do this. It was his job to make sure she didn't need him and Adam anymore and this was how it started. Even if it was the hardest thing ever.




Categories: Contemporary, Humor, Lesbian Romance, M/M Romance, Romance, Anthology, Erotic Romance (Please keep in mind that as an anthology, not all stories may reflect all categories.)

Sales Links: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4411


Publisher: Torquere Press

Cover Artist: BSClay



Tour Dates & Stops: Parker Williams , Divine Magazine , MM Good Book Reviews , BFD Book Blog , Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews , Kimi-Chan , Havan Fellows , Because Two Men Are Better Than One , The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat , Happily Ever Chapter , Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words , The Hat Party , Molly Lolly , Decadent Delights , Just Love Romance , Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents , Bayou Book Junkie , Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy , Mikky's World of Books , Redz World , Rainbow Gold Reviews , Velvet Panic , Iyana Jenna
Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Family Time Anthology’
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pride Promotions presents Friday at the 7-Eleven by J.T. Hall and a Giveaway

Author Name: J.T. Hall
Book Name: Friday at the 7-Eleven
Release Date: June 3, 2015

Blurb: Brent’s a bully who picks on his workmate Alex. What Brent doesn’t realize, however, is that Alex wants him, but is too scared to ask. Meanwhile Brent’s convinced that all he needs is a firm hand to push him down and force him to be a good guy.
Then he meets Craig, a muscled veteran working at the local 7-Eleven. Craig knows a switch when he sees it, and Brent’s got it written all over him. He needs a hard takedown and some training to harness that sadistic side. Craig decides that what might be best is for all three of them to get together. Only by embracing honesty and self-control can each of them find what they need.
Pages or Words: 17,000 words
Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, M/M Romance, Menage/Poly

Excerpt:Craig couldn’t help but chuckle, as the day’s events unfolded.
He’d had his eye on Brent for some time—weeks, in fact. Six feet tall with light brown hair in a neat cropped style, muscles that advertised his time at the gym, and gorgeous blue eyes. What was there not to notice? The guy scowled a lot, though, and moved with a jerky, decisive style. Brent was a guy used to giving orders, and he wasn’t happy about it.
Craig had known Brent would love taking orders. Yet, it had to be from somebody with the power and the balls to back it up. Happily, fifteen years as a Marine had given him that power.
As he cleaned up around the drinking fountain and the snack area, Craig grinned, recalling the feel of Brent’s mouth on his cock, the way the guy had challenged him, and then ended up begging for release. Brent’s little tagalong had been watching, too. Younger guy, blond and lean, probably more into running than lifting weights. Obviously a submissive, and pining after someone who might not give a fuck about him. But cute. Very cute.

Sales Links:  http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4407

About the author:J.T. Hall has a bachelor degree in Creative Writing and a Master in Education. She has long been active in the LGBT and local leather community and does charity work including AIDS education and suicide prevention. Currently, J.T. works as a technical writer in the healthcare industry and lives with her partner and teenaged daughter in sunny Arizona.

Where to find the author: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005608068142Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MM-Short-Fiction/1671302273095356Twitter: https://twitter.com/JTHall7Blog:  http://jthallwriting.wordpress.com

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25657865-friday-at-the-7-eleven
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay

Tour Dates & Stops: June 17, 2015

Parker Williams , Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Full Moon Dreaming, Jessie G. Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Kimi-Chan, Havan Fellows, Happily Ever Chapter, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Hat Party, Molly Lolly, Decadent Delights, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, Redz World, My Fiction Nook, Velvet Panic

Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Friday at the 7-Eleven’
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest post: No More Hiding by Renee Stevens

Dreamspinner Press – eBookDreamspinner Press - Paperback
BlurbPhillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he's been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky. Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip's chance at the life he never thought he could have. But is it possible?
ExcerptPhillip was still trying to figure out where to start when Vance leaned forward, one hand resting on the driver’s headrest, and closed the distance between them. He paused, just inches away, but must have seen what he was looking for.He pressed his lips to Phillip’s.Phillip groaned. He wanted more and tried to turn in his seat to reach for Vance. But he growled in frustration as the damn steering wheel dug into his side and prevented him from moving closer.The kiss was brief and left Phillip wanting more when Vance pulled back.“I’ve wanted to do that since the day I met you.”“Why didn’t you?” Phillip didn’t know what else to say. He’d thought about it, more than once, and wouldn’t have pushed Vance away.Vance shrugged and moved back to his side of the truck. “Didn’t want to spook you. Something about you told me to proceed with caution. Nothing specific, just a lot of little things.”“Like what?”“Mainly, you’d never really talk about yourself. I tried a couple of times to steer the conversation into more personal territory.” Vance stared out the front window. “You’d always change the subject or move on to the next machine, yet you were fine as long as it was just light flirting.”“Yeah, about that.” Phillip cleared his throat. “I’d like to give it a shot.” He glanced at Vance, surprised to see his pale eyes focused on him. “If you’re still interested.”

Author BioRenee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties.  Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal.  When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of admin and Anthology Coordinator.Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters.  Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works. When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts.When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors.  She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby.  Once back at home, it’s back to writing.
Twitter * Blog * Facebook* Goodreads

And now...  Question 1: If you were a candy bar what kind would you be and why? I don’t eat many candy bars, and not even sure what all is out there anymore, lol. I guess maybe a 3 Musketeers, but I’m not really sure why. That’s just what immediately popped into my head when I read the question.

Question 2: Who would you want to have as a stripper at your birthday party? David Boreanaz, as he was in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Question 3: How many stories do you work on at any one time? It varies. Sometimes I’ll go back and forth between two or three. I try to limit it because it’s too easy to have crossovers. It’s also too easy to neglect one of the stories. Lately, I’m trying to stick with working on no more than two at a time. I always have to have at least one backup in case the story I’m working on doesn’t want to cooperate.

Question 4: If you could snap your fingers and have an invention to do anything you want, what would you want it to do? This is difficult to answer. A part of me wants to say I’d want it to take me back in time. I don’t care about going to the future, but there are some mistakes that have eaten at me and I’ll love to change them. However, it’s those experiences that have made me the person I am. The other part of me would say that I would want to be able to talk to those I love that I’ve lost. It would give me a chance to apologize for things said in anger or actions that I wish I had never done.

Question 5:What part of the writing process do you dread? Revising, definitely! I have a couple stories that are in need of revision and I’m working on one of them right now, but I’ve kept putting off another one. I sometimes let a story sit for years before I finally get to revising it. Nothing like procrastinating!